NFL Player News

Prosch (ankle) was ruled out of Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Prosch wasn't able to practice this week due to an issue with one of his ankles. If ever in need of traditional fullback services Sunday, the Texans could turn to either C.J. Fiedorowicz or Stephen Anderson.

Oliver (Achilles) is expected to start running in January, Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Oliver was placed on IR after tearing his Achilles in the preseason, kicking off what would a rocky season in terms of health for Chargers running backs. While Oliver is expected to be ready for spring practices, there's no guarantee he'll be practicing with the Chargers as the 25-year-old is slated to become a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2016 season.

With Melvin Gordon (knee/hip) ruled out, Hillman figures to get the start Sunday against the Chiefs.

Hillman has played sparingly since joining the Chargers, but the veteran running back will get plenty of opportunities Sunday with Gordon and Kenneth Farrow (shoulder) done for the season. While there's a chance the Chargers opt to use former Giants' running back Andre Williams as an early-down back, Hillman had been seeing time in passing downs already and appears to have a better grasp of the playbook, given that Williams had been toiling away on the Chargers' practice squad prior to his call-up this week. Against a mediocre Chiefs' run defense, Hillman figures to put up enough numbers for a desperate owner to justify using in a standard league.

Gordon (knee/hip) will not play Sunday against the Chiefs.

There was hope that the second-year running back would be able to take the field Sunday for the Chargers' final game of the year, especially considering Gordon was within three rushing yards of hitting the 1,000 yard mark on the season. However after failing to register a full day of practice throughout the week, the Chargers made the decision to protect their star running back, ending his season early. With Kenneth Farrow (shoulder) also out after being placed on injured reserve this week, Ronnie Hillman figures to get the start, while Andre Williams, who was elevated from the practice squad Tuesday, could factor in as a change-of-pace back.

McFadden is not practicing Friday due to illness, Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News reports.

McFadden's illness couldn't come at a worse time, as he is anticipated to receive the bulk of the Cowboys' running back duties once starter Ezekiel Elliott is pulled from Sunday's game. Although McFadden obviously still has time to get healthy, he runs the risk of losing snaps to Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar if his sickness doesn't subside by Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff. As a result, fantasy owners will need to keep an eye on McFadden's condition before cementing their expectations of him.

Kelley (knee) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports.

Kelley has been limited throughout practice this week, but coach Jay Gruden said he was able to slightly increase his workload Friday. While that seems to bode well for Kelley, barring a setback, his status will ultimately be determined over the weekend. If Kelley's knee sprain impacts his involvement Sunday, the Redskins could turn to Mack Brown more in running situations, with Chris Thompson serving as their primary pass-catching tailback.

McFadden is expected to handle most of the reps at running back Sunday at Philadelphia, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys cannot lose their standing as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, but the health of key players is paramount for the divisional round and potentially beyond. As such, Ezekiel Elliott will be in the backfield on the Cowboys' first offensive possession of Week 17, only to be removed at a point perhaps known just to head coach Jason Garrett. Whenever that occurs, McFadden will take on most of the backfield touches.

Elliott will start Sunday's contest at Philadelphia, but his snap count may be limited, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys have secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, so holding out or minimizing the potential for injury to one of their key players is a prudent one. If (or when) Elliott is removed from the game, Darren McFadden is slated to receive most of the touches out of the backfield.

Kelley (knee) has expressed confidence that he'll be active for Sunday's game versus the Giants, Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official site reports.

Kelley was limited at Wednesday's practice, one in which he "did some of the walkthrough stuff" and took part in individual drills, per head coach Jay Gruden. The running back maintained his activity level Thursday, but Friday's session is setting up to be the ultimate test of his injured knee. Because the Redskins can lock up a playoff berth with a win and the Packers-Lions showdown not culminating in a tie, Kelley's presence will be key in cultivating a balanced offensive game plan. Since locking down the starting RB gig in Week 8, he's totaled 568 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Gordon (hip/knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Back-to-back limited sessions offer hope that Gordon has a chance to return to action this weekend against the Chiefs. Earlier in the week, the running back suggested that his Week 17 status will boil down to a game-time decision in advance of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff.