NFL Player News

Hightower rushed 26 times for 102 yards and caught one of three targets for no gain in Sunday's 25-20 win over the Seahawks.

Hightower took over as the primary running back after Mark Ingram was benched in the first quarter following a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Earl Thomas. Ingram's fumbling issues likely haven't taken him out of the rotation for good, but Hightower should certainly factor in more moving forward after proving capable of effectively carrying a full load. That being said, the Saints will likely continue to rely primarily on the pass due to their defense's inability to stop opponents from scoring.

Murray rushed the ball 11 times for 48 yards to go along with five receptions for 23 yards during Sunday's overtime victory over the Buccaneers.

Murray led the Raiders' rushing attack with six more carries than both Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, and he was able to average more than four yards per carry for just the third time this season. Quarterback Derek Carr was able to find Murray as his check-down option several times on the way to 513 passing yards and another win. Murray will look to add to his touchdown total next week against the Broncos in what will be a tough divisional matchup.

Zenner carried three times for two yards Sunday against the Texans, also securing his lone target for an additional five yards.

Zenner was the main beneficiary of Dwayne Washington (coach's decision) surprising inactive status, but he failed to do much with his limited opportunity. However, he was still second in line for carries upon Theo Riddick's return from injury, ahead of veteran Justin Forsett. Washington appeared to be well in front of Zenner on the depth chart prior to the rookie missing time with an ankle injury, though, making it hard to predict who will operate as Riddick's complement moving forward.

Rodgers won't return to Sunday's game versus the Raiders due to a foot injury.

Rodgers will finish the game with 19 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception for nine yards. His last touch occurred on the Buccaneers' last possession of regulation, and with a Thursday night affair on tap against the Falcons, his activity level will be one to watch in the coming days. The next players up in the backfield are Peyton Barber and Antone Smith.

Kelley ran the ball 21 times for 87 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Bengals.

Kelley took over as the starter in Week 8 with Matt Jones (knee) sidelined for the game. Washington now heads into their bye week, giving their backfield time to rest up. The rookie performed well in his first start and could continue to see increased action while Jones remains on the sidelines, but look for more details to emerge later in the week.

Artis-Payne (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

With Jonathan Stewart now healthy and Fozzy Whittaker representing an integral part of the Panthers' special teams units, there isn't much of a need for Artis-Payne in the team's running back corps. He'll be inactive for a second straight week, but would likely see an expanded role again if Stewart were to succumb to another injury.

Washington is inactive for Sunday's contest at Houston, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Despite logging full practices all week and avoiding a designation on Friday's injury report, Washington won't play for the first time since Week 4. In his absence, Theo Riddick should receive the majority of touches out of the backfield, with Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett in reserve.

Grimes (ankle) is active for Sunday's Week 8 tilt versus the Lions, the team's official site reports.

Grimes thus will make his first appearance since Week 3, but is expected to have limited participation with Lamar Miller (shoulder) also active and Alfred Blue available to take on part of the workload in the backfield as well.

Gillislee (foot) is listed as active Sunday's game against the Patriots.

With top back LeSean McCoy out, Gillislee appears on track to head the Bills' Week 8 ground game, as long as his foot holds up. Meanwhile, Jonathan Williams and Reggie Bush are on hand to work in complementary roles Sunday.

Gillislee (foot) "plans to play" Sunday, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

With LeSean McCoy likely out, Gillislee could be in line for a big workload should his "plans" come to fruition. In other words, while we assume Rapoport's phrasing bodes well for Gillislee's chances, a player's plans are no substitute for an official designation, which will come down an hour or so before the game's 1:00 pm ET start.