NFL Player News

Murray gained 103 yards and scored a touchdown on 22 carries in Thursday's 21-13 loss to the Chiefs.

Murray was about the only bright spot on a night where Derek Carr endured the worst game of his career and the frigid temperatures lent themselves well to the running game. It was only Murray's second 100-yard performance of the season, as well as his third straight game with at least one rushing touchdown. He was notably shut out in the passing game for the first time in 2016, however, but given his track record as an effective receiver ou of the backfield, this was likely just an outlier. Murray has now seen his rushing yardage totals increase in three straight games and will look to keep the momentum going against the Chargers in Week 15.

McFadden (elbow) likely won't join the Cowboys' 53-man roster this week, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Embedded within his second week of a three-week window for activation from the non-football injury list, McFadden has been working with the scout team as the Cowboys prepare for Sunday night's road showdown with the Giants. His recovery from May's broken elbow has taken far longer than expected, but Ezekiel Elliott's excellence has allowed Dallas' staff to take a prudent approach with the team's leading rusher from last season. If McFadden makes an appearance in the current campaign, he must be bumped to the active roster by Dec. 18, when the Cowboys host the Buccaneers.

Vereen (triceps) said Thursday he's been practicing without limitations this week, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The team's assessment may differ from that of Vereen, but his confidence is certainly an encouraging sign that he's closing in on a return. With two weeks remaining to activate Vereen from injured reserve, the Giants can delay making a decision due to the healthy nature of the current backfield. If he's made available Sunday against the Cowboys, a pass-catching role behind Rashad Jennings and Paul Perkins would likely be bestowed upon Vereen.

Taliaferro (thigh) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Taliaferro has missed the last three games with the thigh issue and being a non-participant this late in the week is surely not encouraging for his status on Sunday. Regardless of whether the tailback is made active or not, however, Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon would still lead the Ravens' Week 14 rushing attack.

Rodgers, who performed well in his return from a foot injury in the Week 13 victory over the Chargers, could seen an expanded role beginning this Sunday versus the Saints, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "It was good to get him back," (offensive coordinator Todd) Monken said. "I would assume he'll only be better this week in a little more of an expanded role."

Rodgers was likely slated to primarily work in on third downs this past Sunday in San Diego, but ended up serving as the primary ball carrier in the fourth quarter after Doug Martin exited for good late in the third period with a minor injury. The 26-year-old chipped in with 4.14 yards per rush, gaining nine of his 29 yards on the afternoon after contact. Rodgers also contributed a key 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter on a drive that culminated in the decisive 12-yard touchdown from Jameis Winston to Cameron Brate. While Martin practiced without restriction Wednesday, there is still speculation based on Monken's comments that Rodgers could see a slight uptick in touches this coming Sunday against the Saints, although it's unclear how the likely activation of Charles Sims from injured reserve would affect that projection. However, given head coach Dirk Koetter's assertion that improving the running game for the stretch run will be "a point of emphasis for us this week," it appears likely that both Rodgers and Sims will see their fair share of work against New Orleans, with the exact division of labor behind Martin still to be determined.

Mathews (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Redskins, Philly.com reports. "He's good to play," head coach Doug Pederson affirmed. "He's cleared and ready to go... hopefully we can get back to running the ball like we did a few weeks ago."

Mathews missed the past two games due to an injured knee and the Eagles' rushing attack took a step back as a result; the team gained just 134 yards on the ground in both contests combined. While the former first-round tailback projects to regain starter status Sunday, reverting rookie Wendell Smallwood to backup duties in the process, Darren Sproles will almost certainly maintain his role on passing downs. Regardless, each in the trio will look forward to a meeting against a Redskins defense that has allowed 122.5 rushing yards per game when playing on the road in 2016, fifth-worst in the league.

Head coach Jay Gruden said Monday that he wants to get "more of [Kelley] involved" moving forward, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

After handling 20-plus carries in each of his first three starts, Kelley's workload has waned over the past two games. On Thanksgiving against the Cowboys, game flow dictated that Kirk Cousins take to the air, which didn't benefit a running back with little to no pass-catching chops like Kelley. In a back-and-forth affair at Arizona this past Sunday, balance wasn't exhibited yet again, and Kelley picked up exactly 14 carries for the second straight contest. With a recommitment to the ground game potentially on the docket, he's a candidate to rebound Sunday against an Eagles defense that has allowed 84.3 yards per game and three touchdowns on the ground to running backs over the last three outings.

Draughn (ribs) was limited in practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Over the last three games, Draughn has made an impact as either a receiver or rusher, but never in both realms in a given contest. During that span, he's totaled five carries for 20 yards and nine receptions (on 11 targets) for 92 yards, so he continues to hold some utility as Carlos Hyde's primary backup. As a result, deep league owners should keep an eye on Draughn as the week unfolds.

Cunningham (neck) did not practice Wednesday, Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register reports.

Cunningham has been an afterthought in the Rams' offensive attack as of late. If he's unable to practice this week due to this unspecified neck injury, he could be removed from the game plan entirely.

Washington (ankle) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

Washington was carted off the field in the second half of Sunday's win at New Orleans, but not before notching 21 yards on seven carries and 19 additional yards on two receptions. Diagnosed with a sprained ankle in the aftermath, he was nonetheless able to practice Wednesday, which can't be said for starting running back Theo Riddick, who sat out due to a wrist injury. If Riddick is unable to gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Bears, Washington could be pressed to tough it out. Whether that would result in a plurality of touches remains to be seen, but the Lions could entrust Zach Zenner with first and second down reps, while Washington serves as a change-of-pace option.