NFL Player News

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said running back Christine Michael will be held out of Thursday's season opener against the Packers due to a hamstring injury.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen was limited to just eight games a year ago, but he enters Week 1 against the Dolphins healthy, looking to make up for a lackluster showing against the divisional rivals a year ago.

Vereen was almost a non-factor in Miami's 24-20 win over the Patriots in Week 15 last season, as he caught just three passes for 8 yards while rushing twice for 13. That was a disappointing showing against a middle-of-the-road defensive unit, but Vereen has actually struggling to find much room to operate against the Dolphins in his career, racking up just 65 yards through the ground and 8 yards through the air in three career games.

The Dolphins allowed just two touchdowns through the air to opposing running backs a year ago, and only one touchdown total over the final seven games of the season. History is not on Vereen's side for a big game in Week 1, but he should still get enough looks in the offense to be a solid No. 2 Fantasy option to open the season. 

Browns rookie running back Terrance West averaged 2.7 yards per carry in the preseason because he often tried "hitting the home run by cutting outside, instead of keeping the pile moving forward four yards at a time," according to the team's website. Coach Mike Pettine recently sat down with West to talk about the rookie "taking the next step" and competing for time as the third-down back.

"We're pleased with where Terrance is, but it's something ... he just needs to continue to get better," Pettine said. "Some guys kind of say, 'OK, I made it, I'm on the roster,' but to me they need to accelerate, not decelerate."

West began training camp competing with Ben Tate, but Tate won the starting job hands down.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews played 16 games for the first time in his career last season. He rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards, scored seven total touchdowns, and finished as the No. 12 Fantasy running back.

Mathews opens the season Monday night against Arizona, the league's stingiest run defense last year. The Cardinals allowed an NFL-low 84.4 rushing yards per game while giving up 3.7 yards per carry (tied for second). But their defense is not quite as tough now due to injuries, defections and linebacker Daryl Washington's suspension.

The bigger concern for Mathews is San Diego's three-headed backfield monster. When running backs coach Ollie Wilson was asked about the team signing Donald Brown to join Mathews and Danny Woodhead, he said, "There is no such thing as a featured back any more."

Mathews still will get most of the early-down work and goal-line carries. Consider him a low-end RB2 in Week 1.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce passed the NFL's concussion protocol and practiced Tuesday as the team began preparations for Week 1 against the Bengals, reports the Baltimore Sun. Pierce suffered the concussion in the third preseason game.

With Ray Rice suspended, Pierce will start Sunday.

The Buccaneers have placed running back Charles Sims (ankle) on short-term injured reserve, according to NFL.com. Sims will be eligible to practice after Week 6 and eligible to play after Week 8.

The Seahawks announced that the following players weren't able to practice Tuesday: running back Christine Michael (hamstring), tight end Cooper Helfet (knee), center Lemuel Jeanpierre (neck), linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (hamstring) and cornerback Tharold Simon (knee).

Additionally, the following players were limited participants in practice: wide receiver Kevin Norwood (ankle), linebacker Bruce Irvin (hip) and cornerback Jeremy Lane (groin).

With Michael unable to practice Tuesday, it's become more likely that he'll could sit out the team's Thursday night opener against the Packers.

The Cardinals signed defensive tackle Christian Tupou, running back Dominique Williams and receiver Kevin Cone to their practice squad.

The Raiders released their depth chart for Week 1 at the Jets, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew retained the top spot ahead of Darren McFadden. However, the team's official website says McFadden should "get plenty of carries."

The Jaguars released their unofficial depth chart for the season opener against the Eagles, and one of the bigger surprises was listing Denard Robinson as the backup running back to starter Toby Gerhart. Robinson is listed ahead of Jordan Todman and Storm Johnson on the depth chart.