Ameer

Abdullah

The 32-year-old is coming off a season-high nine touches, so a sore knee makes sense. He is difficult to trust, even in PPR formats, given the one-game blip, but he appears to be a QB Philip Rivers’ preferred checkdown option. Expect him to handle passing down duties against the 49ers.

Abdullah was very much involved as a pass catcher, though he only ran six pass routes and saw a target on five of those routes. Jonathan Taylor, meanwhile, logged 18 routes and saw four targets from check-down artist Philip Rivers, 44, who made his first start since 2020 on Sunday against Seattle. With short-area pass catchers set to feast with Rivers under center, Abdullah could have some value in deeper formats next week against the 49ers.

Taylor was predictably the centerpiece of the Colts offense with 44-year-old Philip Rivers under center for the first time since 2020. The Colts had 29 rushing attempts and 27 passes in this one. Rivers peppered the team’s short-area pass catchers with targets: Tyler Warren led the way with six targets, Taylor had four targets, and veteran RB Ameer Abdullah had five targets, leading the Colts with five grabs for 32 yards. That’s a little deceiving considering Abdullah ran a mere six pass routes on the day. Taylor logged 18 routes. Taylor is the one Colts player who might survive the Rivers experience. He gets the 49ers in Week 16.

The veteran hurt his ribs in preseason Week 1 action. We would only be speculating on his return to play timeline from the injury listing, but rib injuries are not often season-enders and it’s possible he could return at some point in 2025 if he were released. Abdullah’s listing, however, is season-ending.

The team also signed Andy Isabella. The 49ers are without multiple starters at wide receiver right now and rookie running back Jordan James (knee) has also been out of practice. Abdullah and Isabella are nothing more than camp bodies right now, though either player could crack the roster with strong performances in the coming weeks. Abdullah played for the Raiders in 2024 and logged 311 yards and two scores on the ground. He maintained a strong role through the air, catching 40 passes for 261 yards and three scores. He also returned punts and kicks, which is his best path to sticking in San Francisco.

Abdullah ends the season with 66 carries for 311 yards and two touchdowns. He picked up more work on the ground late in the season after playing a part-time role on passing downs for most of the year. Abdullah caught 40 passes for 261 yards and three scores. His 572 yards from scrimmage are a high-water mark dating back to 2017. Abdullah has quietly carved out a valuable role for himself both in the passing game and on special teams. He should have no issues landing a short-term deal in free agency this offseason.

Abdullah has quietly proven to be the Raiders’ most explosive back down the stretch, but a foot injury suffered late in Week 17’s win over the Saints appears to be the end of his season. Alexander Mattison should see the bulk of the backfield touches for Las Vegas. Rookie Dylan Laube could also see some work, though the team has largely opted to play anyone with a pulse over the Day Three pick so far.

Abdullah has now missed the last two practices, which is disappointing/concerning after his breakout game against the Saints in Week 17. There’s still a good chance that Abdullah can play against the Chargers in Week 18 if he’s able to practice Friday, but for now he should be considered questionable at best. Alexander Mattison would likely get the bulk of carries if Abdullah cannot play.

Abdullah was a non-participant with a foot injury he picked up in the Raiders’ Week 17 win against the Saints. He has been a league-winner for fantasy managers, becoming the team’s lead back late in the season. If Abdullah cannot go, Alexander Mattison will be the lead back, though he would be a shaky play for fantasy purposes.

Abdullah became the first Raiders player to run for 100 yards in a game this season. The veteran looked good against a banged-up Saints team, running hard and making the first defender miss often. He also added 32 yards receiving on three catches and was an inch away from a receiving touchdown before being dragged down from behind in the second quarter. He did leave the game with a foot injury with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but the Raiders already had a two-touchdown lead at the time, so it’s unclear just how serious the injury is and is something to monitor as the week goes on.