NFL Player News

Kelley had five carries for seven yards and caught his lone target for 14 yards during Sunday's 41-29 loss to Houston.

Kelley played 27 percent of the offensive snaps and did little with his opportunities in the absence of Austin Ekeler (COVID-19 protocols), while Justin Jackson totaled 162 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Ekeler is back and should reclaim the every-down role for the final two weeks of the season, but it's clear Kelley is entrenched as the No. 3 tailback with Jackson serving as the top backup option.

Evans was on the field for only three offensive snaps in the Bengals' romp over the Ravens in Week 16.

Joe Mixon's ankle held up just fine, so Evans wasn't really pressed into duty. Unless this week's game against the Chiefs gets out of hand one way or another, it'll take a Mixon injury to get Evans involved in the mix.

Perine saw just 11 snaps in Sunday's win over the Ravens, netting zero carries and two catches for six yards.

The Bengals essentially eschewed the running game in this one, not surprising given how successful Joe Burrow was throwing the ball against the Ravens' skeleton crew secondary. Moreover, Joe Mixon's ankle proved to be just fine, so there was little need for Perine to spell him.

Barner reverted to the Buccaneers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction report.

Barner played eight special teams snaps and returned five punts for 44 yards. With Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and Giovani Bernard (hip) both on injured reserve, the 32-year-old running back will likely get another elevation in Week 17.

Williams could be in line for a larger workload Sunday at Cincinnati if Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is sidelined, ESPN.com reports.

Edwards-Helaire departed this past Sunday's win against the Steelers early in the second half and eventually was diagnosed with a bruised shoulder that has him considered week-to-week. With Kansas City milking the clock down the stretch, Williams finished with 85 yards from scrimmage on 11 carries and three catches, while Derrick Gore went for 104 yards on 12 rushes and three receptions. When Edwards-Helaire sat out Weeks 6-10, Williams was the clear beneficiary out of Kansas City's backfield, averaging 18.6 touches for 94 yards per game while scoring three TDs, but with their top RB potentially down this time, the team may operate more of a timeshare between Williams and Gore to ensure the health of both with the postseason now in sight.

Coach Mike Zimmer said Monday that he hopes Cook (illness) clears league protocols and is activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game at Green Bay, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Cook tested positive for the virus last Thursday, and as an unvaccinated player he immediately entered into a 10-day quarantine. He missed a Week 16 loss to the Rams as a result, but if he follows the precedent set by backfield mate Alexander Mattison, who spent Dec. 13-22 on the COVID-19 list as an unvaccinated player, Cook should return to the active roster Saturday. Assuming he does so, Cook would face a Packers defense Sunday that allowed him to go for 115 yards from scrimmage and one TD on 25 touches back in Week 11.

Murray had five carries for 12 yards and caught one pass for 12 yards Sunday against the Bengals.

Murray's snap count dipped below 20 for the third time in four games, and his effectiveness dropped back down as well, as he averaged 2.4 yards per carry. Murray has seen five-or-fewer carries in three of his last four games and has broken the 20-yard mark just once in that stretch. The Ravens host the Rams in Week 17.

Kamara rushed 13 times for 52 yards while catching two of four targets for seven yards during Monday's 20-3 loss to the Dolphins.

Despite the seemingly favorable matchup with Miami, Kamara was not set up to succeed considering he was working with a fourth-string rookie quarterback behind a patchwork offensive line. However, it was still confusing that the Saints didn't feed him the ball more often given the massive struggles Ian Book had throwing the ball. In any case, the entire offense should find easier sledding in Week 17 against Carolina if either or Taysom Hill (COVID-19) or Trevor Siemian (COVID-19) is able to gain medical clearance in time.

Gaskin rushed three times for 10 yards and caught one of three targets for six yards in Monday night's 20-3 win over the Saints.

Gaskin saw his workload decrease for a second straight week, as last game's breakout saw Duke Johnson earn a large role alongside Phillip Lindsay, who returned from injury to play for the first time since Week 12. Although Johnson and Lindsay tied for Miami's team lead with 13 carries apiece, neither tailback topped 40 yards. As a result, it'll be interesting to see how the Dolphins divide their backfield snaps in Week 17 versus the Titans, but considering his dip in usage the past couple games, Gaskin may have to earn back his starter's share while being subjected to a committee approach.

Abdullah rushed twice for one yard and caught three of six targets for eight yards in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers.

Abdullah played a third of Carolina's offensive snaps but couldn't get anything going against a stringy Tampa Bay defense. In fact, the tailback's biggest impact came on special teams, where he returned three kickoffs for 76 yards. Although another tough matchup awaits Week 17 versus the Saints, the flow of that contest could present a few opportunities for Abdullah to make an impact as a pass catcher.