NFL Player News

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington finished Week 15 with 158 total yards, including seven gains of 10 or more yards. But he had two touchdowns snaked from him by Rashard Mendenhall, leaving his point total at 15 in standard leagues. 

Since Week 10 -- and excluding his Week 13 inactive -- Ellington has seen between 11 and 14 touches in every game. He has gained 60 or more yards in all but one of the five games in that span. In his last two, Ellington has scored an average of 13 Fantasy points in standard leagues, with double digits in both. 

While the Seahawks have been tough on opposing running backs lately (five straight games allowing 15 or fewer total Fantasy points to a team's running backs), Ellington should be able to do some damage in the pass-catching game. The Seahawks have allowed opposing running backs to accrue 50 receiving yards in three of the last six games. The haven't allowed a touchdown since Week 7, but have given up 38.1 receiving yards per game to running backs since then.

Ellington is still a backup, but is a decent option in a very deep (16-18 team) league. Think Montee Ball-ish. His owners know what they can expect from him, as he's been given consistent touches over a string of games. The Seahawks are a tough defense, but Ellington's ability to pass-catch gives him a minor boost in Week 16. 

The Giants signed running back Kendall Gaskins to their practice squad, reports the New York Daily News. He replaces wideout Julian Talley, who was elevated to the active roster.

The Colts announced Tuesday the signing of running back Shaun Draughn. The former Chiefs and Ravens running back has appeared in 20 NFL games, rushing for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.

Draughn could be on the active roster Sunday, if Donald Brown is out due to a stinger. Though, if Brown is sidelined, then Trent Richardson would start in his absence. Tashard Choice is also on the Colts' roster.

Colts running back Trent Richardson has been one of the biggest Fantasy busts of the season, but as many Fantasy owners prepare for championship games this weekend, the second-year back is in play again as a potential starting option.

It largely has to due with Indianapolis running back Donald Brown being iffy to play because of a stinger suffered last week. Richardson played well in Brown's absence Week 15, finishing with 15 Fantasy points. Though, Richardson averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last week and his poor track record still might prevent Fantasy owners from putting him in active lineups Week 16.

The Colts travel to Kansas City Sunday. Despite the Chiefs being one of the better teams in the NFL this season, they have had their issues against the run, particularly as of late. In the last six games, running backs are averaging 117.2 rushing yards and 24 Fantasy points per week against Kansas City. Running backs have totaled eight touchdowns (six rushing) in that span.

If Brown sits out Sunday, Fantasy owners might have to give strong consideration to starting Richardson given the favorable matchup. It's probably safer to view him as a No. 3 Fantasy running back, but Richardson could certainly be a sleeper option Week 16, especially as a flex start.

Several Ravens contributed to the Week 15 win at Detroit. Tight end Dennis Pitta caught two of four targets for 24 yards, tight end Ed Dickson caught all three of his targets for 10 yards, and running back Bernard Pierce carried seven times for 21 yards. 

They'll play the Patriots in Week 16.

The Vikings announced Monday they waived running back Joe Banyard. To take his spot on the roster, the Vikings signed tackle Mike Remmers.

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, it appears Raiders running back Darren McFadden is on track to return Week 16 at San Diego. Coach Dennis Allen said Monday he expects McFadden back at practice Wednesday.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano didn't give a detailed update Monday on the status of running back Donald Brown other than to say he is day to day after suffering a stinger Sunday against the Texans.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians expects running back Andre Ellington to be fine after suffering a thigh bruise during Sunday's game at Tennessee. Arizona plays at Seattle Week 16.

The Redskins got minimal contributions from running back Roy Helu, wide receiver Josh Morgan and wide receiver Nick Williams Week 15 at Atlanta.

Helu, the most notable of the three, played a decent number of snaps in relief of Alfred Morris, but he finished with just three carries for 5 yards and one catch for 4. Morgan had three catches for 29 yards, and Williams had one catch for 4.

The Redskins host the Cowboys in Week 16.