NFL Player News

Kelley (knee) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports.

Kelley has been limited throughout practice this week, but coach Jay Gruden said he was able to slightly increase his workload Friday. While that seems to bode well for Kelley, barring a setback, his status will ultimately be determined over the weekend. If Kelley's knee sprain impacts his involvement Sunday, the Redskins could turn to Mack Brown more in running situations, with Chris Thompson serving as their primary pass-catching tailback.

McFadden is expected to handle most of the reps at running back Sunday at Philadelphia, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys cannot lose their standing as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, but the health of key players is paramount for the divisional round and potentially beyond. As such, Ezekiel Elliott will be in the backfield on the Cowboys' first offensive possession of Week 17, only to be removed at a point perhaps known just to head coach Jason Garrett. Whenever that occurs, McFadden will take on most of the backfield touches.

Elliott will start Sunday's contest at Philadelphia, but his snap count may be limited, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys have secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, so holding out or minimizing the potential for injury to one of their key players is a prudent one. If (or when) Elliott is removed from the game, Darren McFadden is slated to receive most of the touches out of the backfield.

Kelley (knee) has expressed confidence that he'll be active for Sunday's game versus the Giants, Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official site reports.

Kelley was limited at Wednesday's practice, one in which he "did some of the walkthrough stuff" and took part in individual drills, per head coach Jay Gruden. The running back maintained his activity level Thursday, but Friday's session is setting up to be the ultimate test of his injured knee. Because the Redskins can lock up a playoff berth with a win and the Packers-Lions showdown not culminating in a tie, Kelley's presence will be key in cultivating a balanced offensive game plan. Since locking down the starting RB gig in Week 8, he's totaled 568 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Gordon (hip/knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Back-to-back limited sessions offer hope that Gordon has a chance to return to action this weekend against the Chiefs. Earlier in the week, the running back suggested that his Week 17 status will boil down to a game-time decision in advance of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff.

Wilds (hamstring) did not practice Thursday.

With Matt Forte and Bilal Powell also missing practice Thursday, suddenly Brandon Burks is the Jets' healthiest running back in advance of Friday's practice.

Head coach Jay Gruden said he does not expect Jones to play in Sunday's season finale against the Giants, Liz Clarke of the Washington Post reports.

Jones hasn't played since Week 7 loss to the Lions, fumbling twice in the contest, losing one on the goal line that ultimately played a major role in the 20-17 defeat. Since then, the once promising running back has been ruled inactive for the majority of the contests, making way for rookie Rob Kelley. Gruden said he hopes Jones learned the importance of ball security this season. The Redskins still have an opportunity to make the playoffs, so Jones may still get a chance to take the field before the season ends, though it seems like a long shot at this point.

Martin's 2017 guarantee of $7 million can be voided due to his current PED suspension, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The Bucs inked Martin to a five-year, $35.75 million dollar contract in the offseason that included $15 million in guaranteed money, but the agreement included a clause that the 2017 guarantee could be voided in its entirety in the event of "PED violations, substances of abuse and engaging in conduct detrimental to the team," according to Laine's report. While Martin's future with the team is far from decided at this point, the provision represents an escape hatch that's certainly worth being aware of with respect to the fifth-year pro's future prospects in Tampa. Further complicating matters is the fact that journeyman Jacquizz Rodgers has unexpectedly emerged as a viable alternative in the backfield this season, and could potentially be secured for a reasonable investment following the expiration of his current one-year, $760,000 deal. Rodgers has gained 485 yards at 4.3 yards per tote in 2016, and will have a final chance to demonstrate his wares as the clear-cut lead back against the Panthers in Week 17. Meanwhile, Martin's situation will be one to monitor heading into the offseason, with a successful completion of the treatment program he has entered representing the first step to further clarity, and hopefully, an eventual recovery.

Rawls (shoulder) practiced in a full capacity Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Rawls was knocked from Saturday's loss to the Cardinals due to a shoulder injury, but after an MRI on Monday, his activity level Wednesday implies its lack of severity. As evidence, head coach Pete Carroll told Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR that Rawls' shoulder concern is "very slight," and he should be good to go for Week 17 preparation. On Sunday, Rawls will look to exploit a 49ers defense that is far away the poorest in the NFL against the run, allowing league worsts in yards per game (150.1) and touchdowns (23) to running backs.

Rodgers will be the lead back Sunday against the Panthers due to Doug Martin's suspension and Charles Sims' (pectoral) placement on injured reserve, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin was curiously inactive in Week 16 and ruled out well in advance of the regular season finale, but his absence went unexplained until Wednesday, when it was revealed he would enter treatment after receiving a four-game ban for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. With Martin out of the picture, Rodgers figured to be the primary beneficiary. However, the upcoming DNP of Sims will place most of the touches afforded Bucs running backs in Rodgers' hands, while the remainder will filter down to Peyton Barber and potentially Russell Hansbrough. On the season, Rodgers has displayed acuity as both a runner and pass-catcher, tallying 112 carries for 485 yards and two touchdowns and gathering in 12 of 15 targets for 94 yards.