NFL Player News

Although Sims (knee) has yet to be activated from injured reserve, he told Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday that he's "feeling really good. ... I'm just ready."

There's an expectation that the Bucs intend to end the suspense and have Sims at their disposal this Sunday against the Saints for the first time since Week 4. Head coach Dirk Koetter intimated as much Monday, but this was before Doug Martin, who was knocked out of Week 13 with an undisclosed injury, logged an uninhibited practice Wednesday. Sims may still make his long-awaited return this weekend, but the Bucs could entrust Martin with primary RB duties, with Jacquizz Rodgers in reserve, until Sims is fully acclimated to game action again.

Martin practiced fully Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin didn't log another snap after he was "bent back" at the end of a third-quarter rush during Sunday's win at San Diego, spurring worry that the running back was dealing with another injury. While he may in fact be banged up, he took on the full array of individual and team drills only a few days later. With little worry about his availability for Sunday's game against the Saints, he may have to contend with both Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims (knee), the latter of whom is expected to be activated from injured reserve this week. If the Bucs trot out the trio, they'll be facing a New Orleans defense that has conceded 135.3 yards per game from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns to running backs this season.

Drake (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Drake's volume has been severely reduced in recent weeks, but he was able to play through the knee issue during Week 13's loss to the Ravens. Jay Ajayi figures to once again receive most of the carries in Week 14 regardless of Drake's availability.

Mathews (knee) practiced in full Wednesday.

After missing two games due to an MCL concern, Mathews handled every practice rep thrown his way to begin preparation for Week 14. Barring a setback, he'll should act as the Eagles' lead back Sunday against the Redskins, usurping some of the workload that Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood have taken on in Mathews' absence.

Wilds was promoted to the Jets' active roster from the practice squad Wednesday, Randy Lange of the team's official site reports.

Wilds will be buried on the team's depth chart at running back behind Matt Forte, Bilal Powell and Khiry Robinson. The undrafted rookie out of South Carolina has yet to play a regular season snap in the NFL.

Martin (undisclosed) took part in practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After enduring an awkward tackle in the third quarter of Sunday's win in San Diego, Martin remained on the sideline for the Buccaneers' final three possessions, yielding the backfield to Jacquizz Rodgers. During the portion of Wednesday's session open the media, Auman noted that Martin seemed "fine," but the upcoming release of the injury report will ultimately reveal whether the running back has an injury designation and how much activity he was able to handle.

Head coach Doug Pederson confirmed prior to Wednesday's practice that Mathews (knee) will be able to participate in the Eagles' first session of the week.

It was announced Monday that Mathews would return to practice Wednesday, and after avoiding any setbacks the last couple days, it appears he will do just that. It will not be clear until after practice if Mathews was limited at all, but his participation Wednesday at any level puts him on the right track toward returning to action Sunday against the Redskins.

Thompson carried the ball twice for five yards in Sunday's win over the Jaguars.

Thompson got a few more looks than planned after No. 2 back Kapri Bibbs went out with an ankle injury. With veteran Justin Forsett, versed in Gary Kubiak's offense, now in the fold - expect Thompson's value to return to the occasional goal-line carry. 

Ellington rushed five times for five yards in Sunday's win over Washington. He added a 10-yard catch off of two targets.

Ellington was literally running in place at times, but the veteran back can take solace in tying a season high with six touches. It's a small victory in a 2016 that has been spent behind the one of the league's most dynamic young rushers. As David Johnson continues to roll, it's hard to find much space for Ellington to work.

Washingon (ankle) has not yet been ruled out for Week 14 against the Bears, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Washington was forced to leave Sunday's game in New Orleans on a cart, but apparently his ankle injury is just a sprain and is not too serious. If Washington is unable to suit up against the Bears, look for Zach Zenner to get a bigger chunk of the Lions' early-down rushes, though Theo Riddick surprisingly has often been decent as a carrier this year.