NFL Player News

Buccaneers rookie running back Charles Sims is set for surgery on his right ankle and will miss more than half the regular season, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Sims was taken in the third round of the draft.

Bears backup running back Ka'Deem Carey didn't perform particularly well Thursday, but managed to pick up a touchdown. 

Carey finished with 13 carries for 36 yards. He averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. Carey did manage to find the end zone in the fourth quarter, plunging in a 1-yard touchdown. 

Buccaneers cornerbacks Alterraun Verner, Mike Jenkins and running back Charles Sims will not play against Miami on Saturday, according to the Tampa Bay Times on Thursday.

Buccaneers running back Charles Sims missed practice Thursday due to a sprained ankle. He was spotted on the sidelines with a walking boot on his right leg, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson was cleared for practice Thursday, according to The Denver Post. He suffered a concussion last week.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters Thursday he's most comfortable with Roy Helu in pass protection out of all the team's running backs, according to The Washington Post.

The Cardinals would like running back Andre Ellington to get 20 touches per game but want to limit his carries inside the tackles, reports the Arizona Republic. "He's more dangerous 'in space' as a receiver, plus they want to keep him healthy the entire season," the paper said.

The Buccaneers often overused running back Doug Martin under coach Greg Schiano, but that won't be the case in the Lovie Smith era, reports ESPN.com. The website expects Martin to remain a feature back but the Bucs "will rotate in some other backs to keep him fresh," mentioning rookie Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey and Mike James.

The Texans released a depth chart Tuesday showing Jonathan Grimes as the No. 2 running back behind Arian Foster. Alfred Blue is on the third string. Grimes went over 100 all-purpose yards in the preseason opener.

The Charlotte Observer named second-year running back Kenjon Barner one of its training camp disappointments. With Jonathan Stewart sidelined early and the Panthers limiting DeAngelo Williams' reps, Barner "had a great opportunity to make a mark," the paper said. "But he did little with the touches and also showed he's a liability in pass protection."