NFL Player News

Martin (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Already beset by one setback, Martin will be treated with kid gloves by the Buccaneers as he rehabilitates the balky hamstring that has sidelined him since Week 2, per Auman. As a result, the training room will be Martin's domain until he's cleared to return to the practice field. In the interim, the Bucs will entrust Jacquizz Rodgers with a particularly hefty workload, which has equated to 56 carries for 255 yards and six catches for 37 yards over the last two contests.

Davis is expected to be more involved in the offense Sunday in Atlanta, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports. "Well, Knile Davis, he's part of the game plan," head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday. "I think the extra time he spent with [running backs coach] Ben Sirmans over the weekend, getting ready. ... I think this is just more of a language and communication gap that you have to fill. He's very bright. He's making progress."

Following his arrival two days before the Packers' Week 7 tilt against the Bears, Davis didn't exactly have much time to get up to speed and thus handled just five of the 87 offensive snaps. Meanwhile, Ty Montgomery headed a modified backfield, turning 19 touches into 126 yards from scrimmage, including seven targets and four rushes within the red zone. If Davis' recent study sessions gives McCarthy enough confidence to revert to a more traditional scheme, the former could be the beneficiary, though Don Jackson may also play a role if his left hand recovers sufficiently in the coming days.

Gillislee (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Meanwhile, fellow running back LeSean McCoy (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, with the Bills' backfield situation leading up to this weekend's game against the Patriots thus worth monitoring. With McCoy limited to eight carries for 11 yards in this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, Gillislee logged five carries for 20 yards in the contest.

West was not on the practice field for the team's final session before their bye week, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

No injury has been reported, but West is coming off easily his worst performance of the season, as he carried the ball just eight times for a total of 10 yards. He should return with fresh legs for a favorable Week 9 matchup against the Steelers, a team allowing 4.7 yards per carry to opposing backs.

Martin (hamstring) will continue to be treated cautiously by Tampa Bay, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin has already endured one setback with the hamstring injury he suffered in mid-September, and with his replacements performing admirably, there's not currently a need to rush his return. Wednesday's practice report should paint a much clearer picture of Martin's current status.

Drake was held touchless in Sunday's win over Buffalo.

It was the second consecutive game in which Drake failed to get his hands on the ball. He's seen just three offensive snaps during that span and has been relegated to more of a special teams role. Arian Foster's retirement could open up opportunities on offense for the rookie, but - after consecutive 200-yard games - it would be a surprise for Miami's coaching staff not to ride Jay Ajayi's train for as long as they are able.

Ellington compiled seven yards on two carries and couldn't haul in his only target in Sunday's tie with the Seahawks.

Ellington handled 11 of the Cardinals' 95 offensive snaps, which is consistent with his usage over the past three games since Chris Johnson (sports hernia) landed on injured reserve. Strangely enough, Sunday's target was Ellington's first during that stretch, as David Johnson picks up the majority of RB reps for the Cardinals. Ellington thus provides nothing more than the occasional breather for the younger Johnson, making him an untenable option to consider.

Head coach Doug Pederson said he isn't down on Mathews despite the running back's two fourth-quarter fumbles in the past three games, Reuben Frank of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Pederson did say the team will consider whether fatigue may be an issue, perhaps turning to Wendell Smallwood or Darren Sproles in clock-killing situations. Considering the two fumbles occurred on Mathews' ninth and 14th carries of the respective games, it doesn't seem fatigue is the real problem. The seventh-year running back has always had a bit of an issue with ball security, and his two fumbles have simply occurred at more noticeable times this season. The first essentially cost the Eagles a Week 4 contest in Detroit, whereas Sunday's fumble had no real impact on a game with an 18-point margin and under five minutes remaining. While comparing the two feels like a stretch, there's little question Mathews will be in danger of losing work if he continues to fumble. He's already been splitting time with Smallwood and Sproles, taking only 11, nine and 14 carries over the past three games.

Head coach Jay Gruden said the team won't give up on Jones as a result of his fumbling issues, The Washington Post's Mike Jones reports.

Jones put a lot of work into solving his ball-security issues during the offseason, but he's now fumbled three times in the past five games. He also hasn't offered much as a receiver -- catching just eight passes all season -- and even his running performance has been wildly inconsistent from week to week. Despite his coach's comments suggesting the starting running back will retain his role, Jones is clearly in at least some danger of falling out of favor. Passing-down back Chris Thompson has been surprisingly effective in the running game to the tune of 5.1 yards per carry, including 12 totes for 73 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Detroit. Considering the Redskins already operate a pass-oriented offense, it would make sense to lean on the quick, sure-handed Thompson over the more powerful Jones in most situations. It remains to be seen what the team will actually do, starting with Sunday's game in London against the Bengals.

Anderson rushed 16 times for 107 yards and a touchdown in Monday's win over the Texans.

Anderson actually received one less carry than rookie Devontae Booker, but both players were plenty profitable from their respective workloads Monday, when the Broncos finished with 190 rushing yards. Anderson's 107 marked a season high for him, as did his average of 6.7 yards per tote. With a seven-yard score during the second quarter as well, Anderson certainly should've pleased his fantasy owners with his ground production, but the growing threat of Booker stealing touches should be something to monitor in the coming weeks.