NFL Player News

Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) has been placed on IR by the Ravens.

In a corresponding move, the team claimed fellow RB Raheem Mostert on waivers, with the news on Taliaferro cementing the status of Javorius Allen as the Ravens' No. 2 back behind Justin Forsett, who is dealing with an ankle injury.

The depth chart posted Wednesday by the Chiefs, who have lost featured back Jamaal Charles, still lists Knile Davis ahead of Charcandrick West.

Mind you, West finished with 31 yards on seven carries while Davis carried the ball just twice in Week 5. Still, a committee approach utilizing both Davis and West figures to be the strategy going forward, beginning Sunday against Minnesota, according to NFL.com.

Taliaferro (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Taliaferro's Week 6 status gains some import, with Justin Forsett dealing with an ankle injury in advance of Sunday's game against the 49ers. For now at least, Javorius Allen is the Ravens' healthiest backfield option.

Redskins running back Matt Jones was limited in Wednesday practice, after which he said that he's taking his sprained toe "day by day," reports Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic.

Jones is dealing with some discomfort, as expected, but his ability to take part in drills indicates that he shouldn't miss any time. Of greater concern is his production of late, as he's followed up a 100-yard outing in Week 2 with a measly 69 yards at a clip of 2.4 yards per carry.

Gus Bradley said Wednesday that Jaguars running back Bernard Pierce is going through concussion protocol, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The exact nature of the setback is not clear, but it leaves his status for Week 6 uncertain. It's not evident how much he will practice this week, but he will need to be cleared to take the field Sunday against the Texans.

Christine Michael could get the start at running back in Week 7 rather than Randle, ESPN Dallas reports.

The Cowboys are already switching quarterbacks during their bye week, and are apparently considering other major changes to the offense as well as they prepare to face the Giants next weekend. Randle has had a few big runs over the first five games but also plenty of negative yardage, and if he does give way to Michael his touches could dry up almost completely. The backfield picture should become clearer over the course of the week, but make sure you have Michael or another option stashed if you've been relying on Randle up to now.

Cowboys running back Christine Michael could get the start at running back in Week 7 rather than Joseph Randle, per ESPN Dallas.

The Cowboys are already switching quarterbacks during their bye week, and are apparently considering other major changes to the offense as well as they prepare to face the Giants next weekend. The backfield picture should become clearer over the coming days, but if you have a bench spot available, stashing Michael now could pay big dividends.

Michael had just two rushing attempts in two games this year, but owns a 4.8 yards-per-carry average over his career.

Buccaneers running back Charles Sims was in on 26 offensive plays in the Week 5 victory over the Jaguars, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The second-year pro saw his snaps drop notably below starting tailback Doug Martin for the first time in three weeks, but still managed to produce a key play with a dynamic 56-yard reception. The modest reduction in playing time notwithstanding, Sims is expected to continue to serve as an integral part of the Bucs offensive gameplans each week due to his versatile skill set.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin received 41 snaps in Week 5 against the Jaguars, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The fourth-year tailback enjoyed a breakout, three-touchdown performance, and broke free of the recent playing time logjam between him and backfield mate Charles Sims. Martin was undeniably in a groove against the Jaguars, and the Bucs were obviously intent on riding the hot hand. Martin will look to continue his strong play in Week 7 against the Redskins after Tampa's Week 6 bye.

Cowboys running back Christine Michael carried the ball once for six yards in Sunday's loss to the Patriots.

Michael did not see an increased role in Dallas' offense following the injury to fellow back Lance Dunbar as the Cowboys seemed content with sticking to Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden. Dallas traded for Michael, who rushed for over five yards per carry in limited opportunities last season, to provide another option in a backfield without a sure thing. With Randle and McFadden, Week 3 aside, failing to set the world on fire, Michael may not be worth a pickup, but could be worth monitoring week to week.