NFL Player News

The Broncos are expected to decide in the next 24 hours whether or not to place Anderson (knee) on injured reserve, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Anderson had his meniscus repaired Thursday, and although that procedure coincides with a multi-month recovery timetable, he'll be able to jog again in six weeks, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports. Knowing that, there's a decent chance he could return later this season, but in order to gain a roster spot in the meantime, the Broncos may decide to place him on injured reserve. That would rule Anderson out for at least eight weeks, so Anderson faces an extended absence either way. While he's sidelined, rookie Devontae Booker figures to assume the bulk of Denver's tailback duties, with Kapri Bibbs slated for second-string work behind him.

Grimes (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Grimes hasn't played since Week 3, but he returned as a limited participant throughout practice this week. That puts him in contention to play Sunday, when starting tailback Lamar Miller (shoulder) is also considered questionable to suit up. While both players' statuses will need to be determined before a clear outlook on Houston's backfield can be shaped, Alfred Blue figures to see more touches than usual given the circumstances.

Rodgers is expected to serve as the primary running back for a third straight game Sunday against the Raiders, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With Doug Martin (hamstring) officially ruled out for a fifth consecutive game, Rodgers is poised for another heavy workload, though it still shouldn't be assumed he'll top 25 carries for a third straight game. His 30-carry performance against Carolina and 26-carry showing against San Francisco occurred in games that saw the Bucs run 69 and 73 offensive plays, respectively. The Oakland offense figures to put up a better fight than the past two opponents -- but such a scenario could help Rodgers get more involved as a receiver. He dominated the workload while last week's game was still competitive, holding a 26-7 carries advantage over Peyton Barber before the rookie took the final five totes.

Martin (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Oakland, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin suffered a setback in his recovery two weeks ago, and he's now been ruled out for a fifth consecutive game. He's seemingly in danger of missing time beyond Sunday, as he didn't practice in any capacity this week. Jacquizz Rodgers will lead the Tampa backfield against Oakland, with Peyton Barber and Antone Smith providing depth.

Patterson (concussion) is not practicing Friday, Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune reports.

Patterson has now missed back-to-back practices since his concussion was first reported Thursday. He does have an extra day to clear the NFL's protocol, with Minnesota facing Chicago on Monday Night Football. Given his recent uptick in usage, Patterson's absence could lead to a significant bump in playing time for Charles Johnson, though Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen would be better bets to absorb abandoned targets.

McKinnon (ankle) is not practicing Friday, Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune reports.

McKinnon was spotted without a walking boot prior to Friday's practice, but his ability to shed the protective device didn't lead to participation. While he does have an extra day to get healthy as the Vikings prepare for a Monday game against Chicago, back-to-back missed practices leave McKinnon's availability in serious question. If McKinnon were to miss the game, Matt Asiata would likely take on a larger workload, with Ronnie Hillman serving as the backup.

Anderson (knee) had his torn meniscus repaired rather than trimmed, which suggests his recovery time will be measured in months instead of weeks, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

The surgery to repair a meniscus typically requires a much lengthier recovery timetable than that for the procedure to trim the damaged cartilage, with the latter sometimes allowing for a return after only a few weeks. The first option is often better for the knee's long-term health, but it typically requires at least a month or two of recovery. Anderson thus finds himself in danger of missing the rest of the season, leaving rookie Devontae Booker as the clear lead back in Denver for the foreseeable future. The Broncos may provide a timetable in the coming days, so it shouldn't yet be assumed Anderson will miss the rest of the year.

Anderson's (knee) recovery timetable remains uncertain, but the best-case scenario could see him return in four weeks, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports.

Anderson's knee injury has been subject to plenty of cloudy reports, but despite the varying timetables we've heard, it appears a return later this season isn't out of the question. His situation is seemingly bound to be updated in a more concrete fashion before long, but rookie Devontae Booker will serve as Denver's lead tailback until further notice.

Gillislee (foot) practiced on a limited basis for the third straight day Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Gillislee seems certain to get his first start of the season, as LeSean McCoy is listed as doubtful with a lingering hamstring injury. Gillislee has been the clear go-to guy all season whenever the team subs out McCoy, so there's a chance he could be on the field for almost every offensive set, provided his foot holds up. It's worth noting that Gillislee has popped off a number of huge plays this season and last in the sub role, but he's had some difficulties when given a larger load. This week is a big test for him, and it may help the team decide what to do with McCoy with one more game next week before the bye.

McKinnon (ankle) was spotted Friday without a walking boot, ESPN's Ben Goessling reports.

McKinnon is coming off an ankle injury suffered Sunday in Philadelphia, which caused him to sport a walking boot earlier this week. Although it's encouraging that he's now shed that boot, and the fact that Minnesota doesn't play until Monday gives him an extra day to recover, it's still unclear whether McKinnon can be expected to play against the Bears, leaving fantasy owners in limbo for the time being.