NFL Player News

The Cowboys expect McFadden (elbow) to be available to play before his three-week window for a return closes, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The team opened the aforementioned window during the week of Thanksgiving, so the best bet for McFadden's first game action of the season likely arrives on Dec. 11 against the Giants in New York. If and when he's active, he'll likely hold down a pass-catching role, while giving Ezekiel Elliott the occasional breather in anticipation of a long playoff run.

Matthews (knee) was a non-participant at practice Thursday.

Matthews hasn't practiced since suffering an MCL injury in Week 11, a span of five sessions. He has one more this week to prove his health, but the Eagles may have to trust in Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood to carry the backfield load for a second consecutive game.

Taliaferro (thigh) did not practice Wednesday.

Taliaferro has missed the past two games with the same thigh injury. He'll likely miss a third if he's unable to get back on the practice field this week.

The Giants designated Vereen (triceps) for return Wednesday, opening his 21-day window for activation to the 53-man roster, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

In his first official practice since injuring his triceps in Week 3, Vereen "caught some balls," according to head coach Ben McAdoo. With the window for a return ajar, Vereen will have to prove to the medical and training staffs that his recovery remains on track over the next few weeks. Assuming status quo reigns (which is never a guarantee in the NFL) and he receives the go-ahead, he would likely take on a pass-catching role as a complement to No. 1 RB Rashad Jennings as the Giants make their playoff push.

Murray (ankle) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Murray has been able to play through his ankle issue of late and we don't expect that to change this weekend against the Bills. Murray, who headed into Week 12's action with a questionable tag, played this past Sunday against the Panthers, logging 49 (out of a possible 74) snaps on offense, while recording 19 carries for 45 yards and a TD and three catches for 43 yards.

Rodgers (foot) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The Buccaneers have had the services of Doug Martin for three consecutive games, and the backfield will now have a competent complement to him in the form of Rodgers, whose foot sprain forced four DNPs in a row. The first glimmer of hope for Rodgers' return occurred last Friday, but an uninhibited practice translated to a questionable designation and inactive status Sunday against the Seahawks. There's no such worry this time around, allowing Rodgers to give Martin a breather when he needs one in Week 13.

Vereen (triceps) returned to practice Wednesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The Giants signaled their intentions Tuesday with the placement of running back Orleans Darkwa (lower leg) on injured reserve, but Vereen has now taken the first step toward his first game action since Week 3. It's unclear when exactly Vereen will be given the all-clear by the training staff. Having said that, he's on pace to be back in the backfield mix before season's end.

Gillislee (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Gillislee, who missed this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars, appears on track to return for this weekend's game in Oakland, though he's no threat to supplant top RB LeSean McCoy, who excelled in Week 12 while playing through a thumb issue. When healthy, Gillislee is a candidate to log 5-to-10 carries per game in a complementary role behind McCoy, an assignment that normally entails some work around the red zone.

Mathews (knee) will not take part in Wednesday's practice.

Mathews did not take part in any of the Eagles' practice sessions last week, and he will kick this week off with another "DNP." Mathews is considered day-to-day and has a shot to play Sunday against the Bengals, but after not playing last week, he will likely have to get some work in at practice over the next couple days in order to take the field. If Mathews is ultimately sidelined in Week 13, Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood will again split the running back duties for the Eagles.

Washington carried the ball five times for 19 yards in Thursday's win over Minnesota.

It was the most yardage since Week 3 for Washington and, while the numbers aren't pretty, they look stunning compared to last week's 13-carry, six-yard effort against Jacksonville. The Lions don't have much depth behind scatback starter Theo Riddick, so Washington could emerge if he shows more potential. The problem has been in recent weeks that Washington hasn't shown much.