NFL Player News

As expected, Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was ruled active for Week 5 at Indianapolis. Pierce was listed as probable despite nursing a thigh injury heading into Sunday's matchup.

It will be his second game back from injury. He was glued to the bench in favor of Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro when he returned from the injury in Week 4. It remains to be seen how many reps he'll get against the Colts on Sunday.

Jaguars running back Storm Johnson is likely to see his first game action of the season Sunday in the team's Week 5 matchup with the Steelers, the Florida Times-Union reports.

"Today was OK, solid for him, but I thought Wednesday and Thursday were really good," head coach Gus Bradley said after Friday's practice. "So he’s kind of stacked them up. I would look to see him getting some playing time."

The seventh-round rookie was inactive for the team's first three games while recovering from an ankle injury. While he was active in Week 4, he didn't play.

"I want to do whatever I can to help the team," Johnson said. "I’ve been playing my role, listening to the coaches and learning my assignments so I can learn my P’s and Q’s for when I’m out there. I’m a shifty guy that’s big. I can’t say how I’ll be, because I haven’t played in a real game yet, but I can’t wait."

The Chargers listed three players as questionable to play in Week 5 on Friday's final injury report, including linebacker Dwight Freeney (knee), defensive tackle Corey Liuget (concussion) and tight end David Johnson (shoudler).

Freeney didn't practice Thursday but was able to work in limited fashion on Wednesday and Friday. Johnson and Liuget returned to a full practice Friday.

The Chargers listed five players as probable to face the Jets in Week 5, including tight end Ladarius Green (hamstring), cornerback Jason Verrett (hamstring) and linebackers Donald Butler (shoulder), Jarret Johnson (shoulder) and Cordarro Law (ankle).

The following players have been ruled out for Week 5 action: running back Ryan Mathews (knee), offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger (back), cornerback Shareece Wright (knee) and linebackers Manti Te'o (foot), Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring) and Reggie Walker (ankle).

Jets running back Chris Johnson is probable heading into Week 5.

Johnson entered the week dealing with an ankle injury, but it doesn't appear to be a big deal. He was able to practice in full every day, and should give it a go Sunday. 

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington is probable heading into Week 5.

Ellington has been dealing with a foot injury all season. He's been able to play through the injury, but has not been able to fully practice much. Ellington was limited in practice all three days during the week. 

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told radio station The Fan on Friday that he feels running back Joseph Randle has earned more playing time.

The words come as a bit of a surprise considering that featured back DeMarco Murray is blowing away all other NFL rushers with 534 yards on the ground and is averaging 5.4 YPC. But Randle has proven effective as well in limited opportunities at 6.3 YPC.

"The biggest threat probably to DeMarco's stats is Joseph Randle," Jones said. "Frankly, I don't want to leave [Lance] Dunbar out of this equation, either. If we can, it would be good to have Dunbar with a few more touches. But make no mistake about it, (Randle) can be effective out there, too. Should we? We probably should have at least Randle get a few more snaps."

John Harbaugh has announced that a thigh ailment will not prevent Ravens featured back Bernard Pierce from playing Sunday at Indianapolis.

"I expect him to be fully ready to go," Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun.

Pierce was held out of the last two games after rushing for 96 yards against Pittsburgh in Week 2.

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson expressed frustration after the Thursday blowout at Green Bay about his lack of opportunity.

"I wish I had the answer," he told NFL.com. "I want to be more involved. I don't know what's going on. We have a plan. I trust coach (Norv) Turner and the whole staff with what they're doing. It's going to turn around. Hopefully I get more touches."

Patterson is actually ahead of his 2013 pace with 15 catches for 189 yards, but his production has slowed to a crawl with four receptions for 46 yards in the last two games combined. He has yet to score a touchdown this season.

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson said he'll play Week 6 against the Lions, according to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press.

Patterson left Thursday's game with a hip injury, but was able to return for a couple of plays. He was spotted riding a bike on the sideline without his helmet late, prompting some speculation that he may have re-injured himself. That wasn't the case, as Patterson admitted he sat due to the blowout. He told reporters he did not think his hip injury would keep him sidelined Week 6. Patterson finished with just two receptions for 8 yards. 

The Vikings backup pass-catchers didn't contribute much Week 6 against the Packers.

Tight end MarQueis Gray led the bunch with 16 yards on one reception. Position mate Rhett Ellison finished behind Gray with one catch for 12 yards. Joe Banyard managed to come away with two receptions during the game, but only gained 11 yards. Receiver Charles Johnson had one catch, picking up 7 yards. 

The four will take on the Lions Week 6.