NFL Player News

Ekeler (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

This wasn't that surprising given Ekeler's history of concussions over his career, with the Week 12 concussion accounting for his second of the 2024 campaign. The veteran running back won't be eligible to return until Week 18, effectively ending his fantasy season. Jeremy McNichols figures to step in immediately as the pass-catching running back and has done well in that role in replacement of Ekeler, tallying nine touches for 74 yards and two touchdowns back in Week 4 against the Cardinals.

Dobbins (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh suggested earlier in the week the talented running back would be out some time, and now we know Dobbins will miss at minimum four weeks due to a knee sprain. He should be back well in time for the NFL playoffs, but fantasy managers will be without the powerful back until at least Week 17 against the Patriots. Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins were the two backs used in the Week 12 loss to the Ravens, but that was in part because rookie Kimani Vidal wasn't active for the contest, as the Chargers prefer Haskins' utility on special teams. Vidal could be poised to see the biggest leap in playing time, perhaps effectively taking over Dobbins' role as an explosive option out of the backfield, with Edwards operating as a bruising between-the-tackles ball carrier.

Conner signed a two-year, $19 million extension with the Cardinals on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Conner was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent and a marquee name ahead of another deep class of available running backs, but the Cardinals proactively locked down one of their main offensive pieces through the 2026 season instead. With Arizona in the midst of a playoff push in a tough NFC West, the 29-year-old is on pace to surpass his career high in rushing yards (1,040) and receiving yards (497) thanks in large part to his health, as Conner is poised to miss four or fewer games for just the second time in his eight-year career.

Pacheco (ankle) took seven carries for 44 yards and caught his only target for five receiving yards in Friday's 19-17 win over the Raiders.

Pacheco made a successful return from a nine-game layoff due to an ankle injury that occurred back in Week 2. The explosive back looked the part after averaging 6.3 yards per carry while tying fill-in starter Kareem Hunt with seven carries in Friday's slim win. Both backs figure to remain involved with a head coach as creative as Andy Reid, but Pacheco is certainly the back with the upward trending arrow on his fantasy stock. For now, consider both Chiefs playable options heading into an important divisional matchup against the Chargers next Sunday.

Hunt rushed seven times for 15 yards while catching two of four targets for no yards in Friday's 19-17 win over the Raiders.

Week 1 starter Isiah Pacheco (ankle) was activated from a 10-week stint on injured reserve to out-gain Hunt by 34 total yards on one less touch Friday. The latter remained involved with an even split in carries in the first game the two backs have played together this year. Hunt figures to maintain a minor role as both a rushing and a receiving option as Pacheco works back from a long layoff, but his value certainly took a hit Week 13. The Chiefs will have a couple of extra days off ahead of next Sunday's home tilt against the Chargers.

McCormick rushed 12 times for 64 yards and brought in both targets for one yard in the Raiders' 19-17 loss to the Chiefs on Friday.

McCormick led the Raiders in rushing yardage, logging two additional carries and 25 more rushing yards than backfield mate Ameer Abdullah. McCormick had just seen his first five career touches Week 12 against the Broncos and had been similarly efficient with a lighter workload, recording 33 yards on five carries on just eight snaps. The UTSA product, who twice rushed for over 1,400 yards in college, has undeniably shown promise, but it remains to be seen what his role will be if both Zamir White (quadriceps) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) are available for a Week 14 road matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Abdullah rushed 10 times for 39 yards, secured both targets for 14 yards, returned one kickoff for 68 yards and ran back two punts for 30 yards in the Raiders' 19-17 loss to the Chiefs on Friday.

The veteran back was busy all afternoon with both Zamir White (quadriceps) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) inactive, and he supplemented his work on offense with a productive effort on special teams. Abdullah's 68-yard kickoff return late in the third quarter set the Raiders up on the Chiefs' 26-yard line for a drive that culminated in a Brock Bowers touchdown grab two plays later. Abdullah finished with two fewer carries and 25 less rushing yards than backfield mate Sincere McCormick, but he offered serviceable fantasy production overall. However, Abdullah could be back to his customary third-down role in short order, considering both White and Mattison seemingly have a good chance of being available for a Week 14 road matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 8.

McClellan (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

McClellan popped up on Thursday's injury report as a limited practice participant due to a knee injury that is severe enough for him to not practice Friday. Avery Williams is slated to serve as the No. 3 running back Sunday behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier due to McClellan's injury.

McNichols could be in line for a larger role Sunday against the Titans, as Austin Ekeler (concussion) won't play.

Both Ekeler and Brian Robinson (ankle) exited during Washington's Week 12 loss to the Cowboys, but Robinson has been cleared to suit up Sunday against the Titans. McNichols figures to work in the change-of-pace role usually filled by Ekeler when Washington's backfield is at full strength, though Chris Rodriguez could also enter the backfield mix.

Williams (groin) was a full participant in practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Williams' ability to practice without limitations Friday following a pair of limited sessions bodes well for his chances of returning for his first action since Week 8. If Williams makes his return Sunday, he'll likely work in a complementary role behind Alvin Kamara.