NFL Player News

Darren McFadden, who might now be a third-string running back for the Raiders, was back at practice Wednesday after missing five of the last six games with an ankle injury. McFadden returned briefly in Week 13 before reinjuring it.

McFadden lost his starting spot to Rashad Jennings earlier in the year and might have also fallen behind Marcel Reece. McFadden can benefit from some playing time and production with free agency looming.

Though he's been bailed out by a couple decent receiving performances, which have included a couple touchdowns, Titans running back Chris Johnson hasn't run the ball particularly well since his season-best 150-yard effort Week 9 at St. Louis, averaging 57.3 yards per game.

That stretch began Week 10 against the Jaguars, so you wouldn't think he'd be poised to rebound Week 16 at Jacksonville. But the matchup opens the door for him to do just that.

The Jaguars rank 30th against the run, allowing 131.9 yards per game, and have given up the 12th-most Fantasy points to running backs. They allowed a combined 147 yards on 30 carries to the Bills duo of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller just last week.

Johnson loses some carries to Shonn Greene from time to time, but for the most part, he's on his own out there, which means he's the one running out the clock if the Titans find themselves up by two scores in the second half. Granted, the Jaguars haven't lost a game by two scores since Week 11 and actually beat the Titans in Week 10, but they're still one of the lesser teams in the NFL.

It's a favorable matchup or Johnson, and because he also plays a role in the passing game, you're not taking much of a risk by starting him. None of Jamey Eisenberg, Dave Richard or Nathan Zegura have him in their top 12 for this week, though.

Any pessimism over the availability of Colts running back Donald Brown for the Week 16 game at Kansas City has dissipated. He was a Wednesday practice participant after sustaining a stinger on Sunday.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington finished Week 15 with 158 total yards, including seven gains of 10 or more yards. But he had two touchdowns snaked from him by Rashard Mendenhall, leaving his point total at 15 in standard leagues. 

Since Week 10 -- and excluding his Week 13 inactive -- Ellington has seen between 11 and 14 touches in every game. He has gained 60 or more yards in all but one of the five games in that span. In his last two, Ellington has scored an average of 13 Fantasy points in standard leagues, with double digits in both. 

While the Seahawks have been tough on opposing running backs lately (five straight games allowing 15 or fewer total Fantasy points to a team's running backs), Ellington should be able to do some damage in the pass-catching game. The Seahawks have allowed opposing running backs to accrue 50 receiving yards in three of the last six games. The haven't allowed a touchdown since Week 7, but have given up 38.1 receiving yards per game to running backs since then.

Ellington is still a backup, but is a decent option in a very deep (16-18 team) league. Think Montee Ball-ish. His owners know what they can expect from him, as he's been given consistent touches over a string of games. The Seahawks are a tough defense, but Ellington's ability to pass-catch gives him a minor boost in Week 16. 

The Giants signed running back Kendall Gaskins to their practice squad, reports the New York Daily News. He replaces wideout Julian Talley, who was elevated to the active roster.

The Colts announced Tuesday the signing of running back Shaun Draughn. The former Chiefs and Ravens running back has appeared in 20 NFL games, rushing for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.

Draughn could be on the active roster Sunday, if Donald Brown is out due to a stinger. Though, if Brown is sidelined, then Trent Richardson would start in his absence. Tashard Choice is also on the Colts' roster.

Colts running back Trent Richardson has been one of the biggest Fantasy busts of the season, but as many Fantasy owners prepare for championship games this weekend, the second-year back is in play again as a potential starting option.

It largely has to due with Indianapolis running back Donald Brown being iffy to play because of a stinger suffered last week. Richardson played well in Brown's absence Week 15, finishing with 15 Fantasy points. Though, Richardson averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last week and his poor track record still might prevent Fantasy owners from putting him in active lineups Week 16.

The Colts travel to Kansas City Sunday. Despite the Chiefs being one of the better teams in the NFL this season, they have had their issues against the run, particularly as of late. In the last six games, running backs are averaging 117.2 rushing yards and 24 Fantasy points per week against Kansas City. Running backs have totaled eight touchdowns (six rushing) in that span.

If Brown sits out Sunday, Fantasy owners might have to give strong consideration to starting Richardson given the favorable matchup. It's probably safer to view him as a No. 3 Fantasy running back, but Richardson could certainly be a sleeper option Week 16, especially as a flex start.

Several Ravens contributed to the Week 15 win at Detroit. Tight end Dennis Pitta caught two of four targets for 24 yards, tight end Ed Dickson caught all three of his targets for 10 yards, and running back Bernard Pierce carried seven times for 21 yards. 

They'll play the Patriots in Week 16.

The Vikings announced Monday they waived running back Joe Banyard. To take his spot on the roster, the Vikings signed tackle Mike Remmers.

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, it appears Raiders running back Darren McFadden is on track to return Week 16 at San Diego. Coach Dennis Allen said Monday he expects McFadden back at practice Wednesday.