NFL Player News

Sims (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, opening his 21-day window for activation from injured reserve, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Sims was always the most logical of Tampa Bay's IR members to make another appearance this season, but when (or if) he does, he'll take on his normal change-of-pace role behind Doug Martin. In four games this season, Sims offset 2.8 yards per carry with 14 receptions (on 19 targets) for 112 yards. His first opportunity to play again will be Dec. 11 against the Saints.

Johnson (groin) won't return this season, as the Cardinals have cleared Tyvon Branch (groin) to practice, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Among players placed on injured reserve, each team can designate just one for activation, and the Cardinals have made their choice due to need. With David Johnson regularly churning out 100 yards from scrimmage on a weekly basis, the elder Johnson would merely be an accessory, while Branch would bolster the back end of the defense. An unrestricted free agent in the offseason, Chris Johnson may have played his last down with the Cardinals.

At this point, Mathews (knee) is viewed as more of a question mark for Monday night's game against the Packers than fellow RB Darren Sproles (ribs), Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Per Philly.com, Mathews -- who won't practice Wednesday -- is "day-to-day" with an MCL issue in his right knee. Meanwhile, Sproles won't practice either Wednesday, as a precaution, per Berman. If either Mathews or Sproles is out or limited Monday night, Wendell Smallwood would presumably be in line for an uptick in work.

Mathews (knee) will not practice Wednesday.

Mathews is considered day-to-day with his knee injury -- which bodes well for his long-term status -- but his setback will prevent him from taking the field Wednesday. He will have an extra day to recover with the Eagles playing Monday night in Week 12, but his week is not off to a promising start. The Eagles' running back situation is in limbo this week with both Mathews and Darren Sproles (ribs) banged up, and it will likely be a day or two before the situation becomes clearer. Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner are candidates for more snaps if either or both of Mathews and Sproles is unable to play Monday.

Ellington carried the ball five times for 21 yards and added two receiving yards in Sunday's loss to Minnesota.

The six touches tied a season high for Ellington and his 23 yards were two off his season-high mark. It's the bleak reality of playing behind one of the league's most dominant backs. So long as David Johnson keeps rolling, don't expect Ellington to turn it around.

Abdullah underwent a scheduled checkup on his left foot Tuesday, which apparently "went well," Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Abdullah has been out of commission since suffering an unknown but serious foot injury in Week 2. What "went well" Tuesday remains to be seen, but until he's given clearance to practice, it's unclear if the Lions are keen to use their one designated-to-return spot on the running back. In the meantime, head coach Jim Caldwell will continue to rely on the tandem of Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington out of the backfield.

The Chargers claimed Hillman off waivers Tuesday, Ricky Henne of the team's official site reports.

After Dexter McCluster broke his forearm in a freak incident at his residence on Nov. 4, the offense was able to get by with Melvin Gordon powering the rushing attack in the Chargers' two games before a Week 11 bye. Upon reconvening this week, Hillman has been brought in to bolster the RB ranks but will contend with Kenneth Farrow for slotting behind Gordon. Notably, running backs not named Gordon have cobbled together just 6.8 touches per outing this season, so Hillman will be hard-pressed to make an impact on his third squad since the preseason kicked off.

Hunt carried five times for minus-2 yards in Monday's 27-20 loss to the Raiders.

Hunt was bumped up to the top backup as Alfred Blue (calf) was inactive Monday, but Lamar Miller, who had been dealing with a shoulder injury, held up well. As such, Hunt, who had 52 yards last week, was not needed to spell Miller. One area where Hunt may be of use is in the return game. Tyler Ervin, the team's top returner, lost his second fumble of the season and wasn't given another opportunity to return. Hunt filled in and had a 39-yard kickoff return, putting the Texans in position for a go-ahead score, which never materialized.

Cunningham only saw the field on 17 offensive snaps and rushed twice for seven yards while catching just one of three targets for negative-three yards during Sunday's loss to Miami.

Cunningham's involvement in the offense has been shifting between minimal and non-existent, and he offers limited fantasy potential. Outside of being a desperation handcuff to Todd Gurley in deep leagues, it likely isn't worth owning Cunningham.

Murray gained just 33 yards on 12 carries during Monday's win over the Texans, but he also added five catches on as many targets for 59 receiving yards.

Murray along with his companions in the Raiders' backfield couldn't get anything going on the ground Monday, but he was able to do some damage in the team's aerial attack. Fantasy owners would've been very disappointed if it weren't for Murray's season high in receiving yardage, which was boosted by a long catch of 39 yards. He'll have quite the test next week against a Carolina defense that gives up less than 85 rushing yards per game, but he remains a candidate for goal-line carries on a weekly basis.