NFL Player News

The Rams have released running back Isaiah Pead, reports Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.

With Todd Gurley, Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham all healthy, the Rams had no need for their 2012 second-round draft pick. Pead displayed top-notch speed and elusiveness in college, but he's shown next to nothing in the NFL.

A knee issue will have Cardinals running back Andre Ellington limited in practice to start the week, per the team website.

After fitting in a limited showing Friday, his expected practice participation Wednesday is no surprise, but knee injuries are not to be trifled with. As a result, his activity level will be monitored closely as he continues to recover from a PCL sprain suffered in the season opener.

Another absence would open the door for Chris Johnson to handle the bulk of the RB reps Sunday against St. Louis.

It has been a less-than-stellar start to the season for Broncos starting running back C.J. Anderson, who has totaled 74 rushing yards and is averaging 2.3 yards per carry through three games.

Coach Gary Kubiak and the coaching staff would like to get Anderson on track Week 4 against the Vikings.

"We have to keep C.J. on the field. C.J. has been coming off the field the past three games because he's been nicked up," Kubiak said, per The Denver Post. "Things are going on, and we need to keep him on the field consistently."

Anderson missed time through the first three games due to ankle, toe and head injuries. He cleared the concussion protocol during Sunday's game at Detroit.

Although he acknowledged that he is worried about his rookie running back's ball security, Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he will not shy away from using Matt Jones, ESPN.com reports.

Jones lost fumbles in both of Washington's last two games, but he's otherwise been impressive this season, rushing for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries (5.3 yards per carry).

Although the fumbles may cost him playing time if they continue, Jones seems to have supplanted Alfred Morris as the Redskins' lead back after out-snapping the veteran 26-12 in Week 3. Of course, the Redskins may ride with the hot hand in any given game, as Morris has an impressive track record.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis (ankle) returned to the field during Monday's game against Green Bay. 

He was considered questionable to return, but was back to receive a kickoff in the third quarter, so apparently it's nothing serious.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis injured his ankle Monday night against the Packers and is questionable to return, Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star reports. 

Davis didn't record a touch in the game, and Charcandrick West will presumably assume backup duties behind Jamaal Charles if needed. It seems unlikely that Davis will return to Monday's game with the Chiefs getting manhandled by Green Bay.

Dolphins running back Damien Williams carried twice for 17 yards and caught one pass for 5 yards in Sunday's loss to the Bills.

Through three games, Williams has five carries for 22 yards to go along with five catches for 23 yards. Based on Week 3's game, he may be losing his grip on the Dolphins' No. 2 RB job, given Jonas Gray carried nine times for 49 yards on Sunday.

Chargers running back Branden Oliver had a season-high eight carries for 26 yards, but he did not catch his lone target in Sunday's loss at Minnesota.

Most of Oliver's touches came after this game was decided, and the Bolts pulled Melvin Gordon and Philip Rivers out of the game. Oliver's value will remain very low unless one of the top running backs gets injured.

Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon had six carries for 18 yards in Sunday's win over San Diego.

McKinnon got a few extra carries late amid a blowout win. McKinnon is going to have a small role in the offense as long as Adrian Peterson is healthy.

Bears running back Jacquizz Rodgers carried the ball four times and gained 11 yards in Sunday's 26-0 loss to the Seahawks. He also caught one pass for 10 yards.

Remarkably, Rodgers' receiving total was only 11 yards behind tight end Zach Miller for the team lead, on a day in which the Bears punted on all 10 of their possessions.

It's worth noting that Rodgers seemed to move back ahead of Jeremy Langford on the depth chart after seeing fewer snaps a weak earlier, but it's difficult to see either backup running back carve out a notable role behind starter Matt Forte.