NFL Player News

Anderson rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries and caught all three of his targets for another 18 yards in Sunday's win over the Patriots.

While he and Ronnie Hillman split carries once again, Anderson was by far the more productive of the two for the second straight week. A chunk of Anderson's production came on a 30-yard scamper in the third quarter, but an average of 4.5 yards per carry versus a stout Patriots run defense is certainly respectable nonetheless. Anderson's physical style has proven effective thus far in the postseason, and it would not be surprising to see him assume an even larger role in the Super Bowl, after Hillman eeked out just 16 yards on 11 carries Sunday.

Artis-Payne is inactive for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Cardinals, Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports.

The return of Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) to full health has spurred the Panthers to keep just three running backs active in the do-or-die situation. As a result, Artis-Payne will take a seat for the first time since Week 14.

Gaskins was promoted from the practice squad in 2015 and saw limited action, finishing the year with 16 carries for 38 yards while adding 69 yards on eight catches.

After starting the last two seasons on the 49ers' practice squad, Gaskins finally made his professional debut when Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush went down with season-ending injuries. His 2.4 YPC confirm the organization's belief that he isn't more than a roster depth piece. He is under contract through the end of the next season, so he will likely end up on the practice squad if he can survive the training camp roster cuts.

Richardson has signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers.

Richardson thus joins the team's backup RB depth corps behind Le'Veon Bell, with DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint also under contract with the team for the 2016 season.

Zenner (chest) has been cleared to resume football activities, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

The Lions' ground game struggled to find its footing all season, but Zenner was beginning to make inroads in the offense before suffering cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung from a brutal hit against the Bears in Week 6. Finishing his rookie season with 17 rushes for 60 yards (3.5 YPC) and two receptions (on three targets) for 11 yards, he displayed some acumen in multiple facets, which bodes well for his prospects in a backfield that may experience change under new general manager Bob Quinn.

Ellington totaled three carries for three yards and couldn't haul in his only target during Saturday's divisional-round victory against the Packers.

Ellington has received touches in 11 of the Cardinals' 17 games this season, but his non-existent showing wasn't a surprise due to a season-low seven snaps. Still, he should continue to complement lead back David Johnson within the offense, as Ellington has received between three and eight touches in 10 contests as a reserve.

Hillman gained just 38 yards on 16 carries in Sunday's win over the Steelers. He failed to haul in his only target in the passing game.

The 24-year-old led the Broncos in carries on the day, but his inefficiency resulted in C.J. Anderson nearly doubling him in yardage. Anderson also received three targets to Hillman's one, and plowed home the team's only touchdown. Hillman should continue to see his fair share of touches, but Anderson's rugged style could prove more suited to playoff football, and he could see some additional looks next week in the AFC championship game against the Patriots.

Anderson carried 16 times for 38 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Steelers. He also gained 11 yards in securing two of his three targets.

The third-year back was the Broncos' leading rusher Sunday, nearly doubling Ronnie Hillman in yardage despite receiving one fewer carry. Anderson also scored the team's only touchdown, which came with three minutes left on the clock and put them ahead for good. Anderson figures to continue splitting carries with Hillman throughout the postseason, but Sunday's performance could have earned him a slightly larger share of the workload.

Toussaint rushed 12 times for 39 yards with a touchdown and a fumble in the Steelers' loss to the Broncos on Sunday. He also caught three passes for two yards.

The only turnover of the game, Toussaint apparently had gained first down yardage in Denver territory when the ball was popped out by Bradley Roby and recovered by DeMarcus Ware. The Broncos then drove 65 yards for a touchdown to take a 20-13 lead that would not be relinquished. After spending most of the season on the Steelers' practice squad, Toussaint did an admirable job filling in for an injured DeAngelo Williams (foot) last week against Cincinnati, rushing for 58 yards on 17 carries, and catching four of eight targets for 60 yards. Previously, he had struggled in limited action, gaining just 42 yards on 18 carries during the regular season. In his two seasons in the league, Toussaint has rushed for a total of 54 yards on 24 carries (2.3 average), caught three passes, and has never scored a touchdown. Fantasy owners should not expect much more from him in 2016.

Thompson (illness) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Steelers, the Denver Post reports.

While Thompson's absence isn't much of a hit to fantasy players, it does impact the Broncos' backfield depth Sunday behind C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.