NFL Player News

Martin (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Denver.

Martin still hasn't returned to practice and could miss time beyond Sunday, though it could help his cause that the Bucs have an extra day to prepare before facing the Panthers on Monday Night Football in Week 5. Charles Sims will draw another start, this time facing a tough Denver defense after handling 68 of the 90 offensive snaps in a Week 3 loss to the Rams. The Broncos have been surprisingly vulnerable to the run this season, and Sims' receiving ability should ensure he stays involved regardless of the score.

Drake was given only two carries for 15 yards in Thursday night's loss to the Bengals.

Drake played only seven snaps Thursday, which was the lowest mark among the Dolphins' four running backs, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reports. Considering the rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the season, his inconsistent level of involvement is somewhat questionable, but Miami's four-man committee approach in Arian Foster's (groin) absence probably limits Drake's fantasy upside anyway.

Pead played nine snaps in Thursday's loss to the Bengals, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reports.

Pead finished with three rushes for five yards and caught one pass for six yards as well Thursday. That production, as well as Pead's low snap count, evidences his reserve role in Miami's backfield, where an intriguing fantasy option has failed to emerge in Arian Foster's (groin) absence.

Williams rushed twice for nine yards and caught one pass for six yards in Thursday night's loss to the Bengals.

Williams was surprisingly deemed the Dolphins' starting running back just prior to Thursday night's kickoff, but despite that lofty designation, he only ended up playing 13 snaps, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reports. That involvement level, and Williams' final yardage, mirrored his usual change-of-pace role, hardly moving the needle on his fantasy stock. Although neither Ajayi, Kenyan Drake nor Isaiah Pead were particularly productive Thursday, the Dolphins' committee approach in Arian Foster's (hamstring) absence seemingly overrides the upside from being named the team's starter.

Carey (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Detroit.

Carey didn't practice all week and can essentially be ruled out. With Jeremy Langford (ankle) also unavailable, rookie Jordan Howard is in line to lead the Chicago backfield.

Williams is in line to start at running back for the Dolphins in place of Arian Foster on Thursday against the Bengals.

After logging one carry for 15 yards and catching three passes for 10 yards in Week 3, Williams appears to be in line for added opportunities Thursday, though with Kenyan Drake, Jay Ajayi and Isaiah Pead also on hand, his Week 4 workload is hard to predict, with some form of committee arrangement likely on tap.

Richardson was released by the Steelers on Thursday, Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Richardson was released to clear a roster spot for Le'Veon Bell, who returned from a three-game suspension. Richardson will be eligible for the practice squad if he clears waivers. He had two carries for a total of seven yards in three games with the Steelers.

Grimes (ankle) will reportedly be sidelined for about a month due to a cracked fibula, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Injuries continue to decimate the Texans' this season, but Grimes is expected to make a full recovery. The back has logged four carries for 12 yards and hauled in five receptions for 28 yards so far this season, but will now be sidelined until late October at the earliest. Meanwhile, Alfred Blue and Tyler Ervin will continue to serve as depth options behind Lamar Miller in Grimes' absence.

Artis-Payne is on pace to earn another start in place of Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) on Sunday in Atlanta, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

After head coach Ron Rivera all but ruled Stewart out for Week 4 on Thursday, Artis-Payne should receive the majority of carries among Panthers running backs, as he did this past Sunday against the Vikings. Artis-Payne managed just 47 yards on a team-high 12 rushes and hauled in his only target for 11 yards, but swapping out Minnesota's staunch defense for Atlanta's more yielding edition (the unit has allowed 4.8 YPC to opposing RBs) should be a boon for his prospects. Unfortunately for Artis-Payne, goal-line vultures Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert could keep him out of the end zone yet again.

The Seahawks released Magee on Wednesday.

The team opted to sign free agent C.J. Spiller, and subsequently released Magee to make room on the roster. The 23-year-old had recently been promoted from the practice squad, had tallied 12 yards on three carries in their win over the 49ers on Sunday.