NFL Player News

Although the MRI results have yet to come in, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggests that Cardinals running back Andre Ellington's first prescription is rest. The initial prognosis is that Ellington is dealing with a muscular issue in his foot, per Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. He will not need surgery and remains hopeful of playing Monday night against the Chargers if the injury heals in time.

Ellington was plagued by the issue for weeks now, according to the report. He's also had foot issues in the past, especially at Clemson.

The Cardinals are expected to update his status after Friday's practice.

In an interview with WGNU 920 AM, Rams general manager Les Snead told the local radio station that he expects the offense to go with the "hot hand" in a given week at running back.

Although Zac Stacy did not start the third preseason game, he remains the starter for St. Louis. However, he could share his reps with Benny Cunningham against Minnesota in Week 1. Cunningham averaged 5.6 yards per carry last year and has been just as productive as Stacy in preseason.

According to a report from Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910, Cardinals running back Andre Ellington is expected to miss an "extended period of time" because of a foot injury.

Ellington had been dealing with some discomfort in his left foot the past week, and aggravated the injury during Thursday's practice. He was sent for an MRI after practice and the team is still awaiting the results of the exam. If he's unable to play Week 1 against San Diego, the team will likely turn to Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor to shoulder the load.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington underwent an MRI on his injured foot on Thursday, according to Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910. The team is still awaiting the results of the exam.

Ellington had been dealing with some discomfort in his left foot the past week. He was limited in practice on Thursday because he irritated the injury during the session. It remains to be seen if he'll be available to practice on Friday.

The Packers backup running backs managed to play a role despite limited carries Thursday against the Seahawks.

John Kuhn played his normal role, sneaking in a touchdown from two yards out. It was Kuhn’s only carry of the game. He was not targeted in the passing game. 

DuJuan Harris also managed one carry during the contest. He picked up 7 yards on his only rush. 

Both players will take on the Jets Week 2. 

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is facing a Carolina defense that was third-best against the run last season. He’s also looking to shake off an injury-plagued 2013 campaign heading into his Week 1 matchup at home against the Panthers.

Martin never faced the Panthers in 2013 because of his season-ending shoulder injury. In his first two meetings his rookie season, he compiled for 233 yards on 48 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Running backs against Carolina last year averaged only 12.41 Fantasy points per game in CBSSports.com standard formats.

Martin is a workhorse back and will get a healthy amount of touches regardless of the matchup. Consider him a strong starting option for Week 1.

The Seahawks have designated RB Christine Michael, CB Tharold Simon, TE Cooper Helfet, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, WR Kevin Norwood, WR Phil Bates, and DE Greg Scruggs as inactive Week 1 against the Packers.

Michael, Helfet, Pierre-Louis and Simon were all listed as out entering the game, so the fact that they are inactive shouldn't come as a surprise. Norwood is a surprise, since he was considered probable for Week 1. 

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington was listed as a limited participant in practice Thursday due to a foot injury. The Cardinals host the Chargers Week 1.

They say if you have two quarterbacks vying for the starting spot, you actually have no starting quarterback. The same might be said about featured backs.

At least those seeking that title with the Jets. Though newly acquired Chris Johnson is coming off a sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season with Tennessee, but his 3.9 YPC average in 2013 was the worst of his career. Chris Ivory followed strong performances with weak ones throughout last season and Bilal Powell also proved inconsistent.

The trio combined to rush for 223 yards on 43 carries for a 5.2 average in the preseason, which prompted Rex Ryan to declare that the three will alternate in the regular season. Though Johnson is the most likely to emerge as the featured back, it seems clear that all will receive enough opportunities in the season opener Sunday against an improved Oakland defense to make none of them more than a second option in shallower leagues and flex in deeper ones.

Fantasy owners should monitor their reps to determine if any of them emerge as a featured back.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (concussion) was a full participant in practice for a second straight day Thursday. The Ravens host the Bengals Week 1.