NFL Player News

Gaskins is a strong candidate for any potential goal-line work in Sunday's game against the Falcons, according to Joe Fann of the 49ers' official website.

Though it's still unclear how the workload will be divided between Gaskins, Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn, it does make sense that the 240-pound Gaskins would be the first option for short-yardage and goal-line carries. Of course, with the San Francisco offense plagued by both injuries and ineffectiveness, it won't be too surprising if the team doesn't actually provide Gaskins with any opportunities at the goal line.

Hillman (thigh) was limited at practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's 4:25 ET game against the Colts.

That said, the Denver Post relays that coach Gary Kubiak expects the running back to play and start for the Broncos on Sunday. "He's going to be fine. He looked a lot better today than he did yesterday," Kubiak said Friday of Hillman, who absorbed a hard hit during Week 8's contest that limited him in the second half. Though he's now listed as the team's No. 1 running back -- assuming Hillman suits up this weekend -- per Kubiak, he is expected share work in the Broncos' Week 9 backfield with C.J. Anderson.

Williams (thumb) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills.

After being limited earlier in the week, Williams did not practice Friday, so his status for Sunday's game is cloudy, though with Lamar Miller and Jonas Gray both available, and Jay Ajayi a candidate to be activated by the team, Williams' Week 9 status is of more import to the Dolphins' depth at RB than it is to fantasy owners.

Anderson (ankle) will be the backup Sunday against the Colts, with Ronnie Hillman getting another start, the Denver Post reports.

Hillman started last weekend's game and scored two touchdowns, though Anderson rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown himself. The two are likely to split touches in the coming weeks, which limits both of their fantasy upsides.

Mathews (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys.

The Eagles' final Week 9 injury report lists Mathews as a full practice participant Friday, but given the official questionable tag, the running back's status will need to be monitored as Sunday's 8:30 ET kickoff approaches. In seven games for the Eagles this season, Mathews has averaged a healthy 6.1 yards per rush, but the only contest in which he logged double-digit carries occurred in Week 3, when starter DeMarco Murray was unavailable.

Draughn -- who signed with the 49ers on Monday -- indicated that he's preparing as though he'll start Sunday's game against the Falcons, with Carlos Hyde iffy for the contest, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Meanwhile, the report notes that Pierre Thomas -- who joined the team Tuesday -- is also trying to get up to speed with the 49ers' offense. In the event that Hyde is ruled out this week, it's plausible that Draughn's self-described "one cut, get down hill" running style will earn him a share of early down work Sunday, while Thomas sees a fair chunk of work in passing situations.

Though he was limited some by a thigh bruise in Thursday's practice, Hillman is slated to earn his second straight start at running back Sunday against the Colts, the Denver Post reports.

While the assignment is an acknowledgment of Hillman's solid work this season, coach Gary Kubiak suggested Thursday that he sees both Hillman and C.J. Anderson as starters and expects the duo to split the team's RB snaps "right down the middle."

Mathews (groin) didn't practice Thursday, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Coming out of the Eagles' Week 8 bye, Mathews was a week and a half removed from the groin injury suffered on Oct. 25 against the Panthers. He proceeded to practice both Tuesday and Wednesday, albeit on a limited basis, making Thursday's absence a curious development. Ultimately, head coach Chip Kelly will have a better handle on Mathews' availability Sunday at Dallas following the final practice of the week.

Brown, who has only been active for two of eight games this season, is ready to step into Branden Oliver's backup role, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Brown's name had been mentioned as a possible trade target before Oliver's season-ending injury, but he is now in the mix for playing time for the Bolts. San Diego features Melvin Gordon on early downs and Danny Woodhead in passing situations, but Brown will serve as the primary backup to both guys, and he is now just one more injury away from seeing significant playing time. Brown is familiar with the Chargers system and is an adept blocker, so the team will not hesitate to use them whenever necessary.

Williams (thumb) did not practice Wednesday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Working behind starter Lamar Miller, with Jonas Gray also on hand, Williams is off the fantasy radar, especially with rookie Jay Ajayi poised to enter the Dolphins' backfield mix.