NFL Player News

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Jones (toe) may replace Chris Thompson (neck) as the third-down back for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Thompson (neck) doesn't seem to be in any danger of actually losing the role, but he's listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest. The Redskins don't really have another option for the job, so Jones figures to see a few more targets than usual in Sunday's game, in addition to splitting carries with Alfred Morris. After missing Week 6, Jones returned to practice this week and is listed as probable for Sunday's game.

Redskins back Chris Thompson is listed as doubtful for Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Matt Jones will likely take on the passing-down role that Thompson has filled so capably this season. Thompson suffered a disc injury in his neck, which has led to swelling in his back.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Gordon is thus on track to play Sunday against the Raiders, but ball-security issues of late could impact his Week 7 workload, with Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead also available to handle their share of touches in the Chargers' backfield.

Gordon (ankle) said Wednesday after missing practice that he'll be "good to play" Sunday against the Raiders, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

While Gordon is evidently on track to play Sunday, after recording three fumbles over the Chargers' past two games and four on 91 touches this season overall, the rookie back knows that he needs to take better care of the football in order prevent fellow RBs Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead from absorbing too many carries in the San Diego offense going forward.

Redskins backup running back Matt Jones (toe) practiced in full Wednesday.

Jones backed up his contention that he'll return Sunday versus the Buccaneers with a full practice showing. Jones is set to resume his role as a handcuff to starting running back Alfred Morris, though his rookie campaign has so far been hit or miss.

Jaguars running back Bernard Pierce is not listed on the injury report.

Pierce missed the Week 6 loss to Houston due to a concussion, but his absence from the report indicates that he's cleared protocol. If T.J. Yeldon (groin) is again inactive Sunday, Pierce could see a few carries.

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

The rookie back is "tentatively expected to play" this Sunday against the Raiders, per the San Diego Union Tribune. While the Chargers aren't going to stop giving Gordon the ball, it's fair to speculate that he may lose touches to Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead.

Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (arm) wasn't listed on the Lions' injury report Wednesday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

In the aftermath of the overtime win Sunday against the Bears, Jim Caldwell stated that Abdullah missed much of the second half due to a stinger in his arm, which he suffered while attempting to recover his fumble in the third quarter.

Abdullah returned to action in overtime, though, accruing 14 carries for 48 yards and three receptions (on four targets) for 21 yards by game's end.

Jones (toe) was seen in pads at Wednesday's practice, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Before drills commenced, Jones told El-Bashir that he expects to return Sunday against the Buccaneers, and Jones' presence to kick off the week of preparation forecasts such a development. While his activity level will depend on the state of his previously sprained toe, a full practice Wednesday would make clear his Week 7 availability.

Banyard has been promoted from the practice squad.

With Corey Grant (hip) landing on the IR and T.J. Yeldon (groin) still very much a question mark for Sunday's game against the Bills, Banyard was promoted to provide some depth at the running back position. Considering Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson will likely get most of looks out of the backfield, Banyard shouldn't be viewed as a viable fantasy option at this time. However, that could easily change if Robinson or Gerhart suffers an injury of their own.