NFL Player News

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was added to the practice report Thursday with a thigh injury. He was listed as a limited participant as the Ravens prepare to play the Browns Week 3.

The Cardinals have cut running back Chris Rainey from the practice squad and signed former Colts back Kerwynn Williams to take that spot.

Rainey has experienced a drop in his career since playing in all 16 games with Pittsburgh in 2012 and rushing for 102 yards on 26 carries.

Jets running back Chris Johnson was limited in practice Thursday due to an ankle injury. However, coach Rex Ryan believes Johnson will be OK for Week 3 against the Bears.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who is questionable due to a knee injury, is unlikely to play Thursday against the Falcons, a source told NFL.com. However, he is expected to test his injured knee during pregame to see if he can play.

Even if Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who is questionable due to a knee injury, suits up Thursday against the Falcons, coach Lovie Smith indicated the team will use multiple running backs to pace the rushing attack Week 3.

Bobby Rainey rushed for 144 yards in a Week 2 loss vs. St. Louis and third-string running back Mike James had six carries with Martin sidelined Sunday.

"We want to play more than one running back, two, maybe three," Smith said, per ESPN. "That’s why we’ve had three (active) every time we could. That’s just making our running back position stronger."

Seahawks running back Christine Michael was limited in practice Wednesday.

That was expected, as coach Pete Carroll said Michael would be limited Wednesday. Despite that, he's expected to play Week 3. Michael is dealing with a hamstring injury. 

Patriots running back Shane Vereen was limited in practice Wednesday.

Vereen is dealing with a shoulder injury. Vereen's status will likely be determined based on whether he's able to improve throughout the week. 

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said running back Christine Michael will practice on a limited basis Wednesday and "should be ready to go" for Sunday's game against Denver, reports 710 ESPN Radio. Michael has not played this season due to a hamstring injury.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was limited in practice for a third straight day, and he's officially questionable to face the Falcons. Martin was inactive Week 2 against the Rams but appears to have a good chance of suiting up Thursday night in Atlanta.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he hopes running back Andre Ellington's foot injury has improved to the point where he can practice Thursday, reports the Sacramento Bee. In the first two weeks, Ellington was only able to practice on Fridays.

Arizona is preparing to host the 49ers on Sunday. Despite his injury, Ellington is averaging 5.1 yards per carry.