NFL Player News

Jones won't necessarily be Washington's workhorse back in 2016, according to Rich Tandler of CSN Mid-Atlantic.

With Alfred Morris set to become an unrestricted free agent, there have been rumbling that Jones might step right in as a three-down workhorse next season. However, there's still some chance Washington could retain Morris, and Chris Thompson (shoulder) has proven to be a perfectly capable passing-down back. Furthermore, the team may look into external options in the draft and/or free agency. Jones had a few nice moments during his rookie season, but his ball security and elusiveness left a lot to be desired, and he doesn't run with the power that's expected of a 230-pound running back. On a more positive note, he does have phenomenal speed for his size, with solid pass-catching skills to boot. There's a lot to work on but also a lot to like.

Hillman turned 11 carries into 16 yards and one catch (on two targets) into seven yards during Sunday's AFC championship game victory against the Patriots.

The Broncos have consistently fed Hillman all season, but he's surpassed 4.0 YPC just once over the last seven games (including playoffs). He hasn't exactly made up for it with touchdowns (one) or multiple catches in a given game (only three times), while C.J. Anderson has maintained relevance throughout. Nevertheless, Hillman has averaged over 14 touches per contest, meaning he's a fair bet to strike in Super Bowl 50.

Magee, an undrafted rookie, had two carries for five yards and one catch for two yards in 2015.

With Justin Forsett (arm) expected to be healthy long before training camp, Magee will merely be competing for one of the final roster spots in 2016. If Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) is also healthy, the Ravens will probably be set at running back.

Ellington finished the 2015 season with 45 carries for 289 yards and three touchdowns, which he supplemented with 15 receptions (on 24 targets) for 148 yards across 10 games.

After enduring multiple ailments in 2014, Ellington was named the Cardinals' starting running back in advance of Week 1, but injury woes in the form of a PCL sprain immediately took hold, requiring three consecutive absences. The No. 1 gig was ably filled by Chris Johnson (tibia) for the next 10 games before both backs were knocked out with respective injuries (and Johnson for the rest of the season). Taking advantage of the void was rookie David Johnson, who stated his case as the team's every-down, all-purpose back of the future. Upon his second return in Week 16, Ellington made brief appearances through the end of Arizona's playoff run in the NFC championship game. However, he accumulated just 13 runs for 45 yards and two catches (on five targets) for 12 yards in four outings as the younger Johnson's primary backup. Considering his bloated medical chart, Ellington's ceiling may rest as a change-of-pace option, especially if Chris Johnson or another viable back joins the fray in the offseason.

Johnson (tibia) enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

After Johnson landed on short-term IR on Dec. 1 due to a fractured tibia in his left leg, his sole appearance thereafter would have been in the Super Bowl, and Jay Glazer of FOX Sports even reported before Sunday's NFC championship game that the veteran RB would have been activated upon an Arizona victory. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the Panthers wiped away that possibility with a thorough beatdown. While Johnson is nearing the end of his recovery, his absence allowed David Johnson to stake a claim to the top running back gig, leaving general manager Steve Keim to evaluate whether the elder Johnson is a part of the Cardinals' future.

Bolden was on the field for 16 of the Patriots' 83 offensive snaps in Sunday's 20-18 loss to the Broncos in the AFC title game, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. In the process, Bolden carried five times for 12 yards and caught two passes for 29 yards.

The 25-year-old Bolden finished up the 2015 regular season with 63 carries for 207 yards to go along with 19 catches for 180 yards and two TDs in 15 games. Bolden remains under contract with the Patriots in 2016, which puts him on track to reprise his role with the team next season as a versatile depth back, who is also a valuable special teams contributor.

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.