NFL Player News

Mathews rushed 15 times for 60 yards Sunday against Washington.

With Wendell Smallwood forced from the game early with a knee injury, Mathews had 15 of the team's 26 rushing attempts. Even if Smallwood is forced to miss next week's game, Mathews would have a brutal road matchup against the Ravens, though potential volume could make him a useful fantasy option.

Washington rushed 16 times for 64 yards and caught one pass on two targets for 10 yards in Sunday's win over the Bears.

In Theo Riddick's absence, who missed the contest due to a wrist injury, Washington logged 44 out of a total 72 snaps at running back, compared to 27 for Zach Zenner and one for Joique Bell. Meanwhile, the rookie earned his largest workload of the season and responded with his most efficient (though admittedly average) performance when receiving double-digit rushing attempts. If Riddick is unable to return next week, Washington will look to do battle against a Giants defense that has only surrendered 89.3 rushing yards per game across its past three contests.

Kelley rushed the ball 16 times for 63 yards and a touchdown while hauling in two receptions for 25 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Eagles.

Kelley totaled 63 rushing yards for the second straight week, while finding the end zone for the first time since Week 11. His 22-yard touchdown run showcased the rookie's elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability. It was reported earlier in the week that Kelley would be slated for increased action, but the 16 carries he received Sunday hover right around his average the past couple of weeks. Chris Thompson displayed his rushing ability late in the game, finding the end zone from 25 yards out to reclaim the lead for Washington. This could spark more carries for the No. 2 back as the season winds down, especially if Kelley's modest performances continue.

Asiata rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and added 14 yards on two catches in Sunday's win over the Jaguars. He lost a fumble during the game.

Asiata barreled into the end zone from one yard out to give the Vikings their first touchdown of the day early in the fourth quarter. He set himself up for a second with a 23-yard rumble, only to lose a fumble near the goal line a few plays later. The power back has been the definition of a touchdown vulture in recent weeks, with four touchdowns in his last five contests despite averaging just seven carries and 25 rushing yards per game during the span. He might be a shrewd moderate-gain pickup with an Indianapolis defense ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per attempt on deck in Week 15.

McKinnon rushed for 31 yards on 14 carries and added 38 yards on six catches in Sunday's win over the Jaguars.

Another day and more tough sledding for McKinnon, who hasn't' rushed for over 50 yards since Week 4 despite leading the team in carries most weeks. The Vikings' makeshift offensive line is partially to blame, but an emphasis on not having that line exposed might also be credited with an uptick in passes coming McKinnon's way. The back has caught at least three passes in four of the past five games, including 11 total in the past two weeks. He might be worth a look in PPR leagues.

Cunningham (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

With Cunningham sidelined Sunday, Mike Thomas or Pharoh Cooper could return kickoffs for the Rams, while Malcolm Brown and Chase Reynolds are on hand to work behind top back Todd Gurley.

Zenner was removed from Sunday's contest against the Bears in order to be evaluated for a head injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Lions opted to sit Theo Riddick due to a wrist injury, opening the door for Zenner to pick up additional touches. Indeed, Zenner recorded seven rushes for 36 yards and two receptions for nine yards, yet Dwayne Washington led the way with 16 carries for 64 yards by game's end. If Zenner enters the concussion protocol, Washington would enter the upcoming week as the sole healthy running back in Detroit.

Gordon (hip) has an MRI on tap Monday, but Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune relays that there is optimism the running back avoided a serious injury Sunday against the Panthers.

That said, it remains to be seen if Gordon's chances of playing next week against the Raiders will be impacted by the hip issue he sustained Sunday. If he is out or limited next weekend, Kenneth Farrow, and possibly Ronnie Hillman, would be called upon to see added work in the Chargers' backfield.

Gordon was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the Panthers with a hip injury.

With Ronnie Hillman inactive for the contest, Kenneth Farrow is next in line for the Chargers' carries Sunday. If Gordon's injury forces him to miss time, Farrow could end up being an unexpected fantasy factor down the stretch run.

Zenner is poised for an increased workload Sunday against the Bears due to Theo Riddick's (wrist) placement on the inactive list.

Zenner led the Lions in carries last Sunday at New Orleans with Riddick available. Now that Riddick is donning street clothes in Week 14, his 14.5 touches per game are up for grabs. Fellow backup RB Dwayne Washington is best served in a change-of-pace role, which makes Zenner the leading contender to receive many of the carries between the tackles.