NFL Player News

The Jaguars claimed Richardson of waivers Monday.

Released by the Steelers in advance of Sunday's game against the Ravens, Richardson was subject to the NFL's claiming process. With the Jaguars, he could make an impact in a backfield dealing with multiple injuries, including T.J. Yeldon, who was placed on IR on Monday due to an ankle injury.

Rawls will have an MRI on his shoulder Monday, Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Head coach Pete Carroll told John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site that Rawls "thought he was OK" during a conversation earlier Monday. Once the examination is complete, the team will have a better indication of Rawls' upcoming availability, but interested parties may have to wait until practice is held Wednesday to learn the state of his health.

With Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) day-to-dayand Kenneth Farrow (shoulder) on IR, Hillman could be in for an expanded role in Sunday's season finale against the Chiefs.

Hillman carried nine times for just six yards and did not catch a pass in Saturday's loss to the Browns, but if Gordon can't play Sunday, Hillman would be placed in a position where he could bounce back in some fashion in Week 17, simply based on necessity.

Head coach Mike McCoy considers Gordon (hip/knee) "day-to-day," Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Unable to practice since Dec. 9 as a result of a hip strain and knee sprain stemming from the Chargers' Week 14 loss at Carolina, Gordon will likely need to make his presence felt in that realm before game action is considered. His replacement in the interim, Kenneth Farrow, landed on injured reserve Monday due to a shoulder injury, which could help expedite Gordon's return to the field. However, if Gordon is unable to make the requisite progress this week, the Chargers will likely hold him out with nothing but draft position to play for. Such a scenario would place Ronnie Hillman in the driver's seat to touches out of the backfield in Sunday's regular season finale versus the Chiefs.

Rawls' (shoulder) status is up in the air for Sunday's game at San Francisco, the Seattle Times reports.

After gaining no yards during a rush near the goal line at the 2:27 mark of Saturday's eventual loss to the Cardinals, Rawls didn't record another touch, finishing with eight carries for a measly eight yards. His practice participation this week will shed light on his potential to play in the regular season finale, which could yield a first-round bye if a Seahawks win coincides with losses to both the Falcons and Lions. If he's unable to go, though, rookie Alex Collins would serve as the Seahawks' top running back option Sunday.

Coach Jay Gruden relayed Monday that Kelley is day-to-day with a knee injury.

Per the report, Kelley "checked out OK" after undergoing an MRI, but we suspect that, at a minimum, the running back's practice participation in advance of Sunday's regular season finale against the Giants will be impacted by his knee issue.

West gained 27 yards on 10 rushes and secured all three of his targets for 28 yards in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Steelers.

West saw backfield mate Kenneth Dixon notably outperform him on the ground, but he did enjoy more success than his fellow tailback in the passing game. Nevertheless, with the Ravens now officially out of playoff contention, the team may opt to give the promising rookie plenty of opportunities in the season finale against the Bengals. West has been adequate when given lead back opportunities, but Dixon is widely regarded as the more talented back overall, likely rendering West more of a complementary option in Week 17.

Harris didn't receive a carry, but caught his lone target for 14 yards in Saturday's win over the Rams.

Harris got into the game late in the fourth quarter after Carlos Hyde went down with what we now know is a torn MCL. While Shaun Draughn (who had 16 touches Saturday) is the likely candidate to start next week, Harris has done well in that role as early as last season, so he can't be ruled out as an option to start either. Whoever starts next week will have a tough matchup with Seattle's defense to deal with.

Draughn only gained 17 yards on 10 carries, but he tied a season-high with six catches for 48 yards in Saturday's 22-21 win over the Rams.

This was the type of performance those in deep PPR leagues were hoping for from the receiving back all season. Unfortunately, this was just the third time Draughn had five or more catches, and only the fourth time he topped 30 receiving yards, making him more of a headache than a fantasy factor this season. That being said, the journeyman back may get a healthy dose of touches next week if Carlos Hyde (knee) is unable to suit up. The matchup would come against the Seahawks, so even with a start, Draughn would be a desperate flex play at best.

Patterson caught two of four targets for 13 yards Saturday against the Packers.

Patterson is ending the season on a much quieter note than expected as teammate Adam Thielen is taking over the receiver position in Minnesota. Unless he's able to break free for a touchdown in the return game, expect more of the same from Patterson in the regular season finale next week against the Bears.