NFL Player News

Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Abdullah's neck injury prevented him from playing in the Week 13 loss to the Ravens, but it appears the three limited practices he put in this week will be enough for him to gain clearance to dress Sunday. While Abdullah has regularly served as the Lions' lead back this season, he's averaging a meager 3.4 yards per carry. Abdullah's lack of productivity coupled with the injury will likely result in head coach Jim Caldwell liberally rotating Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and perhaps even Tion Green into the backfield mix, capping the fantasy upside of all players.

The Titans released Fowler on Saturday, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

The lone fullback on the Titans' roster, Fowler had been phased out of the offensive game plan the last two weeks, going down as a healthy inactive for both contests. His dismissal clears a spot on the roster for linebacker Josh Carraway.

Williams (shoulder) was officially ruled out for Monday night's game against the Patriots, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Williams did not practice again this week and it remains unclear when he may be able to return. Kenyan Drake is likely to be the workhorse in the Dolphins backfield once again, coming off a 120-yard performance with a touchdown on 23 carries, by far his best output of the season.

Gillislee is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Dolphins with an illness, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Gillislee was a new addition to the injury report and was unable to practice Saturday. The 27-year-old has been a healthy scratch each of the last four weeks, and currently remains the odd man out in the New England backfield regardless of if he is healthy enough to play Monday.

With Adrian Peterson (neck) ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Titans, Williams is in line to start at running back, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Head coach Bruce Arians noted Friday that there isn't a timetable for Peterson's return, meaning Williams has a prime opportunity to contribute for a number of games. In his first chance to start for David Johnson (wrist) in Week 2, Williams put up a measly 22 yards on nine carries. Thereafter, he was an afterthought in the offense -- especially after the addition of Peterson -- but Williams didn't disappoint when called upon this past Sunday, averaging 6.7 yards on his 16 carries. While he could cede some snaps to D.J. Foster and goal-line option Elijhaa Penny this weekend, Williams figures to serve as the Cardinals' primary ballcarrier.

Williams (shoulder) didn't participate in Friday's practice.

Williams has yet to practice in any capacity since dislocating his left shoulder in the Dolphins' Week 12 loss to the Patriots, and at this point, it's looking unlikely that he'll be available for the rematch Monday night. While Williams was sidelined for last week's win over the Broncos, Kenyan Drake took control of the lead-back role, finishing the contest with 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and adding three receptions for 21 yards.

Patterson (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Patterson was a limited participant in Friday's practice and was never able to advance to a full session this week, clouding his status for the Week 14 matchup. While Patterson has drawn exactly four targets each of the past three games -- racking up 11 receptions for 214 yards along the way -- his role could become a bit more diminished if he suits up Sunday. The Raiders will return Michael Crabtree from a one-game suspension and could have fellow wideout Amari Cooper (ankle), who is listed as questionable, back from a one-game absence of his own. Crabtree's and Cooper's returns would likely result in fewer targets to go around for Patterson and the team's other depth receivers.

Abdullah (neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Prior to a DNP last Sunday, Abdullah logged one limited practice. He fit in three this week, but his listing Friday leaves his Week 14 availability up in the air. Another absence would elevate the relevance of running backs Theo Riddick and Tion Green within the Lions offense.

Williams is expected to start at running back Sunday against the Titans with Adrian Peterson (neck) considered likely to miss a second straight game, Josina Anderson of ESPN reports.

While Peterson's neck injury won't require surgery, it appears he'll need multiple weeks to rest, as the Cardinals haven't cleared him to practice this week. His continued absence will give Williams an opportunity to build on the season-best performance (16 carries for 97 yards) he submitted in the team's Week 13 loss to the Rams. Though his volume of touches should hold steady this week, Williams' efficiency could take a significant hit with the Titans limiting opposing rushers to just 3.5 yards per attempt this season.

Mixon (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon missed the entire week of practice after suffering a concussion in the first half of Monday's 23-20 loss to the Steelers. His absence sets up Giovani Bernard for a workhorse role in Week 14, with rookie fifth-round pick Brian Hill representing the only other healthy tailback on the roster. The Bengals likely will sign another running back before Sunday to offer depth behind Bernard and Hill, potentially turning to Jarveon Williams from their practice squad.