NFL Player News

As expected, Buccaneers running back Doug Martin did not practice Tuesday due to his shoulder injury. He's expected to miss Thursday's game against Carolina.

Coach Greg Schiano, however, has disputed reports that Martin is done for the season.

The Colts made two roster moves Tuesday. They waived tight end Dominique Jones off the active roster and released fullback Robert Hughes from the practice squad.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden is back in action Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh as Oakland is coming off its Week 7 bye. The injury-prone running back got a chance to rest up and get closer to 100 percent after sitting out Week 5 with a hamstring injury.

Even though the Raiders switched from a zone-blocking to a power-blocking scheme this season in an attempt to get McFadden's career back on track, the sixth-year back is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, which is below his career average (4.3). He also has just one 100-yard performance and hasn't managed more than 19 carries in any of his five appearances.

In six games against the Steelers, running backs are averaging 100.2 rushing yards and 19 Fantasy points per week, which is the eighth-highest average. However, Pittsburgh has been tough against running backs since coming out of its Week 5 bye. Running backs have averaged just 71.5 rushing yards and have no touchdowns in the last two games against the Steelers after averaging 114.3 rushing yards and totaling seven touchdowns (six rushing) in the first four games.

Even though the Steelers have played better against the run the last few weeks, McFadden can still be considered a No. 2 Fantasy running back Week 8 since he's the Raiders' lead back and will get a fair amout of touches.

Vikings receiver Cordarrelle Patterson ripped off a 69-yard kickoff return in the loss to the Giants. He also caught three of his six targets for 22 yards and had a 2-yard run.

The three catches marked a season high for Patterson, who plays the Packers in Week 8.

Vikings running back Matt Asiata left the game against the Giants with a shoulder injury and will not return.

The Buccaneers claimed running back Bobby Rainey off waivers from Cleveland and released wideout Skye Dawson, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay is thin at running back after losing Doug Martin to a shoulder injury.

Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano said Monday the team does not believe running back Doug Martin has suffered a season-ending injury, despite multiple reports stating Martin is out for the season with a torn labrum. Schiano did say, however, it will be a stretch for Martin to play Thursday (Week 8) against the Panthers.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said Monday the reason Daniel Thomas received more backfield reps than Lamar Miller Week 7 vs. Buffalo was a function of the play calling. Philbin said Miller is still considered the team's starting running back.

Thomas rushed for 60 yards on 12 carries Sunday, while Miller rushed for 43 yards on nine carries. Each player had one reception.

While multiple sources are reporting Buccaneers running back Doug Martin will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the Tampa Bay Times reports Martin will not immediately be placed on injured reserve because the team is hopeful Martin will return this season.

NFL.com has joined FOX Sports 1 in reporting Buccaneers running back Doug Martin suffered a torn labrum in his shoudler, a source said. The injury is expected to sideline Martin for the rest of the season.