NFL Player News

Redskins running back Matt Jones (toe) did not take part in Friday's practice, CSN's Tarik El-Bashir reports.

Jones was present at Friday's practice, but he did not appear to be getting any work in, leaving his Week 6 availability in limbo. The Redskins will provide an update on Jones' status when they release their final injury report of the week Friday afternoon.

Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown said Thursday that the team was "going to take the reins off" running back Christine Michael, the Dallas Morning News reports.

The former Seahawk has just two carries in two games this year, but with the running game and the entire offense struggling without Tony Romo (collarbone) and Dez Bryant (foot), Dallas has little to lose by giving Michael a larger workload even if he doesn't completely supplant Joseph Randle as the starter.

Redskins backup running back Matt Jones (toe) was limited during practice Thursday, the Washington Post reports.

Jones has been limited all week but appears on track to be available this week.

The Lions will not reduce the workload of running back Ameer Abdullah despite his fumbling problems, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Abdullah has fumbled three times this season, losing one. He hasn't exactly been effective when he's managed to hold onto the ball, either, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, including 2.5 yards per carry since Week 1. The Lions' issues along the offensive line and with offensive balance are well documented, but with Joique Bell dealing with injuries and poor production and Theo Riddick more of a factor in the passing game, the team is likely to continue to turn to Abdullah for answers.

Grimes (hamstring) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.

With Alfred Blue (turf toe) continuing to miss practice, Grimes could be elevated to the top backup spot behind Arian Foster this week against Jacksonville.

Browns running back Shaun Draughn (back) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Draughn was able to practice fully Thursday after being listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday. However, Draughn's fantasy value will likely be limited with Cleveland seemingly content using Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. almost exclusively in the backfield.

Jaguars running back Bernard Pierce did not practice Thursday, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Fellow running back T.J. Yeldon also missed practice Thursday, which sets the stage for the possibility that the Week 6 backfield could be headed by Denard Robinson or Toby Gerhart.

Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.

With just three carries for 11 yards to date, Thompson is off the fantasy radar as long as both C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman remain healthy.

Texans' Jonathan Grimes (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Grimes, who missed the last two games, is looking like he'll return for Week 6 against Jacksonville. His availability carries a bit of importance as top backup Alfred Blue (turf toe) was a non-participant Wednesday.

Browns running back Shaun Draughn (back) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Draughn has been buried behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson on the depth chart, so it's unlikely he would see much time on the field even if he was healthy enough to play. His practice status will likely dictate his availability for Sunday's game against the Broncos.