NFL Player News

Brown gained 90 yards on 12 carries and secured two of three targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 30-14 victory over the Dolphins.

Brown emerged from the mothballs he's apparently been preserved in all season to explode on an unsuspecting Dolphins squad. While the Miami defense certainly provided a tantalizing matchup for the Chargers ground game, the general consensus was that the game would potentially serve as rookie Melvin Gordon's long-awaited NFL coming-out party. Instead, it was the seven-year veteran who maximized the opportunity after Gordon exited with a second-quarter knee injury, amassing his best rushing yardage total in just over four years. Brown had not reached the 90-yard mark on the ground since decimating the Titans for 161 yards in Week 15 of the 2011 campaign, and got there Sunday largely on the strength of a dynamic 53-yard scamper to the Dolphins' five-yard line midway through the fourth quarter. With the extent of Gordon's injury still unknown, it remains to be seen what level of usage Brown will receive over the season's final two games.

McKinnon caught four passes off of four targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over Chicago, adding 10 rushing yards on seven carries in the process.

In the moments before the end of the first half, McKinnon took a dump off into the flat and broke through several arm tackles on his way to a 17-yard score, his first of the season. Adrian Peterson's dominance has made McKinnon a nonfactor for much of the season, Sunday's 11 touches marking a season high. Peterson, who was dinged during Sunday's action, may be losing his stranglehold on carries, however, as he has topped 20 carries just twice over the past five games after doing so six times in his first nine contests. Though McKinnon has totaled a modest 41 rushes this season, the total is second on the team and he should see the bulk of whatever carries are left on Peterson's plate.

Gaskins had just two carries Sunday, but caught six of seven targets for 52 yards in the 24-14 loss to the Bengals.

Gaskins took over for starter Shaun Draughn, who left the game with a knee injury and did not return. Meanwhile, Travaris Cadet was also in the mix after Draughn left, finishing with four catches on six targets for 32 yards. Gaskins is bigger than Cadet, however, and was probably the reason why he was in the game when FB Bruce Miller scored a one-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. If Draughn misses any time, expect Gaskins and Cadet to form some sort of backfield committee next week at Detroit.

Jones rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries and added an eight-yard catch in Sunday's win over Buffalo.

The vast majority of Jones' fantasy value stems from two games. In Weeks 2 and 9, Jones combined for 333 of his 794 total yards this season and three of his four scores. Jones has now been held under 85 total yards and without a touchdown in five consecutive games. Help may be on the way. Morris has a slight lead on Alfred Morris in touches over the past four weeks, 59 to 55, and Washington has dates with two defenses in the bottom 10 in the league in rush defense to end the season.

Michael had 16 carries for a 84 yards in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Browns. He was not targeted in the passing game.

Michael, who re-signed with the Seattle on Wednesday after failed stops in Dallas and Washington, had seven more carries and 41 more rushing yards than Bryce Brown. Michael was also used late in the game, while the team was trying to run the clock out. Veteran Fred Jackson did not receive a single carry, although he did catch two of three targets for 17 yards. Until Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) returns, it appears as though Michael will lead the backfield in touches, although Brown should still be in the mix. In any case, next week Michael and the Seahawks will take on the Rams at home.

Ellington (toe) is listed as inactive Sunday at Philadelphia, Mark Dalton of the Cardinals' official site reports.

As expected, Ellington will put a third consecutive DNP on the ledger due to turf toe, though he displayed that a return may be near following a limited practice Friday. His practice participation in the coming days will forecast whether he'll be able to suit up next Sunday against the Packers. In the meantime, David Johnson will continue to dominate the touches out of the Cardinals' backfield.

Gordon exited Sunday's game against the Dolphins late in the second quarter with a knee injury, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

With Gordon -- who recorded 41 rushing yards in the game prior to his exit -- now banged up, Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead are in line for added work in the Chargers' Week 15 backfield.

Gillislee rushed for 81 yards on four carries and added two catches for two yards in Sunday's loss to Washington.

Sixty of Gillislee's yards came on a little off tackle to the left that the third-year back cut up field for a score. Gillislee's touchdown rumble came a drive after starter LeSean McCoy went down with a knee injury. It is believed the McCoy's injury is relatively minor and that he will be day-to-day moving forward. Should he miss any time, Gillislee would obviously be in position for some additional touches. He has scored both of his touchdowns this season in the past two weeks.

Bolden rushed 10 times for 36 yards and caught two of three targets for 18 receiving yards during Sunday's win over the Titans.

The Patriots split their running back snaps fairly evenly, with Bolden leading the way with 29, while James White was on the field for 23 and Joey Iosefa 19, according to ESPN.com. However, Bolden was the least productive of the trio, as White caught seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown and Iosefa rushed 14 times for 51 yards, both team-highs. It won't get any better in Week 16, as the Patriots will face a Jets defense allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and have given up the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league this season.

Draughn is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bengals due to a knee injury, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Draughn was in fact instructed to remove his helmet, which doesn't bode well for another appearance Sunday. If he fails to return, he'll conclude the contest with nine carries for 38 yards and one catch for four yards. While his status should be monitored in the coming days, Travaris Cadet was tabbed as the immediate replacement for Draughn.