NFL Player News

The Dolphins' timeshare at running back continues unabated as we head towards the midweek point of the season, and the change in starting roles last week doesn't seem to have changed much. Though he got the start against the Bills, Daniel Thomas is still not much of a Fantasy option for Week 8 against the Patriots.

All three of our Fantasy experts have Thomas ranked higher among running backs this week than Lamar Miller, but none are particularly high on him; his averaging ranking is just 26th. The Patriots do provide a decent matchup for Thomas, having allowed 15.6 Fantasy points per game to opposing backs this season, including three touchdowns over the last three games.

Thomas' ascension to a bigger certainly makes him a more intriguing Fantasy option than he was even prior to the team's bye two weeks ago. For now, however, he remains more of a low-end starting option for Week 8 against the Patriots. 

Colts recently acquired running back Trent Richardson has a meager 3.0 YPC since joining the team, but he had a statistical excuse for a poor showing on Sunday, according to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star via Pro Football Focus.

The site cited that Richardson only found a viable hole four times in 14 carries Sunday night against Denver. He rushed for just 37 yards in that game for a 2.6 average.

Richardson has been criticized for not attacking holes, but rather waiting, sometimes in vain, for them to develop. The result has been a disappointing first two years after being taken third overall in the 2012 draft by the Browns.

The Buccaneers are optimistic about running back Doug Martin, who suffered a torn labrum Week 7, returning this season, according to NFL.com. Martin is expected to spend the next 18 days strengthening his shoulder and will wear a harness.

The Bucs have a target date of Martin playing Week 10 (Nov. 11) vs. Miami. However, if Martin has a setback, then the Bucs will shut him down for the rest of the season.

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers has a tough matchup Week 8 against the Cardinals.

Arizona has been solid against opposing running backs, holding them to 13.71 Fantasy points per game. The team has yet to allow a rushing touchdown by a back this season. Running backs have averaged just 46.71 yards against Arizona. 

On top of that, Steven Jackson has returned to practice and could play this week. While it's unclear whether Jackson will play at this time, his return should signal a decrease in Rodgers' workload. Based on how successful Rodgers has been the past few weeks, there's a chance he still sees his fair share of carries once Jackson returns. Even if Jackson is out this week, Rodgers still isn't a strong play.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen has returned to practice and has shed the brace on his hand, the Boston Herald has reported. Vereen has been on short-term IR since Week 1 with a wrist injury. He will not be eligible for game action until Week 10.

Vereen was the team's most used and effective back in the season opener. He led the team in carries with 14 and yards with 101. He added seven receptions for 58 yards. It remains to be seen if he regains that status upon his return.

Raiders oft-injured featured back Darren McFadden was hindered with a hamstring injury in Week 6 against Kansas City, but Dennis Allen claimed he looked "explosive" in Wednesday practice after resting it during the bye week, per CSNCalifornia.com.

McFadden rushed for 52 yards in 16 attempts against the Chiefs and hasn't had a 100-yard game since Week 2 against a woeful Jacksonville defense. His three receptions in Week 6 were his first since that game against the Jaguars.

As expected, the Buccaneers ruled out running back Doug Martin for Thursday's game against Carolina. Martin injured his shoulder last week and did not practice this week. However, he disputes reports that he suffered a season-ending injury.

Cowboys rookie running back Joseph Randle registered a career-high 92 scrimmage yards in his debut as a starter last week at Philadelphia. What can he do for an encore Week 8 at Detroit?

Unfortunately, his Fantasy value will be tied to the health of starting running back DeMarco Murray. Murray missed last week's game but could conceivably return against the Lions. That has yet to be decided.

If Randle gets the start, he'll be facing a team that has allowed the 12th-most Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. That said, Detroit has not allowed a rushing touchdown in the last three games and have allowed just two over the last five weeks.

Phillip Tanner and Randle will share the load if Murray is out again, with Randle seeing the bulk of the work. He's looked solid in his limited time on the field for the Cowboys and can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy RB as long as Murray remains out.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday running back Shane Vereen, who has been out since injuring his wrist in Week 1, isn't "too far off" from returning to practice. Belichick said Vereen is in the day-to-day category.

Vereen was placed on short-term injured reserve after getting hurt in the season opener. He's eligible to practice, but he's not eligible to play yet. Vereen is only eligible to play after sitting out eight weeks.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin said he doesn't believe his shoulder injury is season-ending, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Martin said the pain is decreasing every day and that his range of motion is improving, the report said.

Martin wore a sling while doing his radio show. He did not practice Tuesday and likely won't suit up Thursday against Carolina.