NFL Player News

The early diagnosis on Chargers running back Ryan Mathews is that he suffered a sprained MCL, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. Mathews was carted off in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Seahawks.

Mathews will undergo further tests Monday, the report said. If the the initial diagnosis proves correct, Mathews could return within a month or so.

The Chiefs backup pass catchers couldn't do much Week 2 against the Broncos.

Anthony Fasano was the most impressive of the bunch, hauling in three passes for 39 yards. Junior Hemingway caught 2 passes for 21 yards during the outing. Both A.J. Jenkins and Donnie Avery each caught three balls, but gained 16 and 14 yards respectively. 

Tight end Demetrius Harris pulled in one ball for 10 yards. Running back Cyrus Gray didn't have any catches, but carried the ball twice for 8 yards. 

They'll take on the Dolphins Week 3.

Rams running back Benny Cunningham took a backseat again to Zac Stacy in a Week 2 win over the Buccaneers.

Cunningham, who had just five carries in the opener against the Vikings, was often used as the team's third down back, and as a result, he was limited to seven touches. Cunningham took six handoffs for 15 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per attempt. He caught one of the two passes thrown his way for a gain of 4 yards in a 19-17 victory.

The Rams will be back at home to host the Cowboys in Week 3.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis came up big Week 2 against the Broncos. 

Davis entered in relief of Jamaal Charles, who left with an ankle injury. Davis was the bellcow, carrying the ball 22 times for 79 yards. He also managed to punch in two short-yardage touchdowns from 2 yards and 4 yards out. Davis also led the club with six receptions. He gained 26 yards through the air. Davis also fumbled once, but the team managed to come up with the ball.

Davis will take on the Dolphins Week 3. 

Jets running back Chris Johnson rushed for just 21 yards on 12 carries and gained no yards on one catch in his team's 31-24 loss to the Packers in Week 2.

Johnson had trouble early and finished the first half with just seven yards on six carries despite his team leading 21-3 at one point in the second quarter. It was a disappointing performance after the former Titan was able to gain 5.2 yards per carry in Week 1 against the Raiders. Johnson will hope to bounce back next Monday night when the Bears come to town.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden got the start and found the end zone Sunday afternoon at home against the Texans in Week 2.

McFadden was limited to six carries for 17 yards on the ground in the first half. He bounced back by scoring on a touchdown run from 1-yard out in the third quarter. Outside of the rushing touchdown, he failed to make much of an impacy and didn't even finish the game as the team's top rusher. His quarterback (Derek Carr) did.

McFadden took 12 handoffs for 37 yards and a touchdown on the ground, averaging 3.1 yards per attempt. He also caught two passes for 31 yards in a 30-14 defeat.

The Raiders will travel to New England for a Week 3 showdown against the Patriots. It remains to be seen if Maurice Jones-Drew (hand) will be ready to return. If he can't play, the team will likely rely on McFadden to shoulder the load again on Sunday.

Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey got the start in place of an injured Doug Martin (knee) and turned in a monster performance, racking 174 yards of total offense in a Week 2 loss to the Rams.

Rainey ripped a 24-yard run on his first touch of the afternoon and was the focal point of the offense throughout the day. He gashed the defense for a 31-yard run late in the fourth quarter for his longest gain of the game. He took 22 handoffs for 144 yards on the ground, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. He caught all three of his targets for 30 yards in a 19-17 defeat.

It remains to be seen if Martin will regain his status as the starter, or if head coach Lovie Smith rolls with Rainey, who has the hot hand heading into Week 3 Thursday night at Atlanta.

Chargers running back Donald Brown saw some action Week 2 against the Seahawks.

Ryan Mathews left with a knee injury, allowing Brown to get some carries. he finished with seven rushes for 21 yards. He also caught three passes for 10 yards. Brown seemed to the take on Mathews' normal role after Mathews left the game.

He'll take on the Bills Week 3. 

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews had a tough game Sunday against the Seahawks.

Mathews gained 31 yards on 11 carries. He caught two passes for 26 yards. Mathews had to be carted off the field after recovering a fumble. He managed to come up with the ball, but injured his right knee on the play. Mathews is set to have an MRI on his knee Monday.

The Chargers take on the Bills Week 3 if Mathews can go. 

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson picked up 31 yards on five carries in his team's 24-17 win over the Chiefs in Week 2.

Despite Ronnie Hillman being active Sunday, Anderson ran as Montee Ball's clear backup, getting five touches while Hillman didn't receive a carry or target. For the second straight week, Anderson did well with his limited opportunity. He has racked up 58 yards on just nine carries through two games, but he should have much more trouble succeeding against a tough Seattle defense in Week 3.