NFL Player News

Michael (back) was downgraded to questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game in Atlanta.

After avoiding the injury report all week, Michael has suddenly acquired a back concern, thereby placing his odds to play Sunday up in the air. If he's able to suit up, he could again play third fiddle to Ty Montgomery and Aaron Ripkowski in the rushing attack. However, injuries at wideout could force Montgomery to line up along the line of scrimmage, which would bode well for Michael's touch count, assuming he's active.

Kelley underwent knee surgery after the season ended, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Although it isn't clear when Kelley went under the knife, it's certain that the procedure was a fix for the sprained knee he sustained in Week 16 against the Bears. He's already back on his feet and walking around, so the surgery shouldn't have any lingering effects that extend into the 2017 campaign.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Steelers.

Though Bolden is a core special-teamer for the Patriots, his fantasy value is minimal given that he is behind fellow RBs LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White in the team's backfield pecking order.

Toussaint (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Patriots.

Though listed as a full practice participant all week, Toussaint nonetheless draws a questionable designation in advance of Sunday's contest. In any case, Toussaint's availability is of minor fantasy import with veteran DeAngelo Williams also in the backfield mix behind top option Le'Veon Bell.

Bolden (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Bolden is a core special-teamer for the Patriots, but he's decidedly behind fellow RBs LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White in the team's offense.

Toussaint (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday.

With undisputed starter Le'Veon Bell clearly the top option in the Pittsburgh backfield, Toussaint's availability for Sunday's AFC Championship game is of minor fantasy import, with veteran DeAngelo Williams also in the team's RB mix.

Bolden finished the 2016 regular season with one carry for four yards and two catches for 15 yards in 14 games for the Patriots.

While his role in the team's offense all but vanished this past season, Bolden -- who turns 27 on Jan. 26 -- remained a core special-teamer for the Patriots in 2016. Bolden is eligible to become a free agent this offseason, but he'll be a candidate to re-sign with New England thanks to his versatility and experience in the team's system.

Michael recorded neither a carry nor a reception in Sunday's playoff victory over the Cowboys.

Michael led the Packers in rushing in their wild-card win over the Giants, but he was limited to kickoff return duties Sunday, during which he made a questionable second-quarter return that left the Packers with a long field and led to a Cowboys field goal. It remains to be seen what role Michael will fill in the NFC championship game, but he will be behind Ty Montgomery, and possibly Aaron Ripkowski, on the depth chart.

Elliott ran 22 times for 125 yards and caught his only target for a two-yard loss in Sunday's 34-31 loss to the Packers.

Getting his first taste of postseason action, Elliott gashed the Packers defense for 5.7 yards per carry while recording a modest long gain of 22 yards. The opposition stiffened at times, but the Cowboys remained interested in running the ball and Elliott had a very impactful game, although his team came up just short in the end. After leading the NFL in rushing, scoring 15 touchdowns and earning a Pro-Bowl appearance in his rookie campaign, the young running back's arrow is pointing straight up heading into 2017.

Toussaint (concussion) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Chiefs.

With Toussaint unavailable, veteran RB DeAngelo Williams is on hand to back up undisputed starter Le'Veon Bell on Sunday.