NFL Player News

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin gained 106 yards on 20 rushes and caught all five of his targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 37-23 loss to the Panthers.

Martin recorded his eighth career 100-yard performance, and only his second in the last two seasons. The fourth-year pro ripped off a season-high gain of 26 yards, and his five receptions were the most he'd secured in a game since Week 16 of his rookie campaign in 2012.

Martin's touchdown, a hard-hitting five-yard scamper up the middle in the second quarter, was his first visit to the end zone this season. Despite the unfavorable end result Sunday, Martin's performance was certainly a bright spot, particularly against a Panthers defense that had come into Week 4 allowing only 3.3 yards per attempt in 2015.

The loss of featured back Marshawn Lynch to a hamstring injury will force Thomas Rawls into a starting role for the Seahawks on Monday night against Detroit. per Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR.

Lynch attempted to play in Week 3 versus the Bears, but his ailing hamstring eventually forced him to the sideline for the remainder of the game. Thereafter, Rawls assumed primary running-back duties and thoroughly impressed, racking up 98 rushing yards in the second half en route to 104 yards overall.

While the Lions have contained running backs to 3.6 yards per carry this season, they've allowed four rushing scores in the first three outings.

The Seahawks have announced that standout back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for the Monday night game against Detroit.

The Seahawks went through a walk-through Sunday, after which the decision was made to hold Lynch out in Week 4. While he rests his balky hamstring, Thomas Rawls is expected to take on the bulk of the available carries, with Fred Jackson handling more of the third-down work.

Rams running back Benny Cunningham (knee) is listed as active Sunday at Arizona, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Cunningham will take a back seat to Tre Mason and (to a greater extent) Todd Gurley, as the latter grows more accustomed to the professional game. However, as the season rolls along, Cunningham should continue to factor into the offense as a pass catcher out of the backfield.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Rams, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's return to the lineup will be delayed one more week, as he tends to a PCL sprain suffered in the regular season opener. In his place, Chris Johnson will head the Cardinals' backfield, while David Johnson pitches in on occasion.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (knee) is listed as active Sunday against the Panthers.

Brushing off a nick to his knee suffered in Wednesday's practice, Martin will get the nod in the backfield. Although, he may find the going tough against a Carolina defense that has conceded just 3.1 yards per carry and two total touchdowns to running backs this season.

Eagles featured back DeMarco Murray (hamstring) is active Sunday against Washington.

Murray was listed as questionable despite practicing fully Thursday and Friday. He was unable to play last week due to the ailment, and with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles both playing well in Murray's absence, it's possible the latter could get limited touches Sunday against a strong Redskins defense.

The Seahawks plan to let running back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) make the call on whether he plays Monday night against the Lions, according to the NFL Network.

The report solidifies the notion Lynch is shaping up as a game-time decision for Monday's contest, which is somewhat problematic for those without a contingency plan (such as Thomas Rawls) in place.

Eagles running back DeMarco Murray is expected to be active Sunday against Washington. However, he will test out his hamstring during pregame warmups before a decision is made, according to NFL Network.

Murray was able to practice fully Thursday and Friday, so it was a bit surprising that he was officially listed as questionable.

Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles both played very well against the Jets last Sunday, so even if Murray plays, he could lose snaps to the other two backs.

Washington has also been excellent against the run, allowing just 75 rushing yards per game through three weeks, which is another knock on Murray's Fantasy upside Sunday.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (knee) will play Sunday against the Panthers, according to NFL Network.

Martin is officially listed as questionable after suffering the injury during practice this week, but he was always adamant he would play. The Panthers' defense has been hit by big injuries, namely to linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive end Charles Johnson, possibly giving Martin more lanes to run through than normal against Carolina.