NFL Player News

Running back Dan Herron, picked up by the Bills on Tuesday, is already looking good in practices with his fresh legs and is hitting the hole better than any of the team's healthy backs, BuffaloBills.com reports.

"I think Boom is going to...you know there's a good chance that he's going to be a part of the game plan," said offensive coordinator Greg Roman. "I really like what I see out of him, like what I hear out of him and he's picking things up pretty quickly."

Herron knows this offensive system because it's the same one used by his former team, the Colts. While Anthony Dixon will get first crack at the Titans this week, don't be surprised if Herron gets at least a handful of carries, with the potential for more should he look significantly better than Dixon. Still, he's a dart this week until things better sort themselves.

The continued absence of backfield mate Joique Bell to an ankle injury will result in Lions running back Ameer Abdullah getting more carries Sunday against visiting Arizona.

Abdullah failed to take advantage of the same situation in Week 4, gaining just 33 yards on 13 carries and 11 yards on two receptions in a dreadful road matchup with the Seahawks. The battle against the Cardinals provides a somewhat more manageable matchup, but it's still far from ideal, and Detroit's offensive line doesn't inspire any confidence.

Until Bell returns, Abdullah figures to dominate the early-down and goal-line/short-yardage work.

Seahawkscoach Pete Carroll said running back Thomas Rawls' teammate Fred Jackson (ankle) will likely play in Sunday's game against the Bengals, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Jackson previously seemed unlikely to play, having suffered a high-ankle sprain in Monday's win over the Lions. Rawls is still primed to lead the Seattle backfield in the absence of Marshawn Lynch (hamstring), but a tough matchup with the Bengals looked much more attractive when Rawls was a good bet to dominate both the early-down and passing-down snaps. Though the rookie still figures to get the bulk of the carries, Jackson could have a key role on passing downs. Despite the 1:00 PM ET kickoff, this situation could be murky, as the Seahawks might keep Jackson active just as an emergency option off the bench, even if they don't want him to play.

Raiders running back Latavius Murray (shoulder) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair reports.

Murray followed up a big game in Week 3 against the Browns (26 carries for 139 yards) with a 15-carry, 49-yard effort this past Sunday against the Bears. He'll take aim this weekend at a rugged Denver defense that has allowed an average of 90.2 rushing yards per game to date.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game in Detroit, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Ellington is set to play for the first time since Week 1, but his starting gig is presumably a thing of the past. Chris Johnson figures to handle most of the early-down work, with Ellington occasionally spelling him and getting most of the passing-down snaps. Ellington could still have some nice games when the Cardinals go pass-heavy, but there will be some quiet weeks ahead when the team is able to sit on a lead. With both of Detroit's starting defensive tackles out for Sunday's game, the Cards will likely want to run Chris Johnson up the middle quite a bit in the first quarter.

With teammate Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday in Cincinnati, backup Thomas Rawls appears set to start for the Seahawks.

With Fred Jackson (ankle) also expected to sit, Rawls may end up playing nearly every snap, as the Seahawks don't have another true running back. They may sign someone before Sunday, but it appears fullback Derrick Coleman will be the top backup.

Even with the expectation of a huge snap count, Rawls is no sure thing to have a solid game, as the Cincinnati defense is far superior to the Seattle offensive line.

Draughn (back) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest, Andrew Gribble of clevelandbrowns.com reports.

Draughn has largely been passed over in the Browns' running back rotation as Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson have received the majority of the opportunities in recent weeks. With Robert Turbin (ankle) likely coming back in a week or two, Draughn's role in the offense, and his dwindling fantasy value, may have to hinge on multiple injuries to players above him on the depth chart.

Taliaferro (foot) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Browns, ESPN's Jamison Hensley reports.

After missing Wednesday's practice, Taliaferro was limited both Thursday and Friday. While Justin Forsett is the clear leader of Baltimore's backfield, the upcoming matchup is ideal for Taliaferro's role, as the Ravens are heavily favored to win against a team that can't stop the run. Of course, Taliaferro still has a modest ceiling, not to mention a very low floor.

Herron's teammates LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams have both officially been ruled out for Sunday's game in Tennessee.

Anthony Dixon will get first crack at the Titans and their 22nd-ranked run defense, however the folks running the Bills have made statements this week that they won't be afraid to use Herron. He's familiar with offensive coordinator Greg Roman and had some success at times last season with the Colts around their running game issues elsewhere.

The Seahawks changed their Thursday injury report to list featured back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) as a limited participant.

Originally listed as a non-participant both Wednesday and Thursday, Lynch will likely be listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. He may be headed for a game-time decision for a tough matchup in Cincinnati, but the Seahawks do at least have a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. With Fred Jackson (ankle) likely out, Thomas Rawls could take on a three-down role, as the Seahawks still haven't signed a fourth running back.