NFL Player News

Ellington (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Vikings, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's inability to practice since sustaining a turf toe injury in Week 12 should have tipped owners off, but the running back won't be available for the second game in a row. On a positive note, head coach Bruce Arians relayed Wednesday that Ellington may be able to return on Dec. 20 in Philadelphia. In any case, David Johnson will again be the Cardinals' workhorse RB on Thursday, with Stepfan Taylor (shoulder) and Kerwynn Williams providing support.

Sims was in on 22 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims once again played second fiddle in the backfield to starter Doug Martin, who received his second-highest total of carries on the season. However, the second-year pro was highly efficient with his nine touches, collecting his second-best total of yards on the ground (56) in 2015, and adding another 21 in receptions. Sims and Martin have been working perfectly in concert all season, and both backs have luckily avoided the injury bug.

Martin was in on 49 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The contract-year tailback ran decisively all afternoon long against a Falcons front seven that has only given up 3.8 yards per carry this season. Martin was a true workhorse on the afternoon, and received six consecutive carries to open the game. The 26-year-old is now averaging an outstanding 5.0 yards per rush on the season, career-best total.

Ellington (toe) did not participate in Tuesday's practice, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Bothered by a turf toe injury that required a recent visit with a specialist, Ellington seems likely to miss a second straight game when the Cardinals face the Vikings on Thursday. David Johnson dominated the running-back snaps and touches until the game was out of hand Sunday in St. Louis, finishing with 22 carries for 99 yards and two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Mathews (concussion) said after Tuesday's practice that he plans to return for Sunday's game against Buffalo, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News.

According to Dave Spadaro of the team's official website, Mathews was a full-go at Tuesday's practice, just one day after he was finally able to pass a neuropsychological test. His practice status will still be worth monitoring, but with DeMarco Murray's role unclear, it's quite possible Mathews could return to action with a new role as the Eagles' lead back.

Carey (concussion) rushed five times for 17 yards and a touchdown in his return to action Sunday against the 49ers.

It's the first career score for Carey, who missed the Bears' Week 12 tilt against the Packers due to the head injury. While he ranked behind Matt Forte (21) and Langford (12) in rushing attempts, Carey earned the trust of the coaching staff to stay on the field in the fourth quarter of a competitive game, when he came through with his first career touchdown. Carey could still factor into the Bears' game plan over what remains of the season, but unless Forte or Langford succumbs to an injury, he's not likely to notice a focal role offensively.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said Anderson (ankle) was very sore Monday morning, ESPN.com reports. "[Anderson] took a pretty good blow to his ankle" said Kubiak. "He's had some ankle issues in the past. I think probably had we not had the other two, I think, he could have tried maybe to fight through some of it, but he was very sore (Monday).''

Despite Kubiak's belief that Anderson could have played through his ankle injury if necessary, the running back is no lock to be ready for Sunday's game against the Raiders. He's only considered day-to-day, but it sounds as if he'll miss some practice time this week. Should Anderson miss Sunday's game, Ronnie Hillman would be positioned for a heavy three-down workload, with Juwan Thompson serving as the top backup.

Mathews (concussion) took part in Tuesday's practice, Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal reports.

It's not clear how much work Mathews got in Tuesday, but his presence at practice -- coupled with the fact he had his helmet -- is an indicator he has cleared the league's concussion protocol. The Eagles will release an official update on Mathews' status Wednesday or before, but he will have a chance to suit up this week for the first time since Week 10.

Jones rushed 18 times for 49 yards in Monday night's loss to the Cowboys.

Jones also caught one pass for five yards. Despite being handed his biggest workload since Week 2, Jones couldn't find much room to run Monday night, averaging a paltry 2.7 yards per carry. So while his involvement level from Monday is encouraging, Jones failed to take advantage of his opportunities, painting a murky picture ahead of Washington's Week 14 game in Chicago.

Mathews (concussion) may return to practice Tuesday after passing neuropsychological testing Monday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Having finally passed his baseline test, Mathews will now be evaluated by an independent neurologist Tuesday morning, and even if he isn't cleared right away, it seems he has a shot to be back for Sunday's game against the Bills. He may return to a larger workload than the one he left behind, as DeMarco Murray got just eight carries in Sunday's win over the Patriots, losing work to both Darren Sproles (15 carries) and Kenjon Barner (nine). Even though head coach Chip Kelly said Murray hasn't been demoted, it's become increasingly clear that the Eagles are frustrated with their prized offseason acquisition.