NFL Player News

Abdullah had 13 carries for 67 yards in Thursday's 27-23 loss to the Packers.

Abdullah got the start and picked up 12 yards on Detroit's first offensive snap, but Joique Bell and Theo Riddick predictably also had roles. Bell had eight carries for five yards and two catches for 25 yards, with Riddick adding one carry for four yards and five receptions for 27 yards. Riddick actually led the way with 36 snaps, compared to 22 for Abdullah and 15 for Bell, according to Pro Football Focus. While Abdullah has 12+ carries in three consecutive games, there haven't been any signs that the Lions are truly willing to turn their backfield over to the rookie. With Bell still mixing in on early downs and Riddick dominating passing downs, Abdullah doesn't offer much of a weekly ceiling. However, he could perhaps get more work now that the playoff dream is gone, but a Week 14 road matchup with the Rams won't be easy.

Mathews remains in the concussion protocol as of Thursday, the Eagles' official site reports.

Mathews' inability to practice is particularly concerning, as it indicates that he hasn't completed the initial battery of tests in the concussion protocol. If he fails to make an appearance at drills Friday, the Eagles would rely upon DeMarco Murray, Kenjon Barner and Darren Sproles out of the backfield Sunday at New England.

Head coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Ellington (toe) to play Sunday at St. Louis, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

On the other hand, the Cardinals will take a wait-and-see approach with Ellington, who is visiting a specialist in Los Angeles in the near future, according to Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix. If a bout with turf toe indeed sidelines Ellington in Week 13, David Johnson will take the reins of the backfield with Chris Johnson also out of commission due to a fractured tibia.

Mathews (concussion/groin) didn't participate in practice Wednesday.

While Mathews hasn't received clearance from the concussion protocol to take part in drills, he's now also hamstrung by a hamstring injury. It's unclear if he'll need to practice in order to play Sunday at New England, but he'll have two more opportunities to do so before the end of the week.

Anderson will be the backup Sunday against the Chargers, with coach Gary Kubiak announcing Wednesday that Ronnie Hillman would remain the starter.

Anderson vastly outplayed Hillman last Sunday against the Patriots, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns, including the overtime game-winning 48-yard score, while Hillman rushed for only 59 yards and one touchdown, but it still wasn't enough for the former to grab the starting job. Both players are expected to get touches, however, which somewhat limits their respective upsides against a Chargers defense that is allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game this season, while giving up the third-most rushing touchdowns.

Hillman will start Sunday against the Chargers, head coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday.

Hillman started the past few games, though C.J. Anderson outplayed him last Sunday against the Patriots, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns versus Hillman's 59 yards and one score. While Hillman will get the start against the Chargers, who are allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game and have given up the third-most rushing touchdowns this season, Anderson is still likely to get plenty of touches, which obviously limits the upside of both players.

Carey was cleared from the concussion protocol Wednesday, after which he logged a full practice, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Carey is merely the third running back in Chicago behind Matt Forte and Jeremy Langford, but during the former's absence with a knee injury, the second-year pro showed his value with 30 carries for 116 yards, which was good for 3.9 YPC. Upon his return, Carey will return to a reserve role, with some special teams duties.

Hunt had three carries for 27 yards in Houston's 24-6 win over New Orleans in Week 12.

Hunt has been used in each of the two games since being signed off the practice squad, but Houston's backfield is mighty crowded right now, so Hunt's upside is limited. He's played a total of seven offensive snaps in the two games, but has touched the ball six times (five carries, one reception).

McKinnon rushed for 33 yards on five carries in Sunday's win over the Falcons.

Sunday represented McKinnon's highest touch and yardage total since Week 7 and snapped a three-game stretch during which McKinnon didn't record a carry. Adrian Peterson tied a season high with 31 touches on Sunday, so it's quite possible that Sunday's carries had more to do with giving Peterson a breather than any sort of change in offensive philosophy. Unless offensive coordinator bumps his head and starts giving McKinnon goal-line carries over Peterson, McKinnon should be left in the free-agent pool.

Grimes rushed for 25 yards on seven carries and added an eight-yard reception in Sunday's win over New Orleans.

After managing just two catches and no carries during a three-game stretch, Grimes has collected 24 touches over the past three weeks, four more than No. 2 back Chris Polk. The Texans rank ninth in the league in rushing attempts, so there are plenty of opportunities to go around in Houston, but Grimes should not be considered a fantasy factor until he starts scoring touchdowns, something he has yet to do this season.