NFL Player News

Murray was evaluated for a concussion during Sunday's game against the Steelers.

With Murray forced out of Sunday's contest after absorbing a hard hit and Roy Helu inactive for the contest, the Raiders are left with Taiwan Jones and Marcel Reece to handle the team's Week 9 backfield duties.

Hillman (thigh) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

As expected, Hillman is out there if you need him this weekend and though he's listed a atop the Broncos' posted RB depth chart, he's expected to split backfield touches with C.J. Anderson on Sunday.

Gaskins is starting Sunday against the Falcons, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.

With Carlos Hyde (foot) and Mike Davis (hand) out, Gaskins will get the first backfield touches for the niners ahead of newly-signed Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn. There was talk earlier in the week that Gaskins could get the goal-line work, but it looks like he's heading for a bigger role than that Sunday.

Pead is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Pead, who was just signed this week for depth, had a small chance to play behind DeAngelo Williams in this game, but he is not on the active roster.

Helu is inactive Sunday against the Steelers.

Helu's playing time has been limited this season, and with only four touches in the last two games, including none last week against the Jets, his absence isn't likely to affect too many fantasy teams. Latavius Murray will start Sunday, with Taiwan Jones the backup.

Williams (thumb) is active for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Williams is available to the Dolphins today, but he does not touch the ball enough to be much of a factor to fantasy teams.

Artis-Payne is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Artis-Payne had only been active for four of the Panthers' previous eight games, as he remains behind Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker, and Mike Tolbert in the pecking order at running back.

Hillman (thigh) is expected to play Sunday against the Colts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Hillman was limited in practice this week and is officially listed as questionable, but head coach Gary Kubiak said Friday that he expected Hillman to be strong enough to start. Despite being at the top of the depth chart, Hillman is expected to split touches with C.J. Anderson, limiting the fantasy upside of both players.

West was released by the Titans on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Towson product appeared in only two games this seas, logging 16 total carries for 51 yards with two lost fumbles. West will look to latch on with another team, but at this point it's unclear whether he'll draw much interest.

The 49ers will use some combination of Draughn, Kendall Gaskins and Pierre Thomas at running back in Sunday's game against the Falcons, CSN Bay Area reports.

The 49ers haven't provided any indication as to which player might start, but Gaskins may have the upper hand because of his time spent in the organization. Draughn and Thomas obviously have more experience, but both players were just recently signed to replace Carlos Hyde (foot) and Mike Davis (hand). Draughn probably has the lowest ceiling of the bunch, as Thomas is the favorite for passing-down work and Gaskins is the favorite to receive goal-line carries.