NFL Player News

Anderson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.

Nor did fellow RB Ronnie Hillman (foot), with coach Gary Kubiak calling Anderson "day-to-day," while adding that he expects Hillman to practice some Thursday. Per Troy Renck of the Denver Post, Anderson "remains hopeful (his) ankle will be fine" for Sunday's game against the Raiders, but in any case, the running back's status is clearly worth tracking in advance of that contest following Wednesday's missed practice session.

Hightower is in line for an elevated workload after Mark Ingram (shoulder) landed on injured reserve Wednesday.

The Saints have been flirting with Hightower since inking him to a deal in January, releasing him two times in September before signing him for good on Nov. 2. Active for each of the team's games in the meantime, he actually spelled Ingram in Week 10 when he was knocked out for a time, notching 11 carries for 46 yards. Hightower's subsequent usage over C.J. Spiller this past Sunday implies that he'll be given the first shot to replace Ingram for the season's final four contests.

Mathews (concussion/groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Mathews made some progress with his concussion Monday after passing a baseline test, but his meeting with an independent neurologist Tuesday doesn't appear to have yielded the desired result. As the week continues, he'll have additional chances to prove his health, yet he still has some steps to take to complete his passage through the protocol for head injuries.

Ellington (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Vikings, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's inability to practice since sustaining a turf toe injury in Week 12 should have tipped owners off, but the running back won't be available for the second game in a row. On a positive note, head coach Bruce Arians relayed Wednesday that Ellington may be able to return on Dec. 20 in Philadelphia. In any case, David Johnson will again be the Cardinals' workhorse RB on Thursday, with Stepfan Taylor (shoulder) and Kerwynn Williams providing support.

Sims was in on 22 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims once again played second fiddle in the backfield to starter Doug Martin, who received his second-highest total of carries on the season. However, the second-year pro was highly efficient with his nine touches, collecting his second-best total of yards on the ground (56) in 2015, and adding another 21 in receptions. Sims and Martin have been working perfectly in concert all season, and both backs have luckily avoided the injury bug.

Martin was in on 49 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The contract-year tailback ran decisively all afternoon long against a Falcons front seven that has only given up 3.8 yards per carry this season. Martin was a true workhorse on the afternoon, and received six consecutive carries to open the game. The 26-year-old is now averaging an outstanding 5.0 yards per rush on the season, career-best total.

Ellington (toe) did not participate in Tuesday's practice, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Bothered by a turf toe injury that required a recent visit with a specialist, Ellington seems likely to miss a second straight game when the Cardinals face the Vikings on Thursday. David Johnson dominated the running-back snaps and touches until the game was out of hand Sunday in St. Louis, finishing with 22 carries for 99 yards and two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Mathews (concussion) said after Tuesday's practice that he plans to return for Sunday's game against Buffalo, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News.

According to Dave Spadaro of the team's official website, Mathews was a full-go at Tuesday's practice, just one day after he was finally able to pass a neuropsychological test. His practice status will still be worth monitoring, but with DeMarco Murray's role unclear, it's quite possible Mathews could return to action with a new role as the Eagles' lead back.

Carey (concussion) rushed five times for 17 yards and a touchdown in his return to action Sunday against the 49ers.

It's the first career score for Carey, who missed the Bears' Week 12 tilt against the Packers due to the head injury. While he ranked behind Matt Forte (21) and Langford (12) in rushing attempts, Carey earned the trust of the coaching staff to stay on the field in the fourth quarter of a competitive game, when he came through with his first career touchdown. Carey could still factor into the Bears' game plan over what remains of the season, but unless Forte or Langford succumbs to an injury, he's not likely to notice a focal role offensively.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said Anderson (ankle) was very sore Monday morning, ESPN.com reports. "[Anderson] took a pretty good blow to his ankle" said Kubiak. "He's had some ankle issues in the past. I think probably had we not had the other two, I think, he could have tried maybe to fight through some of it, but he was very sore (Monday).''

Despite Kubiak's belief that Anderson could have played through his ankle injury if necessary, the running back is no lock to be ready for Sunday's game against the Raiders. He's only considered day-to-day, but it sounds as if he'll miss some practice time this week. Should Anderson miss Sunday's game, Ronnie Hillman would be positioned for a heavy three-down workload, with Juwan Thompson serving as the top backup.