NFL Player News

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.

Martin was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The fourth-year pro capped off an outstanding 1,402-yard campaign by joining James Wilder as the only Bucs running backs to ever receive All-Pro honors. Following a remarkable 1,454-yard rookie season, Martin suffered through two lackluster and injury-plagued campaigns before enjoying a resurgent 2015. The soon-to-be 27-year-old will enter offseason contract negotiations with the Bucs sporting a considerable degree of leverage.

Johnson (fractured tibia) returned to practice Tuesday, ESPN's Field Yates reports.

Placed on short-term injured reserve, Johnson won't be eligible to return until the Super Bowl, if the Cardinals make it that far. Even in such a scenario, he'd likely play second fiddle to rookie David Johnson, who emerged as one of the NFL's better running backs over the final five weeks of the regular season. The Cardinals may have found their running back of the future, but not before the 30-year-old Johnson proved that he still has something left. Be it in Arizona or elsewhere, (Chris) Johnson shouldn't have trouble finding work next season, potentially even garnering serious consideration for starting jobs. First, he'll try to get healthy in time for a potential Super Bowl appearance.

Carey finished the 2015 season with 43 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to go with three catches for 19 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

After being inactive in four of the Bears' first eight games, Carey saw his offensive snaps rise in the second half of the season, particularly when Matt Forte was banged up. Though the coaching staff placed a decent amount of trust in Carey, the second-year back was unable to do much with the opportunity, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. While Forte will become a free agent this offseason, rookie Jeremy Langford looks primed to assume the top spot on the depth chart if Forte doesn't return, leaving Carey without a clear path to a heavy workload in 2016.

Mathews recently had groin surgery, ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

Mathews originally hurt his groin in late October, but a bye week allowed him to avoid any absences. He later missed three games because of a concussion, and he was also listed on the injury report with the groin issue until Week 14. Despite his absence from the report, this may help to explain why Mathews only had 11 touches over the final two weeks, with DeMarco Murray notably re-emerging in a key role for the regular-season finale. Mathews should be healthy before the start of training camp, but he'll likely have to compete with Murray for carries again.