EzekielElliott

News: 15 hours agoElliott (thigh) was removed from the Patriots' second Week 14 injury report Tuesday.

Spin: Elliott was included on Monday's estimated injury report as limited due to a thigh injury, which now appears to have been a precautionary measure. The Patriots did get on the practice field Tuesday, but Rhamondre Stevenson predictably wasn't among those present after Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the running back was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain. Because Stevenson almost certainly will be ruled out ahead of Thursday's game at Pittsburgh, Elliott should get a chance to lead New England's backfield Week 14. Through 12 games this season, Elliott has averaged 3.8 yards on his 112 carries, hauled in 24 of 31 targets for 154 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Elliott signed with the Patriots in August after pacing the NFL in touches (2,186) and yardage (10,598) during seven seasons with the Cowboys. Elliott has never finished a season with fewer than eight TDs, but his production and efficiency have plummeted in recent years. He hasn't finished top 15 in fantasy PPG since 2019, and that includes a career-worst 23rd-place showing in 2022. Elliott also posted career-low marks in rushing yards (876), YPC (3.79), YAC (1.66), targets (23), receptions (17), receiving yards (92) and yards per target (4.0) in 2022. The 28-year-old's best days are behind him and he's now likely to settle in as a complement to Rhamondre Stevenson. Elliott has some insurance appeal, but is unlikely to have weekly standalone value. Only consider him late in drafts.