NFL Player News

Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said Monday only three players would have not been able to practice and the list didn't include running back Doug Martin, who missed Week 2 due to a knee injury. Martin's availability to practice Monday indicates he could be an option for Thursday's game at Atlanta, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Chargers coach Mike McCoy confirmed Ryan Mathews' sprained MCL in his Monday press conference, after reports surfaced that an MRI showed Mathews suffered the injury Sunday.

Mathews is expected to miss four or more weeks as a result of the injury, which will not require surgery. 

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said during his Monday press conference running back Andre Ellington is still dealing with pain in his foot, per FOX Sports 910 AM. Arians will give Ellington the day off Wednesday, and hopes he will be able to practice Thursday and Friday.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews had an MRI taken on his right knee Monday, and NFL.com reports the exam carried with it bad news.

According to the report, Mathews has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL that could keep him out 4-5 weeks, though the team has not yet confirmed the results at this time.

The Chargers don't have a bye until Week 10, so whatever time Mathews misses will come with an associated game missed. This timetable likely puts him out until at least Week 7 against Kansas City.

Following injuries to Knowshon Moreno (elbow) and Lamar Miller (ankle) in Week 2, the Dolphins have agreed to a contract with running back Daniel Thomas for the rest of the season, the Miami Herald reports Monday.

Thomas was among the final players cut from the Dolphins' training camp roster, after spending three mostly ineffective seasons in Miami. He has rushed for 1,312 yards on 365 carries over 40 games for the Dolphins.  

According to 620 WDAE in Tampa, the Buccaneers sat Doug Martin out from Sunday's game against the Rams in order to allow him to get healthy for Week 3's Thursday night game against the Falcons.

Martin missed most of the second half of the team's opener, and was deactivated shortly before kickoff in Week 2, but appears to be aiming to return Thursday. He is dealing with a knee injury. 

The Raiders received minor contributions from several role players in a Week 2 loss to the Texans. Running back Latavius Murray took a backseat to Darren McFadden and was limited to only one handoff for a gain of 6 yards. Fullback Marcel Reece caught one pass for a gain of 11 yards, while receiver Brice Butler was held to one reception for minus-2 yards.

The Texans received minor contributions from several role players in a Week 2 win over the Raiders.

In the passing game, tight end Garrett Graham and Damaris Johnson were each limited to one catch on one target. Graham caught a 26-yard pass in the first quarter, and Johnson caught a 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick on the opening drive. Jonathan Grimes rushed for 9 yards on three carries, while Ronnie Brown gained 2 yards on three carries.

The early diagnosis on Chargers running back Ryan Mathews is that he suffered a sprained MCL, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. Mathews was carted off in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Seahawks.

Mathews will undergo further tests Monday, the report said. If the the initial diagnosis proves correct, Mathews could return within a month or so.

The Chiefs backup pass catchers couldn't do much Week 2 against the Broncos.

Anthony Fasano was the most impressive of the bunch, hauling in three passes for 39 yards. Junior Hemingway caught 2 passes for 21 yards during the outing. Both A.J. Jenkins and Donnie Avery each caught three balls, but gained 16 and 14 yards respectively. 

Tight end Demetrius Harris pulled in one ball for 10 yards. Running back Cyrus Gray didn't have any catches, but carried the ball twice for 8 yards. 

They'll take on the Dolphins Week 3.