NFL Player News

The Cardinals inactive list for Week 4 against the Buccaneers features seven players, three of whom entered Sunday's game on the injury report. Defensive back Rashad Johnson (finger), linebacker Kevin Minter (hamstring) and defensive lineman Dan Williams (not injury related) were joined by quarterback Ryan Lindley, running back Ryan Williams, and offensive linemen Bobby Massie and Earl Watford.  

The Ravens will have the services of running back Shaun Draughn (ankle) and defensive lineman Pernell McPhee (knee) for the Week 4 game at Buffalo. Both players were listed as questionable entering Sunday's game on the official injury report released Friday. 

The paucity of top-flight featured backs in the NFL in this age of aerial dominance might prevent Fantasy owners from sitting Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews for the game Sunday against Dallas. But if you boast the depth to stick him on your bench, this would be the week to do it.

Mathews has proven no more than mediocre through three games. He's gained 164 yards on 45 carries for a 3.6 average with no touchdowns. He's caught a mere three passes for 25 yards and a score. Add that to the fact that the Cowboys rank No. 1 in the league in rushing yards allowed with 199 and have yet to give up a touchdown on the ground and you have every reason to bench Mathews.

That is certainly the view of the three CBSSports.com senior Fantasy writers, none of whom have Mathews ranked higher than 33rd among NFL running backs this week. If you can sit him, do it. If not, place him in your lineup and just hopes he breaks off a long one against the Cowboys.

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is expected to play in Week 4 against the Eagles, despite continuing to deal with a lingering knee injury. Anderson was able to practice throughout the week, as he has throughout the season. Unfortunately, the rookie has yet to be active through the team's first three games. 

Titans running back Chris Johnson is in for a tough battle in Week 4 against the Jets. This could be another rough outing for him.

Johnson is getting plenty of work through three games this year, but his production has been minimal. He's had at least 19 carries in all three games, but his season high is 96 yards in Week 2 at Houston. He has yet to score a touchdown, and he has just two catches on the season.

The Jets have been fantastic against opposing running backs this year. Fred Jackson had the best rushing day against them with 72 yards, and Doug Martin scored the only touchdown against them in Week 1. Martin and Jackson are the only running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points.

We still consider Johnson a starting Fantasy running back this week, but he's barely a Top 24 option. Some other running backs to consider starting over Johnson include Bilal Powell, Le'Veon Bell, Darren Sproles, Jason Snelling and Lamar Miller based on the matchup.

Also, in three career meetings against the Jets, Johnson has just one game with double digits in Fantasy points, which was last season at home when he had 21 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully he can replicate that performance this time around.

The Vikings will likely have the services of a pair of injured role players in Week 4 against the Steelers, as long snapper Cullen Loeffler (neck) and running Matt Asiata (hamstring) are both probable for Sunday's game. 

Raiders running back Darren McFadden should have himself another great game in Week 4 against the Redskins. Washington has allowed at least 18 Fantasy points to each of the three running backs they've dealt with the most. That includes James Starks, who came off the bench to replace Eddie Lacy for the Packers in Week 2. 

McFadden has been very reliable for Fantasy owners this year, totaling at least 11 Fantasy points per game. He lucked out last week, getting a late goal-line touchdown and throwing another score in an otherwise sub par effort against Denver. Expect McFadden to bounce back in a big way in Week 4. Make sure he's in your Fantasy lineup. 

The Cowboys have been unable to find a spot for rookie running back Joseph Randle, but that could change in Week 4 against the Chargers. With wide receiver Miles Austin dealing with a hamstring injury, the Cowboys may be able to get Randle active on the 46-man roster for game day Sunday, according to ESPN.com.

The Cowboys could go with four active running backs for the game, with Randle getting time on the special teams unit.

"I'm getting more into the special teams a little more," said Randle, who will participate on two units. "That's what they wanted from me and that's what they got." 

49ers running back LaMichael James was active for the first time all season Thursday, in Week 4 against the Rams.

James saw limited playing time, rushing the ball just three times for no gain. He added no receptions, and he appears to be fourth on the running back depth chart, at best, at this point.

The 49ers play the Texans in Week 5. 

The Rams Went in a different direction with their backup running back spot Thursday against the 49ers, as rookie Benny Cunningham took on the role in a 35-11 loss.

Cunningham was the lone back to receive touches behind Daryl Richardson. He rushed the ball four times for 6 yards, while adding a single reception for 17 yards.

Isaiah Pead was inactive for the game and Zac Stacy didn't receive a touch, so it will be interesting to see how the Rams continue to experiment with the backup role. They take on the Jaguars in Week 5.