NFL Player News

McKinnon rushed for 41 yards on nine carries and secured five of six targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 17-15 loss to the Cowboys.

McKinnon actually found some decent running room on his limited opportunities, with his 4.6 YPC figure checking in as his highest since Week 4. His five catches were also a season high, and his nifty five-yard touchdown grab with 25 seconds remaining brought the Vikings within two. Despite a relatively productive fantasy night, McKinnon's rushing attempts have now been in in the single digits in four of the last five contests, and with news that Adrian Peterson continues to ramp up his activity in the hopes of a late-season return, the former's days as a viable fantasy asset could be numbered.

Elliott managed 86 yards and scored a touchdown on 20 carries while also securing four of five targets for 19 yards in Thursday's 17-15 win over the Vikings. He also fumbled but recovered, and also had a second key recovery of a Dak Prescott fumbled snap late in the fourth quarter.

While it was a modest game by his lofty standards, Elliott was more than effective while getting into the end zone for the eighth time overall in the last five games. The rookie's rushing yardage total was actually his third lowest of the season, and least since he'd amassed 83 yards back in Week 2 versus the Redskins. However, Elliott continues to move the chains effectively behind his stellar offensive line, even on nights when he encounters some tough sledding against stingy fronts such as that of the Vikings'. He'll undoubtedly be counted on heavily in a pivotal Week 14 divisional showdown against the Giants.

The Cowboys expect McFadden (elbow) to be available to play before his three-week window for a return closes, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The team opened the aforementioned window during the week of Thanksgiving, so the best bet for McFadden's first game action of the season likely arrives on Dec. 11 against the Giants in New York. If and when he's active, he'll likely hold down a pass-catching role, while giving Ezekiel Elliott the occasional breather in anticipation of a long playoff run.

Matthews (knee) was a non-participant at practice Thursday.

Matthews hasn't practiced since suffering an MCL injury in Week 11, a span of five sessions. He has one more this week to prove his health, but the Eagles may have to trust in Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood to carry the backfield load for a second consecutive game.

Taliaferro (thigh) did not practice Wednesday.

Taliaferro has missed the past two games with the same thigh injury. He'll likely miss a third if he's unable to get back on the practice field this week.

The Giants designated Vereen (triceps) for return Wednesday, opening his 21-day window for activation to the 53-man roster, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

In his first official practice since injuring his triceps in Week 3, Vereen "caught some balls," according to head coach Ben McAdoo. With the window for a return ajar, Vereen will have to prove to the medical and training staffs that his recovery remains on track over the next few weeks. Assuming status quo reigns (which is never a guarantee in the NFL) and he receives the go-ahead, he would likely take on a pass-catching role as a complement to No. 1 RB Rashad Jennings as the Giants make their playoff push.

Murray (ankle) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Murray has been able to play through his ankle issue of late and we don't expect that to change this weekend against the Bills. Murray, who headed into Week 12's action with a questionable tag, played this past Sunday against the Panthers, logging 49 (out of a possible 74) snaps on offense, while recording 19 carries for 45 yards and a TD and three catches for 43 yards.

Rodgers (foot) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The Buccaneers have had the services of Doug Martin for three consecutive games, and the backfield will now have a competent complement to him in the form of Rodgers, whose foot sprain forced four DNPs in a row. The first glimmer of hope for Rodgers' return occurred last Friday, but an uninhibited practice translated to a questionable designation and inactive status Sunday against the Seahawks. There's no such worry this time around, allowing Rodgers to give Martin a breather when he needs one in Week 13.

Vereen (triceps) returned to practice Wednesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The Giants signaled their intentions Tuesday with the placement of running back Orleans Darkwa (lower leg) on injured reserve, but Vereen has now taken the first step toward his first game action since Week 3. It's unclear when exactly Vereen will be given the all-clear by the training staff. Having said that, he's on pace to be back in the backfield mix before season's end.

Gillislee (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Gillislee, who missed this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars, appears on track to return for this weekend's game in Oakland, though he's no threat to supplant top RB LeSean McCoy, who excelled in Week 12 while playing through a thumb issue. When healthy, Gillislee is a candidate to log 5-to-10 carries per game in a complementary role behind McCoy, an assignment that normally entails some work around the red zone.