NFL Player News

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.

Gordon (hip/knee) did not practice Thursday, Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It's looking increasingly likely Gordon will miss his second straight game, as the second-year running back hasn't been able to make his way onto the practice field. If the recently announced Pro Bowl alternate does indeed miss Saturday's game against the Browns, look for Kenneth Farrow to get the start, with Ronnie Hillman likely mixing in as well.

Coach Gary Kubiak relayed Wednesday that Anderson (knee) will not return to practice this season, ESPN's Jeff Legwold reports.

Anderson has been on IR since Oct. 29, after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee. Per Kubiak, the plan is for Anderson to "maybe start running here in the next two weeks. I would say he's on course for sometime in February." In Anderson's continued absence, Justin Forsett and Devontae Booker will continue to handle the Broncos' rushing duties.

Gordon (hip/knee) did not practice Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Gordon, who also missed practice Tuesday, thus looks iffy for Saturday's game against the Browns. If Gordon remains sidelined this weekend, Kenneth Farrow would be in line for his second start in a row, with Ronnie Hillman also in the Chargers' Week 16 RB mix.