NFL Player News

Oliver ran nine times for 35 yards and caught 6-of-7 targets for 39 yards in Sunday's loss to the Raiders.

Oliver got the start for Melvin Gordon (ankle), and did receive a healthy number of touches, which is surprising considering that San Diego trailed for the entire game. Gordon did end up playing, but didn't touch the ball until late in the third quarter, finishing with seven carries for 29 yards. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead racked up tons of stats in garbage time, catching 11-of-12 targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. In any event, the fact that Gordon played in a blowout (San Diego was down by 31 points when he entered the game) should indicate that his ankle injury is not serious. Thus, Oliver could go back to more of a complimentary role in Week 8 at Baltimore.

Murray carried it 15 times for 85 yards and a touchdown and added one catch for one yard in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Murray was gashing the Chargers' defense during the first half of Sunday's game as the offensive line continued to open giant holes for him. He didn't get many looks in the passing game which was certainly unusual, but it was likely due to the fact that Derek Carr was able to complete passes to basically anyone on the field during the first half. Murray is averaging 4.2 YPC on the season and he'll get a tough matchup against the Jets defense in Week 8.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) ran seven times for 29 yards and was not targeted in the passing game in Sunday's 37-29 loss to the Raiders.

Gordon wasn't expected to play with his ankle injury, and didn't see the field in the first half, but surprisingly saw work late in the third quarter of a 31-point deficit (San Diego ended up making the final score close). His first carry went for 11 yards, and he didn't look limited physically on any of his other carries. The fact that he played in a blowout means his ankle injury wasn't a big deal, as the Chargers probably wouldn't have risked further injury. He'll have a tough matchup next week against a stingy Ravens' rush defense, and will need to show better ball security after fumbling three times in the previous two games.

Michael had just five carries for 18 yards and caught his lone target for two yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Giants.

Starter Joseph Randle hurt his back early in the game, and did not return, opening the door for veteran Darren McFadden to rush for 152 yards on 29 carries. While it was disappointing to see Michael get so little work, he still received the most significant action of his Cowboys' career, ripping off a 13-yard run at one point. Michael probably offers the most long-term upside of the three runners, although he's raw and inexperienced, and the coaching staff seems to not fully trust him yet, at least based on his usage Sunday. He'll have a tough matchup in Week 8, facing a Seahawks' defense that has been above average against the run this season.

McFadden carried the ball 29 times for 152 yards and a touchdown, while catching 2-of-2 targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Giants.

With Joseph Randle leaving the game due to a back injury, McFadden took advantage by posting one of the best games of his career. McFadden had big holes to work with, but he looked explosive while running through them. Meanwhile, Christine Michael was a non-factor, rushing for just 18 yards on five carries. Therefore, if Randle is forced to miss action next week, one would have to assume that McFadden will shoulder the load against a stingy Seahawks' defense.

Cowboys running back Joseph Randle is doubtful to return Sunday against the Giants, reports Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas.

Upon his removal, Randle was diagnosed with a lower back strain, but his return to action was deemed probable. Backing up that sentiment was his ability to ride an exercise bike and eventually holding his helmet again on the sideline. However, he'll almost certainly log no more snaps Sunday.

Buccaneers running back Charles Sims totaled 49 yards on 10 rushes and secured two of three targets for 17 yards in a Week 7 loss to the Redskins.

Sims served as a perfect complement to Doug Martin on an afternoon in which Tampa Bay gashed the normally-stout Redskins run defense. The second-year pro posted his best yards-per-carry average on the season, and has been the beneficiary of much better run blocking by the offensive line over the last two contests. Sims will continue his work as a key component of the Tampa offense in Week 8 against the Falcons.

Martin gained 136 yards on 19 rushes and secured all three of his targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Redskins.

Martin has not only progressively increased his rushing yardage totals in each of the last three games, but now has totaled three consecutive 100-yard efforts for the first time in his career. The fourth-year tailback continued his resurgent season with another afternoon of decisive and elusive running, and was also dependable in the short passing game. Sunday's efforts also featured a season-high 49-yard run for Martin, marking the third straight outing in which he has posted a new benchmark in that category. Martin will try to extend his streak of stellar play in the Bucs' Week 8 road tilt against the Falcons.

Davis had two rushing yards on one carry Sunday against the Steelers.

Charcandrick West dominated the backfield touches, rushing 22 times for 110 yards and a touchdown while also catching two passes on five targets for 19 receiving yards. The Chiefs appear firmly committed to letting West lead the backfield, which leaves Davis with minimal fantasy value.

Randle suffered a lower back strain Sunday at the Giants but is probable to return, Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas reports.

After he initially came off the field, Randle was seen riding an exercise bike, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN. An evaluation eventually revealed the diagnosis, and while he appears likely to return, Randle wasn't seen with his helmet on the bench. As long as he's sidelined, Darren McFadden will likely head the backfield, with Christine Michael also factoring into the carry count.