NFL Player News

C.J. Anderson will be the backup running back Sunday against the Packers, with Ronnie Hillman getting the start, Mike Klis of NBC 9 in Denver reports.

Anderson has really struggled this season, and while he had a few nagging injuries early on, he's done little of late while Hillman has rushed for 100 yards in two of the last three games. Anderson's demotion is obviously a big hit to his fantasy value, though Hillman hasn't been the more durable running back during his career, so Anderson's playing time won't be completely taken away.

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman will start Sunday against the Packers, Mike Klis of NBC 9 News in Denver reports.

Hillman has vastly outplayed C.J. Anderson this season and it's no surprise he'll get the start Sunday after coach Gary Kubiak said the former would get more first-team touches in practice.

Hillman has rushed for at least 100 yards in two of the last three games and now faces off against a Packers team allowing 4.7 yards per carry this season, the sixth-worst mark in the NFL.

Gaskins was promoted from the 49ers' practice squad on Saturday, the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows reports.

The move corresponds with Jarryd Hayne being waived, but Hayne had been inactive in the team's most recent game, so Gaskins probably won't have much of a role going forward.

Gray had four receptions for 50 yards as the Dolphins got routed by the Patriots on Thursday night.

Gray was more involved in the passing game as the Dolphins were trailing almost from the get go and forced to throw the ball on most downs. So much for the revenge theory though as Gray did not get into the end zone.

Gordon (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game in Baltimore

Gordon logged full practices throughout the week, after surprisingly suiting up for a Week 7 game against the Raiders. He didn't get any playing time until the second half, but Chargers head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Frank Reich both suggested that Gordon's decreased role was a result to the injury, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Chargers say they want to get Gordon and the running game on track, but the team's roster composition and Week 8 matchup both favor the pass-heavy approach that's become commonplace this season. Danny Woodhead is easily the preferred Week 8 option from the San Diego backfield, even in non-PPR formats.

Thompson (hamstring) is listed as probable for Sunday night's game against the Packers.

Thompson should be available to suit up Sunday, though as long as C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman remain healthy, his fantasy value is limited.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Ellington's role will increase in Sunday's game against the Browns, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington could get the majority of passing-down work, but he's unlikely to take a big bite out of Chris Johnson's rushing workload unless the Cardinals are nursing a big lead in the second half. If Ellington does indeed take on extra snaps, they will likely come at the expense of rookie David Johnson.

Rawls (calf) is listed as probable for Sunday's game in Dallas, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

With Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) also listed as probable, Rawls will serve as the top backup for early downs. Fred Jackson is preferred in passing situations.

Randle (strained oblique) -- who reportedly could be facing a one or two-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy -- is excused from the team and is thus slated to be inactive for the Cowboys' game against the Seahawks on Sunday, as he deals with what is described as a personal issue, NFL.com reports.

While Randle's status for this Sunday has been clarified, the running back's availability beyond Week 8 remains unclear. As a result, this weekend -- and quite possibly beyond -- the Cowboys are in line to roll with a ground game headed by Darren McFadden, with Christine Michael and Rod Smith also on hand to see complementary/reserve action in the team's backfield.

Randle (back) is still addressing some personal issues and has not returned to the Cowboys' practice facility as of Friday morning, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Randle is still away from the team, so he will sit out practice Friday for the third day in a row. The Cowboys will not reveal his status for Sunday's game until later Friday, but head coach Jason Garrett said Thursday that he does not expect Randle to play in Week 8, and another missed practice certainly does not help Randle's chances.