NFL Player News

Sermon ran for 89 yards on 19 carries against Seattle on Sunday.

The 49ers were without Elijah Mitchell (shoulder) and JaMycal Hasty (ankle), so there wasn't much competition for Sermon in the 49ers backfield Sunday, but Jacques Patrick (two carries) was the only other 49ers running back to touch the ball against Seattle. Given that Sermon mostly did well with the heightened workload, it's possible that he's earned himself more traction in the 49ers backfield even when Mitchell returns. Sermon should probably be considered the favorite to lead the 49ers running backs during next week's clash in Arizona.

Washington rushed once for five yards while securing his only target for six yards during Sunday's 27-21 overtime loss to the Giants.

After seeing zero offensive snaps over the first three weeks of the season, Washington saw a couple of touches after Tony Jones was carted off with an ankle injury. If Jones needs to miss time, Washington's fantasy stock could rise depending on whether the Saints bring in any backfield reinforcements.

Stevenson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

With James White (hip) on IR and Stevenson inactive, the Patriots' Week 4 backfield will be headed by Damien Harris, while Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor are candidates to absorb the bulk of White's vacated change-of-pace snaps.

Mattison rushed 10 times for 20 yards and didn't draw a target in the Vikings' 14-7 loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Dalvin Cook was active and logged nine carries along with six targets, so he was more involved overall than Mattison. However, Mattison did pace the duo in rushing workload, a development that may well have been tied to Cook playing on an ankle that still wasn't 100 percent after only a one-week absence. Mattison could well return to his more customary complementary role in a Week 5 home matchup versus the Lions.

Montgomery is slated to have an MRI on his left knee Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

At the time Montgomery departed Sunday's 24-14 win against the Lions, he had 23 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Initial tests have revealed that he suffered a hyperextension, but the upcoming MRI may provide further clarity about the severity and potential absence. If Montgomery is forced to miss time, veteran Damien Williams should take over lead-back duties for the Bears, with rookie Khalil Herbert available for complementary work.

Gaskin rushed just twice for three yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game during a 27-17 loss to the Colts on Sunday.

The Dolphins largely abandoned the running game in the second half, but it was still disappointing to see Gaskin get such little opportunity and get outpaced in carries by not just backfield mate Malcolm Brown (eight carries) but by quarterback Jacoby Brissett (three carries) as well. Gaskin had just logged a season-high 13 carries in Week 3 against the Raiders and had recorded no fewer than six targets in any of his first three contests, so perhaps Sunday's strange stat line will prove to be nothing more than a one-week outlier. Gaskin will look to substantiate that in a difficult Week 5 road matchup versus the Buccaneers.

Gainwell rushed three times for 31 yards and a touchdown while catching six of eight targets for 58 yards in Sunday's 42-30 loss to the Chiefs.

Gainwell outplayed the ineffective Miles Sanders, who mustered just 13 yards on seven carries. The rookie fifth-round pick found paydirt from seven yards early in the fourth quarter and now has two touchdowns while Sanders still hasn't scored this season. With a prominent role as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and as a rushing option in the red zone, Gainwell has established himself as an enticing fantasy option ahead of his team's Week 5 trip to Carolina.

Sanders rushed seven times for 13 yards and caught all three of his targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 42-30 loss to Kansas City.

Sanders failed to get anything going on the ground and was outperformed by rookie Kenneth Gainwell, who compiled 89 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on nine touches. With Gainwell forcing a near-even split in the Eagles' backfield and quarterback Jalen Hurts -- who led the team with 47 rushing yards in this one -- siphoning off rushing opportunities as well, Sanders isn't getting as many touches as most lead backs and hasn't made much of his opportunities. Getting back on track won't be easy for Sanders against the stout Panthers front in Week 5.

Williams carried 14 times for 66 yards during Sunday's 24-14 loss to Chicago.

Despite D'Andre Swift getting hyped all week, the Lions found success pounding the ball with Williams after Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (groin) left the game after one snap. While Williams ultimately wound up with a season high in carries, he wasn't involved in the passing game at all while Swift saw another six targets. As this backfield timeshare in Detroit will continue to cap the upside of both running backs, Williams will probably need some involvement in the passing game to pay off as a fantasy option in Week 5 against Minnesota.

Henry recorded 33 rushes for 157 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Jets. He added two receptions for 20 yards.

Henry topped 35 total touches for the second time in four games this season, aided by both overtime and the lack of a an efficient passing attack for the Titans. He ripped off big gains both as a rusher and receiver, logging three rushes and one reception of more than 15 yards. Henry also scored his fourth touchdown of the season, plowing his way into the end zone early in the fourth quarter from one yard out. On the campaign, Henry has topped 100 rushing yards in three consecutive games and has also tallied multiple receptions in every contest.