NFL Player News

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.

Buccaneers running back Charles Sims totaled 49 yards on 10 rushes and secured two of three targets for 17 yards in a Week 7 loss to the Redskins.

Sims served as a perfect complement to Doug Martin on an afternoon in which Tampa Bay gashed the normally-stout Redskins run defense. The second-year pro posted his best yards-per-carry average on the season, and has been the beneficiary of much better run blocking by the offensive line over the last two contests. Sims will continue his work as a key component of the Tampa offense in Week 8 against the Falcons.

Martin gained 136 yards on 19 rushes and secured all three of his targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Redskins.

Martin has not only progressively increased his rushing yardage totals in each of the last three games, but now has totaled three consecutive 100-yard efforts for the first time in his career. The fourth-year tailback continued his resurgent season with another afternoon of decisive and elusive running, and was also dependable in the short passing game. Sunday's efforts also featured a season-high 49-yard run for Martin, marking the third straight outing in which he has posted a new benchmark in that category. Martin will try to extend his streak of stellar play in the Bucs' Week 8 road tilt against the Falcons.

Davis had two rushing yards on one carry Sunday against the Steelers.

Charcandrick West dominated the backfield touches, rushing 22 times for 110 yards and a touchdown while also catching two passes on five targets for 19 receiving yards. The Chiefs appear firmly committed to letting West lead the backfield, which leaves Davis with minimal fantasy value.

Randle suffered a lower back strain Sunday at the Giants but is probable to return, Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas reports.

After he initially came off the field, Randle was seen riding an exercise bike, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN. An evaluation eventually revealed the diagnosis, and while he appears likely to return, Randle wasn't seen with his helmet on the bench. As long as he's sidelined, Darren McFadden will likely head the backfield, with Christine Michael also factoring into the carry count.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) is listed as active for the Sunday clash against Oakland.

Though Gordon is good to go, Branden Oliver is still "expected to have larger role" in the offense. And with change-of-pace back Danny Woodhead also on hand, Gordon's workload is uncertain, given his ankle issue and recent fumbling woes.

Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday against the Jets.

West is inactive Sunday against the Falcons.

West has failed to make much of an impact this season, and his absence Sunday will leave Bishop Sankey and Antonio Andrews to lead the Titans' backfield against a Falcons defense allowing the fewest rushing yards per game this season.

Redskins running back Matt Jones is listed as active Sunday against the Buccaneers.

After tending to a sprained toe last Sunday, Jones will return to action and assume third-down duties with Chris Thompson (neck) out of the backfield mix. The increased usage could yield fruit versus a Tampa Bay defense that has surrendered a combined 126.4 yards per game and six touchdowns to running backs in 2015.

Gordon (ankle) is unlikely to play Sunday against the Raiders, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Gordon is considered a game-time decision and there were reports earlier Sunday that Gordon would give it a go, but the latest is that the Chargers will hold him out in an effort to get him fully healthy for Week 8 against the Ravens. Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver are likely to get much more playing time in Gordon's absence.