NFL Player News

Ekeler (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Brian Robinson, on the other hand, has been cleared on the final injury report after upgrading to full practice participation Friday. Ekeler unsurprisingly didn't practice this week after suffering his second concussion of the season, but he stands a decent chance to avoid additional missed games with a bye coming up for Washington in Week 14.

Robinson (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Titans, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Robinson may even have a larger-than-usual role despite hurting his ankle last week, seeing as Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion later in the game and now has been ruled out for Week 13. Robinson upgraded to full practice participation Friday after being limited the previous two days.

Spears (concussion) was a full participant in practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Spears closed out the week with back-to-back full practices, but he'll still need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol and return from a one-game absence Sunday against Washington. Per Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site, coach Brian Callahan relayed Friday that Spears is expected to clear concussion protocol later in the day. Tony Pollard should continue to function as the top option in Tennessee's backfield, but if Spears suits up, Spears' change-of-pace role could prove fruitful against a Commanders defense that has allowed a league-high 1,449 rushing yards to running backs.

Demercado (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Demercado was limited in all three of Arizona's practices ahead of Sunday's game in Minnesota. If he suits up, Demercado will likely continue to see modest usage in a Cardinals backfield led by James Conner. Rookie third-round pick Trey Benson has also been more involved recently than Demercado, as the latter has exceeded two touches in only four of 11 appearances.

Dobbins (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Dobbins will miss at least one game, as expected, after spraining the MCL in his left knee during Monday's 30-23 loss to the Ravens. Gus Edwards is likely to get the majority of backfield playing time against the Falcons, with Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins also on hand. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that Dobbins will "miss some time" due to the injury, so it's unclear if Dobbins has a chance to return Week 14 against the Chiefs.

McCormick is active Friday against the Chiefs along with fellow RBs Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube.

With both Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) inactive Friday, McCormick -- who logged eight offensive snaps and carried five times for 33 yards in the aforementioned duo's absence this past Sunday against the Broncos -- will have an opportunity to see added work alongside Ameer Abdullah. In that context, McCormick represents a possible fantasy dart for those scrambling for Week 13 running back help.

With Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) both inactive, Abdullah is in line to see added work Friday against the Chiefs.

In this past Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Broncos -- a game that Mattison and White also missed -- Abdullah (who started the contest) carried the ball eight times for 28 yards and caught five of six targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. Look for the veteran back to continue to see added touches Friday, with Sincere McCormick (who logged five carries for 33 yards versus Denver) also mixing in.

With Isiah Pacheco (ankle) off IR and active Friday versus the Raiders, Hunt will have added competition for carries in Week 13.

Pacheco last saw game action in Week 2, but now that he's recovered from the fractured fibula that landed him on IR, he's in line to provide the Chiefs' backfield with a boost, beginning Friday. Following his long layoff, Pacheco -- who began the season as the team's clear-cut RB1-- could well be eased back into the mix, so Hunt may still see his share of snaps and touches in Week 13. However, with the looming possibility that Kansas City goes with a backfield time-share versus Las Vegas, Hunt's fantasy upside going forward takes a hit following an eight-game stretch (after he was signed in the wake of Pacheco's injury) during which he logged 155 carries for 577 yards and five TDs to go along with 17 catches for 135 yards.

Mattison (ankle) is inactive for Friday's game against the Chiefs.

With Mattison and Zamir White (quadriceps) both inactive, Ameer Abdullah is in a position to continue to lead the Raiders' backfield Friday, with practice squad elevation Sincere McCormick mixing in, while Dylan Laube is on hand in reserve. The next chance for either Mattison or White to return to the lineup arrives Dec. 8 versus the Buccaneers.

Edwards-Helaire is inactive for Friday's game against the Raiders.

Edwards-Helaire remains a healthy scratch in a Chiefs backfield that will welcome back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) against the AFC West rival Raiders. Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine and Carson Steele will also dress for Kansas City at running back Friday.