NFL Player News

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews said his "mindset" is to play Sunday against Denver despite missing all three practices this week, per the San Diego Union-Tribune, which reported that he looked gimpy on Friday.

His absence would give Ronnie Brown and Danny Woodhead work as the dual featured backs. Brown rushed for 77 yards on just eight carries in the Wild Card defeat of Cincinnati, but 59 of those yards were churned up on a touchdown run that clinched the victory.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has been designated at questionable for the playoff game Sunday at Denver with an ankle injury. He missed practices Wednesday through Friday.

Mathews was removed late in the Wild Card clash in Cincinnati, but his first two absences from practice this week were considered precautionary. He was sidelined as well on Friday, however, leading to speculation that his availability for the Sunday game could be in jeopardy.

Nine Patriots are listed as probable for the Sunday clash against visiting Indianapolis.

The offensive players on that list are wide receiver Danny Amendola (groin), quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder), running back Shane Vereen (groin) and offensive linemen Logan Mankins and Will Svitek, both with ankle injuries.

The defensive probables are cornerback Kyle Arrington (groin), linebacker Dane Fletcher (groin), safeties Devin McCourty (concussion) and Steve Gregory (finger/knee).

Concern is growing that Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews will be unavailable for the Sunday playoff game at Denver. He missed his third straight practice on Friday.

Mathews had missed the first two practices last week with the ankle injury, leading to speculation that he was taking the same route to participation.

The Patriots released an identical injury report Thursday as they did on Wednesday, including nine limited in practice.

They are running back Shane Vereen (groin), wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (hip), defensive backs Devin McCourty (concussion), Steve Gregory (finger/knee), Kyle Arrington (groin) and Alfonzo Dennard (shoulder), linebacker Dane Fletcher (groin) and offensive linemen Logan Mankins (ankle) and Will Svitek (ankle).

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) continued to take the same path to game participation as he did last week. He missed his second straight practice Thursday, but is expected to return Friday and play against Denver.

Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton said he will not hesitate to use running back Trent Richardson against the Patriots on Saturday. He certainly hesitated to use him last week after Richardson fumbled away his only carry. It proved to be his last rushing attempt of the game, though Hamilton has an explanation.

"The game itself, after the fumble, really dictated that we went more into an attack mode," Hamilton told the Indianapolis Star. "Trent actually did a great job of playing without the ball. His ability to take on those linebackers and handle all of the different blitzes that we started to see, especially late in the game, was a big part of our success."

Richardson hopes his playing time at New England will not be limited to blocking.

"You feel like you've got to redeem yourself for it," he said about the fumble. "You feel like you've got to make a statement. That's one thing my brother has told me ... the fastest way to get yourself on the bench is fumbling the ball. And that replays in my head every day when I come out to work."

Richardson has been a disaster since the Colts traded a 2014 first-round pick to Cleveland for him in late September. He averaged just 2.9 yards per carry with Indianapolis.

49ers running back LaMichael James didn't get a carry in the playoff win at Green Bay, but he made an impact as a returner. James returned three kickoffs for 78 yards, including a critical 37-yarder, and returned two punts for 20 yards.

"A very admirable job," coach Jim Harbaugh said. "A blue-collar effort on his part. Catching the balls in the elements and the wind and the factors that were there. I thought he did a great job and was able to set up a 37-yard kickoff return to help us answer the scoring drive of the Packers. He was rock solid.”

The Patriots have listed nine players as limited in Wednesday practice, including running back Shane Vereen (groin).

The others are wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (hip), defensive backs Devin McCourty (concussion), Steve Gregory (finger/knee), Kyle Arrington (groin) and Alfonzo Dennard (knee/shoulder), linebacker Dane Fletcher (groin), and offensive linemen Logan Mankins (ankle) and Will Svitek (ankle).

Mike McCoy said that Chargers running back Ryan Mathews is on the same path to playoff game participation as he was last week, per the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mathews did not practice on Wednesday. He missed the Wednesday and Thursday sessions last week before returing to action on Friday. He has been dealing with an ankle problem.