NFL Player News

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington was unable to find the end zone Week 12 against the Colts.

Ellington split time with Rashard Mendenhall again, though he proved to be the more efficient runner. Ellington gained 50 yards on 10 carries, while Mendenhall gained 52 yards with 13 carries. Though Ellington continues to show more big-play ability, Mendenhall is the back the team turns to in the red zone. Mendenhall scored on a 5 yard touchdown in the third quarter, and would have had a second goal line touchdown if not for a holding penalty. Ellington clearly has potential, but the team doesn't see him as the primary weapon at this point. Ellington also caught two passes for 21 yards.

Ellington will take on the Eagles Week 13. 

Titans running back Chris Johnson enjoyed a solid performance but was held under 80 yards of total offense during Sunday's win over the Raiders in Week 12.

Johnson broke for a 12-yard run up the middle in the fourth quarter for his longest gain of the day. He finished the game with 20 carries for 73 yards (3.7 yards per carry) on the ground and three catches for eight yards. He was targeted five times in a 23-19 victory.

Johnson has 159 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries over his last two games played. He will look to get back on track in Week 13 at Indianapolis.

On a windy day in Baltimore, the Ravens were plenty motivated to run the ball in Week 12. Unfortunately, they were going against the Jets, who entered the day ranked No. 1 against the run.

Starting running back Ray Rice, who has had his struggles all year, picked up 30 yards on 16 carries. Serving as a change-of-pace option, backup Bernard Pierce wasn't any worse, picking up 30 yards on 11 carries.

The 11 carries were the most he's had since Week 5 at Miami. Seven came in the second half, after the Ravens realized they weren't going to get much from Rice.

Rice broke out for 131 yards on 25 carries last week at Chicago, earning him some leeway, so expect Pierce to continue to play just a change-of-pace role Week 13 against the Steelers.

Colts running back Trent Richardson turned in another rough outing Week 12 against the Cardinals.

Richardson carried the ball seven times for 15 yards. He also caught two passes for 11 yards. The team fell behind early, forcing them to rely more on the passing game, but Richardson did little in his brief opportunities. With the team passing, Richardson saw more time on the field, but didn't contribute much in the passing game. 

He'll attempt to pick things up Week 13 against the Titans.

Colts running backs Donald Brown and Dan Herron did little against the Cardinals Week 12.

Herron actually led the club in rushing yards, picking up 33 yards on four carries. Brown received two rushes, picking up just 1 yard. He also caught a pass for -2 yards. The team was down big early, and could not focus on establishing the run. As a result, all three of their running backs struggled to get things going. 

Brown and Herron will take on the Titans Week 13. 

As expected, Patriots offensive stars Tom Brady (right shoulder), Shane Vereen (wrist), Danny Amendola (groin) and Rob Gronkowski (back, forearm, hamstring) were all ruled active for Sunday's pivotal showdown at home against the Broncos in Week 12.

The Broncos ruled the following players inactive for Week 12 in New England: quarterback Zac Dysert, running back Ronnie Hillman, cornerback Champ Bailey, safety Michael Huff, center J.D. Walton, guard Chris Kuper and Julius Thomas.

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson totaled a career-high eight catches during a 26-all tie Week 12 at Green Bay. He finished with a team-high 54 receiving yards and 11 targets.

Patterson's best chance for a touchdown came on a 17-yard play in overtime. However, a Green Bay defender tipped the football and the pass went off Patterson's hands in the back of the end zone. Had Patterson caught the pass, it would have stood as the game winner.

The 54 yards were a career-high for the rookie receiver. The Vikings are back in action Week 13 vs. Chicago.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis received one carry Week 12 against the Chargers.

Davis ran for 3 yards on his only carry of the game. He was not a threat in the passing game, and did not receive a target. The team wasn't able to focus on the ground game much, with Jamaal Charles receiving just 14 carries. He didn't need any breathers, which prevented Davis from entering the game much. Davis will take on the Broncos Week 13.

One great game does not a featured back make. It remains to be seen after Sunday if Bobby Rainey will display the consistency needed to take that job and run with it, at least temporarily, for the Buccaneers.

Rainey followed his 163-yard explosion in Week 11 with a dud against an albeit strong run defense in Detroit. Rainey started slow, then slowed down further. He managed just 11 yards on his first six carries, struggled through one stretch in which he gained 11 yards on eight attempts, and finished with 35 yards on 18 tries.

It won't get any easier next Sunday when his team plays at rugged Carolina.