NFL Player News

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.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) will be a game-time decision Sunday against the Raiders, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gordon suffered the injury last Sunday against the Packers and was held out of practice Wednesday, though he was able to put in limited showings Thursday and Friday. The injury isn't considered overly serious but Gordon's fumbling issues could be the bigger issue Sunday. Gordon has coughed the ball up three times in the last two games -- losing two of them -- and if there is any concern by the coaching staff that it could continue, Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver will continue to eat into the rookie's touches.

Joseph Randle will likely be the Cowboys' starting running back Sunday at the Giants, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Heading into the Cowboys' Week 6 bye, there were rumblings that every position would be reconsidered, including a change from Randle to Christine Michael. While coach Jason Garrett decided to entrust the offense in Matt Cassel rather than Brandon Weeden, Randle will stay on as the No. 1 running back Sunday. Randle has received between 11 and 18 carries per game this season, which can be expected to hold steady as long as he remains the starter.

Chargers rookie featured back Melvin Gordon was limited Friday and is considered questionable for Week 7 against Oakland.

Gordon tweaked his ankle last week against Green Bay, when he was also benched in the second quarter after already fumbling twice. His ball security issues could restrict his role even if cleared to play.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Jones (toe) may replace Chris Thompson (neck) as the third-down back for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Thompson (neck) doesn't seem to be in any danger of actually losing the role, but he's listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest. The Redskins don't really have another option for the job, so Jones figures to see a few more targets than usual in Sunday's game, in addition to splitting carries with Alfred Morris. After missing Week 6, Jones returned to practice this week and is listed as probable for Sunday's game.

Redskins back Chris Thompson is listed as doubtful for Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Matt Jones will likely take on the passing-down role that Thompson has filled so capably this season. Thompson suffered a disc injury in his neck, which has led to swelling in his back.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Gordon is thus on track to play Sunday against the Raiders, but ball-security issues of late could impact his Week 7 workload, with Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead also available to handle their share of touches in the Chargers' backfield.

Gordon (ankle) said Wednesday after missing practice that he'll be "good to play" Sunday against the Raiders, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

While Gordon is evidently on track to play Sunday, after recording three fumbles over the Chargers' past two games and four on 91 touches this season overall, the rookie back knows that he needs to take better care of the football in order prevent fellow RBs Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead from absorbing too many carries in the San Diego offense going forward.

Redskins backup running back Matt Jones (toe) practiced in full Wednesday.

Jones backed up his contention that he'll return Sunday versus the Buccaneers with a full practice showing. Jones is set to resume his role as a handcuff to starting running back Alfred Morris, though his rookie campaign has so far been hit or miss.

Jaguars running back Bernard Pierce is not listed on the injury report.

Pierce missed the Week 6 loss to Houston due to a concussion, but his absence from the report indicates that he's cleared protocol. If T.J. Yeldon (groin) is again inactive Sunday, Pierce could see a few carries.