NFL Player News

Rawls (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Monday against the Falcons.

Over the last five games, Rawls received between 29 and 42 offensive snaps. The modest usage didn't translate to the box score, though, as he averaged 2.8 YPC on his 44 rushes and reeled in seven of 10 passes for 74 yards. With Rawls in street clothes, the Seahawks will turn to the trio of Eddie Lacy, J.D. McKissic and Mike Davis out of the backfield.

Perine (finger) is listed as a limited participant on Monday's injury report for Thursday's game against the Giants.

There's little reason to think the finger issue will jeopardize his game-day availability, especially considering that the Redskins tend to list every little ailment on their injury report. Perine rumbled for 117 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in Sunday's 34-31 overtime loss to the Saints, and he may get more involved in the passing game with Chris Thompson potentially out for the season due to a fractured fibula. Byron Marshall is the only other healthy running back on the roster, though the Redskins likely will address that situation before Thanksgiving. Perine has quickly jumped from the No. 3 spot on the depth chart to the unquestioned lead role.

Drake only had four yards on seven carries and 10 yards on one reception as the Dolphins lost to Tampa Bay, 30-20, on Sunday.

Drake had been splitting the starting running back job with Damien Williams but disappointed fantasy owners with a poor performance Sunday. Part of the reason for his lack of touches could be that the Dolphins were trailing for most of the game, but more was expected of Drake coming off his 82 yards on the ground versus Carolina last Monday. He'll now set his sights on Week 12's matchup with the Patriots.

Washington (hip) was listed as non-participant on Monday's injury report, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

The Lions didn't actually practice, but even if they had, Washington apparently wouldn't have taken part. It's a strong sign he won't be ready for a Thanksgiving matchup with the Vikings.

Smith was waived by Miami on Monday.

Smith was promoted from the Miami practice squad for the game versus Tampa Bay on Sunday. He didn't receive a snap during the loss to Tampa and could end up back on the Miami practice squad once again.

The Cardinals released Ellington on Monday, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Ellington caught 23 passes for 210 yards during a three-game stretch in Weeks 3-5, but his productivity largely was a symptom of shortcomings with the Arizona offense. He faded from relevance shortly after the team traded for Adrian Peterson, ultimately landing on the inactive list for Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Texans. Ellington could get a look elsewhere as a potential passing-down specialist. He showed some promise early in his career, but he's never had much luck staying healthy and seems to have lost much of his explosiveness along the way. D.J. Foster and Kerwynn Williams spelled Peterson on passing downs in Sunday's loss.

Vereen had two carries for 13 yards and caught all three of his targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 12-9 overtime win against the Chiefs.

Orleans Darkwa has firmly taken over the team's starting job, leaving Vereen to split the backup duties with Wayne Gallman and see some work on third downs.

Jones (knee) has a final pre-trial hearing scheduled for Feb. 1 on account of multiple charges stemming from an Oct. 1 traffic stop, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jones pleaded not guilty to speeding, driving without a valid license and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system. The latter count was included after a Wisconsin state trooper smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The preceding news won't impact Jones' availability this season as the NFL waits for the legal process to play out before levying any sort of punishment. That said, Jones is in the midst of a 3-to-6-week recovery due to an MCL sprain in his left knee, so only time will tell when he'll make his next appearance. In the meantime, the Packers will rely upon Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays out of the backfield until Ty Montgomery (ribs) is cleared to play again.

Rodgers rushed once for three yards and returned two kickoffs for 54 yards in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Dolphins.

Rodgers saw only two snaps on offense, but he logged 11 plays on special teams. The veteran back took over as the primary kickoff returner due to the mid-week release of Bernard Reedy, but his offensive role is as minimal as ever. Given current trends, Rodgers' minuscule fantasy value is presently limited to formats that count return yards.

Sims rushed once for three yards and brought in three of five targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Dolphins.

Sims once again had a nearly non-existent role in the ground game, but he was able to post a trio of receptions for the second straight contest. The fourth-year back's fantasy production stems almost exclusively from his receiving role, limiting his fantasy viability to very deep PPR formats at present.