NFL Player News

Carey (shoulder) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Redskins.

Although Carey was able to practice in a limited capacity throughout the week, he will not be in uniform for Saturday's contest due to his shoulder injury. Jordan Howard, who is becoming a bellcow for the Bears, figures to see the vast majority of the carries Saturday and Jeremy Langford could see an uptick in snaps as well.

Elliott and the other Cowboys starters will be in the lineup for the final two games of the regular season despite the fact the Cowboys have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Both coach Jason Garrett and owner/GM Jerry Jones indicated this week that Dallas would stick to business as usual despite having no team goals left to play for. For his part though, Elliott has plenty of incentive over the final two weeks, as Eric Dickerson's 33-year-old rookie rushing record is firmly in his sights.

Hillman is expected to work in committee with Kenneth Farrow with Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) sidelined Saturday against the Browns, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Hillman gained 34 yards on his seven carries in Gordon's absence last weekend, nearly outperforming Farrow despite playing 28 fewer snaps. After Farrow also fumbled in his expanded role, Hillman should be even more involved Saturday, when facing a putrid Browns defense also bodes in his favor.

With teammate Adrian Peterson (knee/groin) ruled out, Asiata could be in store for an expanded role Saturday against the Packers.

Asiata played merely 12 snaps in Peterson's return from injury last weekend, but with the former MVP back on the sideline again Saturday, Asiata could enjoy a split of snaps with Jerick McKinnon at running back. Although his 3.3 yards per carry this season have left much to be desired, Asiata's six rushing touchdowns at least provide some fantasy upside.

With teammate Adrian Peterson (knee/groin) ruled out, McKinnon is in line to start at running back Saturday against the Packers.

McKinnon occupying Minnesota's starting role is nothing new, as Peterson has appeared in just three games this season, but the third-year pro has struggled in the spotlight, gaining just 400 yards and managing one rushing touchdown on his 132 carries thus far. Considering Matt Asiata's presence, McKinnon's fantasy stock is further plagued by him splitting snaps in Peterson's absence.

Gordon (hip/knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Browns.

With Gordon sidelined again this weekend, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune indicates that he expects the Chargers to employ a committee approach Saturday, featuring Kenneth Farrow (15 carries for 39 yards and two catches for 14 yards in Week 15) and Ronnie Hillman, who logged seven carries for 34 yards this past Sunday against the Raiders. It's a nice-looking matchup for the duo, with the Browns allowing an average of 155.7 rushing yards per game to date. Only the 49ers are allowing more.

Carey (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Redskins, Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports.

Carey was limited all week due to a shoulder problem, leaving his status up in the air for Saturday's contest. However, since he has no more than two carries in any game since late October, fantasy owners shouldn't be factoring Carey into their plans for the weekend anyway.

Mathews suffered a herniated disk during Thursday night's win over the Giants and will not play in Week 17 against the Cowboys.

Mathews was forced to exit in the fourth quarter of Thursday's victory with what was initially described as a stinger. The damage he incurred is clearly more severe than that, and it will end his regular season with 661 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns. With Mathews sidelined, Darren Sproles figures to see more snaps next weekend, with Byron Marshall being the only healthy option at running back behind him.

Mathews is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Giants after suffering a stinger in an undisclosed location.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game. Mathews had tallied 46 yards on 18 carries to go along with catching his only target for 16 yards before leaving. Darren Sproles figures to shoulder the load in the backfield going forward if Mathews is unable to return.

Carey (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Carey was limited in Wednesday's session as well. However, there isn't anything to suggest the tailback is in danger of missing Saturday's matchup with the Redskins. Expect the Bears' final injury report of the week Friday to clarify Carey's potential availability.