NFL Player News

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) wasn't present at practice Thursday, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Ellington has only one more chance to prove his viability for Week 2, but his PCL sprain was accompanied by a 1-3 week timetable, meaning a DNP on Sunday is the most likely outcome.

If he indeed remains in street clothes, Chris Johnson will get the start at running back, with David Johnson and, to a lesser extent, Stepfan Taylor acting as change-of-pace options.

Broncos featured back C.J. Anderson is set to start Thursday night against Kansas City despite his questionable status, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Anderson has experienced no setbacks in his recovery from ankle and toe issues, which gives an indication that he's good to go, though Troy Renck of the Denver Post has suggested that he might be less than 100 percent given the short week.

The ailments and a lack of time to fully recover from them could result in more carries for Ronnie Hillman and make if difficult for Anderson to improve on his disappointing Week 1 production of 29 yards rushing and four catches for just 19 yards.

Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reports.

 The 49ers' front seven was stout in Monday's contest, containing Adrian Peterson to 31 yards on his 10 carries. Spelling the veteran in the second quarter, McKinnon turned three carries into 20 yards and two catches (on as many targets) into eight yards.

Overall, Peterson picked up 36 of the Vikings' 64 offensive snaps, versus eight for McKinnon, so the latter likely doesn't have enough utility to act as much more than a handcuff to Peterson.

Buccaneers RB Charles Sims was on the field for 32 of the Bucs' 74 offensive plays in Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Titans, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports. 

As was customary in his rookie year, the second-year pro made a more positive impact through the air, securing two of his five targets for 23 yards. Conversely, he only netted 12 yards on five carries, with seven of those coming on one tote.

Sims was lauded for his receiving skills out of the backfield coming out of West Virginia, and has demonstrated sure hands in the pros in his nine career games. However, the 2.8 yards per carry he posted in 2014, and Sunday's mediocre showing on the ground leave room for doubt about his ability to step in as a No. 1 back should Doug Martin's preseason form prove to be a mirage.

One positive aspect of Sims' playing time Sunday was the fact that he saw the field for 43 percent of the Bucs' offensive plays, a considerable boost from the 23.3 percent participation rate he tallied in his rookie season.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Prior to commencing drills, head coach Bruce Arians stated that Ellington would take part with a brace on his right knee, but that evidently didn't come to pass. Considering his sprained PCL was accompanied by a 1-to-3 week recovery timetable, Ellington will be hard-pressed to play Sunday at Chicago.

Further hurting his cause is the relative depth in the Cardinals' backfield, which is expected to be headed by Chris Johnson, with rookie David Johnson acting as a change-of-pace option, in Ellington's stead.

Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro, who is dealing with a knee injury, was able to practice Wednesday, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Once he's ready to suit up -- and he is trending in the right direction -- Taliaferro is a candidate to overtake rookie Javorius Allen for the job as Justin Forsett's top backup at running back.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) will practice on a limited basis Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

While Ellington's PCL sprain was expected to sideline him 1-3 weeks, he'll make a surprise appearance to start the week of preparation, albeit with his right knee in a brace. No matter how practice proceeds, though, Ellington's availability for Week 2 is suddenly in play.

Broncos RB C.J. Anderson (ankle/toe) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Chiefs. Anderson did not practice on Monday, but was able to participate on a limited basis on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post indicates Anderson is expected to play Thursday, but his Week 2 status is still worth confirming leading up to Thursday's kickoff. In the event Anderson is limited (or even scratched for the contest), Ronnie Hillman would be in line to see added touches out of the Denver backfield.

Broncos RB C.J. Anderson (ankle/toe) practiced on a limited basis on Tuesday.

That represents an upgrade in participation for Anderson, who did not practice Monday. At this stage, the running back indicates that his toe/ankle issues shouldn't keep him from suiting up Thursday night against the Chiefs. Although, it remains to be seen if Anderson draws a probable or questionable designation on the Broncos' final Week 2 injury report.

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson had one reception for 1 yard and was targeted once in Monday's loss at San Francisco. He also had one kick return for 21 yards.

Patterson was on the field for two plays on offense. He'll have a very limited role on offense this year as the No. 4 receiver. His primary work will be as the team's kick returner.