NFL Player News

Williams has signed with the Cardinals, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Williams rejoins the Cardinals after being waived by the team just over a month ago, and with Chris Johnson (groin) getting injured Sunday, Arizona could use some depth at running back ahead of Thursday's game against the 49ers. After initially arriving in Arizona in 2014, Williams went on to post 388 yards and a touchdown on 80 carries prior to his recent release, making him a familiar, capable addition given the short week of preparation he faces.

Washington suffered a sprained foot and ankle during Sunday's loss to the Bears, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Washington's ailments add to the Lions' bad luck at running back, where Ameer Abdullah (foot) has already been placed on injured reserve. That being said, despite having foot and ankle sprains, Washington may still have a shot to play this Sunday against the Eagles. While his practice level throughout the week should help determine whether that's possible or not, Zach Zenner and Michael Burton may be poised for expanded snap counts behind Theo Riddick even if Washington is cleared.

Ellington earned six of the Cardinals' 77 offensive snaps and four special teams snaps during Sunday's loss to the Rams, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

The sparse usage translated into one carry for no yards, one reception (on one target) for four yards, and two kick returns for 38 yards. On the season, Ellington hasn't surpassed 11 total yards from scrimmage in any game, and kick-return duties haven't exactly treated him well, as he ranks 16th of 17 qualified returners. Nevertheless, he could be in line for additional work Thursday at San Francisco, with backup running back Chris Johnson bothered by a groin injury at the moment.

Bolden was on the field for five of 56 snaps on offense in Sunday's 16-0 loss to the Bills, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. In the process, Bolden caught two of his three targets for 15 yards.

Meanwhile, Reiss adds that Bolden, who was shaken up during the contest, avoided a serious injury Sunday, but noted that it's possible the running back could miss some time.

Martin (hamstring) seems more likely to return after the Buccaneers' Week 6 bye than ahead of next Monday's game against the Panthers, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin still hasn't practiced since injuring his hamstring during Week 2, and although he was initially expected to miss around three weeks, he could opt to use the Buccaneers' upcoming bye week to ensure he's fully healthy when he returns. That would mean missing next Monday's game against the Panthers, and then resurfacing in Week 7 following Tampa Bay's time off. Although it's too early to tell if that will indeed be Martin's course of action, his practice participation, or possible lack thereof, could help hint toward his upcoming availability.

Rodgers gained 25 yards on six rushes and secured one of two targets for four yards in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the Broncos.

The backup tailback had some modest success running the ball in a change-of-pace role, as opposed to starter Charles Sims, who was stymied repeatedly by a stubborn Broncos front. Rodgers has been serviceable over the last two weeks in his role as a primary backup to Sims while Doug Martin (hamstring) is sidelined, but would stand to see his snaps notably reduced upon the latter's return, which could come as early as Week 5.

Gordon carried 19 times for just 36 yards, but scored a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's 35-34 loss to the Saints. He also caught six of seven targets for an additional 43 yards.

New Orleans made a concentrated effort to shut down the run game, which freed up Philip Rivers to have a big day, but resulted in the second straight game under 2.3 yards per carry for Gordon. He did score his fifth and sixth rushing touchdowns of the season, and he bolstered his output even further by notching season-highs in catches and receiving yards. Gordon has been among the most prolific fantasy running backs through the season's first four weeks and he should be a strong bet to continue his recent success next week versus a vulnerable Raiders run defense.

Kelley rushed for four yards on one attempt in Sunday's 31-20 win over the Browns.

Kelley took the field for the first time this season last week against the Giants, rushing for a measly seven yards on four touches. The undrafted rookie looked underwhelming again in Week 4, as he was giving just one opportunity out of the backfield. With Matt Jones and Chris Thompson both making a significant impact in Washington's absence, expect Kelley's opportunities to be few and far between.

Anderson rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay - adding a three yard catch during the contest.

Anderson had a string of seven straight games, including playoffs, with at least 80 total yards snapped last week in Cincinnati. He didn't fair much better in Tampa Bay. It's difficult to tell at this point whether opposing defenses, acknowledging Anderson's prominent place in Denver's offense, are keying on stopping him or whether the absence of right tackle Donald Stephenson and tight end Virgil Green is taking its toll. Things certainly look on a downswing for Anderson, but his prominent use in the red zone keeps him as a must-start. He has scored seven touchdowns in his last nine outings.

Sims gained only 28 yards on 15 carries and added just seven yards on two receptions (three targets) in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the Broncos.

The versatile third-year back drew the short straw Sunday, running into the brick wall that is the Broncos' front seven repeatedly and without much success. Sims couldn't even offer much in the passing game, an area in which he typically excels. If Doug Martin (hamstring) is unable to return for the Week 5 divisional showdown versus the Panthers, Sims figures to get the starting call once again.