NFL Player News

It took just about every other back being unavailable, but Ravens rookie running back Lorenzo Taliaferro got the chance to shine in Week 3 against the Browns.

Taliaferro led the Ravens in rushing yards Sunday, racking up a team-high 91 on 18 carries, including a 31-yard long run and a 1-yard touchdown. However, he was actually less effective on a per-touch basis than Justin Forsett, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry to Taliaferro's 5.1. Forsett also saw a slightly larger share of the team's offensive snaps -- 54 percent to 46 percent. Is Taliaferro a star in the making, or just a flash in the pan?

Among the four players who have had at least 10 carries through three games against the Browns, Taliaferro actually ranked fourth in yards per carry, as the Browns are giving up 5.2 yards per carry to opposing running backs. Though you will certainly want to go out and add Taliaferro, be mindful of the fact that he did his work against a team that has been pitiful against the run thus far.

The Ravens have seemed to be looking for reasons to push Bernard Pierce down the depth chart this season, but it is not clear if Taliaferro's performance in Week 3 will be enough to do that for good. With Taliaferro's emergence, the Ravens look to have three dependable options in the back field, meaning he is likely to be working in a crowded backfield for the time being. Taliaferro is an interesting pickup, though likely not a Fantasy starter at this point. 

Dolphins backup running backs Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams both took a backseat to Lamar Miller in a Week 3 loss to the Chiefs. Thomas was limited to two carries for 15 yards on the ground, and tacked on a 21-yard reception in a 34-15 defeat. Williams was held to just one carry for minus-3 yards.

Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray wasn't much of a factor in the running game, but managed to score his first career touchdown in garbage time against Miami in Week 3.

Gray barreled into the end zone from 6 yards out with 13 seconds remaining in the game. He took four handoffs for 18 yards and a score in a 34-15 victory. Three of his four carries came on the final drive of the game for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs will host the Patriots in Week 4.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis got the start and enjoyed a career day, registering his first 100-yard rushing game in Week 3 against Miami.

Davis gashed Miami's defense for a 21-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He took 32 handoffs for 132 yards and a touchdown on the ground, averaging 4.1 yards per carry -- all a career high for the 22-year-old. He finished without a reception despite being targeted once in a 34-15 victory.

Davis could shoulder the load again in Week 4 at home against New England, depending on the status of Jamaal Charles. Charles was a limited participant in practice and nearly played in Week 3.

Patriots running back Brandon Bolden ran twice for 4 yards Week 3 against Oakland. Tight end Timothy Wright caught the only pass thrown his way for 20 yards.

The two will continue to play just a supporting role Week 4 at Kansas City.

Raiders running back Latavius Murray, wide receiver Andre Holmes, tight end Brian Leonhardt and running back Jamize Olawale contributed little statistically Week 3 at New England. Murray ran three times for 1 yard, and Holmes, Leonhardt and Olawale each caught a pass for 29, 7 and 4 yards, respectively.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden, getting another start in place of the injured Maurice Jones-Drew, had a modest rushing total Week 3 at New England, picking up 59 yards on 18 carries. He also had four catches for 6 yards. He nearly scored a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, plunging into the end zone from 6 yards out, but the play was overturned by a holding penalty. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr threw an interception on the very next play.

Jones-Drew's status for Week 4 is at this point unknown. The Raiders have a favorable matchup against the Dolphins, who gave up 132 yards to Chiefs backup running back Knile Davis in Week 3.

After going without a catch Week 2 at Minnesota, Patriots running back Shane Vereen came back with four Week 3 against Oakland. Unfortunately, he picked up just 17 yards on those four catches.

His six targets did tie him with tight end Rob Gronkowski for third-most on the team, however, and he also had seven carries for 20 yards. Wide receiver Julian Edelman remained quarterback Tom Brady's preferred target underneath or otherwise, catching 10 passes for 84 yards.

Vereen will look to solidify his role on offense Week 4 at Kansas City.

Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon spelled starter Matt Asiata occasionally Week 3 at New Orleans but again didn't make a big contribution statistically. Most impressively, his five targets tied for third most on the team, but he caught just two passes for 9 yards. He also ran twice for minus-1.

The Vikings host the Falcons in Week 4.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington had a team-high 62 rushing yards on 18 carries during a 23-14 win Week 3 vs. San Francisco. His longest carry went 20 yards. 

Ellington, who was targeted four times, finished with three catches for 13 yards. His longest reception went 7 yards.

Ellington has 206 rushing yards on 46 carries through three games. However, he has no rushing or receiving touchdowns. 

The Cardinals are on a bye Week 4 before returning to action Week 5 at Denver.