NFL Player News

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Friday that he expects Artis-Payne to be involved in the offense early in Sunday's game against the Giants, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Despite Rivera's assertion that Fozzy Whittaker or Mike Tolbert will start, it won't be surprising if Artis-Payne ends up with the most carries. However, the rookie still appears to have a pretty limited ceiling, as Whittaker is the favorite for passing-down work, with Tolbert most likely to get goal-line carries. It's still anyone's guess as to which of the three ends up having the best game.

Ellington (toe) was a limited participant at Friday's practice, with head coach Bruce Arians saying afterward that the running back will be a game-time decision for Sunday against the Eagles, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's return to practice suggests he has some shot to play, but there's little doubt that his turf toe is still an issue. Even if he's active for Sunday night's game, David Johnson will likely lead the Arizona backfield, with Ellington merely providing support. Ellington thus makes for a poor Week 15 option, regardless of his active status for Sunday's game. The Cardinals have yet to release their final injury report, but it's safe to assume Ellington will be listed as questionable. Johnson is primed for another heavy workload.

Ellington (toe) is in full pads at Friday's practice, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington may still end up listed as a limited participant, but his Friday return to practice suggests that the Cardinals are at least hopeful he'll be able to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles. Another update will be available when the Cardinals release their final injury report Friday afternoon.

Cunningham totaled eight yards on two rushes in a 31-23 win against the Buccaneers on Thursday.

Despite the Rams passing the ball more in Thursday's contest, Cunningham was held without a target. Case Keenum didn't target his running backs outside of Todd Gurley once on Thursday, which doesn't bode well for the pass-catching specialist the rest of the way.

Rainey tallied 38 yards on two kickoff returns in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

Rainey failed to log any punt returns for the second straight week, and posted two unspectacular kickoff runbacks. The special teamer nevertheless one of the more solid returners in the league, and does an above-average job of setting up the Bucs offense in a favorable position week-to-week.

Sims gained 50 yards on seven carries and secured all three of his targets for 22 yards in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

The backup tailback once again received extended playing time in the fourth quarter with Tampa in catch-up mode. Sims ripped off his second run of more than 20 yards in the last three weeks when he rambled for 35 yards midway through the fourth quarter to help get Tampa in position for what would eventually be a Connor Barth field goal. As customary, the second-year pro also made some contributions through the air, notching two catches on Tampa's last drive to help set up their final touchdown of the evening. Sims and the Bucs face off against the Bears in Tampa in Week 16.

Martin gained 91 yards on 18 carries and secured one of two targets for six yards in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

Martin looked outstanding with the ball on his hands over the first two and a half quarters, but was once again rendered obsolete as the Bucs fell significantly behind in the second half. The four-year pro ran powerfully and had several runs where he made outstanding cuts to gain additional yardage. Tampa appeared intent on attacking a Rams defense that struggles significantly against the run, running Martin for five straight plays to open their first drive, but had to abandon any semblance of a balanced offensive approach once they went down 28-6 in the third quarter. Martin and the Bucs will face the vulnerable Bears defense in Week 16.

West (calf) was limited at practice Thursday, the Baltimore Sun reports.

If the injury that led to West being added to the Ravens' Week 15 injury report hampers his ability to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Terrence Magee would be next in line to back up starter Javorius Allen this weekend.

Anderson (ankle) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

Meanwhile, coach Gary Kubiak noted that that Anderson was "on track to play" against the Steelers on Sunday, after the running back was in uniform for Week 14's game against the Raiders, but didn't see the field after missing the entire week of practice.

Harris has been added to the Ravens' practice squad.

Harris ended up getting 18 carries for the Seahawks in Week 14 after Thomas Rawls was injured, but the team did some backfield re-tooling afterward, with Harris subsequently let go and replaced by Bryce Brown and Christine Michael. Harris will now provide the Ravens with added depth behind rostered backs Javorius Allen, Terrance West and Terrence Magee.