NFL Player News

The sophomore season continues to head south for Colts running back Trent Richardson. He was a DNP on Wednesday with an ankle injury. There had been no indication of an injury following his poor performance Sunday in Houston.

Richardson had been inundated with injuries with knee surgery after the 2012 draft and broken ribs as well last season. But he had been healthy this year, which was cause for alarm considering his production had actually weakened. Richardon, who managed just 20 yards rushing in eight carries against the Texans, is averaging just 3.1 YPC in 2013.

Although he sat out practice Wednesday, Buccaneers running back Doug Martin said his left shoulder injury is improving. Martin said will require surgery at some point, but he hasn't ruled out playing again this season.

"Everything is looking good," Martin said, per The Tampa Tribune. "I’m doing everything the trainer’s telling me and it is improving. The pain’s decreasing and the range of motion is increasing."

Bucs coach Greg Schiano said the success of running back Mike James won't have an impact on Martin's potential return to the lineup.

"(James’ success) doesn’t affect our urgency," Schiano said. "It’s about having as many good players you can have on your 46-man game-day roster to help you win. It’s just a matter of dealing with Doug and our trainers and doctors -- is he OK to play and is it in his best interest? What is best for everybody involved?"

Oft-injured Raiders featured back Darren McFadden was a no-go again in practice on Wednesday, per ESPN. McFadden managed just 12 yards on five carries in the win over the Steelers before his removal from the game in the second quarter with the injury.

Although Donald Brown continues to outperform Trent Richardson, he remains in a backup role for the Colts heading into Week 10 vs. St. Louis. However, despite a limited role, Brown could still be worth a look in deep Fantasy formats Week 10.

Why's that? Well, the Rams aren't exactly great against the run. Running backs average 117.3 rushing yards and 22.1 Fantasy points per week against St. Louis, which is the second-highest average. Running backs have totaled 11 touchdowns (10 rushing) in nine games against St. Louis.

Brown averaged 8.2 yards per carry on just six carries Week 9 at Houston. He's averaging a career-high 6.3 yards per carry in 2013, which compares favorably to Richardson's 3.0 yards per carry.

The Colts seem committed to keeping Richardson a big part of the run game, so Brown's touches continue to be limited. There's still a chance he could break a long run or score a touchdown Sunday, so consider Brown a No. 3 Fantasy running back or flex option Week 10.

Colts running back Trent Richardson must be a magician because he's done quite the disappearing act for Fantasy owners. Richardson heads into Week 10 vs. St. Louis without a touchdown in four straight games and hasn't surpassed 50 rushing yards in his last three games.

If there is a week for Richardson to change his fortunes, then it could be against the Rams. Running backs average 117.3 rushing yards and 22.1 Fantasy points per week against St. Louis, which is the second-highest average. Running backs have totaled 11 touchdowns (10 rushing) in nine games against St. Louis.

No. 1 running backs DeMarco Murry, Frank Gore, Arian Foster and Chris Johnson have all had big games against the Rams. However, it's been very tough for Fantasy owners to trust Richardson and he's not a slam-dunk option Week 10, despite the favorable matchup.

In fact, fellow Colts running back Donald Brown might be a better start than Richardson, who is more of a No. 3 Fantasy running back or flex option Week 10.

Chuck Pagano will work to get Colts running back Trent Richardson more involved in the passing game, per the team website.

Richardson has been a disappointment as a runner and pass-catcher since joining the Colts in Week 3. He is averaging a mere 3.0 YPC and has just five receptions in six games. But he managed his first two-catch game with Indianapolis on Sunday and took one of them 24 yards.

Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano said Monday running back Doug Martin, who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, could return Week 10 vs. Miami. Well, his chances of returning aren't looking up just yet since Martin did not return to practice Wednesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Redskins backup running back Roy Helu rushed for three touchdowns during the Week 7 game against Chicago. At that time it appeared he could see goal-line carries going forward for the Redskins and may become a viable Fantasy option.

That has not happened for the Mike Shanahan-coached Redskins. Helu has rushed seven times for 34 yards and no scores in his last two games. That is combined with two catches for 20 yards. He's scored just four TDs on the season and three came in the same game.

Last week, Washington allowed Darrel Young to score three times from the goal line. It was not Helu who was given the ball in that situation. Behind Alfred Morris on the depth chart, Helu is not a recommended Fantasy option for the Week 10 game.

With six catches at Carolina last week, Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers showed he has something to contribute in Fantasy even with starter Steven Jackson back from a hamstring injury. But in Week 10, he probably won't be the one to benefit from a Seahawks defense that has gotten burned on the ground the last couple games, giving up 200-plus yards in each.

Other than getting the occasional change-of-pace carry, Rodgers' role appears to be limited to obvious passing situations, where he serves as a dump-off option for quarterback Matt Ryan. In two games with Jackson back, he has gotten just seven carries for 27 yards.

Ryan has thrown multiple interceptions the last two weeks, putting his team in a hole, and if he does the same against a Seahawks defense that is tied for the league lead with 13 interceptions, Rodgers should have an opportunity to catch some passes out of the backfield.

But if the game remains close or the Falcons have a lead of some kind, he'll be an afterthought on offense. The reward isn't enough to justify the risk.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Monday the status of running back Darren McFadden is unknown after McFadden left Sunday's game vs. Philadelphia with a hamstring injury. Rashad Jennings came off the bench to replace McFadden and totaled 176 yards (102 rushing) in the 49-20 loss.