NFL Player News

Hillman (coach's decision) is inactive for the Chargers' Week 14 matchup with the Panthers.

Hillman has been inactive for the last three weeks, as coach Mike McCoy has elected to keep tailbacks Melvin Gordon and Kenneth Farrow and fullback Derek Watt as his only backfield options for those games. It may take another injury in order for Hillman to see some snaps.

Gillislee is now the team's official goal-line back, BuffaloBills.com reports. Said offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn: "Shady is one of the most explosive backs in the league. He can get a lot of his touchdowns from outside the red zone, but Mike is that decisive, no nonsense type runner that you're looking for inside the three, two-yard line. That's his role and everybody in the backfield knows that's his role and he's going to get those touches when we get down there. And Shady is good with that."

This is what's been happening lately anyway, while it may not have been as obvious between the coaching staff not publicly adresseing Gillislee's specific role and his own hamstring injury that's now in the past. Plus, a red-hot McCoy has been scoring on runs outside the five. Still, it's now even more clear that the hard-driving Gillislee will get exclusive action up close, and with six rushing scores on the season and an offense that's headed toward a franchise high in rushing scores, there's no reason Gillislee can't make a run at nine or 10.

Mathews (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Redskins, ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

The Eagles backfield will get a boost Sunday with the return of Mathews following a two-game absence. He'll face a Washington defense that has been suspect against the run this season. Mathews racked up 60 yards on the ground on just nine carries in Week 6 against Washington.

Taliaferro (thigh) is ruled out of Monday night's game against the Patriots, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Taliaferro wasn't at practice again this week and will now miss his fourth straight game. Consequently, the Ravens' backfield duties will continue to be handled by a trio of Terrance West, Kenneth Dixon and Javorius Allen.

Sims (knee) was officially activated from injured reserve Saturday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As expected, Sims officially makes his highly anticipated return to the active roster and will join Doug Martin and Jacquizz Rodgers in helping provide the Bucs with a three-headed monster at tailback, where Sims projects to be the pass-catching specialist of the bunch. However, for fantasy purposes, it isn't clear how carries will be distributed right off the bat.

Vereen (triceps) has officially been activated to the Giants' active roster from injured reserve, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

As originally expected, the Giants will have their versatile backfield option in Vereen for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. Although Rashad Jennings and Paul Perkins may see a majority of the team's carries at this point, Vereen could be productive in PPR formats, especially if the Giants get down early and are forced to throw often.

Sims (knee) will be activated from injured reserve to the Buccaneers' active roster Saturday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims has been unavailable for game action since Week 4, but he's slated to make his long-awaited return Sunday against the Saints. Given his lengthy absence, Sims' volume could be limited at this point with fellow running backs Doug Martin and Jacquizz Rodgers both healthy. Although the trio of backfield options results in a fantasy mess, the group could have plenty of opportunities to produce against a Saints defense that struggles against opposing running backs.

Hill was promoted to the Jaguars' active roster from the practice squad Saturday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Hill has been moved around to several practice squads throughout his young career, but has yet to record his first NFL regular season carry. That all could change Sunday against the Vikings, but he'll remain buried on the depth chart at running back.

Vereen (triceps) is expected to be activated from injured reserve Saturday and therefore available for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Art Stapleton of the Record reports.

Vereen will need to avoid any setbacks during Saturday's practice obviously, but all signs point to the versatile running back returning to the Giants' active roster after spending a majority of the 2016 regular season on IR. Another update should become available upon his official activation.

Draughn (ribs) does not have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets after fully practicing Friday.

Draughn was limited both Wednesday and Thursday, but his full session Friday removed any concern that he'll play through his ribs problem Sunday versus New York.