NFL Player News

Rainey caught a 13-yard pass off of two targets in Thursday's loss to Philadelphia.

The catch was just Rainey's third touch since New York's Week 8 bye. Thursday was the veteran's first game with double-digit offensive snaps since the bye as he has settled into more of a special-teams role after looking like a potential scatback earlier in the year.

Hunt caught two of two targets for 28 yards and added a six-yard run in Saturday's win over the Bengals.

A week after a two-fumble afternoon, Hunt didn't see an uptick in usage despite starter Lamar Miller on the shelf - Alfred Blue picking up the majority of the load. Hunt has yet to score this season and hasn't reached double-digit offensive snaps since Week 11, but he might be in line for an uptick in usage as the season ends. Miller is still battling a bum ankle and, with their seed set, Houston might be inclined to rest Miller and Blue for the playoffs.

The Eagles placed Mathews (back) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Initially diagnosed with a stinger last Thursday versus the Giants, further evaluation revealed a herniated disk, which won't allow Mathews to suit up in Week 17. As a result, landing on injured reserve was more or less expected as he turns his focus to rehabilitation. With Mathews out of the lineup Sunday against the Cowboys, the Eagles will rely upon the duo of Darren Sproles and Byron Marshall to fuel the ground game.

Gordon (hip/knee) told Ricky Henne of the Chargers' official site Tuesday that he'll be a "game-time decision" for Sunday's contest against the Chiefs. "I'm thirsty [to play]," he added. "I need to get in there. ... When it's time to make a decision I'll know how I feel."

Absent from the open part of Tuesday's practice, Gordon's availability for upcoming sessions will be determined by a "day-to-day" approach. Fortunately for the running back, he's of the belief that he's "making strides," but his level of participation in the coming days will raise his odds of taking the field in the season finale.

Banyard was signed from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Banyard has spent the entire season on the Jaguars practice squad and will finally have a chance to make his debut for the team. He's buried on the depth chart at running back but could contribute on special teams in Sunday's game against the Colts.

Gordon (hip/knee) didn't take part in the portion of Tuesday's practice open to the media, Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Chargers aren't required to submit an injury report until Wednesday, but the day-to-day approach that Gordon will be operating under this week hasn't produced his first appearance at practice since suffering a strained hip and a sprained knee in Week 14. On a positive note, Krasovic noted Gordon has made progress through his ailments, so the running back's status will be viewed with a watchful eye over the next few days.

Elliott carried 12 times for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Monday's game against the Lions. He also caught his only target for an additional 12 yards in the 42-21 win.

Elliott saw his touches limited as the Cowboys ran away with it in the second half, but he was able to do his damage with an explosive 55-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and plowed in from one yard out for his second score early in the third. The rookie now sits 179 yards away from Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record, but the team clearly has bigger things in mind heading into the postseason, as Darren McFadden was handed a season-high 14 carries. As such, Elliott should once again draw the start in Week 17 against the Eagles, but his workload could be limited if the team jumps ahead on the scoreboard.

Martin will be inactive for Tampa Bay's final regular season game Sunday against Carolina, the Tamp Bay Times reports.

Tampa Bay plans to sign Russell Hansbrough from the Giants' practice squad to add depth with Martin out. Martin was inactive for last week's game even though he was healthy and health isn't a factor for him missing Week 17, according to head coach Dirk Koetter. Martin's future with the Bucs looks in doubt as a result. Koetter wouldn't disclose his starting running back against Carolina, but Jacquizz Rodgers started in place of Martin last week.

Washington rushed seven times for 22 yards Monday night versus the Cowboys.

Washington took a backseat to Zach Zenner, who led the Lions backfield with 12 carries and ultimately finished with 67 yards and two scores. If Theo Riddick (wrist) is able to return for the Lions' season finale in Week 17 versus the Packers, Washington could be even less involved in the offense.

Zenner compiled 67 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries in Monday night's loss to the Cowboys. He also caught two of three targets for 25 yards.

In Theo Riddick's prolonged absence due to a wrist injury, Zenner took the reigns of the Lions' backfield Monday night, out-touching rookie Dwayne Washington 14 to 8. His two touchdowns were just his second and third of the season, though. If Riddick is ruled out for the Lions' season finale in Week 17 against the Packers, Zenner appears to likely to retain lead-back duties but will likely find tougher sledding against a Green Bay defense that is top-10 in rushing yards allowed this season.