NFL Rumor Central

          NFL rumors roundup

          Frank Gore runs during the first half. AP Photo/Michael Conroy
          • ESPN.com
          Nov 19, 2015, 01:41 PM ET

          Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Thursday, Nov. 19:

          • Circumstances have changed in Indianapolis, and that could mean more carries for Frank Gore. The veteran carried the ball 28 times against the Denver Broncos, his most carries since 2011, grinding out 83 yards and a touchdown in the process. According to Stephen Holder of the IndyStar, the Indianapolis Colts will likely lean heavily on Gore's talents again in their Week 11 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Gore has been on a "pitch count" this season, but now that Andrew Luck is out with a lacerated kidney and the Colts are in a fight for the division, the limitations are likely to be lifted. Gore is on pace to become the first Colts running back since Joseph Addai in 2007 to eclipse 1,000 yards and is also on track to have the seventh-most carries by a running back in his age-32 season in NFL history.

          • Is Oakland Raiders wideout Amari Cooper the next stop on Darius Slay's shutdown tour? Last week, the Detroit Lions corner pitched a shutout against Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones, essentially erasing Jones from Aaron Rodgers' radar. Justin Rogers of MichiganLive believes Slay will shadow Cooper when the Lions face the Raiders on Sunday, despite Oakland having essentially two No. 1 receivers in Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Safety Glover Quin tipped Detroit's plan to blanket Cooper with Slay. "You look at this week, he's going against Amari Cooper," Quin said. "Amari Cooper is probably just as athletic, just as fast, just as quick. Slay might not pitch a shutout this week. Amari Cooper might catch a couple passes. There's nothing wrong with that." Cooper has been a big-play weapon for Oakland this season, but his fantasy prospects don't look great with Slay planning to lock him down this week.

          • The Baltimore Ravens had great success using multiple tight end sets against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, so might we see more of Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle on Sunday against the Rams? Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun broke down the numbers when Joe Flacco had two or more tight ends on the field last week. Flacco completed 7 of 11 passes for 81 yards and a TD with two tight ends on the field and 5-for-5 for 70 yards and another score with all three tight ends in the game. The Baltimore tight ends combined to catch all 11 passes that came their way for 107 yards and two touchdowns, showing great versatility in the process. With Baltimore's limited receiving corps, expect the tight ends to continue to see more opportunities.

          • New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan was noncommittal when addressing quarterback Geno Smith's future with the organization, causing the New York Post's Brian Costello to suggest that his tepid response might mean goodbye. Smith has dealt with some adversity this season, but Maccagnan told reporters he believes Smith has "handled it very well." Smith has appeared in just one game this season and, as Maccagnan pointed out, "the jury is still out" on the quarterback. Smith has one season left on his rookie contract.

          • Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon, who is listed as questionable, is expected to play tonight, according to Ian Rapoport. Jacksonville will work out the rookie prior to the game, but he is trending toward playing. The Tennessee Titans will also have a rookie in their backfield. Rapoport tweeted that David Cobb will mix into the backfield rotation for the Titans, making his NFL debut after being placed on short-term IR.