NFL Player News

Colts running back Trent Richardson was a total nonfactor Sunday, in a 45-44 win over the Chiefs in the Wild Card playoff game. Richardson fumbled on his lone carry, and hardly saw the field from that point on. 

The Colts moved on to the next round of the playoffs, where they will take on either the Broncos or Patriots next weekend. 

Colts running back Donald Brown received plenty of work in Saturday's Wild Card playoff game against the Chiefs, especially after Trent Richardson fumbled on his first carry. 

Brown had 15 touches between the running and passing game, as he finished with 55 yards on 11 carries and four receptions for 47 yards. He scored twice as the Colts mounted a furious comeback, capping consecutive drives with a 10-yard run and a 3-yard reception to get into the end zone. 

Brown assumed the lead running back duties toward the end of the season, and the team's lack of faith in Richardson is obvious. He should continue to receive the bulk of the work in the next round, when the Colts take on either the Broncos or Patriots. 

Chiefs running back Knile Davis was forced to leave Saturday's Wild Card playoff game against the Colts, the second Chiefs' back forced out due to injury.

Filling in for Jamaal Charles, who suffered a concussion on the first drive of the game, Davis led the team in rushing yards before suffering the injury in the fourth quarter. He was unable to return.

Davis had 18 carries for 67 yards in the game, scoring on a 4-yard run just before haltime. He added a second score minutes after halftime on a 10-yard reception, while finishing the game with seven receptions for 33 yards. 

The extent of the injury is not yet known, but Davis' season ended with the 45-44 loss to the Colts. 

The Eagles have ruled quarterback Matt Barkley, wide receiver Damaris Johnson, cornerback Curtis Marsh, safety Keelan Johnson, running back Matthew Tucker, offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde, and tackle Dennis Kelly inactive for Saturday's Wild Card playoff game against the Saints.

The Chargers are in fine shape heading into their playoff showdown Sunday in Cincinnati. Running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) is probable while wide receiver Eddie Royal (toe) and defensive lineman Sean Lissemore (shoulder) are questionable. Royal is expected to play.

As expected, Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two sessions with an ankle problem. His team is preparing to play at Cincinnati on Sunday in a first-round playoff game.

Mathews is a critical component to offensive success. He averaged 27 carries for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns in the last four regular-season games.

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson and RB Adrian Peterson have been named All Pros.

Patterson was named to the first team as a punt returner. Peterson was named to the second team. He finished the year with 1,266 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Vikings rookie receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has been named to the Pro Bowl.

Patterson will take the place of Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. Patterson is coming off a strong December, in which he took home the NFC Rookie of the Month Award. He scored four receiving touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and two return touchdowns during his first season. 

In what is considered a precautionary move, Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews was again held out of practice on Thursday. He has been dealing with an ankle ailment, but has already guaranteed his availability for the Sunday playoff game at Cincinnati.

Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was named the NFC's Offensive Rookie of the Month in December. 

Patterson showed a lot of progress during the season's final month. Patterson only had 16 receptions for 216, but still manged to score three receiving touchdowns. He did most of his damage in other ways, scoring three rushing touchdowns on 10 touches. The Vikings really tried to showcase Patterson's ability in the final month to see whether he was capable of handling more work. Patterson responded with encouraging numbers, which led to him winning the award.