NFL Player News

Brown is on track to see an expanded workload down the stretch, with Melvin Gordon headed to IR.

Brown gained 90 yards on 12 carries and caught two passes for 14 yards in Sunday's 30-14 win over the Dolphins, but with Gordon (who had 15 carries before being injured in the contest) now out, Brown looks poised to see his share of early-down work down the stretch in tandem with change-of-pace/pass-catching back, Danny Woodhead.

The Chargers plan to place Gordon (knee) on IR.

Once the move is officially made, the Chargers figure to add another running back to the mix, but Gordon's rookie season is now done, which sets the stage for Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead to head the team's backfield in Week 16 and 17.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Gillislee's teammate, LeSean McCoy, tore his MCL on Sunday and is considered week-to-week for the final two weeks of the regular season.

At the very least, McCoy's status is very much in doubt for this week's game against the Cowboys. Earlier in the season, surprising rookie Karlos Williams would have been the no-brainer replacement, but the Bills are easing Williams back from a shoulder injury and Gillislee has been worked into the offense just as much. It's possible the two could split carries this week if McCoy does get ruled out.

Draughn is slated to undergo an MRI on his knee Monday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Draughn's status for Sunday's game against the Lions is thus uncertain, and while Mike Davis (hand) is eligible to return from short-term IR, that's not a lock to happen, which further clouds the 49ers' Week 16 backfield situation.

ESPN's Mike Reiss suggests that the Patriots' signing of Steven Jackson will will allow the team to play Bolden "more on special teams, where he is most valuable."

Bolden rushed 10 times for 36 yards and caught two passes for 18 yards during Sunday's win over the Titans, while newcomer Joey Iosefa led the team with 14 carries for 51 yards. Meanwhile, the addition of Jackson -- an experienced power back -- to the mix, appears to further hinder Bolden's fantasy upside down the stretch, though he retains plenty of utility to the Patriots, thanks to his versatility.

Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune relayed Monday that "there is hope" that Gordon -- who suffered a knee injury Sunday against the Dolphins -- avoided ligament damage.

Gordon has an MRI on tap, but with the Chargers 4-10 it's not hard to imagine the team shutting him down if the news on his knee is less than stellar. In such a scenario, Donald Brown would be in line for expanded work down the stretch in tandem with Danny Woodhead.

Jones left Sunday's game in the second half due to a hip contunsion, the Washington Post reports.

Jones rushed 10 times for 28 yards. Check back later in the week for more info on the severity. Alfred Morris would be in line for more touches if Jones misses any time.

Mathews had 11 carries for 58 yards and one catch (on two targets) for three yards in Sunday's 40-17 loss to the Cardinals.

Mathews did have a couple of nice carries along the way, but his night was ultimately defined by a soft fumble and failed fourth-down conversion. He mostly split work with Darren Sproles, as DeMarco Murray got just two carries (for three yards) and wasn't targeted. Sproles also had a rough night, gaining just nine yards on six carries and 16 yards on three receptions (four targets). There's some chance Murray could be more involved in Week 16 against the Redskins, but it's increasingly evident that the Eagles are better off leaning on the Mathews-Sproles combination. Even if he won't admit it, head coach Chip Kelly seems to have arrived at the same conclusion, making Mathews the clear favorite to lead the Eagles in Week 16 carries.

Artis-Pane carried 14 times for 59 yards and caught both of his targets for another 34 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants.

The rookie played well in his first extended look of the season as a fill-in for the injured Jonathan Stewart, averaging nearly six yards per touch as the primary back. Stewart should be considered questionable for Week 16 with a foot injury, although the Panthers are unlikely to insert him back into a game until the issue is completely resolved. Another start for Artis-Pane and a matchup against a vulnerable Falcons run defense would make him an intriguing play, should Stewart sit again.

Draughn (knee) did not return to Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Initially deemed questionable to return, Draughn was later ruled out for good, finishing his day with nine carries for 38 yards and one catch for four yards on two targets. He'd been playing nearly all of the offensive snaps, and the 49ers chose to replace him with a a mixture of Travis Cadet and Kendall Gaskins. If Draughn can't play in Week 16 against the Lions, former rugby player Jarryd Hayne could get a promotion from the practice squad, though he'd still be unlikely to get more than a handful of touches. There's also some chance Mike Davis (hand) will return from short-term injured reserve for Week 16 or 17.