Washington ready to ground it out
Running back Kelley figures to see a bigger workload against the Eagles this Sunday
TORONTO — As Rob Kelley goes, so goes Washington.
During a three-game unbeaten streak, the NFL running back had at least 21 carries in each game and totalled 321 yards and four touchdowns.
In each of the past two games, both losses, Kelley carried the ball only 14 times.
Washington coach Jay Gruden knows a good thing when he’s not seeing it. On Sunday, Kelley can expect to see a bigger workload against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We ideally would like ... more touches for Robert because he’s been very good,” Gruden told Comcast Sports Network.
“We have got to make sure that we get him more involved, maintain the time of possession and stay more balanced.”
The Eagles hope to boost their ground game with Ryan Mathews returning after a knee injury. Mathews leads the Eagles with 102 carries for 427 yards and seven touchdowns, and the offence struggled without him in losses to the Packers and Bengals.
Winning ultimatum
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could return from a knee injury with two games remaining on Dec. 24. But he might not bother. Peterson said Wednesday he’ll only return if the Vikings are in playoff contention.
“Obviously, if we lose two games, we’re out,” Peterson told local media. “We’ll just play it by ear ... I’m thinking that we’re going to make the playoffs so that’s what I’m keeping my mindset on.”
Minnesota plays Jacksonville and the Colts the next two weeks and likely need to win their final four games to reach the playoffs.
Playoff primer
Dallas’ road to clinching home field advantage in the playoffs just got easier.
The Cowboys can clinch the NFC East with a win Sunday against the Giants, who lost defensive end Jason Pierre Paul for the rest of the regular season when he had sports hernia surgery Wednesday.
“It’s going to be tough without him,” Giants’ defensive captain Jonathan Casillas admitted. “But next person up. We have to move on. It is what it is.”
Pierre-Paul had 53 tackles and seven sacks in 12 games, and is second in the NFL with eight batted passes. The only defensive lineman to play more snaps than Pierre-Paul (753) is teammate Olivier Vernon (768).
A Cowboys win, along with losses by Detroit and Seattle, would clinch home field advantage in the playoffs.
Tittle tattle
“I certainly hope we’ll see Tim Tebow in some of our games. If he’s not in our camp, I’ll get him over.” — Mets manager Terry Collins, during the baseball winter meetings, suggesting he wants the converted quarterback to play spring training games with the Mets.
Tebow batted .194 in the Arizona Fall League. Hey, I don’t get it either. Maybe they need a bat boy?
“It’s been a while since I wore a onesie,” Ravens’ receiver Steve Smith, addressing the media wearing a Yoda outfit.
Rex Ryan, on playing Pittsburgh: “We have to win this game to have any hopes of getting into the playoffs ... there is still a (way to reach the playoffs) in front of us.”
The Bills are 6-6, 11th in the AFC, but to be fair, Rex didn’t specify when it comes to having the playoffs in front of them, which year, or decade, he was talking about.
Bills’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore told the Buffalo News he’s hoping he gets to face Steelers’ Antonio Brown.
“I wish I could follow the best receiver,” Gilmore said. “It’s another good receiver this year I’m playing against. I went against a lot of great receivers and did my thing.”