NFL Player News

Toussaint is expected to handle more snaps than usual in Sunday's game against the Browns with the Steelers preparing to rest Le'Veon Bell for the contest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Bell could still dress for the Week 17 game given that the team only has three healthy tailbacks on the roster, but the Steelers' reluctance to expose him to injury heading into the postseason will likely leave either Stevan Ridley or Toussaint on hand to absorb all of the touches out of the backfield. After earning nine carries to Toussaint's zero in the 34-6 win over the Texans in Week 16, Ridley looks positioned to see the larger portion of the workload, but Toussaint should see an enhanced opportunity nonetheless. Expect most of the snaps Toussaint receives to come on clear passing downs or when Ridley needs a breather.

Mixon plans to test out his injured ankle during pregame warmups, but the Bengals aren't expected to make him active for Sunday's game against the Ravens, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Mixon was never able to put in anything more than a limited practice this week after tweaking his left ankle in last week's victory over the Lions. Since the rookie isn't 100 percent healthy and the non-playoff-bound Bengals have little on the line in in Week 17, the team seems inclined to shut Mixon down and let him get an early start on the offseason. Mixon's likely absence would clear the way for Giovani Bernard, who surpassed 100 rushing yards for the first time this season against Detroit, to act as the Bengals' unquestioned lead back.

Gordon (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Raiders, a league source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Gordon is listed as questionable on the Chargers' official injury report. The running back didn't appear to be too hampered while running routes during Friday's practice, so Schefter's report further bolsters Gordon's outlook for Week 17. In any case, fantasy owners will need to check back on his availability when the Chargers release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. EST kickoff.

Patterson (hip) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing fully Friday.

With fellow wideout Amari Cooper (ankle) back in the mix, Patterson's path to targets is muddled heading into Week 17, making him a fantasy dart in the Raiders' season finale.

Williams (ankle) would be healthy enough to play if the 49ers hadn't already made the decision to hold him out for the season, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The 2017 fourth-round pick was at one point viewed as a candidate to push Carlos Hyde for the starting job, but a real competition never materialized, and undrafted rookie Matt Breida appeared to lock down the No. 2 spot on the depth chart in August. Williams then injured his ankle in the preseason finale, with the Niners subsequently opting to place him on injured reserve. He should be in the mix for a role next season, though Hyde hinted at a desire to return to San Francisco with his recent statement about the team contending for a Super Bowl next season, per Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News. Optimism aside, Hyde will hit the open market if he doesn't agree to a new contract with the 49ers before the free-agency period opens in March. Williams should be a full participant when the offseason program begins in April.

Dayes is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers with a knee injury, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Dayes started the week not practicing but was able to string together a pair of limited sessions Thursday and Friday. The 22-year-old has had a limited offensive role this season behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, which seems unlikely to change in Sunday's season finale.

Hunt (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos after practicing fully all week.

Charcandrick West (illness) is also listed as questionable, but we'd expect both backs to suit up Sunday. With the Chiefs locked into the AFC's No. 4 playoff seed, starting running back Kareem Hunt is a candidate to be rested in Week 17, per ESPN's Adam Teicher. As a result, Akeem Hunt and West appear on track to see expanded roles this weekend.

Williams (quadriceps/ribs) remained limited at Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Williams played through the same pair of injuries in Sunday's 23-0 win over the Giants, after managing just one limited practice during the week. Given that he was a limited participant at every session this week, he appears to be on the right side of questionable as the Cardinals prepare to close out a disappointing season with a tough matchup. Williams landed between 16 and 20 carries with 51 to 97 rushing yards each of the past four weeks, but he still doesn't offer a ton of upside with D.J. Foster handling obvious passing downs and Elijhaa Penny (hand/groin) a threat to poach goal-line carries.

Gillislee (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The same applies to Rex Burkhead (knee), so look for Dion Lewis to lead the Patriots' Week 17 backfield, with James White (ankle) likely to return to action Sunday in his usual change-of-pace role. Meanwhile, versatile special-teams ace Brandon Bolden will be on hand in a reserve role.

Gordon (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

We'd expect Gordon to give it a go Sunday, with the Chargers still in the playoff hunt, but that may not be confirmed until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff, upon the release of the team's Week 17 inactives. Per ESPN's Eric D. Williams, Gordon appeared to be moving okay Friday while running routes at practice, which supports the notion that the running back should be able to tough things out in Week 17.