NFL Player News

Mathews finished Sunday's win over Pittsburgh with two carries for minus-five yards. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he's been working through an apparent ankle injury for the last two weeks.

Head coach Doug Pederson did not provide any information regarding Mathews' status after Sunday's game, but Wendell Smallwood piled up 17 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Kenjon Barner carried eight times for 42 yards and a score of his own. Considering that Mathews carried the ball 22 times in Week 1, it's fair to connect the reduced workloads against the Bears (nine carries in Week 2) and Steelers to the ailment. Further details regarding the extent of the problem are expected to come Monday when Pederson addresses the media again. Depending on the severity of the injury, Mathews stands to benefit from the Eagles' Week 4 bye.

Draughn was held to 12 yards on six touches (five carries and one catch) in Sunday's 37-18 loss to Seattle.

Draughn did next to nothing with his limited touches Sunday. His absence from the gameplan in a contest that the 49ers trailed from end-to-end is concerning for a back who's value relies on getting receptions out of the backfield. This further proves that Carlos Hyde is the unquestioned, every-down back in San Francisco.

Elliott gained 140 yards on 30 carries and 20 yards on two receptions (two targets) in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears.

As promised by Jerry Jones, Elliott's workload wasn't impacted by his Week 2 fumble. However, he somehow failed to reach the end zone in a game that saw his team score a trio of rushing touchdowns, despite accounting for 30 of the Cowboys' 41 carries. Dak Prescott, Lance Dunbar and Alfred Morris each scored from in close, but it didn't seems like a concerted effort to avoid using Elliott near the goal line. With 20-plus carries in each of his first three NFL games, the No. 3 overall draft pick is safely entrenched in the top 10 of the weekly rankings at his position. Elliott should stay busy in a Week 4 matchup with Chip Kelly's fast-paced 49ers.

Richardson had one carry for one yard in Pittsburgh's 34-3 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday.

After attempting five rushes on their opening drive, the Steelers' fell behind and were playing catch-up all game. As a result, they only ran five more times the remainder of the game. With Le'Veon Bell (suspension) due to return in Week 4 against Kansas City, Richardson's role will be reduced even further.

Sims gained 55 yards on 13 carries and secured six of eight targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 37-32 loss to the Rams.

The third-year back put together a solid performance in Doug Martin's (hamstring) stead, but didn't get a full allotment of carries with the Bucs leaning heavily on the passing game in the second half. Due to his pass-catching proficiency, however, Sims was significantly involved in that aspect of the offense as well, securing a season high in receptions. The West Virginia product also notched only the second rushing touchdown of his career on a one-yard run in the second quarter, with his only other score on the ground having come back on Dec. 28, 2014 versus the Saints. Sims displayed a willingness to run between the tackles in addition to showing his trademark bounce to the outside, lending credence to the theory that he should be able to keep the Tampa running game afloat during Martin's absence. He draws a tough assignment for his second 2016 start, however, as the Bucs do battle with the Broncos in Week 4.

Jones carried 17 times for 65 yards and caught both of his targets for another 14 yards during Sunday's 29-27 win over the Giants.

Jones recorded a season-high in carries Sunday, but an improved Giants run defense held him to just 3.8 yards per carry. He also caught multiple passes for the first time this season, although he as received just four total targets. With his usage trending up, Jones could have the opportunity to produce a quality fantasy performance in Week 4 versus the Browns.

West carried 10 times for 45 yards and caught his only target for an additional eight yards during Sunday's 19-17 win over the Jaguars.

The Ravens ran the ball just 22 times Sunday, and it was West who garnered nearly half the carries, averaging 4.5 yards per rush, while Justin Forsett could only muster 20 yards on seven totes. It is still tough to determine how the Ravens will distribute touches among their offensive personnel, as they have several established players but lack a truly elite playmaker at any position. Regardless, West seems poised to receive double-digit carries on a weekly basis, with occasional involvement in the passing game, and this should remain the case in Week 4 versus the Raiders at home.

Gordon ran 16 times for just 35 yards with a touchdown and caught four of seven targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 26-22 loss at Indianapolis.

After a pair of impressive performances to open the season, Gordon came back to earth a bit Sunday, although he scored a touchdown and was heavily involved in the passing game. Furthermore, no other running back carried the ball Sunday. Without Danny Woodhead (ACL) in the mix, Gordon looks like one of the few workhorse backs in all of football, and he has a favorable matchup in Week 4 against New Orleans.

Henry rushed 10 times for 45 yards, but wasn't targeted in the passing game Sunday against the Raiders.

Henry has gotten 10 touches in each of the last two weeks, and should continue to see roughly that amount of action as the complementary backfield option to DeMarco Murray. Murray scored the team's first rushing touchdown of the season in this one, so things are looking bleak for those hoping the rookie would carve out a goal-line role. The 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner is averaging 3.7 yards per carry thus far.

Michael carried 20 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's 37-18 win over the 49ers on Sunday. He also caught two of three targets for five yards.

Michael started with Thomas Rawls (shin) inactive, and he took advantage right away, coming up with a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter. Michael likely would have seen more work in the fourth quarter, but the lopsided score allowed him to rest on the bench. He has probably earned a bigger share of the rushing pie, even when Rawls is healthier, but next week's matchup against the Jets' stout rush defense will represent a major test.