NFL Player News

Mathews' ankle stiffened during Sunday's game against the Steelers, explaining his light workload of just two carries, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mathews reportedly had the same ankle that limited him before the preseason rolled on during his 22-carry Week 1 performance against the Browns. That discomfort contributed toward his combined 11 carries over the past two weeks, clarifying his situation to owners. Fortunately, the Eagles now have a Week 4 bye, giving Mathews extra time for his ankle's condition to improve. While coach Doug Pederson maintains Mathews is the Eagles' starting running back when healthy, he also revealed the veteran will continue to be subject to a rotation that includes Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner, thus adding a frustrating layer to Mathews' current injury situation.

Gillislee carried the ball three times for 20 yards during Sunday's win over Arizona, while seeing the field for 10 of the team's 64 offensive snaps.

Gillislee looked good on his runs, even though he lost the handle on one where the Bills were fortunate enough to recover. He only saw seven snaps combined in the first two games, so this is a good development as he cements his No. 2 standing behind LeSean McCoy after Anthony Lynn took over the offensive coordinator duties a week ago. Meanwhile, Reggie Bush didn't even see an offensive play, though rookie Jonathan Williams was on the field for six offensive snaps (three carries for two yards).

Drake started at running back and led the Dolphins' backfield with 27 offensive snaps Sunday against the Browns, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reports.

Drake figured to be the lead back in Week 3 with Arian Foster nursing a groin injury, and while he did lead the team in carries, he saw only a 39-percent share in the Dolphins' running back snaps. Jay Ajayi picked up 18 snaps and seven carries, Isaiah Pead saw 13 snaps and five carries, and Damien Williams was allotted 11 snaps, which he turned into 15 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Ajayi also got the Dolphins' only two carries in overtime, cashing one in for a game-winning touchdown. It is sure starting to sound like a backfield to avoid as far as fantasy goes, as the Dolphins are clearly not afraid to spread the workload around when rushing the ball.

Kelley rushed for seven yards on four attempts in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Kelley saw the field for the first time this season, as he was given the ball four times. While it wasn't a breakout performance, his presence on the field is a step in the right direction, as he looks to challenge Chris Thompson for second-string reps.

Mathews finished Sunday's win over Pittsburgh with two carries for minus-five yards. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he's been working through an apparent ankle injury for the last two weeks.

Head coach Doug Pederson did not provide any information regarding Mathews' status after Sunday's game, but Wendell Smallwood piled up 17 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Kenjon Barner carried eight times for 42 yards and a score of his own. Considering that Mathews carried the ball 22 times in Week 1, it's fair to connect the reduced workloads against the Bears (nine carries in Week 2) and Steelers to the ailment. Further details regarding the extent of the problem are expected to come Monday when Pederson addresses the media again. Depending on the severity of the injury, Mathews stands to benefit from the Eagles' Week 4 bye.

Draughn was held to 12 yards on six touches (five carries and one catch) in Sunday's 37-18 loss to Seattle.

Draughn did next to nothing with his limited touches Sunday. His absence from the gameplan in a contest that the 49ers trailed from end-to-end is concerning for a back who's value relies on getting receptions out of the backfield. This further proves that Carlos Hyde is the unquestioned, every-down back in San Francisco.

Elliott gained 140 yards on 30 carries and 20 yards on two receptions (two targets) in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears.

As promised by Jerry Jones, Elliott's workload wasn't impacted by his Week 2 fumble. However, he somehow failed to reach the end zone in a game that saw his team score a trio of rushing touchdowns, despite accounting for 30 of the Cowboys' 41 carries. Dak Prescott, Lance Dunbar and Alfred Morris each scored from in close, but it didn't seems like a concerted effort to avoid using Elliott near the goal line. With 20-plus carries in each of his first three NFL games, the No. 3 overall draft pick is safely entrenched in the top 10 of the weekly rankings at his position. Elliott should stay busy in a Week 4 matchup with Chip Kelly's fast-paced 49ers.

Richardson had one carry for one yard in Pittsburgh's 34-3 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday.

After attempting five rushes on their opening drive, the Steelers' fell behind and were playing catch-up all game. As a result, they only ran five more times the remainder of the game. With Le'Veon Bell (suspension) due to return in Week 4 against Kansas City, Richardson's role will be reduced even further.

Sims gained 55 yards on 13 carries and secured six of eight targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 37-32 loss to the Rams.

The third-year back put together a solid performance in Doug Martin's (hamstring) stead, but didn't get a full allotment of carries with the Bucs leaning heavily on the passing game in the second half. Due to his pass-catching proficiency, however, Sims was significantly involved in that aspect of the offense as well, securing a season high in receptions. The West Virginia product also notched only the second rushing touchdown of his career on a one-yard run in the second quarter, with his only other score on the ground having come back on Dec. 28, 2014 versus the Saints. Sims displayed a willingness to run between the tackles in addition to showing his trademark bounce to the outside, lending credence to the theory that he should be able to keep the Tampa running game afloat during Martin's absence. He draws a tough assignment for his second 2016 start, however, as the Bucs do battle with the Broncos in Week 4.

Jones carried 17 times for 65 yards and caught both of his targets for another 14 yards during Sunday's 29-27 win over the Giants.

Jones recorded a season-high in carries Sunday, but an improved Giants run defense held him to just 3.8 yards per carry. He also caught multiple passes for the first time this season, although he as received just four total targets. With his usage trending up, Jones could have the opportunity to produce a quality fantasy performance in Week 4 versus the Browns.