NFL Player News

Vereen carried 11 times for 67 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Redskins. He added a pair of catches on five targets for another 28 yards and lost a fumble for the second straight game.

Starting in place of the injured Rashad Jennings (thumb), Vereen was quite effective running the ball, as he averaged over six yards per carry and found the end zone on the first drive of the game. He uncharacteristically failed to make a huge impact in the passing game, but the five looks he received were tied for third on the team. Vereen's fumble opened the door for Orleans Darkwa so see additional work, as the latter finished with 10 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown of his own. It remains to be seen if Jennings will miss next week's road game versus the Vikings, but if he does, a timeshare between Vereen and Darkwa will likely be in order.

Murray ran for 37 yards and a touchdown in 10 carries during Sunday's 17-10 win over the Raiders. He gained one additional yard as he caught his only target of the game.

Murray rumbled for a 22-yard touchdown on his first carry of the game, but he was bottled up for the rest of the game, gaining just 15 yards on his other nine totes. He has scored a touchdown in each game this season, but Murray continues to suffer from a lack of touches, as the 11 he received Sunday were a season-low. Rookie DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard combined for 14 touches Sunday and were each more efficient than Murray, leading one to believe that this timeshare of sorts should continue next week on the road versus a stiff Baltimore front.

Drake rushed for 37 yards on nine carries and pitched in two catches on two targets for 11 yards in Sunday's win over Cleveland.

The rookie saw his most extensive role of the young season on Sunday with veteran Arian Foster out of the game with a groin injury. He showed flashes of being a complete back, averaging more than four yards per carry and catching two passes out of the backfield for the second consecutive week. The Dolphins haven't run much this season and, when they have, it's generally been with Foster or quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It remains to be seen whether Drake's solid Sunday afternoon earns him an increased role even when Foster returns, but the former's abilities as a receiver certainly could be a factor in his favor.

Washington notched 38 yards on 10 carries to go along with one catch on one target for a loss of three during Sunday's loss to the Packers.

Washington was given the same amount of rushing attempts as starter Theo Riddick, but he didn't have much of an impact in the passing attack. The Lions were forced to throw the ball quite a bit due to the fact they were trailing the Packers early, which resulted in a slight reduction of Washington's role in the offense. Riddick wasn't productive on the ground, averaging less than one yard per carry, so Washington should be given additional chances next week against the Bears.

Michael will start at running back in Sunday's contest against the 49ers with Thomas Rawls on the Seahawks' inactive list.

Although Rawls (lower leg) was trending toward inactive status, he'll officially yield the top spot in Seattle's running back group to Michael for one game. Michael's preseason prowess has extended into the regular season, as he's averaging a robust 5.0 YPC on his 25 rushes through two games.

Sims is the starting tailback for Sunday's Week 3 tilt versus the Rams, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The third-year pro will get first crack at lead-back duties in the absence of Doug Martin (hamstring). Given his considerable proficiency in the passing game, Sims should see a significant boost in overall touches against the Rams, with Jacquizz Rodgers spelling him on occasion.

Martin (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's Week 3 tilt versus the Rams, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The announcement is a mere formality, as Martin has already been confirmed as out for multiple weeks due to his hamstring injury. Charles Sims has been named as Sunday's lead back, with Jacquizz Rodgers and potentially undrafted rookie Peyton Barber spelling him when necessary.

Rawls (lower leg) is listed as inactive Sunday versus the 49ers, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

As relayed by Adam Schefter of ESPN on Sunday morning, Rawls will miss at least one game in order to tend to a lower leg contusion. With C.J. Prosise (hand) also on the inactive list, Christine Michael is poised to receive a plurality of touches out of the Seahawks' backfield in Week 3.

Williams is active for Sunday's Week 3 matchup versus the Browns, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Williams will get the call after a Week 2 inactive status and share reserve carries with Jay Ajayi and Isaiah Pead behind designated starter Kenyan Drake against the Browns.

Pead is active for Sunday's Week 3 matchup versus the Browns, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The fourth-year back stands to see his first playing time of 2016 after flashing enough in preseason to earn a roster spot. Pead is slated to share backup carries with Jay Ajayi and Damien Williams behind designated starter Kenyan Drake.