NFL Player News

Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews is back at practice Friday, the team is reporting. He had been sidelined with a concussion. His status for the game Sunday against visiting Indianapolis will be further clarified when the team issues its injury report on Friday, but his return is an encouraging sign.

The Raiders backfield tandem of Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings seems ready to roll into the Sunday game against Kansas City. Both participated Friday in their third straight day of practice despite hamstring issues, according to the Oakland Tribune.

Jennings filled in as the featured back for McFadden after the latter left the Week 4 game against Washington and again last Sunday against San Diego, when McFadden was inactive.

Panthers RB Kenjon Barner, DT Dwan Edwards, and S Robert Lester are all listed as doubtful Week 6 against the Vikings.

Both Edwards and Lester have been dealing with hamstring injuries. Neither player has been able to practice this week. Barner has a foot injury. 

One wouldn't know that Colts featured back Trent Richardson is struggling if they listened to the words of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.

"He's confident in his competence. He's made plays for us," Hamilton told the team website.

Richardson's production has decreased markedly in 2013 despite good health. He played his rookie season with a rib injury and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. He is at 3.1 YPC this season and has just 151 yards in 51 carries (2.9 YPC) for the Colts.

Despite losing his starting role last week, Rams running back Daryl Richardson was still second on the team with 13 carries for 48 yards in Week 5. He should see a similar role in Week 6 against the Texans.

The Texans haven't been great against running backs this season, allowing 17.6 Fantasy points per game. Still, the Rams clearly think Stacy is the answer at running back, and should give him the larger share of the workload this week, meaning Richardson is unlikely to take advantage of the matchup.

Fantasy owners looking for a bye-week replacement can be worth a role of the dice as a flex option, but he has little more value than that for Week 6. 

Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings have gained momentum in their quests to return from hamstring injuries. Both participated in their second straight practice on Thursday, per ESPN.

The status of Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews for the game Monday night remains cloudy as he has yet to complete concussion protocol. Mathews has not been cleared to play in the game against Indianapolis.

Mathews, who has struggled in 2013 at a meager 3.5 YPC, left the game Sunday night in Oakland after rushing for just 8 yards in three attempts.

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman is looking to bounce back against the Jaguars Week 6. 

Hillman has emerged as the primary backup behind Knowshon Moreno, but hasn't received a ton of work. Hillman has received 27 carries over the past three weeks, but has only produced one good Fantasy game. 

There's a chance that will change against the Jaguars. Jacksonville hasn't been strong against opposing running backs, allowing a league-high 129.60 yards per game. On top of that, there's a chance Hillman could get more work if the team takes a big lead.

Hillman is still a risky Fantasy option, but is in a decent situation this week.

The Chargers announced Wednesday that the team has placed offensive lineman Michael Harris on injured reserve, ESPN reports. The team also signed running back Kerwynn Williams to the practice squad and released running back Miguel Maysonet from the practice squad. 

Chiefs rookie running back Knile Davis is not much of a Fantasy option heading into the Week 6 game at home against Oakland. With Jamaal Charles expected to do the heavy lifting, Davis can be avoided in most leagues. 

He has seen just one rush attempt in each of his last two games for a total of 4 yards. He's not a target in the passing game and has 12 carries all year. He may have a future, but it isn't now for the Chiefs.