NFL Player News

Barner recorded four carries for 42 yards in the Eagles' 29-10 victory over the Browns on Sunday.

Barner flashed in a limited role, averaging 10.5 YPC while popping for a 19-yard yard gain at one point. However, he logged only six snaps compared to 37 for Ryan Mathews and 38 for Darren Sproles. Still, it's clear that Barner has completely surpassed rookie Wendell Smallwood on the depth chart and consequently should be considered Mathews' direct backup for the foreseeable future considering how Sproles operates almost exclusively in a passing-down role.

Ellington caught both passes for eight yards and returned four kickoffs for 61 yards during Sunday's defeat to the Patriots.

Ellington is expected to serve as a pass-catching back in the Cardinals' offense, but starter David Johnson is also quite adept in that realm, scooping up four of his six targets for 43 yards. That reality will hamper Ellington's ability to contribute on a consistent basis, and taking Johnson out of the equation at any point would place the onus of the rushing attack on veteran Chris Johnson. With opportunity difficult to uncover, Ellington could augment his value with return yardage, but if he sustains the 15.3 yards per kickoff return from Sunday, head coach Bruce Arians will likely search elsewhere in order to improve the team's average starting field position.

Johnson earned just two of 61 offensive snaps during Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Meanwhile, David Johnson was the bell cow that head coach Bruce Arians said he'd be this season, picking up 58 in all. Even Andre Ellington (nine snaps) was utilized more than the elder Johnson, who managed two yards on his sole carry. On Monday, Arians expressed regret that he didn't use Chris Johnson more, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, but after an efficient performance from David Johnson -- 5.6 YPC, one rushing touchdown, gathered up four of six targets -- one has to wonder why the head honcho would consider a different approach.

Jones (shoulder) is active for Monday's game against the Steelers.

Jones logged every practice rep this week, all but informing the public that he'll suit up in the regular season opener. With his partially separated shoulder healed enough to play, he should be the primary RB option on first and second down, while Chris Thompson enters the fold on obvious passing downs.

Michael could see fewer touches in Week 2 as Thomas Rawls' workload is expected to expand, the Seattle Times reports.

Coach Pete Carroll said Monday that Rawls should be ready for a full workload, which likely would limit Michael's touches. Michael started Sunday and had 17 touches to Rawls' 15. Carroll said Michael started because "he had earned that, deserved that," but that "we'll see what happens as we move forward. Just leave it at that." Michael likely will still be involved, especially after C.J. Prosise suffered wrist and shoulder injuries Sunday.

Bolden was on the field for just three of the Patriots' 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 23-21 win over the Cardinals, logging one carry for four yards, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Meanwhile, power back LeGarrette Blount recorded 42 snaps and the team's top change-of-pace option James White logged 26. With Tyler Gaffney no longer in the mix and D.J. Foster inactive Sunday, Bolden essentially backed up the two aforementioned backs. In the event that injuries hit either Blount or White, it's quite possible that either Foster (in a pass-catching role) or even practice squadder Bishop Sankey could overtake Bolden, whose weekly active status is tied to his special teams prowess.

Rawls should be ready for a full workload in Week 2 against the Rams, the Seattle Times reports.

Rawls, who had just two rushes in the preseason coming off last year's season-ending ankle injury, had 15 touches for 60 yards in Sunday's season opener. Starter Christine Michael had 17 touches for 71 yards. Michael earned the start with a great preseason but didn't do enough Sunday to take the job from Rawls. Michael will continue to get some touches, especially with rookie C.J. Prosise suffering wrist and shoulder injuries Sunday.

McKinnon had just one carry for six yards and had one reception for three yards on two targets in Sunday's win at Tennessee.

McKinnon is the primary backup to Adrian Peterson and there as talk in the preseason he'd be used more as a third-down back and involved in the passing game. He moved from running back to wide receiver in one formation, which shows the Vikings plan to use his receiving skills more. However, McKinnon may not get more than a few touches per game as long as Peterson is healthy.

Patterson had one reception for six yards on his only target and had one carry for eight yards in Sunday's win over Tennessee. He also had a 61-yard gain on his only kickoff return.

Patterson made a difficult catch on his only reception, so that could help him find more targets. It was nice to see the Vikings use him on two plays on offense as it was thought he'd only be used as a kick returner this season. However, don't expect him to get more than a few plays per game unless injuries strike the receiver corps.

Asiata had four carries for 13 yards in Sunday's win over Tennessee.

Asiata was brought in for one series to give Adrian Peterson a rest late in the game. He's not going to get many carries in a reserve role as long as Peterson is healthy.