NFL Player News

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notes that in the wake of Mark Ingram's season-ending injury, Hightower appears to be on track to step in for Ingram as the Saints' lead back, with C.J. Spiller's workload "likely to be unchanged."

After seeing just one carry in Week 13, Hightower thus appears to be on track to see a significant uptick in work Sunday against the Bucs, and beyond, a scenario that places the 29-year-old back on the fantasy radar down the stretch.

Hillman (foot) is expected to start Sunday against the Raiders, while C.J. Anderson (ankle) will be very limited, if he plays at all, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Friday that he expected Hillman to start despite being listed as questionable, so it's certainly a plus that he didn't suffer any setbacks before Sunday. Anderson was unable to practice this week due to his injury, which could lead to a heavy workload for Hillman if the former is unable to play. Neither back played well against the Raiders when they played in Week 5, though the running game has been much better with Brock Osweiler under center.

Anderson (ankle) is likely to be very limited if he plays Sunday against the Raiders, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Anderson was unable to practice this week due to the injury, and with Ronnie Hillman fully expected to get the start despite a foot injury, Anderson's fantasy upside appears to be very limited.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is unsure if Ellington (toe) will be ready to return for a Week 15 matchup with the Eagles, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Given the way turf toe can linger, there's no assurance that Ellington will even play again this season. On the other hand, the issue often becomes manageable after a week or two, with pain tolerance becoming the primary issue. If/when he returns, Ellington will likely work behind David Johnson.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said that Thompson's teammate Ronnie Hillman (foot) will start Sunday's game against the Raiders, The Denver Post reports.

Hillman and C.J. Anderson (ankle) are both listed as questionable, but the former is expected to get the start, whereas the latter looks shaky to even suit up. If Anderson can't play, Thompson will be the No. 2 running back, with his role potentially including short-yardage and goal-line carries. Head coach Gary Kubiak suggested earlier in the week that Thompson might start, but it now appears only a late setback would prevent Hillman from playing.

Coach Gary Kubiak relayed Friday that Hillman (foot) "looks fine" and will start at running back for the Broncos in Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Per the Denver Post, Hillman is slated to draw a questionable injury designation this week, but with Kubiak noting that Hillman will start, the focus turns to whether or not fellow RB C.J. Anderson (ankle, questionable) will be available to the Broncos this weekend, after not practicing this week. If he is unable to go Sunday, Juwan Thompson would be in line to see added snaps in tandem with Hillman.

Anderson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, the Denver Post reports.

Anderson missed all of the Broncos' practices this week, and is still "really sore," per coach Gary Kubiak. That said, Kubiak still believes that Anderson has "a chance" to play Sunday. In any case, though fellow RB Ronnie Hillman is also listed as questionable by the Broncos, Kubiak relayed Friday that Hillman is in line to start Sunday's contest. Meanwhile, Juwan Thompson will also be in the mix to see a portion of snaps in the team's Week 14 backfield.

Draughn will get another start in Sunday's game against the Browns, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

With Carlos Hyde (foot) missing at least one more week, Draughn is primed for another heavy workload, after recording at least 18 touches and 75 scrimmage yards in each of the last four games. His steady volume, especially in the passing game, has largely made up for his lack of explosiveness as a runner.

Mathews (concussion/groin) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bills, CSN Philadelphia's Geoff Mosher reports.

After logging full practices Thursday and Friday, Mathews is ready to return from a three-game absence. DeMarco Murray, Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner are also in the mix for carries, but with Murray's role shrinking last week, there is some chance that Mathews will lead the way. It's also possible Murray will return to his normal workload, in which case Mathews might be limited to his usual 5-12 carries.

Williams gained two yards on six carries in Thursday's 23-20 win over the Vikings

Williams got a few extra carries when David Johnson briefly left the game with an apparent knee/leg injury, and it quickly became clear why the Cardinals have leaned so heavily on their rookie the past two weeks. Williams missed a couple of obvious holes, then later lost eight yards on a carry when the Cardinals were in position for a go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter. Williams is unlikely to get more than a handful of touches against the Eagles in Week 15, and he may even be released if Andre Ellington (toe) is ready to return.