NFL Player News

Although Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson saw his first five kick-return attempts Week 1 against the Lions result in touchbacks, Patterson finally got his hands on a kickoff eight yards deep in the end zone and returned it 30 yards. Patterson said the coaching staff has no problems with him taking chances on kickoffs.

"My coach [Mike Priefer] feels comfortable with me, whether I catch it eight or nine yards deep, he told me just bring it out," Patterson said, per The Star Tribune. "He expects me to do good things."

The Patriots may be without two of their possible replacements for Shane Vereen in the backfield for Week 2 against the Jets. That is because running backs Brandon Bolden (knee) and Leon Washington (thigh) were both limited throughout the week of practice and are officially questionable for Thursday's game. 

With Shane Vereen out for an extended period of time due to a wrist injury, the eyes of Fantasy owners will naturally turn to the Patriots backfield to see who steps up. They have three possible options on the roster, and it will be worth keeping an eye on them in Week 2 against the Jets to see who steps up.

LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington all have a chance to step up as the team's backup running back, and any of them could end up taking on a big role if they prove worthy. Each brings something different to the table, and it is possible some combination of the three players will be used to patch together the backfield behind Stevan Ridley.

For Week 2, there is little reason for any Fantasy owners to rely on any of the trio, given how uncertain their roles are right now. But Fantasy owners should be ready to pounce on whichever ends up filling Vereen's role, if any in fact do. 

Redskins running back Roy Helu may get an opportunity to see more touches after a solid Week 1 at home against Philadelphia. He only totaled 16 yards from scrimmage, but looked good on his 11-yard reception.

Heading into Week 2 at Green Bay, Helu is still just the backup for Alfred Morris, who struggled Week 1. Morris will be out to prove this is his team and Helu will be looking to take advantage if he can.

The Packers gave up 68 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and a TD to San Francisco RBs Week 1. There is always the chance Helu could get into the end zone. That said, he is not a recommended Fantasy start outside the deepest of leagues due to his usage by coach Mike Shanahan.

49ers running back LaMichael James, who sprained his MCL in the preseason finale, remains sidelined. He was unable to practice Wednesday, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Panthers rookie running back Kenjon Barner (ankle) won't play Sunday at Buffalo, but he's progressing well and could play in Week 3, coach Ron Rivera told the Charlotte Observer.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was limited in practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury. The Ravens are preparing to host the Browns Week 2.

Rams running back Daryl Richardson (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Coach Jeff Fisher said Richardson "needed a day off," but is expected to practice Thursday, according to ESPN.

Those who believe in patterns forming might have a hunch that Raiders featured back Darren McFadden will make a big Fantasy impact Sunday against Jacksonville. He enjoyed a huge game against the Jaguars in 2010 and a poor one in 2012, so perhaps he's due for another explosion.

McFadden rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in their first meeting, but just 53 yards in 19 carries against them last year. That, however, could be explained more by the fact that 2010 was his only great season.

The Jaguars proved fairly vulnerable against the run in their loss Sunday to the Chiefs. They surrendered 77 yards on 16 carries to Jamaal Charles before he was sidelined with a quad injury. But McFadden has not proven the consistency for Fantasy owners to have anywhere near the same confidence in him as they do Charles.

McFadden is a fairly strong second-back play in Week 2. But don't expect big numbers from him. Emerging quarterback Terrelle Pryor has assumed some of the load in the ground attack and McFadden boasts just three 100-yard performances in his last 17 games.

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (knee) returned to practice Wednesday after sitting out Week 1. Wednesday was also the first time he was in pads since injuring his MCL in training camp.