NFL Player News

Raiders running back Latavius Murray won't be used as a workhorse back just yet, according to FoxSports.

Head coach Tony Sparano pointed out that Murray has only received eight carries this season, and didn't play last year. While Murray did receive a fair amount of work in college, Sparano pointed out that it's been a while since he's taken on a big load. Sparano went on to explain that he views Murray as a player that needs to be in a rotation right now. 

Raiders running back Latavius Murray, who missed the Week 13 loss at St. Louis with a concussion, cleared the league's protocol and practiced Wednesday, reports 95.7 The Game. Murray appears on track to play Sunday against the 49ers.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington is dealing with a hip flexor on one side in addition to a "severe hip pointer" on his other side, reports ESPN. Ellington did not practice Wednesday and probably won't practice all week leading up to Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

ESPN considers Ellington unlikely to play. Coach Bruce Arians has said Ellington likely will be a gametime decision.

Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey injured his ankle in the Week 13 loss to the Bengals and was unable to practice Wednesday, reports the team's website. Tampa Bay visits Detroit on Sunday.

Vikings rookie running back Jerick McKinnon, who missed the Week 13 win over Carolina with a lower back injury, was unable to practice Wednesday, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Vikings host the Jets on Sunday.

Colts running back Trent Richardson is claiming he is about to break loose - and he's planning to start his explosion Sunday against his former Browns teammates.

"A lot of people are saying I'm a mistake," Richardson told the Akron Beacon Journal. "What I'm telling folks now is watch the next four weeks."

Richardson, who claims that he is recovering from a hamstring injury, remains the starter despite the Colts have received far more production from Dan Herron. The former is averaging 2.0 YPC in the last three games and is coming off an effort in which he managed just 12 yards on eight carries against Jacksonville.

A hip injury will have Browns featured back Isaiah Crowell limited in or out of practice Wednesday, but Mike Pettine has expressed hopefulness that he will be ready to roll when the team hosts Indianapolis on Sunday.

Pettine did, however, state that backup Terrance West, who has struggled with fumbles, must have a strong week of practice and be prepared to play against the Colts.

The Browns have signed running back Shaun Draughn, a source has told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Draughn has played in just one game this season with 19 yards on 10 carries. The Browns are looking for depth in the backfield after releasing Ben Tate and the struggles of rookies Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell in Week 13 at Buffalo.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told reporters Tuesday running back Andre Ellington is suffering from a ‘severe’ hip pointer, reports FOXSports.com.

Arians added it is unlikely Ellington will be able to practice this week and will be a game-time decision. The Cardinals play Kansas City Sunday.

Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro has three carries for 10 yards since losing a fumble in the Nov. 2 loss to the Steelers. But coach John Harbaugh said the rookie is not in the doghouse.

"If you look at it, no one has many carries besides Justin [Forsett]," Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun. "You'll see Lorenzo, without question. There's no punishment going on there. I just think it's been Justin has been playing so well, but Lorenzo has to be there for us, especially down the stretch here."