NFL Player News

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman was limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury after coach John Fox said he "landed funny" in practice, reports the team's website. Denver is preparing to visit the Patriots on Sunday.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews, who's missed six straight games with a sprained MCL, did not practice Wednesday as San Diego prepared for Week 9 at Miami, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Chargers are off Week 10. It appears likely that Mathews won't return until Nov. 16 against the Raiders.

Chargers running back Donald Brown, who's missed three straight games with a concussion, returned to a padded practice Wednesday, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was in a walking boot Wednesday as he recovers from a sprained left ankle, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay visits Cleveland on Sunday.

Vikings wideout Cordarrelle Patterson, who bruised his left ankle on a kickoff return Sunday, will practice all week, coach Mike Zimmer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Patterson will be fine for Week 9 against the Redskins.

The Buccaneers haven't gotten the job done when trying to run the football this season, and from the sounds of it, coach Lovie Smith is looking for new answers. And one answer could come in the form of rookie Charles Sims.

"Very [excited about Sims' return]," Smith said in a press conference Monday. "As I talk about not being able to get more from our running game, of course it's just not on the front -- we say it starts up front. A lot of the big plays you see happening in the league in the running game is based on yards after contact -- making someone miss in the open field. That's all a part of it also."

Sims has yet to play in the NFL after undergoing ankle surgery just before the start of the season, so there isn't much to go on here. Still with Doug Martin stuck in neutral, there is a chance for the talented rookie to get on the field, especially with his talents as a pass-catcher.

Sims has an uncertain road ahead of him if he is going to climb up the depth chart, especially with Bobby Rainey doing a solid job when getting the chance. Still, Sims might have the highest upside here, and the Bucs don't really have much of a reason not to give him a chance with their record sitting at 1-6.

There is no guarantee Sims will even have a role waiting for him as he is brought back from injured reserve, but there is a reason the team invested a third-round pick in him and designated him to return from the IR. If you have an open roster spot and are looking for a high-upside flier, Sims might be worth a look on waivers. 

With the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline approaching, the Buccaneers will listen to offers for running back Doug Martin, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Martin is averaging 2.9 yards per carry in five games.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher indicated he has no problem with continuing to split carries among running backs Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham and rookie Tre Mason. In Sunday's loss at Kansas City, Mason got seven carries, Stacy received five and Cunningham, four.

"When they got their opportunities they all were productive," Fisher said. "The average per carry is about the same. We'll see. We may settle into something this week."

Fisher said the committee approach won't make it harder for his backs to get into a rhythm. St. Louis visits the 49ers in Week 9.

Several Cowboys contributed in the Week 8 loss to the Redskins. Among them, backup running back Joseph Randle ran three times for 23 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per carry, but lost a fumble.

Backup running back Lance Dunbar added a 6-yard rush and an 11-yard catch. Wideout Cole Beasley secured one of two targets for 11 yards, and tight end James Hanna made a 7-yard grab. They'll all face the Cardinals in Week 9.

The Redskins got a slew of offensive contributions in Monday's overtime win at Dallas. Among them, running back Roy Helu ran five times for 29 yards and caught both his targets for 14 yards. Running back Silas Redd had a 5-yard rush.

Tight end Niles Paul caught all three of his targets for 27 yards, and fullback Darrel Young had a 12-yard catch. Wideout Andre Roberts secured just one of his five targets for 11 yards. They'll all visit the Vikings in Week 9.