NFL Player News

After it was reported the Vikings were going to use a running-back-by-committee approach once Jerrick McKinnon was lost for the season, offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Thursday Matt Asiata will get the majority of the carries when Minnesota travels to Miami Sunday.

"Well, Matt I think showed, I think he's shown throughout, but he's showed in the game that he's a guy that gives us the best all-around running, catching, [pass] protection," Turner said Thursday. "He had an outstanding game so I would expect Matt to get the bulk of the work and when there's opportunity to get someone else in there we'll do it."

Asiata is averaging 3.3 yards per carry this season with seven rushing touchdowns. Running backs Joe Banyard and Ben Tate appear to be on the back burner after Tate has had just 38 yards on 13 carries since going the Vikings. While Banyard has just 45 yards on 10 carries. 

The Patriots received limited participation in practice from Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Shane Vereen on Thursday.

All three players were limited on Wednesday, so there was no change in their status. Edelman is battling a thigh injury and a concussion. LaFell has a shoulder issue. Vereen is dealing with an ankle injury. The team will release a final game status for each player following Friday's practice. 

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was listed as limited in Thursday's practice, but he said he did a lot more than he was able to do Wednesday, reports the Dallas Morning News. Wearing a special glove with padding to protect his surgically-repaired left hand, Murray participated in some team drills.

"It’s good," Murray told the paper. "I feel good."

Murray was asked if he'll play Sunday against the Colts, if the decision is left up to him. "I’m a very competitive person and I want to help this team out as much as I can," he told the paper. "I’ve had two good days and we’ll see how it goes."

Owner Jerry Jones said he was encouraged that Murray, the NFL's leading rusher, is "so aggressive in his thinking about playing."

Murray underwent surgery Monday to fix a broken bone in his hand. If he sits out, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar would rotate at tailback. Dallas is favored by 3 over the Colts at nearly every sportsbook.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) missed his second straight practice Thursday ahead of Saturday's visit to San Francisco. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, it's unclear if Mathews will return during the regular season.

Branden Oliver and Donald Brown will carry the load against the 49ers, assuming Mathews sits out. Mathews has played in just six games this year.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray participated in the early part of practice for the second straight day Thursday, but it wasn't yet clear if he joined team drills after watching those Wednesday, reports the Dallas Morning News. Murray's left hand was wrapped.

He had surgery Monday to fix a broken bone in his hand. If Murray can't play Sunday against the Colts, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar would share backfield duties.

The Cowboys are 3-point favorites over the AFC South champs.

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman was back at practice Thursday after missing the last five games with a foot injury. He looked good running pass routes early in the session, per ESPN.

It remains to be seen if Hillman is healthy enough to play Monday night at Cincinnati.

Patriots wideout Brandon LaFell and running back Shane Vereen were limited in practice on Wednesday.

LaFell is dealing with a shoulder injury. Vereen was listed with an ankle issue. Both players have been active for every game this season. Their statuses will be determined by how much work they can put in on Thursday and Friday.

If Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray plays less than a week after undergoing surgery, it will be with protective padding on his left hand, not a cast, reports the Dallas Morning News. Murray went through individual drills Wednesday wearing a glove enforced with a hard plastic shell.

"I think we need to see something where there’s a comfort level we all have and certainly a comfort level that he has," coach Jason Garrett told the paper. "Carrying the football is an important responsibility. You have to be able to do it."

Dallas is a 3-point home favorite over the Colts on Sunday. If Murray can't play, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar will share backfield duties.

Randle is averaging 7.0 yards per carry and would be the favorite to start, but he hasn't gotten more than two carries in a game since Week 10. Dunbar is a better receiver than Randle and would handle most of the passing downs.

Murray underwent surgery Monday, one day after breaking a bone in his left hand. He leads the NFL with 351 carries for 1,687 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Vikings running back Matt Asiata was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a foot injury, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Asiata has received at least 12 touches in four of the past five games entering Week 16 at Miami.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was "going through drills and catching passes" at Wednesday's practice, reports NFL.com. ESPN.com reports Murray participated in all individual drills despite having his left hand wrapped.

"I think we need to see something," coach Jason Garrett told reporters. "So we'll take it day by day and see how he progresses."

Murray underwent surgery Monday to fix a broken bone in his left hand. He leads the NFL with 351 carries for 1,687 yards and 11 touchdowns. He wasn't expected to participate in team drills as the team eases him back.

If the Cowboys hold out Murray on Sunday against the Colts, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar would carry the load. Randle is averaging 7.0 yards on his 34 carries and would handle most of the early-down work. Dunbar is an excellent receiver (16 catches, 207 yards) who would play mainly on third downs and in hurry-up situations.

Owner Jerry Jones said Murray likely will be a gametime decision. The Cowboys are 3-point favorites over Indy at most Las Vegas sportsbooks.