NFL Player News

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin heaped praise upon Toussaint during Tuesday's media session, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Praise from some coaches is entirely meaningless, but Tomlin isn't one of those guys, as he sometimes criticizes his own players (see: Martavis Bryant) during press conferences. Tomlin made it quite clear that the team is legitimately excited to have Toussaint around, whereas last year's playoff fill-in at running back (Josh Harris) was merely signed because "he was able and available" (Tomlin's words). Given that DeAngelo Williams (foot) is unlikely to be ready for Saturday's playoff game against the Bengals, Toussaint is the best bet to lead the Pittsburgh backfield, with Jordan Todman and fullback Will Johnson likely playing supporting roles. Of course, Williams hasn't officially been ruled out, and the team would be thrilled if he's able to play.

Herron ran the ball twice for a total of four yards in Sunday's win over the Titans, finishing the 2015 season with 79 rushing yards on 25 carries.

Herron came over to Indianapolis from the Bills for the final seven games of the season, primarily providing depth in the Colts' backfield. The 26-year-old will be a restricted free agent, and likely won't see much of an increased role if he remains on the Colts' roster in 2016.

Bolden was on the field for 17 of the Patriots' 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Dolphins, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Meanwhile, Steven Jackson was on the field for 24 snaps, while pass-catching back James White saw 23 snaps. Bolden did carry nine times for 31 yards in the game and caught two passes for five yards, but his reduced workload in the Patriots' offense Sunday corresponded to him playing a key role on special teams, something that will likely carry into the playoffs, with Jackson the prime candidate to see early-down work for the team on that front.

Ellington (toe) turned in 19 of the Cardinals' 58 offensive snaps (33 percent) during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

The modest workload didn't reap dividends in the box score in what amounted to a scaled-back game plan, including Carson Palmer's (finger) removal from the contest at halftime. Ellington didn't receive a touch until the 4:10 mark of the third quarter, yet he was the only Arizona RB outside of David Johnson to contribute, notching two carries for two yards and one reception (on two targets) for seven yards. With a bye week to prepare for the divisional round, Ellington will continue therapy to reduce any remnants of the turf toe that forced absences from Weeks 13 through 15.

Gillislee signed a contract extension Monday, BuffaloBills.com reports.

Gillislee came out of nowhere to play in the final five games of the season, scoring three times and averaging a slick 5.68 yards per carry. However, we imagine the team is eyeing him for the No. 3 role next season, given that LeSean McCoy will be healthy again and Karlos Williams fits the bill of a strong No. 2.

Gordon is slated to undergo a procedure on his knee Tuesday, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Per the report, the procedure will be performed by noted orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, and while the specific nature of the running back's knee injury has yet to be specified, it's important to note that a full recovery is expected.

Helu rushed for five yards on three carries in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Helu had a rough opening season in Oakland that was plagued with injuries and inconsistencies. The fifth-year running back only carried the ball 17 times on the year for 39 yards, adding nine catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Helu will be back next season for year two of his contract, and he should solidify the back-up role behind Latavius Murray, assuming he can stay healthy.

Rainey did not net any yards on his sole punt return and also lost a fumble in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Panthers.

The fourth-year pro had a rough afternoon by fumbling on his only punt return, a mistake the Panthers would eventually convert into an early second-half touchown. Rainey lost the ball at the Buccaneer's 22-yard line after having gained five yards, leading to a recovery and three-yard return by the Panthers' Joe Webb. Although he ranked ninth in the NFL with 9.9 yards per punt return and averaged a solid 24.7 yards on 19 kickoff runbacks, Rainey did cough up the ball a total of seven times (recovering six) in 2015. He also was used sparingly from scrimmage after having totaled 938 yards rushing and 342 through the air over his first two seasons in Tampa. The 26-year-old only received eight total touches in 2015, largely as a result of Doug Martin's participation in all 16 games and Charles Sims' impressive emergence as the pass-catching back. Having only having signed a one-year restricted free agent tender with the Bucs prior to the 2015 season, Rainey heads into the offseason with uncertain prospects for the 2016 campaign.

Grimes had a receiving and a rushing touchdown in Houston's 30-6 victory over Jacksonville in Week 17. He rushed four times for 26 yards and caught four of five targets for 28 yards as the Texans clinched the AFC South title with the win.

Though Grimes has been part of a three-back committee for much of the season, the touchdowns were his only scores in the 2015 regular season. His role expanded when Arian Foster suffered a season-ending groin injury, but he never threatened Alfred Blue to become the team's lead back. He'll continue to get some touches when Houston hosts Kansas City in the opening round of the playoffs.

Sims gained 15 yards on four carries and secured nine of his 11 targets for 74 yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Panthers.

The second-year pro put a stamp on his reputation as one of the premiere pass-catching backs in the NFL by hauling in a career-high nine receptions, giving him 51 for the season. With Tampa trailing throughout the second half, Sims received extra opportunity in his role as a passing-down back, a scenario that repeated itself on a few occasions this season when Lovie Smith's defense put the Bucs into the trail position in the latter stages of games. Sims was notably no slouch on the ground either in 2015 despite limited chances, collecting 529 yards on 4.9 yards per tote over 107 carries. He also gained over 40 yards rushing in four of the season's final seven games despite receiving double-digit carries only once in those contests, and could conceivably take over lead back duties should the Bucs and Doug Martin be unable to come to an agreement for 2016. Regardless of his exact role in the backfield pecking order next season, Sims should once again be in a prime position to produce, particularly through the air. With measurables and a skill set similar to Matt Forte, Sims could possibly provide all-around production comparable to that of the Bears' Pro-Bowl back if he ever receives sufficient playing time.