NFL Player News

Rodgers gained 25 yards on six rushes and secured one of two targets for four yards in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the Broncos.

The backup tailback had some modest success running the ball in a change-of-pace role, as opposed to starter Charles Sims, who was stymied repeatedly by a stubborn Broncos front. Rodgers has been serviceable over the last two weeks in his role as a primary backup to Sims while Doug Martin (hamstring) is sidelined, but would stand to see his snaps notably reduced upon the latter's return, which could come as early as Week 5.

Gordon carried 19 times for just 36 yards, but scored a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's 35-34 loss to the Saints. He also caught six of seven targets for an additional 43 yards.

New Orleans made a concentrated effort to shut down the run game, which freed up Philip Rivers to have a big day, but resulted in the second straight game under 2.3 yards per carry for Gordon. He did score his fifth and sixth rushing touchdowns of the season, and he bolstered his output even further by notching season-highs in catches and receiving yards. Gordon has been among the most prolific fantasy running backs through the season's first four weeks and he should be a strong bet to continue his recent success next week versus a vulnerable Raiders run defense.

Kelley rushed for four yards on one attempt in Sunday's 31-20 win over the Browns.

Kelley took the field for the first time this season last week against the Giants, rushing for a measly seven yards on four touches. The undrafted rookie looked underwhelming again in Week 4, as he was giving just one opportunity out of the backfield. With Matt Jones and Chris Thompson both making a significant impact in Washington's absence, expect Kelley's opportunities to be few and far between.

Anderson rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay - adding a three yard catch during the contest.

Anderson had a string of seven straight games, including playoffs, with at least 80 total yards snapped last week in Cincinnati. He didn't fair much better in Tampa Bay. It's difficult to tell at this point whether opposing defenses, acknowledging Anderson's prominent place in Denver's offense, are keying on stopping him or whether the absence of right tackle Donald Stephenson and tight end Virgil Green is taking its toll. Things certainly look on a downswing for Anderson, but his prominent use in the red zone keeps him as a must-start. He has scored seven touchdowns in his last nine outings.

Sims gained only 28 yards on 15 carries and added just seven yards on two receptions (three targets) in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the Broncos.

The versatile third-year back drew the short straw Sunday, running into the brick wall that is the Broncos' front seven repeatedly and without much success. Sims couldn't even offer much in the passing game, an area in which he typically excels. If Doug Martin (hamstring) is unable to return for the Week 5 divisional showdown versus the Panthers, Sims figures to get the starting call once again.

Davis left Sunday's game against the Steelers to be evaluated for a concussion, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports.

Prior to his exit, Davis had one carry for a loss of two yards and two catches for 13 yards on three targets. Spencer Ware served as the lead back, with Davis and Jamaal Charles occasionally mixing in until the game got out of hand.

Artis-Payne gained just 12 yards on six rushes in Sunday's 48-33 loss to the Falcons.

The backup tailback could get nothing going on the ground against a surprisingly stingy Falcons front. Artis-Payne out-touched backfield mate Fozzy Whittaker six to three in rushing attempts, but Whittaker became a factor in the passing game once the Panthers fell behind significantly, while Artis-Payne was shut out through the air. At this point, Whittaker clearly appears to be the more well-rounded back, and could therefore be in line for the lion's share of the work if Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) remains sidelined for the Week 5 tilt versus the Bucs.

Elliott ran 23 times for 138 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 win over the 49ers. He also gained 19 yards while hauling in his lone reception.

Elliott repeatedly gashed the San Francisco defense on the day, and he became more productive as the game went along, totaling 96 yards and a touchdown in the second half. The rookie has now gone over the century mark in back-to-back games, and he sits atop the NFL with 412 rushing yards through four weeks. Elliott is riding high at the moment and will need to be at his best next week, as the Bengals defense has allowed an average of just 55 rushing yards per game over the last two.

Zenner rushed three times for 12 yards and caught his only target for 22 yards in the Lions' 17-14 loss to the Bears in Week 4.

Zenner only entered the game after rookie Dwayne Washington left with an ankle injury, marking Zenner's first offensive snaps of the season. If Washington is unable to play in Week 5, Zenner could conceivably inherit a sizable workload behind starting running back Theo Riddick. If Washington is able to play, though, Zenner will likely be recast into fantasy irrelevancy.

Johnson sustained a groin injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams and is questionable to return, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After making nary an impact in Weeks 1 and 3, the Cardinals were making an attempt to establish Johnson on the ground Sunday, but on his sixth carry of the contest, he appeared to suffer a potential non-contact injury while attempt to cut. As a result, the diagnosis of a groin concern should induce a sigh of relief, though his status will be one to watch closely this week. An absence in Week 5 would push Andre Ellington into the backup RB role to lead back David Johnson.