NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Steelers RB James Conner is not expected to play against the Patriots tomorrow. Conner's officially questionable but has practiced just once (Friday) since suffering the initial injury. Conner's expected absence keeps RB Jaylen Samuels in starter territory. Stevan Ridley carried just 5 times last week at Oakland, with Conner out -- and shouldn't be on the fantasy radar.

Update: The Steelers have downgraded Conner to doubtful.

Steelers RB James Conner could remain sidelined for next weekend's game against the Patriots, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Conner didn't practice at all this week and will be re-evaluated on Monday. We'll see what Pittsburgh's Conner-less backfield looks like against the Raiders today. It's worth noting that Rapoport said RB Jaylen Samuels will get the "bulk of the carries."

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that RB James Conner will miss Sunday's game at Oakland. Tomlin said the injury is more significant than originally believed, deeming it a sprain rather than a contusion. For what it's worth, Dr. David Chao tweeted Sunday night that it looked like a "mild" high-ankle sprain from his video review. Conner's absence will put rookie Jaylen Samuels and veteran Stevan Ridley in charge of the backfield. We're not likely to know ahead of time exactly how the work will be split. Samuels, who played multiple positions in college, is the more deft pass-catcher and higher-upside fantasy play between them. He scored Pittsburgh's final TD on a 10-yard reception Sunday night after Conner left. The Steelers have also promoted RB Trey Edmunds from the practice squad.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms that Steelers RB James Conner's lower-leg injury is "not considered major at all." He's reportedly dealing with just a contusion. "How much it swells will be telling," Rapoport adds. Conner avoided a long-term injury here, but he still shouldn't be considered a lock to be ready for Sunday's game against the Raiders. We'll keep a close eye on him all week. Conner's absence would leave Pittsburgh's backfield to Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley.

Steelers RB James Conner is in the concussion protocol, HC Mike Tomlin announced after Thursday night's win over the Panthers. The relative good news is that Conner has 10 days to get cleared for Week 11's game against Jacksonville. We'll keep a close eye on his progress. If Conner can't play vs. the Jags -- and RB Le'Veon Bell doesn't show up -- Pittsburgh would be down to RBs Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley.

The Vikings have signed RB Stevan Ridley. The 1-time, 1,200-yard rusher has carried just 39 times over the past 3 seasons, averaging an anemic 2.5 yards per attempt. He's a mere depth signing who's unlikely to make a fantasy impact.

The Broncos have signed RB Stevan Ridley. The former 1,200-yard rusher has appeared in just 16 games and averaged just 3.3 yards per carry over the past 3 seasons. He's just a camp body for a Broncos backfield dealing with an injured Devontae Booker and a still-rehabbing Jamaal Charles.

The Falcons have signed RB Stevan Ridley and promoted RB Terron Ward from the practice squad. It's a sure sign that RB Tevin Coleman (hamstring) won't play against the Packers this weekend. Ridley and Ward won't combine for more than 10 touches in that one. RB Devonta Freeman is a good bet for 20+.

The Colts release RB Stevan Ridley, less than a week after signing him. He's still only 27 years old, but his career appears to be on the ropes. Indy now has Robert Turbin, Josh Ferguson and Jordan Todman behind starter Frank Gore.

The Colts have signed RB Stevan Ridley, who was recently cut by the Lions. The 27-year-old couldn't beat out Zach Zenner, George Winn or Dwayne Washington in Detroit, which says a lot about his ability at this point. Indy's RB corps behind starter Frank Gore is even weaker, though, so Ridley has a shot to win the backup job. He, Robert Turbin, Josh Ferguson and Jordan Todman all remain undraftable for now.

The Lions have released RB Stevan Ridley. He mustered just 3.0 yards per carry on 9 preseason totes. Ridley's departure locks in Zach Zenner as Detroit's #3 RB -- and potential goal-line back. He's worth a look late in drafts, especially in non-PPR or TD-heavy formats. Rookie RB Dwayne Washington has had a strong preseason and now looks like a better bet to make the team.

The Lions have signed RB Stevan Ridley.  Returning last year from a torn ACL, Ridley appeared in just 8 games and averaged 2.5 yards per carry.  He mustered just 3.6 YPC in 6 games back in 2014.  Ridley was productive in his first 3 NFL seasons, though, and is still only 27.  He figures to compete with Zach Zenner for the big-back role behind Ameer Abdullah.

Jets RB Bilal Powell (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game in Buffalo after missing practice all week. HC Todd Bowles said Friday he'll need to see what Powell can do Sunday morning before deciding on his status for the game. That doesn't bode well for Powell as a Week 17 fantasy option. We'll check on his status Sunday morning, but Powell's ankle could add upside to RB Chris Ivory.

Jets RB Chris Ivory injured his knee in the 1st quarter of Sunday's game against the Patriots.  He's considered questionable to return.  Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley will handle backfield work as long as Ivory is out.

Update: Ivory returned for the start of the 2nd half.

The Jets have activated RB Stevan Ridley from the PUP list.  He'll make his 2015 debut this weekend after tearing his ACL last year.  Insider Manish Mehta believes that Ridley will be "more than a bit player."  That only makes some sense because of RB Chris Ivory's injury history.  But we'd expect Ivory to continue to dominate backfield touches as long as he's healthy.

Jets RB Bilal Powell (ankle) is out for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Zac Stacy will continue to serve as the #2 RB behind Chris Ivory. There’s also a chance that RB Stevan Ridley (ACL) makes his 2015 debut this week.

Jets RB Stevan Ridley (knee) has been placed on the PUP list to start the season.  He'll miss at least the first 6 games.  Ridley's recovery from last October's torn ACL has gone slowly.  Meanwhile, Chris Ivory has locked down the starting job with a strong preseason.  With RB Bilal Powell expected to handle pass-catching duties, Ridley will have trouble climbing higher than 3rd on the depth chart this year.