NFL Player News

West is expected to start at running back Sunday against Baltimore with Kenneth Dixon set to work as his backup, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This isn't a surprise after Baltimore released Justin Forsett earlier in the week. While West will be the primary option, it will be interesting to see how many touches Dixon gets in his first week back from a knee injury. West's perch at the top of the depth chart could be precarious.

Sims (knee) is listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Panthers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Sims likely won't suit up Monday after failing to practice throughout the week along with Doug Martin (hamstring). If both Martin and Sims are downgraded to out, Jacquizz Rodgers figures to carry the load at running back.

Martin (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Panthers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Martin still hasn't been ruled out despite not practicing throughout the week, although it's expected he'll be downgraded prior to kickoff. Charles Sims (knee) is also considered doubtful, potentially leaving Jacquizz Rodgers as the feature back with Peyton Barber providing a change of pace.

Sims (knee) was not a participant at Saturday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Buccaneers could be thin at running back Monday against the Panthers as both Sims and Doug Martin (hamstring) are unlikely to play after failing to practice throughout the week. In such a case, Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber would take over the duties in the backfield. Sims' next opportunity to return figures to be Week 7 versus the 49ers following the Bucs' bye week.

Martin (hamstring) did not participate in Saturday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin was unable to practice throughout the entire week, and the Buccaneers will likely elect to keep him sidelined for Monday's tilt against the Panthers. A Week 7 return following the team's bye week figures to be Martin's timeline at this point, as he's been out since suffering the hamstring injury Week 2. With Charles Sims (knee) unlikely to play Monday as well, Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers figure to split reps in the backfield.

Bolden (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

With Bolden out, D.J. Foster is a candidate to suit up as depth back for the Patriots in Week 5, with Bolden's absence also representing a hit to the squad's special teams unit.

Zenner's teammate Dwayne Washington (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Eagles, the Detroit Free Press reports.

With Washington unlikely to play, Zenner will serve as the power complement to receiving specialist Theo Riddick. However, the Lions have been much more willing to use Riddick as a runner this season, and he still figures to get the start in a difficult matchup. Zenner could be the favorite for clock-killing and goal-line work, but the Lions won't necessarily find themselves in either scenario against a 3-0 Philadelphia squad.

Cunningham (thigh) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, Jack Wang of the LA Daily News reports.

Cunningham was forced out of last week's win over Arizona, and while he wasn't listed on the Wednesday injury report, he showed up as a limited participant both Thursday and Friday. It's unclear if he suffered an aggravation, or if it was just a slight oversight by the Rams earlier in the week. Cunningham doesn't have much stand-alone value, but a potential absence could lead to a few more targets for Todd Gurley.

Washington (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Eagles, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Absent from practice all week, Washington is highly unlikely to play in Sunday's game, just one week after suffering what appeared to be a pretty severe ankle sprain. Assuming the rookie does in fact sit out, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner will split the backfield work, with the former likely to get more snaps and touches, though the latter could get goal-line carries. Michael Burton, a fullback by trade, could perhaps also be in the mix or a few touches.

Carey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Indianapolis.

After missing the past two games, Carey was a limited practice participant all week, perhaps setting him up for a return in Week 5 or 6. If he does return Sunday in Indianapolis, he could take a chunk out of Jordan Howard's workload, after the rookie got 23 carries and three receptions last week against the Lions. Prior to his hamstring injury, Carey was actually working ahead of Howard in the Chicago offense, though it seems more than likely the pecking order has since been subject to a long-term shakeup.