NFL Player News

Mathews (knee) will not take part in Wednesday's practice.

Mathews did not take part in any of the Eagles' practice sessions last week, and he will kick this week off with another "DNP." Mathews is considered day-to-day and has a shot to play Sunday against the Bengals, but after not playing last week, he will likely have to get some work in at practice over the next couple days in order to take the field. If Mathews is ultimately sidelined in Week 13, Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood will again split the running back duties for the Eagles.

Washington carried the ball five times for 19 yards in Thursday's win over Minnesota.

It was the most yardage since Week 3 for Washington and, while the numbers aren't pretty, they look stunning compared to last week's 13-carry, six-yard effort against Jacksonville. The Lions don't have much depth behind scatback starter Theo Riddick, so Washington could emerge if he shows more potential. The problem has been in recent weeks that Washington hasn't shown much.

Barner notched one carry for two yards, one reception (on one target) for 10 yards, and three kick returns for 49 yards during Monday's 27-13 loss to the Packers.

With Ryan Mathews (knee) sidelined, Darren Sproles got the start at running back, earning 31 of the 59 offensive snaps. While the bulk of Sproles' output occurred in the passing game -- 48 of 54 yards -- Wendell Smallwood was more or less the RB option on first and second down, yet he was afforded 22 snaps as the Eagles were in catch-up mode all evening. Merely receiving scraps in this contest, Barner (six snaps) could be marginalized further if Mathews returns Sunday in Cincinnati, which could come to pass as head coach Doug Pederson considers the veteran "day-to-day."

Rodgers (foot) appears to have a strong chance of returning on Sunday versus the Chargers based on the Bucs' release of Mike James on Tuesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Auman is basically reading the tea leaves with his tweet, but the conclusion certainly seems reasonable. Rodgers had put in an unrestricted practice session last Friday, so his arrow has been trending upward with respect to a return. Assuming he suffers no setbacks during forthcoming Week 13 preparations, Rodgers looks destined to suit up as Doug Martin's primary backup against San Diego come Sunday.

Mathews (knee) remains day-to-day Tuesday, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

In Week 11, Mathews didn't return in Seattle due to a knee injury, placing a cloud over his upcoming practice participation. Indeed, he failed to practice last week and was eventually ruled out for Monday's game versus the Packers with what was termed an MCL issue in his right knee. Although Pederson's remarks bode well for Mathews' ability to practice this week, a wait-and-see approach is the prudent one to learn if the running back will be available Sunday in Cincinnati. No matter what goes down, Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles figure to hold down roles in the backfield for the rest of the season.

Michael had one carry for four yards in Monday's victory over the Eagles.

Michael suited up Monday for the first time since being claimed by the Packers last week, but his role was minuscule, as he tallied just the lone carry and was only on the field for two snaps in all, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Despite the lack of work Monday and Michael's relative unfamiliarity with his new surroundings, it's not inconceivable that his role could expand as he gets more acclimated, as primary running back James Starks is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.

Michael is listed as active Monday in Philadelphia, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Michael has been studying the playbook ad nauseum since joining the Packers less than two weeks ago. Whether his work pays off in the form of production remains to be seen, but he's certainly the most well-rounded running back option in a depleted backfield. Contending with 30-year-old James Starks and converted wideout Ty Montgomery, Michael offers a glimmer of hope that balance can be restored in the Green Bay offense.

Gillislee, who missed Sunday's win over Jacksonville with a hamstring injury, is expected back for this week's game in Oakland, The Buffalo News reports.

With LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor doing their thing in the win Sunday, the backups weren't really needed, as rookie Jonathan Williams only carried three times and Reggie Bush had none. Gillislee typically takes on more of a load than that, so you can assume 5-10 carries a game including some work around the red zone. Monitor his practice participation throughout the week, however.

Coach Mike Mularkey and the Titans coaching staff have discussed utilizing Henry more in short-yardage situations going forward, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online reports.

Henry scored his second touchdown of the season on an 11-yard rush Sunday versus the Bears, when he out-gained starter DeMarco Murray 60 to 43 in rushing yards. Although Murray has been one of the league's best running backs this season, the 6'2", 247-pound Henry presents an even more imposing power option, seemingly making him great for short-yard situations. After finding pay dirt twice in Tennessee's four games prior to their current bye week, Henry could see more end zone trips in his future, which could somewhat hurt Murray's late-season value if that indeed comes to pass.

Ellington was targeted five times Sunday in Atlanta, corralling two for a season-high 19 yards.

In essence, Ellington only takes the field when David Johnson needs a breather, and the latter is one of the NFL's workhorse backs, as he's one of four players with at least 260 touches to this point in the season. Ellington is thus relegated to whatever he can get, which resulted in two receptions in a game for just the second time in the campaign. If status quo reigns in the Cardinals' backfield, he can expect 2-to-3 looks on a weekly basis.