NFL Player News

Patterson will start at wide receiver opposite Adam Thielen with Stefon Diggs inactive with a hip injury, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports

Patterson should see an increase in targets with Diggs out, although Charles Johnson could also figure into the wide receiver mix.

McFadden (illness) is active for Sunday's game in Philadelphia, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

McFadden entered the weekend with a cloud hanging over his Week 17 availability due to an illness that forced him to sit out Friday's practice. The concern was only temporary, though, and he'll be available once Ezekiel Elliott takes a seat after his obligatory 1-to-2 offensive possessions. If McFadden experiences a recurrence of symptoms, Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar would receive an unexpected opportunity to contribute in the regular season finale.

Elliott isn't expect to log more than a series or two during Sunday's game at Philadelphia, Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports.

Elliott helped drive the Cowboys to the No. 1 seed in the NFC with his exploits on the ground, but he'll have just a few opportunities, at best, to cap the season on a high note. Once head coach Jason Garrett pulls his stud rookie, the RB picture is clouded by the illness that held McFadden out of practice Friday. If McFadden is hindered or ruled inactive, Alfred Morris would be in line for his first touches since Week 14.

Mostert was promoted from the 49ers' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

Mostert appeared in two games with the Bears earlier this season, and will provide depth at running back for the 49ers in Week 17 with Carlos Hyde (knee) on IR.

McFadden (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, David Helman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

McFadden was set to receive the bulk of Dallas' backfield snaps once starter Ezekiel Elliott is pulled from Sunday's game, but after missing Friday's practice due to illness, his status is now in question to even play in Week 17. If McFadden is still sick Sunday, Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar could instead benefit most from Elliott being preserved for the playoffs.

Zenner is expected to serve as the Lions' top tailback Sunday night against the Packers, when Theo Riddick (wrist) will remain sidelined, ESPN's Michael Rothstein reports.

Zenner has emerged as Detroit's best option at running back in Riddick's absence, impressively totaling 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and catching eight passes for 86 yards across the last three games. While Dwayne Washington should also factor into the mix Sunday, Zenner is set to lead the Lions' backfield charge as they hope to secure the NFC North title on home turf to close the regular season.

Watson was promoted to the Eagles' active roster Friday, CSN reports.

With Ryan Mathews (back), Wendell Smallwood (knee) and Kenjon Barner (hamstring) all on injured reserve, only Darren Sproles and Byron Maxwell remained at running back. Watson will come in to provide depth.

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.