NFL Player News

Cunningham (thigh) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, Jack Wang of the LA Daily News reports.

Cunningham was forced out of last week's win over Arizona, and while he wasn't listed on the Wednesday injury report, he showed up as a limited participant both Thursday and Friday. It's unclear if he suffered an aggravation, or if it was just a slight oversight by the Rams earlier in the week. Cunningham doesn't have much stand-alone value, but a potential absence could lead to a few more targets for Todd Gurley.

Washington (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Eagles, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Absent from practice all week, Washington is highly unlikely to play in Sunday's game, just one week after suffering what appeared to be a pretty severe ankle sprain. Assuming the rookie does in fact sit out, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner will split the backfield work, with the former likely to get more snaps and touches, though the latter could get goal-line carries. Michael Burton, a fullback by trade, could perhaps also be in the mix or a few touches.

Carey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Indianapolis.

After missing the past two games, Carey was a limited practice participant all week, perhaps setting him up for a return in Week 5 or 6. If he does return Sunday in Indianapolis, he could take a chunk out of Jordan Howard's workload, after the rookie got 23 carries and three receptions last week against the Lions. Prior to his hamstring injury, Carey was actually working ahead of Howard in the Chicago offense, though it seems more than likely the pecking order has since been subject to a long-term shakeup.

Murray (toe) will not play Sunday against the Chargers, Scot Bair of CSN California reports.

Murray didn't practice all week, so it was seemingly just a matter of time before his turf toe injury officially ruled him out of Week 5. In his absence, promising rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard have great opportunities to impress behind an excellent Oakland offensive line.

Murray (toe) was not spotted at Friday's practice, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Murray appears destined for an inactive status Sunday after not practicing all week due to turf toe. While that comes as bad news to his fantasy owners, his declining production probably should've already raised concern regarding his stock. If he's indeed sidelined Sunday, the duo of intruiging rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard figures to handle Oakland's backfield duties versus the Chargers.

Washington (ankle) did not practice Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Washington has not practiced since exiting last Sunday's game with foot and ankle injuries, so it seems unlikely that he'll be able to play against the Eagles this weekend. Although the matchup doesn't appear favorable, Washington's injury still comes at an inopportune time, as Ameer Abdullah's (foot) placement on injured reserve opens plenty of touches in the Lions' backfield going forward. If Washington is indeed unable to play Sunday, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner would figure to see extended work, with Mike James a candidate to be promoted from Detroit's practice squad to help at running back.

Martin (hamstring) did not participate in Friday's practice, ESPN's Jenna Laine reports.

Martin was present for Friday's practice, but did not have pads nor a helmet, indicating he will remain sidelined. He'll have one more chance to practice this week with the Buccaneers playing Monday night, but Martin has not practiced since injuring his hamstring in Week 2. He'll likely have to get some practice work in Saturday to have any chance of playing in Week 5.

Sims (knee) did not suit up for Friday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Sims has been sidelined all week with his knee injury, and he will remain there Friday. He'll have one more day to get on the practice field with the Buccaneers playing Monday night this week. Fellow running back Doug Martin (hamstring) also remains out of practice; if neither is able to go in Week 5, Jacquizz Rodgers would serve as the Buccaneers' primary running back.

When asked about Abdullah (foot) possibly playing again this season, head coach Jim Caldwell left the door open for a possible return, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.

Caldwell did not actually say any more than "we'll see" when asked Friday whether Abdullah could play again this season, but he did not rule him out altogether. Abdullah will not play until Week 11 at the earliest, but Caldwell added that he is making progress, so the Lions could ultimately add him back to the roster if things keep going as planned.

Rodgers is in line for an expanded role in Week 5 versus the Panthers, irrespective of whether Charles Sims is able to play with his knee injury, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran back has been more efficient than Sims on a per-carry basis to date, averaging 5.3 yards per tote over an admittedly limited sample of 13 touches. Rodgers has also shown a bit of a knack for "chunk" plays, ripping off a 24-yard scamper against the Cardinals in Week 2 and a 12-yard jaunt versus the Broncos in Week 4. He's also taken pretty quickly to the Bucs offensive system, given his past experience with head coach Dirk Koetter from their days together with the Falcons. The 26-year-old's excellent lateral quickness and low center of gravity have played a key part in him gaining first downs on 21.1 percent of his rushes in his career, as well in posting an average of 4.39 yards per carry on outside runs, which is notably better than Sims' 3.96 figure in the same category. With the Bucs ranking 24th in total rushing yards (330), 25th in rushing yards per game (82.5), and 28th in yards per carry (3.4), the team's head man appears ready to tweak the team's ground attack. "It is a true statement that we're not running the ball efficiently enough," Koetter said. "Maybe we have to go back and really look at fitting the roles into the players' specific strengths in the run game. But we definitely just can't keep doing the same stuff because that's not working."