NFL Player News

With Doug Martin (hamstring) ruled out after suffering a setback, Rodgers will serve as the primary ballcarrier Sunday in San Francisco, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin seemed to aiming for a Sunday return coming out of a bye week, but the recent setback will keep him sidelined for at least one more game. With neither Martin nor Charles Sims (knee) available back in Week 5 against Carolina, the diminutive Rodgers logged 68 of 73 offensive snaps, gaining 101 yards on a career-high 30 carries and another 28 yards on five receptions (six targets). Although he may cede some snaps to rookie Peyton Barber and recent signing Antone Smith, there's little question Rodgers will lead the way against a San Francisco defense ranked last in rushing yards allowed per game (174.5) and 31st in yards per carry (5.0).

Either Zenner or Dwayne Washington (ankle) will start at running back Sunday against the Redskins, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Zenner was handed his second career start in wake of the Lions' continued tailback injuries last weekend, finishing with 58 yards on 14 rushes against the Ravens. Although teammate Theo Riddick (ankle) will remain sidelined this Sunday, Washington could overcome his own ankle injury to play, potentially giving Zenner competition for the start. However, given Washington's questionable status, Zenner could see a useful number of touches regardless. The Redskins' sixth-worst run defense makes his matchup favorable, but Zenner may have to compete for carries with both Washington and Justin Forsett.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Bolden was reduced from a limited participant earlier in the week to a practice absentee Friday, so his knee appears to be working against him heading into the weekend. With LeGarrette Blount and James White complementing one another well, Bolden has barely been used on offense, so his potential absence would mostly impact New England's special teams.

Murray (toe) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars, but he is expected to play, CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair reports.

Murray has missed Oakland's last two tilts due to turf toe, and although he was limited during practice this week, he's still slated to suit up Sunday. While the Raiders have frustrated fantasy owners with their mixture of running backs lately, Murray still leads the team with 43 rushing yards per game and three touchdowns on the ground. In fact, prior to his disappointing Week 4 performance, Murray scored in each of Oakland's first three contests.

Washington (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Washington was also listed as questionable last week, but he only got in one limited practice and was ultimately declared inactive. After logging three consecutive limited practices this week, he seemingly has a much better shot to rejoin Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett in the Detroit backfield. Washington could serve as the top option if he plays, as he was clearly ahead of Zenner on the depth chart before he sprained his ankle. Theo Riddick (ankle) didn't practice all week and has officially been ruled out for Sunday.

Martin (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in San Francisco.

Martin was seemingly on track to practice for the first time since he injured his hamstring in Week 2, but he then suffered a setback at some point last week, leaving him without a clear timetable to return. With Charles Sims (knee) also out of the picture, Jacquizz Rodgers is set to handle a heavy three-down workload in Sunday's favorable matchup against the leaky San Francisco run defense. Peyton Barber and Antone Smith will provide depth.

Davis had two carries for one yard in Thursday's victory over the Bears.

Davis was a popular waiver-wire target this week with the Packers banged up at the running back position, but he was only able to practice once with his new team prior to Thursday's contest, and did not even enter the game until the fourth quarter. Davis will have some time to get up to speed before the Packers' next game in Week 8 and could see more work, but the team had ample success with Ty Montgomery and others running the ball Thursday, so it seems like a stretch to expect Davis to jump into a prominent role in the backfield even when he does become more familiar with the playbook.

Gillislee's teammate LeSean McCoy is listed as questionable and a game-time decision for Sunday's game in Miami.

We hope that if you're a McCoy owner, you didn't let this insurance policy expire along the way. We've seen some big bids on Gillislee all week, which be a bit overblown, as it looks like McCoy may only miss a game or two -- and he might even rally to play this week, though it isn't looking promising. That said, Gillislee has looked good in limited action so far, averaging 6.9 yards per carry with two rushing touchdowns and one more through the air. The Bills have a bulldozer rushing attack that led the league last season and is doing the same in 2016, so if McCoy is indeed out this week, the former Gator could make for a nice spot start. The Bills play in the 1 p.m. ET wave of games, so check McCoy's status Sunday morning.

Carey totaled 48 yards on 10 carries and hauled in his only reception for nine yards in Thursday's 26-10 loss to the Packers.

Carey surprisingly received three more carries than rookie Jordan Howard, who'd been stellar during two of the last three weeks. However, it was the third-year back who found much easier sledding on the ground Thursday, while Jordan was held to just over three yards per tote. With the Bears now 1-6 and searching for answers, head coach John Fox may opt to go with the hot hand, and with 98 yards on 19 carries the last two weeks, that designation could rightfully be bestowed upon Carey for the time being.

Carey (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game in Green Bay, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

With Jeremy Langford (ankle) again sidelined, Jordan Howard will receive most of the backfield reps in Week 7. Even if Carey is afforded some touches, though, he may not have much room to operate against the Packers' No. 2 ranked run defense.