NFL Player News

Matt Asiata is listed as the starting running back for Sunday's game against Carolina, ESPN reports. McKinnon is active and expected to share playing time.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had said earlier in the week that McKinnon would be the starter with Adrian Peterson out with a knee injury. However, it's Asiata that gets the starting nod. Still, Asiata and Jerick McKinnon are expected to split carries

Vereen will start at running back for the absent Rashad Jennings (thumb) against the Redskins on Sunday.

A consistent threat as a pass-catching back, Vereen received expanded reps on the ground in Week 2 due to Rashad Jennings' thumb injury. While his 14 carries translated to a measly 42 yards, Vereen is seemingly in line for a three-down workload. If he's able to fend off Orleans Darkwa and rookie Paul Perkins, Vereen could receive 20-plus touches for only the second time in his five-plus seasons as a professional (also, Week 1 of the 2013 campaign).

Asiata is listed as the starting running back for Sunday's game against Carolina, ESPN reports.

Asiata and Jerick McKinnon are expected to split carries with Adrian Peterson out with a knee injury. It was thought McKinnon would get the majority of snaps, so it's surprising that Asiata would get the start.

With Arian Foster out, Drake is being treated as the team's starter Sunday against the Browns, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

This isn't a big surprise given how Jay Ajayi had fallen out of favor. Of course, Damien Williams and Isaiah Pead are still there, and Ajayi could get some work, so Drake's workload is probably dependent on how successful he is early on.

With Rashad Jennings reportedly out, Vereen should be in line for more early-down work.

Orleans Darkwa will also be in the mix, but it was Vereen who filled in for Jennings in the second half of Week 2.

Carey (hamstring) will not play in the Bears' matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Carey, who exited Chicago's Week 2 game with a hamstring injury, was considered doubtful to play after Friday's practice. His confirmed absence likely spells an increased workload for rookie Jordan Howard.

Cunningham (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reports.

While Cunningham has minimal stand-alone value, an absence could lead to more passing-down work for Todd Gurley, who is off to an extremely disappointing start. However, the impact probably wouldn't be too significant, as Cunningham has just four touches through two weeks.

Michael's teammate Thomas Rawls (lower leg) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

With Rawls likely sidelined and C.J. Prosise (questionable-hand) potentially limited or unavailable, Michael is set for a heavy workload that could include the vast majority of snaps on obvious passing downs, in addition to dominance of the rushing attempts. Given the role and opponent, Michael is shaping up as a clear top-10 option at running back for Week 3.

Rawls (lower leg) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Head coach Pete Carroll was optimistic earlier in the week, but he changed his tune during a Friday morning radio interview, and Rawls then missed a third consecutive practice. With the injury lingering longer than expected, it appears Christine Michael will take on a heavy workload for a game in which the Seahawks are heavily favored. What's more, passing-down back C.J. Prosise (hand) is listed as questionable, potentially setting Michael up for a full three-down role. Fifth-round rookie Alex Collins could also be involved.

Drake is expected to share reps with starter Jay Ajayi in teammate Arian Foster's (groin) absence Sunday against the Browns, ESPN's James Walker reports.

Drake scored his first career touchdown on one of his two rushes for 12 yards last week versus the Patriots, and he'll aim to build on that outing in an expanded role against the Browns this Sunday. While Ajayi will start with Foster sidelined, Drake should see a decent amount of snaps himself, conceivably earning more touches if he can outproduce Ajayi over the course of the game.