NFL Player News

Barner notched one carry for two yards, one reception (on one target) for 10 yards, and three kick returns for 49 yards during Monday's 27-13 loss to the Packers.

With Ryan Mathews (knee) sidelined, Darren Sproles got the start at running back, earning 31 of the 59 offensive snaps. While the bulk of Sproles' output occurred in the passing game -- 48 of 54 yards -- Wendell Smallwood was more or less the RB option on first and second down, yet he was afforded 22 snaps as the Eagles were in catch-up mode all evening. Merely receiving scraps in this contest, Barner (six snaps) could be marginalized further if Mathews returns Sunday in Cincinnati, which could come to pass as head coach Doug Pederson considers the veteran "day-to-day."

Rodgers (foot) appears to have a strong chance of returning on Sunday versus the Chargers based on the Bucs' release of Mike James on Tuesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Auman is basically reading the tea leaves with his tweet, but the conclusion certainly seems reasonable. Rodgers had put in an unrestricted practice session last Friday, so his arrow has been trending upward with respect to a return. Assuming he suffers no setbacks during forthcoming Week 13 preparations, Rodgers looks destined to suit up as Doug Martin's primary backup against San Diego come Sunday.

Mathews (knee) remains day-to-day Tuesday, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

In Week 11, Mathews didn't return in Seattle due to a knee injury, placing a cloud over his upcoming practice participation. Indeed, he failed to practice last week and was eventually ruled out for Monday's game versus the Packers with what was termed an MCL issue in his right knee. Although Pederson's remarks bode well for Mathews' ability to practice this week, a wait-and-see approach is the prudent one to learn if the running back will be available Sunday in Cincinnati. No matter what goes down, Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles figure to hold down roles in the backfield for the rest of the season.

Michael had one carry for four yards in Monday's victory over the Eagles.

Michael suited up Monday for the first time since being claimed by the Packers last week, but his role was minuscule, as he tallied just the lone carry and was only on the field for two snaps in all, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Despite the lack of work Monday and Michael's relative unfamiliarity with his new surroundings, it's not inconceivable that his role could expand as he gets more acclimated, as primary running back James Starks is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.

Michael is listed as active Monday in Philadelphia, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Michael has been studying the playbook ad nauseum since joining the Packers less than two weeks ago. Whether his work pays off in the form of production remains to be seen, but he's certainly the most well-rounded running back option in a depleted backfield. Contending with 30-year-old James Starks and converted wideout Ty Montgomery, Michael offers a glimmer of hope that balance can be restored in the Green Bay offense.

Gillislee, who missed Sunday's win over Jacksonville with a hamstring injury, is expected back for this week's game in Oakland, The Buffalo News reports.

With LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor doing their thing in the win Sunday, the backups weren't really needed, as rookie Jonathan Williams only carried three times and Reggie Bush had none. Gillislee typically takes on more of a load than that, so you can assume 5-10 carries a game including some work around the red zone. Monitor his practice participation throughout the week, however.

Coach Mike Mularkey and the Titans coaching staff have discussed utilizing Henry more in short-yardage situations going forward, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online reports.

Henry scored his second touchdown of the season on an 11-yard rush Sunday versus the Bears, when he out-gained starter DeMarco Murray 60 to 43 in rushing yards. Although Murray has been one of the league's best running backs this season, the 6'2", 247-pound Henry presents an even more imposing power option, seemingly making him great for short-yard situations. After finding pay dirt twice in Tennessee's four games prior to their current bye week, Henry could see more end zone trips in his future, which could somewhat hurt Murray's late-season value if that indeed comes to pass.

Ellington was targeted five times Sunday in Atlanta, corralling two for a season-high 19 yards.

In essence, Ellington only takes the field when David Johnson needs a breather, and the latter is one of the NFL's workhorse backs, as he's one of four players with at least 260 touches to this point in the season. Ellington is thus relegated to whatever he can get, which resulted in two receptions in a game for just the second time in the campaign. If status quo reigns in the Cardinals' backfield, he can expect 2-to-3 looks on a weekly basis.

Vereen (triceps) could return to practice this week, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports.

Vereen was placed on injured reserve after tearing his triceps in Week 3, but after having surgery and clearing the two-month recovery timetable associated with the procedure, he's now edging closer to a return to practice. Whether that happens or not this week remains to be seen, but it appears Vereen has a decent chance of returning during the regular season, which would represent a nice boost to the Giants' backfield options.

Cunningham caught his only target for 12 yards and didn't have a rushing attempt during Sunday's loss to the Saints.

Since the Rams' Week 8 bye, Cunningham has rushed only 11 times for 57 yards and caught 10 passes for 48 yards through four games. While he's been effective on the ground (5.2 yards per attempt), his volume in the offense doesn't offer much fantasy upside. At this stage of the season, Cunningham is probably best viewed as an insurance policy for Todd Gurley owners or a lottery ticket in deep leagues.