NFL Player News

Abdullah (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Abdullah has appeared to find his professional footing over the last six games, notching 65 carries for 313 yards (4.8 YPC), 10 receptions (on 13 targets) for 56 yards, and one rushing touchdown during that span. While his activity level will be worth monitoring as the week progresses, his ability to complete individual drills Wednesday is a step in the right direction.

Ellington (toe) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

After sitting out Weeks 13 through 15 as a result of turf toe, Ellington will likely endure a cap on his practice reps through the Cardinals' upcoming playoff run. Such a precaution is advised with Chris Johnson (fractured tibia) sidelined and only modest depth outside of starter David Johnson. Expect Ellington to receive his typical handful of touches Sunday against the Seahawks.

Draughn (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, the 49ers' official site reports.

Draughn filled in admirably following the losses of Carlos Hyde (foot) and Reggie Bush (knee) for the season, racking up 76 carries for 263 yards, 25 catches (on 32 targets) for 175 yards, and one rushing touchdown over the course of six games between Weeks 9 and 15. However, Draughn sustained a season-ending MCL sprain at the end of that run and will miss the final two contests of the season. With Draughn out of the picture, DuJuan Harris and Jarryd Hayne are expected to man the backfield in Sunday's season finale versus the Rams.

Draughn (knee) won't take part in practice Wednesday.

Draughn hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained knee in Week 15 versus the Bengals, but two opportunities await before week's end to make his presence felt. If he's ultimately ruled out or doesn't play Sunday against the Rams, the 49ers will likely employ a running back tandem of DuJuan Harris and Jarryd Hayne, as they did this past Sunday in Detroit.

Jones (hip) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Jones has been contained to individual drills since sustaining a hip pointer in Week 15, yet he was among Washington's inactives this past Saturday at Philadelphia. According to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, Jones, the running back, doesn't have full mobility nor range of motion, which may make the decision to play (or not) in the season finale an easy one for head coach Jay Gruden with the NFC East crown already in hand.

Hillman rushed for 35 yards on nine carries and chipped in four receptions for another 37 yards in Monday's win over the Bengals.

Hillman has led Denver's backs in touches in six of the past seven games, but has scored just twice in that span and not since Week 12's win over New England. The fleet-footed back is a perfect fit for coach Gary Kubiak's inside-outside zone scheme, but his fantasy value is diminished as he is a threat to both lose touchdowns to C.J. Anderson - who has scored thrice in his last four games - and fumble like he has three times in the last five contests.

Vereen caught two passes (on five targets) for 21 yards and added a three-yard rush in Sunday's loss to the Vikings.

Last week's 12-touch game appears to have been an exception, not a rule, as it was the only contest out of the past six in which Vereen recorded double-digit touches. It's been feast or famine all season for the shifty, pass-catching back, with three eight-catch games on the season, but eight games of two or fewer receptions. The Giants close out the season against a deflated Eagles team that is rudderless on defense. Vereen could make an impact if he were to see enough touches - but that's too big of an if to count on.

Asiata ran the ball five times for 14 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Minnesota was in position to pound the ball and run out the clock for much of the second half after taking control of the game early. When those opportunities came with Adrian Peterson finished for the night, it was Jerick McKinnon who both got the bulk of the back-up opportunities, besting Asiata in touches nine to five, and made the most out of them, tallying 97 total yards and two scores. Minnesota has a division crown to play for in Week 17, meaning that Peterson will, again, be relied on to carry the load. When he needs a breather against Green Bay's so-so run defense, expect McKinnon, not Asiata, to be next in line.

Herron rushed for 14 yards on six carries in Sunday's loss to Miami.

Herron received his second highest total of carries of the season on Sunday, but failed to take any of them for more than five yards. Frank Gore has enjoyed a renaissance in Indianapolis and put together his second two-score game of the season on Sunday. The veteran should get the lion's share of carries in Week 17, but there may be plenty of opportunities to go around to the potential benefit of Herron. With the Colts in must-win mode and prepared to go with Option 4 at quarterback, expect them to ride the run against the Titans.

Anderson gained 73 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, but also lost a fumble during Monday night's overtime win over the Broncos.

Anderson also caught one pass for eight yards. The third-year back gave the Broncos a lead during the third quarter with a 39-yard touchdown, which marked his fourth score of this season. In fact, all four of Anderson's scores have come in the three games he's passed the 70-yard barrier on the ground. To finish the regular season, Anderson will hope for a similarly impressive performance against the Chargers.