NFL Player News

Ellington (toe) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Philadelphia, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website reports.

Ellington returned to practice Friday as a limited participant, with head coach Bruce Arians saying afterward that the running back will be a game-time decision for Sunday's 8:25 PM ET kickoff. The situation is quite unappealing for Ellington's owners, as he'll presumably work behind David Johnson if he's even able to play. The late kickoff also doesn't help, with limited replacement options available at that point in time. Regardless, Johnson should be busy once again.

Anderson (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, but head coach Gary Kubiak expects Anderson to play. "I think [Anderson]'s fine. He practiced [well] today," Kubiak said. "We should be back at full strength at that spot."

Anderson returned to practice as a limited participant both Thursday and Friday, prompting head coach Gary Kubiak to express confidence that the running back will suit up. Anderson was actually active for last week's loss to the Raiders, but he was only kept in uniform in case of an emergency. With Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson both struggling in that loss, it's quite possible Anderson could lead the group in Week 15 touches, albeit in a matchup with the tough Pittsburgh run defense. Unfortunately for owners, the game won't kick-off until 4:25 PM ET.

West (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Added to the Thursday injury report as a limited participant, West was downgraded to a non-participant at Friday's session. He thus appears highly questionable for Sunday's game, with Terrence Magee next in line to serve as Javorius Allen's top backup.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Friday that he expects Artis-Payne to be involved in the offense early in Sunday's game against the Giants, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Despite Rivera's assertion that Fozzy Whittaker or Mike Tolbert will start, it won't be surprising if Artis-Payne ends up with the most carries. However, the rookie still appears to have a pretty limited ceiling, as Whittaker is the favorite for passing-down work, with Tolbert most likely to get goal-line carries. It's still anyone's guess as to which of the three ends up having the best game.

Ellington (toe) was a limited participant at Friday's practice, with head coach Bruce Arians saying afterward that the running back will be a game-time decision for Sunday against the Eagles, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's return to practice suggests he has some shot to play, but there's little doubt that his turf toe is still an issue. Even if he's active for Sunday night's game, David Johnson will likely lead the Arizona backfield, with Ellington merely providing support. Ellington thus makes for a poor Week 15 option, regardless of his active status for Sunday's game. The Cardinals have yet to release their final injury report, but it's safe to assume Ellington will be listed as questionable. Johnson is primed for another heavy workload.

Ellington (toe) is in full pads at Friday's practice, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington may still end up listed as a limited participant, but his Friday return to practice suggests that the Cardinals are at least hopeful he'll be able to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles. Another update will be available when the Cardinals release their final injury report Friday afternoon.

Cunningham totaled eight yards on two rushes in a 31-23 win against the Buccaneers on Thursday.

Despite the Rams passing the ball more in Thursday's contest, Cunningham was held without a target. Case Keenum didn't target his running backs outside of Todd Gurley once on Thursday, which doesn't bode well for the pass-catching specialist the rest of the way.

Rainey tallied 38 yards on two kickoff returns in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

Rainey failed to log any punt returns for the second straight week, and posted two unspectacular kickoff runbacks. The special teamer nevertheless one of the more solid returners in the league, and does an above-average job of setting up the Bucs offense in a favorable position week-to-week.

Sims gained 50 yards on seven carries and secured all three of his targets for 22 yards in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

The backup tailback once again received extended playing time in the fourth quarter with Tampa in catch-up mode. Sims ripped off his second run of more than 20 yards in the last three weeks when he rambled for 35 yards midway through the fourth quarter to help get Tampa in position for what would eventually be a Connor Barth field goal. As customary, the second-year pro also made some contributions through the air, notching two catches on Tampa's last drive to help set up their final touchdown of the evening. Sims and the Bucs face off against the Bears in Tampa in Week 16.

Martin gained 91 yards on 18 carries and secured one of two targets for six yards in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

Martin looked outstanding with the ball on his hands over the first two and a half quarters, but was once again rendered obsolete as the Bucs fell significantly behind in the second half. The four-year pro ran powerfully and had several runs where he made outstanding cuts to gain additional yardage. Tampa appeared intent on attacking a Rams defense that struggles significantly against the run, running Martin for five straight plays to open their first drive, but had to abandon any semblance of a balanced offensive approach once they went down 28-6 in the third quarter. Martin and the Bucs will face the vulnerable Bears defense in Week 16.