NFL Player News

Ellington earned 26 of the Cardinals' 81 offensive snaps Sunday at Cleveland, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports. However, Ellington was shut out on three carries and didn't catch his only target.

In advance of the contest, head coach Bruce Arians implied that Ellington's role was set to increase, and he wasn't entirely false. Ellington's usage increased slightly from 29 percent to 32 percent of the offensive snaps between Weeks 7 and 8, but his production didn't meet its previous modest standard, which included nine carries for 91 yards, five catches (on six targets) for 75 yards, and one touchdown in the three outings before Sunday's game. After the Cardinals' Week 9 bye, expect Ellington's production to remain muted as long as Chris Johnson is running roughshod over the opposition.

Pead signed with the Steelers on Monday.

Pead's signing unfortunately coincides with star Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (knee) being placed on season-ending injured reserve. With Bell out, veteran DeAngelo Williams is expected to shoulder most of Pittsburgh's workload, but Pead could compete with fellow backups Dre Archer and Jordan Todman for touches out of the backfield.

Murray carried the ball 20 times for 113 yards and added one catch for six yards in Sunday's win over the Jets.

Although he failed to score a touchdown, it was still a very productive day for the Raiders' workhorse as he received 20 of the 25 carries out of the backfield. Sunday marked the second time this year that Murray rushed for over 100 yards, and he's caught a pass out of the backfield in every game to begin the season. Owners would love to see the touchdown totals go up as he sits on just three all year, and it's highly likely that they will as long as the Raiders' keep feeding him the ball. Murray should have a decent matchup next week in Pittsburgh.

Grimes caught two passes (three targets) for 12 yards in Week 8's 20-6 win over Tennessee.

In the first game after Arian Foster (Achilles) was lost for the season, the running back order was Alfred Blue, Chris Polk and then Grimes.

Hillman (thigh) returned to Sunday's game against the Packers in the fourth quarter.

Removed from Sunday's game during the third quarter, Anderson made it back for the Broncos' next possession. He got the start and scored a pair of first-half touchdowns, but C.J. Anderson is also having a strong night.

Hillman left Sunday's game against the Packers in the third quarter with a thigh injury and is questionable to return, Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post reports.

Hillman got the start and scored a pair of first-half touchdowns, but C.J. Anderson mixed in frequently and was also effective. Shortly after Hillman was removed, Anderson scampered for a 28-yard touchdown, marking his first run of 15 or more yards all season.

Pead will visit with the Steelers on Monday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

With Le'Veon Bell (knee) looking at an extended absence, Pead may join the Steelers to provide depth behind DeAngelo Williams. The former second-round draft pick (2012) was unimpressive during his time with the Rams, and he probably won't have a major role with the Steelers if he signs.

Michael had five carries for 20 yards and could not grab either of his two targets in Sunday's 13-12 loss to Seattle.

Facing his original team, Michael was once again a non-factor, outside of a nine-yard run at one point. He also dropped at least one pass. Meanwhile, Darren McFadden handled the ball 26 times, racking up 113 yards from scrimmage. Even with Joseph Randle (oblique) inactive, Michael wasn't involved much, which doesn't inspire confidence for the rest of the season.

McFadden ran 20 times for 64 yards and caught 6-of-8 targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 13-12 loss to Seattle.

Coming off his best game as a Cowboy, McFadden ran hard against a stingy Seahawks' rush defense. He briefly left the game in the third quarter due to dehydration, but was able to return. Meanwhile, Christine Michael had another uneventful performance, rushing for just 20 yards on five carries. Until Joseph Randle (oblique) is healthy, expect McFadden to do most of the heavy lifting, and he'll probably see plenty of work even when Randle returns, which is not certain given his possible suspension by the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy. The veteran McFadden will have another tough matchup, at least on paper, in Week 9, facing the Eagles at home.

Thompson (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against Green Bay, the Broncos' official website reports.

Thompson's availability was never in much doubt, but with Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson both healthy, Thompson isn't assured of any snaps or touches. He has just three carries and one catch this season.