NFL Player News

With Doug Martin expected to sit out with an ankle injury and Charles Sims' debut possibly another week away, Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey could be in line for a big workload in Week 9 against the Browns this Sunday.

Rainey has been the team's best back this season, even if he hasn't been able to earn the role that would come with that. He should get the chance Sunday, and has a good matchup to show off against a Browns defense that ranks among the 10-worst in the league against running backs, allowing 20.4 Fantasy points per game.

The Browns held the Raiders' backs in check last week, limiting them to just 10 Fantasy points, but that came a week after they surrendered 28 to what had previously been a hapless Jaguars ground game. Rainey doesn't have much of a track record, but he still makes for a solid starting option this week, though more as a No. 2 back. 

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman should play Week 9 against the Patriots.

Hillman is listed as probable on the injury report due to a shoulder injury. He was a full participant in practice Friday, and is expected to play.

The team also listed Lamin Barrow, Omar Bolden, Chris Harris Jr., Brandon McManus, Juwan Thompson, Louis Vasquez and Webster Kayvon as probable for the contest. 

Running back Stepfan Taylor (calf), who has been ruled out as expected by the Cardinals for their Sunday game in Dallas, is the lone no-go. Safety Tony Jefferson (knee) and tight end Troy Niklas (ankle) are questionable.

The rest on their Friday injury list are probable, including standout cornerback Patrick Peterson (concussion). They are defensive end Calais Campbell (knee), linebacker Kenny Demens (knee), running back Andre Ellington (foot), wideout Michael Floyd (knee) and safety Rashad Johnson (knee).

The Chiefs should have all their studs Week 9 against the Jets.

Offensive starters Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith and Travis Kelce headline the long list of probable players for the contest. All three should play.

The team also listed Eric Berry, Anthony Fasano, Phillip Gaines, Cyrus Gray, Junior Hemingway, Mike McGlynn and Sean Smith as probable for the contest. Berry is listed with an ankle injury. 

The Chargers listed 11 players on their final injury report for Week 9 against Miami. Ryan Mathews (knee), Manti Te'o (foot) and Jason Verrett (shoulder) were the only players on the list ruled out for Sunday. Jahleel Addae could be out as well because of a concussion. He has not received medical clearance and was officially labeled doubtful.

Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring) was ruled questionable. Meanwhile, the following players were deemed probable: Donald Brown (concussion), Brandon Flowers (concussion), Dwight Freeney (knee), Rich Ohrnberger (back), Reggie Walker (ankle) and Steve Williams (groin).

The Jets enter Week 9 against the Chiefs relatively healthy. Out of 15 players listed on the injury report, Darrin Walls (calf, knee) was ruled doubtful for Sunday.Geno Smith (shoulder) was labeled questionable.

The other 13 players were deemed probable: Oday Aboushi (shoulder), Phillip Adams (groin), Antwan Barnes (knee), Willie Colon (knee), Jeff Cumberland (shoulder, finger), Demario Davis (finger), Eric Decker (hamstring), David Harris (shoulder), Chris Johnson (ankle), Jeremy Kerley (illness), Nick Mangold (shoulder), Trevor Reilly (knee) and Greg Salas (wrist, ankle).

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews was a limited participant in Friday's practice. It was his first practice since suffering an MCL sprain on Sept. 14.

Although the team has already ruled him out for Week 9 against the Dolphins, coach Mike McCoy told reporters "he's getting close" to returning, according to U-T San Diego. Mathews will miss his seventh consecutive game on Sunday.

The Chargers have a Week 10 bye and Mathews could be back as early as Week 11 against Oakland.

The Buccaneers list featured back Doug Martin as doubtful for the Week 9 game against the host Browns with an ankle injury. He has yet to participate in any practice this week.

Martin did not practice this week.

Broncos coach John Fox told reporters that running back Ronnie Hillman was a full participant in practice Friday and is expected to play Week 9 against the Patriots, according to the Denver Post.

Hillman is expected to take his usual workload and will be seeking his third straight 100-yard game at Foxboro. He has 283 yards on the ground over his first three games since taking over for an injured Montee Ball.

A sprained left ankle that again prevented Buccaneers featured back Doug Martin from practicing Friday will probably keep him sidelined Sunday in Cleveland, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin shed the walking boot Thursday but has yet to practice this week. He has also yet to break out this season, rushing for just 166 yards on 58 carries for a 3.1 average.