NFL Player News

Zenner (concussion) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Zenner was limited throughout practice this week, suggesting he's yet to clear concussion protocol following last Sunday's injury. If Zenner is unable to receive clearance prior to Detroit's 1:00 ET kickoff, Michael Burton could be brought into a bigger role behind Dwayne Washington, as starter Theo Riddick (wrist) is listed as doubtful.

Barner will assume all return duties for the Eagles while backing up Ryan Mathews on Sunday at Baltimore, Les Bowen of Philadelphia Daily News reports.

Barner was elevated in the wake of Darren Sproles' concussion via a wicked hit last Sunday against the Redskins. Kickoff returns have been Barner's primary focus this season, as he's scampered for a substantial 31.4 yards per on eight runbacks. He'll also take on Sproles' gig as the punt returning, which Barner has done just twice in 30 career games. Meanwhile, Mathews is expected to handle most of the work afforded running backs, but Barner is averaging a healthy 5.1 YPC in 2016 and has hauled in 14 of 21 passes thrown his way over three years in the NFL.

McKinnon's workload for Sunday's game against the Colts is up in the air due to the expected return of Adrian Peterson (knee), 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports.

Further clouding the situation is the sudden emergence of Matt Asiata's ankle injury, which held him out of practice Friday. Since Peterson turned his focus from game action to rehabbing a torn meniscus in Week 3, McKinnon and Asiata have combined for 20.3 rushes and 5.5 targets per game over the last 11 contests. It remains to be seen if that workload will be split two or three ways, but because McKinnon is the healthiest of the trio, he could very well assume most of the snaps this weekend.

With Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) ruled out for Week 5, Hillman will be active Sunday against the Raiders, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

There wasn't much doubt that Gordon would miss at least one game due to the strained hip and sprained knee suffered last Sunday in Carolina. Kenneth Farrow jumped right in and contributed 78 yards from scrimmage as the sole remaining running back last weekend, but Hillman will certainly handle a certain portion of the reps bestowed upon the Chargers' backfield. Unfortunately, Hillman's five-game sample from Minnesota earlier this season featured a 2.8 YPC, which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in the five-year pro.

Michael (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Michael didn't practice Thursday due to illness, and he was only estimated as a limited participant had the Packers practiced Friday. That situation leaves it unclear whether Michael will be able to play Sunday, when the unfriendly weather conditions in Chicago could potentially impact him. As a result, his status will need to be monitored in the coming days. With James Starks (concussion) considered doubtful, Ty Montgomery would figure to get a heavier workload if Michael is unable to go.

Gordon (hip/knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

With Gordon out this week, as expected, Kenneth Farrow is in line to head the Chargers' Week 15 backfield. On track to provide a change-of-pace option behind Farrow -- who logged 16 carries for 55 yards last Sunday in relief of Gordon -- is Ronnie Hillman, who was inactive in Week 14.

Asiata (ankle) did not practice Friday and is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Asiata's status for Sunday's tilt is up in the air after he picked up an ankle injury to end this week. To the Vikings' delight, though, top tailback Adrian Peterson (knee) is slated to return Sunday, and he'll combine with Jerick McKinnon to give Minnesota ample cover in case Asiata is unavailable.

Vereen (concussion) is considered questionable to play Sunday against the Lions.

Vereen suffered a concussion last Sunday in his first game back from a triceps injury that had kept him out since Week 3. According to coach Ben McAdoo, Vereen remains in the league's protocol, meaning he won't be allowed to play until he's cleared by an independent neurologist. Whether that happens over the weekend remains to be seen, so Vereen's situation should be worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff.

Rawls gained 34 yards on 21 rushes and caught both of his targets for five yards in Thursday's 24-3 win over the Rams.

Rawls had little room to run thanks to an inconsistent offensive line against a stout Rams front seven. He gained 12 of his yards on one rush, leaving him with just 22 yards on his 20 other carries. He'll look to bounce back against the Cardinals in Week 16.

Michael (illness) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Fortunately for Michael, his illness has arrived mid-week and not on the verge of game day. Nevertheless, Friday's injury report will shed light on its severity. With James Starks unable to practice due to a concussion, the Packers may be relying on Michael and Ty Montgomery (shoulder) to fuel the rushing attack Sunday in Chicago. Head coach Mike McCarthy may have tipped his hand during media availability Thursday, though, telling Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette that Montgomery is a candidate to approach 20 carries in a game.