NFL Player News

As expected, the Buccaneers ruled out running back Doug Martin for Thursday's game against Carolina. Martin injured his shoulder last week and did not practice this week. However, he disputes reports that he suffered a season-ending injury.

Cowboys rookie running back Joseph Randle registered a career-high 92 scrimmage yards in his debut as a starter last week at Philadelphia. What can he do for an encore Week 8 at Detroit?

Unfortunately, his Fantasy value will be tied to the health of starting running back DeMarco Murray. Murray missed last week's game but could conceivably return against the Lions. That has yet to be decided.

If Randle gets the start, he'll be facing a team that has allowed the 12th-most Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. That said, Detroit has not allowed a rushing touchdown in the last three games and have allowed just two over the last five weeks.

Phillip Tanner and Randle will share the load if Murray is out again, with Randle seeing the bulk of the work. He's looked solid in his limited time on the field for the Cowboys and can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy RB as long as Murray remains out.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday running back Shane Vereen, who has been out since injuring his wrist in Week 1, isn't "too far off" from returning to practice. Belichick said Vereen is in the day-to-day category.

Vereen was placed on short-term injured reserve after getting hurt in the season opener. He's eligible to practice, but he's not eligible to play yet. Vereen is only eligible to play after sitting out eight weeks.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin said he doesn't believe his shoulder injury is season-ending, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Martin said the pain is decreasing every day and that his range of motion is improving, the report said.

Martin wore a sling while doing his radio show. He did not practice Tuesday and likely won't suit up Thursday against Carolina.

As expected, Buccaneers running back Doug Martin did not practice Tuesday due to his shoulder injury. He's expected to miss Thursday's game against Carolina.

Coach Greg Schiano, however, has disputed reports that Martin is done for the season.

The Colts made two roster moves Tuesday. They waived tight end Dominique Jones off the active roster and released fullback Robert Hughes from the practice squad.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden is back in action Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh as Oakland is coming off its Week 7 bye. The injury-prone running back got a chance to rest up and get closer to 100 percent after sitting out Week 5 with a hamstring injury.

Even though the Raiders switched from a zone-blocking to a power-blocking scheme this season in an attempt to get McFadden's career back on track, the sixth-year back is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, which is below his career average (4.3). He also has just one 100-yard performance and hasn't managed more than 19 carries in any of his five appearances.

In six games against the Steelers, running backs are averaging 100.2 rushing yards and 19 Fantasy points per week, which is the eighth-highest average. However, Pittsburgh has been tough against running backs since coming out of its Week 5 bye. Running backs have averaged just 71.5 rushing yards and have no touchdowns in the last two games against the Steelers after averaging 114.3 rushing yards and totaling seven touchdowns (six rushing) in the first four games.

Even though the Steelers have played better against the run the last few weeks, McFadden can still be considered a No. 2 Fantasy running back Week 8 since he's the Raiders' lead back and will get a fair amout of touches.

Vikings receiver Cordarrelle Patterson ripped off a 69-yard kickoff return in the loss to the Giants. He also caught three of his six targets for 22 yards and had a 2-yard run.

The three catches marked a season high for Patterson, who plays the Packers in Week 8.

Vikings running back Matt Asiata left the game against the Giants with a shoulder injury and will not return.

The Buccaneers claimed running back Bobby Rainey off waivers from Cleveland and released wideout Skye Dawson, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay is thin at running back after losing Doug Martin to a shoulder injury.