NFL Player News

McLaughlin is expected to have an increased workload Week 18 against Las Vegas, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

McLaughlin actually started at running back over Javonte Williams against the Chargers in Week 17, though Williams ended up with 31 offensive snaps to McLaughlin's 19. Nonetheless, McLaughlin put together the better performance, outrushing Williams, 44-41 yards, despite getting seven fewer carries. The running backs had an almost identical receiving line (3-18-0 for McLaughlin, and 3-17-0 for Williams), and both should play roles in Denver's season finale against the Raiders on Sunday. The Broncos have been eliminated from playoff contention, and with McLaughlin outperforming Williams of late, there appears to be a chance that the former gets more of the workload this weekend.

Mason had two carries for three yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 27-10 win over Washington.

Mason was relegated to third on San Francisco's RB depth chart following the return of Elijah Mitchell (knee) on Sunday. The latter wound up posting a strong rushing line (17-80-1) against the Commanders in relief of Christian McCaffrey (calf). McCaffrey's injury currently is considered minor, but the MVP candidate still could sit out Week 18 with the 49ers already locking up the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In that scenario, Mason would slide into the No. 2 role with Mitchell likely serving as the team's lead back to close out the regular season against the Rams.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen didn't clarify the severity of Kamara's ankle sprain but said the running back was rehabbing the injury Monday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Kamara suffered an ankle sprain in Sunday's victory over Tampa Bay and wasn't able to play in the second half. The Saints need a win over Atlanta on Sunday to have a chance of qualifying for the postseason, but it's uncertain if he'll be able to suit up for the contest. Kamara's chances of playing should become clearer as Week 18 prep unfolds, and if he isn't able to take the field, Jamaal Williams would likely take over the bulk of the work in the Saints backfield.

Vaughn carried the ball twice for two yards and caught his only target for 10 yards in a Week 17 win over the Lions.

With Rico Dowdle (ankle) unavailable, Vaughn stepped in as the backup to Tony Pollard and saw a modest workload in a 20-19 victory. It was still the rookie's highest touch volume since Week 5, as the diminutive speedster has been inactive for all but two games since then. The Cowboys will be looking to lock up the NFC East title Week 18, so Vaughn figures to see minimal involvement again even if Dowdle sits out a second straight game.

Rivers caught his only target for four yards during Sunday's 26-25 victory against the Giants.

With Kyren Williams (20-87-3) against dominating reps at running back, Rivers was the only other back on the roster to take the field on offense, as Royce Freeman was relegated to special teams work. While Rivers managed just four yards on his only touch, his usage might see a spike in Week 18's season finale against the 49ers. The Rams secured a playoff spot with their win and a Seahawks loss but are locked into either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. How much the difference in seeding matters to coach Sean McVay against a 49ers team that's already set as the No. 1 seed in the NFC will likely determine how much playing time Williams and Rivers get in Week 18.

Taylor had eight carries for 30 yards in Sunday's 33-10 victory over the Vikings.

The 30 yards tied a season high for Taylor, who finished second among Packers running backs in snaps, yardage and carries. All of his totes came in the fourth quarter, though, after fellow running back AJ Dillon left with a stinger and the game had essentially been decided. Taylor remains third on the backfield depth chart, but he could see an elevated workload again behind Aaron Jones if Dillon is unable to play in Week 18 against the Bears.

The right calf injury McCaffrey sustained in Sunday's victory over the Commanders could be minor, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.

McCaffrey left the contest in the third quarter after picking up the injury, but he spoke after the game and hinted that he was held out for precautionary purposes. The 49ers clinched the top seed in the NFC with Sunday's win, so they figure to take the cautious route in the days ahead. McCaffrey has a chance to play Week 18 against the Rams as things stand, but if he's held out by the team, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason would be candidates to step in.

Pierce rushed eight times for 16 yards, caught his lone target for five yards and returned one kickoff for 21 yards in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Titans.

Pierce's 12 offensive snaps remained firmly behind Devin Singletary's 38, and the latter had 16 carries and three targets. Since he returned from an ankle injury in Week 12, Pierce has had fewer snaps on offense in all six games, and it wasn't close in five of them -- Week 13 against Denver stands out as the last time Pierce's workload was on par with Singletary's. Noah Brown and Robert Woods sustained hip injuries Sunday, which could boost the importance of the Texans' running game in Week 18 against the Colts. The winner of that game qualifies for the postseason.

Robinson rushed 15 times for 75 yards and brought in three of four targets for 11 yards in the Falcons' 37-17 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Robinson put together an efficient performance on the ground, crossing the 70-yard threshold for the second straight game. The rookie's carry total was also his highest since Week 13, but he went without a touchdown for the fourth straight contest. Backfield mate Tyler Allgeier logged 10 fewer carries but scored on an impressive 75-yard reception, so the two backs will continue to share the workload to a certain degree in the Week 18 finale against the Saints.

White rushed 11 times for 42 yards and brought in all four targets for 24 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-13 loss to the Saints on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

With the Saints surprisingly taking a 20-0 lead through three quarters, White was increasingly neutralized in terms of his opportunities in the ground game. He had a serviceable day through the air, but his receiving yardage total was nothing remarkable. White has been under 50 rushing yards in consecutive contests, but he should have a chance to reverse that trend in a Week 18 road matchup against the Panthers' suspect run defense.