NFL Player News

Washington (ankle) will not play Sunday against the Rams, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

With Theo Riddick (ankle) ruled out for Sunday and now apparently Washington as well, the Lions will split carries between Zach Zenner and newly signed Justin Forsett. However, fantasy owners will want to make sure Washington is out when inactives are announced before Sunday's 1 pm ET game.

Zenner will likely share snaps with Justin Forsett and possibly Dwayne Washington (ankle) in Sunday's game against the Rams, ESPN.com reports.

Having already lost Ameer Abdullah (foot) to injured reserve, the Detroit backfield has only gotten messier in recent weeks, with Theo Riddick (ankle) ruled out for Sunday and Dwayne Washington (ankle) considered questionable. Zenner made the team as an undrafted free agent last year, and then stuck around as the No. 4 running back to start this season, after losing out to Washington for the goal-line/short-yardage role. Washington will likely serve as the lead back if he's healthy enough to do so, as Zenner's lack of quickness makes him a poor fit for regular work in a pass-first offense, while the 31-year-old Forsett has only been with the Lions since Tuesday. If Washington can't play, Forsett and Zenner will likely share snaps, with the former a better bet to catch passes and the latter a better bet for goal-line work.

Mathews (illness) does not have a designation on Friday's injury report, setting him up to play in Sunday's game against Washington.

Mathews was excused from Friday's practice feeling under the weather, but the team apparently isn't worried about his Sunday availability, opting not to list him as 'questionable', 'doubtful or 'out'. While the illness could impact his strength and endurance if it lingers into the weekend, Mathews is seemingly still poised to lead the Philadelphia backfield in one of the best matchups conceivable. Washington has surrendered an NFL-worst eight rushing touchdowns, also ranking last in opponents' yards per carry (5.1) and third-to-last in rushing yards allowed per game (130).

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Bolden practiced in a limited fashion Friday, which suggests he could potentially suit up Sunday. That said, his fantasy value is limited as long as both LeGarrette Blount and James White remain healthy.

Washington (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

With Theo Riddick (ankle) ruled out for Sunday and Ameer Abdullah (foot) already shelved for the year, the Lions may not be able to afford a patient approach with Washington's injury. The team's other backfield options are plodding 2015 UDFA Zach Zenner, 31-year-old Justin Forsett (who was signed Tuesday) and 250-pound fullback Michael Burton. However, it's quite possible Washington still won't be available, as he just returned to practice Friday as a limited participant, after sitting out last week's win over the Eagles. If he does play, Washington would be the favorite to lead Detroit's backfield, as he passed Zenner on the depth chart without any problems before the season.

Murray (turf toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Scott Bair of CSN California reports.

With Murray still out, look for the Raiders to continue to roll with the sort of backfield committee approach they employed in Week 5. That arrangement led to DeAndre Washington running nine times for 23 yards and catching five passes for 29 yards while Jalen Richard carried eight times for 31 yards and gained 66 yards on six catches. Meanwhile, fullback Jamize Olawale recorded six carries for 22 yards and a TD. With the timeshare in full swing, both Washington and Richard represent Week 6 fantasy darts.

Grant (toe) is questionable to play against the Bears on Sunday.

Grant was limited in practice throughout the week with a toe injury of unspecified origin. His status will be confirmed prior to kickoff.

Washington (ankle) took part in Friday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

It won't be clear how much work Washington got in Friday until after practice, but his participation alone bodes well for his chances of playing in Week 6. Fellow running back Theo Riddick did not practice Friday and has not done so all week, so Washington could be looking at an expanded role this week if he is able to take the field.

Mathews will not practice Friday due to an illness.

Mathews was not previously listed on the injury report this week, but he will sit out the final practice session of the week due to his ailment. He will have a couple days to rest and recover before the Eagles' next game Sunday, so it remains to be seen if the illness will have any effect on his status for Week 6.

Cunningham is expected to play Sunday against the Lions, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Cunningham was inactive in Week 5 because of a thigh injury, but he isn't on the injury report this week. His return should bump Malcolm Brown out of the picture, and it could cut into a few of Todd Gurley's passing-down snaps. However, while efficient with his opportunities thus far (8.0 yards per rushing attempt and per reception), Cunningham will likely need to break a big play to tip the fantasy scales most weeks. Gurley has also been seeing more work in the passing game (five targets each of the past two games), so Cunningham's opportunities are likely to be minimal.