NFL Player News

Rainey secured his sole target for four yards, gained 15 yards on one kickoff return, and amassed 18 yards on three punt returns in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Redskins.

Rainey had impressive runs of 12 and nine yards on two of his returns, and continues to average over 12 yards per runback as one of the league leaders in the category. The Bucs' third tailback continues to receive minimal playing time from scrimmage as both Doug Martin and Charles Sims have been particularly proficient over the last three games, but has emerged as a valuable special teams weapon.

Abdullah rushed for 43 yards on eight carries in Sunday's loss to the Vikings.

Abdullah topped 3.5 yards per carry for the first time since Week 1 during Sunday's game, but was held catchless for the first time this season. Abdullah has emerged as the Lions' leading rusher, with 42 more carries than any other back, but that hasn't come with the kind of production one would associate with a team's bell cow. Abdullah has scored just twice and has yet to top 14 attempts or 50 yards for the league's meekest running attack.

Giants running back Shane Vereen ran four times for a season-high 56 yards and caught just 1 of 3 targets for six yards in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Cowboys.

Vereen ripped off a season-best 39 yard run at one point, but was unproductive as a pass catcher for the second straight game. On the other hand, the Giants barely had the ball Sunday, as Eli Manning completed just 13-of-24 passes for 170 yards. He's can be a major asset in PPR formats, but it's hard to predict when he'll see touches in the passing game. Next week, he and the Giants will travel to New Orleans to play the Saints.

Gray gained 48 yards on 12 carries and caught his only target for another 10 yards in Sunday's game against the Texans.

The second-year back received double-digit carries for the first time as a Dolphin, because of the blowout nature of the game, and he responded with his best total yardage output of the season. Gray is unlikely to see this type of involvement on a regular basis, and he should return to a limited reserve role Thursday, when the Dolphins travel to New England to take on his former team.

Oliver ran nine times for 35 yards and caught 6-of-7 targets for 39 yards in Sunday's loss to the Raiders.

Oliver got the start for Melvin Gordon (ankle), and did receive a healthy number of touches, which is surprising considering that San Diego trailed for the entire game. Gordon did end up playing, but didn't touch the ball until late in the third quarter, finishing with seven carries for 29 yards. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead racked up tons of stats in garbage time, catching 11-of-12 targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. In any event, the fact that Gordon played in a blowout (San Diego was down by 31 points when he entered the game) should indicate that his ankle injury is not serious. Thus, Oliver could go back to more of a complimentary role in Week 8 at Baltimore.

Murray carried it 15 times for 85 yards and a touchdown and added one catch for one yard in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Murray was gashing the Chargers' defense during the first half of Sunday's game as the offensive line continued to open giant holes for him. He didn't get many looks in the passing game which was certainly unusual, but it was likely due to the fact that Derek Carr was able to complete passes to basically anyone on the field during the first half. Murray is averaging 4.2 YPC on the season and he'll get a tough matchup against the Jets defense in Week 8.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) ran seven times for 29 yards and was not targeted in the passing game in Sunday's 37-29 loss to the Raiders.

Gordon wasn't expected to play with his ankle injury, and didn't see the field in the first half, but surprisingly saw work late in the third quarter of a 31-point deficit (San Diego ended up making the final score close). His first carry went for 11 yards, and he didn't look limited physically on any of his other carries. The fact that he played in a blowout means his ankle injury wasn't a big deal, as the Chargers probably wouldn't have risked further injury. He'll have a tough matchup next week against a stingy Ravens' rush defense, and will need to show better ball security after fumbling three times in the previous two games.

Michael had just five carries for 18 yards and caught his lone target for two yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Giants.

Starter Joseph Randle hurt his back early in the game, and did not return, opening the door for veteran Darren McFadden to rush for 152 yards on 29 carries. While it was disappointing to see Michael get so little work, he still received the most significant action of his Cowboys' career, ripping off a 13-yard run at one point. Michael probably offers the most long-term upside of the three runners, although he's raw and inexperienced, and the coaching staff seems to not fully trust him yet, at least based on his usage Sunday. He'll have a tough matchup in Week 8, facing a Seahawks' defense that has been above average against the run this season.

McFadden carried the ball 29 times for 152 yards and a touchdown, while catching 2-of-2 targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Giants.

With Joseph Randle leaving the game due to a back injury, McFadden took advantage by posting one of the best games of his career. McFadden had big holes to work with, but he looked explosive while running through them. Meanwhile, Christine Michael was a non-factor, rushing for just 18 yards on five carries. Therefore, if Randle is forced to miss action next week, one would have to assume that McFadden will shoulder the load against a stingy Seahawks' defense.

Cowboys running back Joseph Randle is doubtful to return Sunday against the Giants, reports Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas.

Upon his removal, Randle was diagnosed with a lower back strain, but his return to action was deemed probable. Backing up that sentiment was his ability to ride an exercise bike and eventually holding his helmet again on the sideline. However, he'll almost certainly log no more snaps Sunday.