NFL Player News

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.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

The rookie back is "tentatively expected to play" this Sunday against the Raiders, per the San Diego Union Tribune. While the Chargers aren't going to stop giving Gordon the ball, it's fair to speculate that he may lose touches to Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead.

Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (arm) wasn't listed on the Lions' injury report Wednesday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

In the aftermath of the overtime win Sunday against the Bears, Jim Caldwell stated that Abdullah missed much of the second half due to a stinger in his arm, which he suffered while attempting to recover his fumble in the third quarter.

Abdullah returned to action in overtime, though, accruing 14 carries for 48 yards and three receptions (on four targets) for 21 yards by game's end.

Jones (toe) was seen in pads at Wednesday's practice, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Before drills commenced, Jones told El-Bashir that he expects to return Sunday against the Buccaneers, and Jones' presence to kick off the week of preparation forecasts such a development. While his activity level will depend on the state of his previously sprained toe, a full practice Wednesday would make clear his Week 7 availability.

Banyard has been promoted from the practice squad.

With Corey Grant (hip) landing on the IR and T.J. Yeldon (groin) still very much a question mark for Sunday's game against the Bills, Banyard was promoted to provide some depth at the running back position. Considering Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson will likely get most of looks out of the backfield, Banyard shouldn't be viewed as a viable fantasy option at this time. However, that could easily change if Robinson or Gerhart suffers an injury of their own.

Richardson was released from Houston's practice squad, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Texans needed the room when they added defensive end Steven Means to the practice squad.

Mathews carried the ball nine times for 40 yards and caught one pass for six yards in Monday's 27-7 win over the Giants.

With DeMarco Murray finding his groove in the Eagles' last two games, both wins, Mathews' role in the team's offense continues to diminish. He's still a valuable piece of head coach Chip Kelly's offense in terms of keeping opposing defenses off balance, but as far as fantasy value goes, Mathews is decidedly the No. 2 running back in Philadelphia, and the gap between No. 1 and No. 2 is growing by the week.

Vereen had four carries for zero yards and hauled in just one of his four targets for six yards.

It was an awful game for the Giants offense after the opening drive, and Vereen's production reflected that. Expect him to be in his usual third-down role next week against the Cowboys.

Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (groin) is listed as active for Monday night's game against the Giants.

He's is out there if you need him Monday, but since DeMarco Murray returned from missing Week 3's contest (in which Mathews rushed 24 times for 108 yards), Mathews has received just 13 carries over the Eagles' last two contests. Overall, Mathews has averaged 5.0 yards on 41 carries through five games, but his fantasy upside is capped as long as Murray remains healthy.