NFL Player News

Hillman rushed nine times for six yards, and failed to haul in either of his two targets in Saturday's 20-17 loss to the Browns.

Hillman took the reins in the backfield for a while as Kenneth Farrow exited briefly due to a shoulder injury, and otherwise split snaps with the rookie throughout. His extra playing time with starter Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) out didn't amount to anything, though, as the journeyman running back managed a disastrous 0.7 yards per attempt against the league's second-worst run defense.

Grant rushed nine times for 27 yards, and caught one of three targets for five more in Saturday's 38-17 win over the Titans.

Grant split carries with Chris Ivory after T.J. Yeldon left the game early on due to an ankle injury. The second-year running back out of Auburn came in with 15 yards on five carries in 2016, and tied his season average with 3.0 yards per attempt here. Expect a similar workload for Grant next week in Indianapolis if Yeldon is unable to suit up.

Kelley rushed the ball 19 times for 76 yards while hauling in two receptions for six yards in Saturday's win over the Bears.

Kelley was the only active running back that failed to score Saturday, as both Chris Thompson and Mack Brown reached pay dirt in the contest. The starter rebounded from a quiet performance in Week 15, where he was limited to just eight yards rushing. While he didn't find the end zone, his 76 rushing yards were the highest total since Week 11. Look for Kelley to continue to split reps with Chris Thompson in the season-finale tilt with the Giants next Sunday.

Sims should see an increase in touches with Doug Martin (coach's decision) declared a surprise inactive for Saturday's Week 16 tilt versus the Saints.

The third-year back will likely cede much of the early-down work to Jacquizz Rodgers, but is likely to see a boost in overall touches with Martin out of the picture. Sims still profiles most prominently in the passing game, yet could approach the season-high 15 carries he tallied in Week 4 versus the Broncos.

Rodgers is slated for a significant boost in touches in Saturday's Week 16 tilt versus the Saints given Doug Martin's surprising inactive status.

Rodgers' Week 16 fantasy outlook received a major upgrade the minute that Doug Martin was declared a surprise inactive, as he'll presumably handle a bulk of the early-down carries Saturday against the Saints. Rodgers provided excellent returns while filling in for Martin earlier in the season, and given a relatively favorable matchup, he could provide some unexpectedly stellar returns for owners who are still carrying him on their rosters during championship week.

Martin (coach's decision) is a surprise inactive against the Saints in Saturday's Week 16 tilt, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The news ranks as the most surprising of the day, considering that Martin's absence is based solely on head coach Dirk Koetter's decision and not any injury. The fifth-year pro has struggled to find running room this season, but has generally looked strong and decisive when carrying the ball. His status leaves Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber as the backfield options for the Bucs in a game key to the team's playoff chances.

Jones (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's Week 16 tilt versus the Bears, the team's official site reports.

Jones will once again cede the backfield work to Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson, as he remains buried behind the pair on the depth chart.

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.