NFL Player News

Vikings wideout Adam Thielen could start this week against the Broncos with Charles Johnson out with a rib injury and Jarius Wright a game-time decision with a hand injury, per ESPN 1500.

Thielen appeared to move ahead of Cordarrelle Patterson to move to No. 4 on the wide receiver depth chart as he got two targets in last week's game. However, it's not clear if Thielen would start at receiver if there's an opening.

Cordarrelle Patterson could start at receiver this week for the Vikings against Denver with Charles Johnson out with a rib injury and Jarius Wright (hand) a game-time decision, according to ESPN 1500.

Patterson has just one reception and one rushing attempt this year.

Bruce Arians has declared that Cardinals featured back Andre Ellington (knee) will be a game-time decision for the Sunday game against the Rams. But Arians also said that Chris Johnson will get the start, per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

If he plays, Ellington will likely serve in a complementary role, with most of his work presumably coming on passing downs.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said running back Chris Johnson will start Sunday's game against the Rams, regardless of Andre Ellington's (knee) availability, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Andre Ellington (knee) will likely be limited to passing-down work for the most part, if he's even active for the game. Johnson thus figures to lead the Arizona backfield for a third straight week, but his Sunday matchup is much tougher than the last two. Johnson may stay ahead of Ellington even beyond Week 4, so the Arizona backfield once again bears close watching.

Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (knee) has been ruled out for the Sunday contest against Atlanta.

With Grimes out, Alfred Blue and Chris Polk are the team's healthiest backs, though Arian Foster continues to progress to the point that he is considered a game-time decision.

Cowboys running back Christine Michael has received some snaps with the first-team offense in practice this week, DallasCowboys.com reports.

"We've been giving him a few more reps this week to see how he's doing. I think he's doing a great job. We're excited to see him in the future here - I don't know how near that is. We make those decisions in the next coming days. But we're excited to have him," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Thursday.

The running back has been inactive for all three games so far since he was acquired from the Seahawks, but Michael could be getting closer to making his Cowboys debut. Joseph Randle is coming off a three-touchdown performance though, Lance Dunbar is off to an excellent start as the backfield pass-catching option and even Darren McFadden has done well when called upon, so barring an injury there wouldn't seem to be many snaps available for a fourth RB.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (knee) has been deemed questionable for the Sunday game against Carolina.

Martin missed practice Thursday, then returned to a limited session Friday. Despite the missed practice time and his designation, Martin claims he's unconcerned by the injury, saying that it's nothing more than a minor nick.

Although he should be fine to lead the Tampa Bay backfield, his Fantasy owners will still want to check back before kickoff to make certain of his availability.

Though Dolphins running back Jonas Gray (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald expects the running back to be available for the contest.

Gray, who returned to a limited practice Friday, recorded 49 rushing yards on nine carries against the Bills in Week 3, but given that he is banged up and that top back Lamar Miller -- who was listed as questionable last week -- enters the weekend healthy, Gray is not an especially high-percentage fantasy play in Week 4, assuming he does suit up for Sunday's 9:30 AM ET kickoff.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (knee) said his injury is only a nick, adding that he should be "perfect" for Sunday's game against the Panthers, the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings reports.

Martin doesn't seem at all worried, despite missing Thursday's practice. His official status for Sunday's game should be available shortly, and his statement hints at a 'probable' designation.

Buccaneers featured back Doug Martin (knee) practiced Friday, per Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.

His level of participation has yet to be classified, but after having sat out Thursday, his return in any capacity bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Panthers.