NFL Player News

Cowboys running back Joseph Randle returned to practice Friday, according to ESPN.com, after missing two days of practice with a concussion. Whether he will be cleared to play in Week 3 against the Rams remains to be seen, but it should become clearer when the team unveils it's official injury report later Friday.

Ravens featured back Bernard Pierce is participating in Friday practice despite a thigh ailment that limited him in the Thursday session.

Pierce certainly appeared healthy in Week 2 against Pittsburgh when he rushed for 96 yards in 22 carries. His team plays at Cleveland on Sunday.

The Falcons backups made an impact Thursday against the Buccaneers.

With the team up by a ton, Atlanta started using their subs in the third quarter. Jacquizz Rodgers received five carries for 6 yards. Rodgers also caught a pass for 3 yards.

Eric Weems seemed to be the biggest beneficiary, hauling in four passes for 69 yards. Fullback Patrick DiMarco gained 35 yards on three catches. Levine Toilolo also contributed, catching two passes for 25 yards. Courtney Roby picked up 11 yards on one reception. 

They'll take on the Vikings Week 4. 

Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey managed to get some action in garbage time after an awful start.

Rainey was terrible early on, fumbling on his fourth touch of the contest. He was benched for two series before returning to the game. On the first drive of the third quarter, Rainey fumbled again. With the team trailing 56-0, Rainey actually managed to pick up some yardage in the final quarter. He was primarily used in the passing game, but also picked up a few rushing yards.

Rainey finished with 41 rushing yards on 11 attempts, and 64 receiving yards on six catches. He actually led all Bucs receivers in yardage and catches. 

Rainey will take on the Steelers Week 4. 

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington was limited in practice Thursday.

That's a positive sign for Ellington. The running back had been limited to Friday practices the past few weeks due to a foot injury. Ellington has been able to play through the issue, so this is possibly a sign he's improving. 

Seahawks running back Christine Michael was still limited in practice Thursday.

Michael returned to practice this week, and has been limited. It's unclear whether Michael will be the primary backup once he returns. Robert Turbin has filled in with Michael out.

The Buccaneers have listed RB Doug Martin, LB Mason Foster, T Kevin Pamphile, G Rishaw Johnson, G Kadeem Edwards, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins and DT Gerald McCoy as inactive Week 3 against the Falcons.

Martin and McCoy are the biggest names on the list. Both players entered the game considered questionable. 

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is inactive Week 3 against the Falcons.

Martin is still dealing with a knee injury. He was considered questionable coming into the game, but was able to get through limited practice throughout the week. 

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was limited in practice Thursday due to a chest injury. The Vikings are preparing to play the Saints Week 3.

It should be a good matchup for Chris Johnson against the Bears, who have allowed a running back to score in each of the first two games with C.J. Spiller in Week 1 and Frank Gore in Week 2.

But Chicago hasn't exactly folded against the run like in 2013 (so far), and Johnson continues to share work with Chris Ivory, who has a better chance to score at the goal line.

In Week 2 at Green Bay, Johnson had 12 carries for 21 yards and one catch for no yards, while Ivory had 13 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 3 yards.

The Jets are also working in Bilal Powell on passing situations, and Johnson should have another down game. Ivory is the better Jets running back to trust when everyone is healthy.

For a complete list of Week 3 options, read my latest Start 'Em and Sit 'Em.