NFL Player News

The Contra Costa Times reports that Raiders running back Darren McFadden is a big part of the team's plans moving forward in 2013, general manager Reggie McKenzie said Thursday. McKenzie brushed aside the notion that McFadden could be moved entering the final season of his contract following a disappointing season. “I’m confident Darren’s going to play his last season, regardless of what’s out there,’’ McKenzie said. “We have no decision to do anything with Darren.’’ McFadden gained 707 yards on 216 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt, as the Raiders dropped to 28th in rushing after gaining more yards on the ground than any team in the NFL from 2010-11. The Raiders switched to a zone blocking systems under recently-fired offensive coordinator Greg Knapp after playing more gap and power power schemes under Hue Jackson. While McKenzie said execution was more of an issue than scheme, he also said, “It’s obvious Darren is much better on certain types of plays. That goes without saying. That’s how you’ve got to do it.’’

The Ravens injury report from Thursday had running back Bernard Pierce listed as did not participate. He has been dealing with a knee injury, which he re-aggravated in the third quarter of the team’s 38-35 double overtime win against the Broncos last Saturday. Pierce, however, pledged before practice to be available for Sunday.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens running back Bernard Pierce participated on a limited basis in practice Wednesday. Pierce, who was not present during the portion of practice open to media, re-aggravated a nagging right knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s 38-35 double overtime win against the Broncos last Saturday. Pierce, however, pledged before practice to be available for Sunday.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't offer an update on the status of rookie running back Bernard Pierce on Monday. Pierce has been bothered by a knee injury, aggravating it against the Broncos and not finishing the game. He rushed for only 14 yards on five carries. "He seems like he is feeling good," Harbaugh said. "He was in good spirits. He had a big smile on his face. He had a nice big lunch. He seemed like he was happy. I think his son slept the whole night last night, so he was happy."

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Browns running back Trent Richardson has not met new coach Rob Chudzinski and he as no idea what type of scheme he will run on offense. Richardson said he has only a handful of ideas when it comes to the new coach. "I like what [Chudzinski] did with (Carolina QB) Cam (Newton)," Richardson said. "He got those boys to ball. Cam was successful in [Chudzinski's] offense. He's an offense guy, and that's another good thing." Richardson also addressed his health after suffering a rib injury that slowed him this season. "I'm just looking forward to getting back and working out for real," Richardson said. "Because of my injury, I haven't been able to lift hard with my upper body for 12 weeks. I'm ready to get back at it."

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas had surgery for a knee injury suffered late last year, the Miami Herald reports. Thomas is expected to be ready for offseason workouts. He had 325 rush yards, 156 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2012.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen piled up 124 total yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns during New England's 41-28 rout of Houston in the AFC Divisional Playoff game Sunday. Vereen, who entered the game with just five career touchdowns, became the third player in postseason history to have two receiving touchdowns and one rushing score in the same game, according to Elias Sports Bureau. On the ground, he chewed up 41 yards on seven carries and reached the end zone on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. Vereen was also one of three Patriots players with at least 80 receiving yards as he posted five catches for 83 yards. His touchdowns came on passes of 8 and 33 yards from quarterback Tom Brady.

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries during Sunday's 30-28 Divisional Playoff game win vs. Seattle. Rodgers got most of his yards on a 45-yard carry. He added two catches for 8 yards.

Packers running back DuJuan Harris failed to see enough carries but still managed to find the end zone for the second straight playoff game during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game at San Francisco. Harris rumbled in the end zone from 18 yards out during the first quarter to give the Packers the only lead of the evening. Harris saw only 11 carries and rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown in a 45-31 defeat. He was also targeted four times and finished with two catches for 11 yards in the loss.

After rushing for over 100 yards his last time out against Indianapolis, Baltimore running back Bernard Pierce was held in check during Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff game at Denver. He took a backseat to starter Ray Rice who stole the show and rushed for a team-high 131 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. Pierce was held to just 14 yards on five carries in a 38-35 double overtime victory.