NFL Player News

Buccaneers featured back Doug Martin didn't practice Thursday, reports Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.

The reason for his absence wasn't immediately known, but the Buccaneers should reveal the culprit in short order. Through three games, Martin has only picked up 49 percent of the offensive snaps, versus 45 percent for Charles Sims.

Buccaneers running back Charles Sims was on the field for 30 snaps in Week 3 against the Texans, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims' and Doug Martin's snaps were virtually identical, with the former's playing time likely receiving a boost by virtue of the Bucs having to play from behind in the fourth quarter. Sims still carried the ball only six times, with his pass-catching prowess clearly the biggest asset he brings to the field at this early stage of his career.

As it did in Week 3, game flow will likely be one of the strongest factors in the amount of Sims' snaps on most Sundays.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin's 31 snaps against the Texans was only one more than backfield mate Charles Sims, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

While it may sound somewhat alarming to Martin's fantasy owners on the surface, the division of snaps appeared to be more of a function of game flow and the desire to use Sims as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield in certain formations.

Martin still was the workhorse back on the ground, carrying the ball on 14 of the Bucs' 20 rushing plays against Houston. Martin appears to be firmly entrenched in the starting tailback role at this time, and will likely have a more abundant snap count in the majority of games.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

As expected, Ellington is kicking off preparation for Sunday's game against the Rams with a limited practice, which may forecast his activity level throughout the week. As his recovery from a sprained PCL continues, his practice reps may not give a good indication of his potential to play in Week 4.

If he remains sidelined, Chris Johnson will head the backfield yet again, with David Johnson filling a change-of-pace role.

Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (knee) did not practice Wednesday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Grimes was dealing with a minor knee issue during practice last week, so his absence Wednesday may simply be maintenance-related rather than indicative of a setback. More on his status after Thursday's practice.

Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls will start Monday against the Lions if Marshawn Lynch does not play because of a hamstring injury, the Seattle Times reports.

Fred Jackson is second on the depth chart, but coach Pete Carroll said the team views him as a third-down back. Rawls had a big game in place of Lynch on Sunday, rushing for 104 yards. But more important than results was how he played.

"He's very aggressive," Carroll said. "He was looking for hits downfield. He's not looking to make a guy miss him as much as run right at you. At the line of scrimmage, he's got a nice wiggle and all that, but he's got an attitude that he wants to let you know he's coming, and that's what I got excited about."

The Seahawks have not released results of an MRI on Lynch, but he is reportedly "50-50" to play.

Dolphins running back Jonas Gray (calf) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Gray recorded 49 yards on nine carries in Sunday's loss to the Bills, making his status worth tracking in deeper formats. It's worth noting top back Lamar Miller, who was listed as questionable heading into Week 3, does not appear on the Dolphins' Wednesday practice participation/injury report.

Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

After tweaking his hamstring in practice last Wednesday, Murray built up to a full showing by the end of the week but was held out of Sunday's win at the Jets. If he follows a similar schedule this week, he'll be on pace to return Sunday in Washington.

However, his workload alongside Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles could cap Murray's potential to produce.

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) is "50-50" to suit up Monday against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Lynch's hamstring required extra attention before and during Sunday's win against the Bears, making his first appearance on the Seahawks' third drive of the game. Limited to five carries for 14 yards, he eventually ceded running-back duties to Fred Jackson and Thomas Rawls, the latter of whom turned in a 100-yard effort on the ground.

With a Monday night contest on the docket, Lynch has additional time to rehab his hamstring, but Thursday's injury report will provide the first insight into his availability for Week 4.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians suggested that running back Chris Johnson would remain heavily involved in the Cardinals' game plan in the Week 4 matchup with the Rams, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1 reports.

Despite the expected return of Andre Ellington (knee), Johnson looks poised to lead the Cardinals' rushing attack, with Arians projecting him to receive '15-to-20' touches.

Johnson certainly looked up to the task this past week, as he carried 20 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the team's resounding win over the 49ers. It looks like Arians will stick with the veteran back until his production slows, after which Ellington figures to assume the lead role once again.