NFL Player News

Snell rushed 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown while catching three of four targets for 23 yards in Monday's 27-17 loss to Cincinnati.

Snell worked as the lead back for the struggling Steelers rushing attack with James Conner (quadriceps) inactive, and he got a consistent workload even as Pittsburgh surprisingly fell behind 17-0 in the first half. The 2019 fourth-round pick contributed to his team's second-half comeback bid with a 29-yard burst -- one yard short of his career-long run -- to set up a field goal in the third quarter and a one-yard touchdown plunge in the fourth. Conner was reportedly close to suiting up in this one and will likely return in Week 16 against the Colts, bumping Snell back down to a bench role.

Akers suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Jets and will be sidelined for the Rams' Week 16 matchup against the Seahawks as a result, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Akers followed up his career game Week 14 against the Patriots by leading the Rams in rushing again Sunday, but he also came out of the contest with an ankle injury. He's expected to be sidelined at least one game, but he could potentially miss more. Should Los Angeles ultimately secure a playoff spot this week, the decision for Week 17 would presumably become easier. Some combination of Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson figure to replace him in the backfield in Seattle.

Snell is slated to lead the Steelers backfield Monday at Cincinnati in place of the inactive James Conner (quadriceps), Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

When Snell filled in for Conner back in Weeks 12 and 13, he combined for 65 rushing yards on 24 carries and five catches (on seven targets) for 38 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Jaylen Samuels played in one of those games, turning three touches into 12 yards, with Anthony McFarland notching seven touches for 41 yards in two appearances. Considering the disparity in reps between that duo and Snell, the latter should handle the vast majority of work among Pittsburgh's running backs.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that Elliott (calf) "has a chance" to suit up Sunday against the Eagles, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.

Elliott focused entirely on resistance work and didn't practice last week, eventually being included among the Cowboys' inactives Week 15 against the 49ers. While the move was somewhat surprising after both national and local media reported he was in line to play, it allowed Tony Pollard to handle 52 of 58 offensive snaps en route to 18 touches for 132 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs. McCarthy also noted he expects Elliott to be "further along" with his bruised calf after getting the week off, so the running back's status on Wednesday's injury report will be of interest.

Coach Matt Rhule hopes that McCaffrey (thigh) can practice Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Per David Newton of ESPN.com, if McCaffrey is able to return to practice Wednesday, he'll continue to be evaluated through the week before a call on his status for Sunday's game against Washington is made. If McCaffrey remains sidelined Week 16, Mike Davis would continue to head Carolina's backfield this weekend, with Rodney Smith and Trenton Cannon in the mix to see complementary work.

Scott caught his lone target for a seven-yard gain in Sunday's 33-26 loss to Arizona.

Scott played 15 snaps in the game and has not seen more than 16 in any of his past three outings. The Louisiana Tech product did not register a carry for the first time all season and has not seen more than four touches in a contest since Week 12.

McKinnon did not receive a carry but caught both of his targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Co-starters Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Jeff Wilson (ankle) both suffered injuries late in the game, so Tevin Coleman (three carries for 11 yards) and McKinnon were called into action. The former handled early down work and the latter was used in passing situations, a scenario that is likely to repeat itself if the aforementioned backs are unable to heal on a short week leading up to Saturday's tilt against Arizona. Neither veteran backup is particularly appealing from a fantasy perspective based on what we've seen from Coleman and McKinnon in limited action this year.

McFarland should see some playing time in Monday's game against the Bengals because James Conner (quad) has been ruled out.

McFarland was a healthy scratch last week against the Bills, when Conner, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels were all healthy. Conner also missed Weeks 12-13, and in that stretch, McFarland logged 25 snaps, seven carries and a reception, totaling 29 yards from scrimmage. Snell is slated to lead the Steelers' backfield once again; McFarland will compete with Samuels for the leftover reps.

The Steelers have downgraded Conner (quadriceps) to out for Monday's game in Cincinnati.

Conner's quad injury will force him to miss his third game in four weeks. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Benny Snell is the favorite to draw the start in Conner's stead, though Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland also will be candidates to handle increased roles.

Snell is expected to start Monday's game in Cincinnati, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Steelers have ruled James Conner (quadriceps) out for Monday night's road contest, a move which leaves Snell as the No. 1 option atop the depth chart. Snell stands to handle the bulk of Pittsburgh's carries, while Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland could see increased opportunities through the air.