NFL Player News

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson will earn his first career start Sunday at St. Louis, according to The Denver Post. Even though Montee Ball is returning from a groin injury that sidelined him for five games, Anderson is getting the start following his strong performance Week 10 against the Raiders.

Ball will be the No. 2 running back Week 12 and rookie Juwan Thompson will be the Broncos' No. 3 back. Running back Ronnie Hillman, who started four of the previous five games, is sidelined due to a foot injury.

The Texans have officially downgraded running back Arian Foster from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Browns in Week 11, per the team's official website. Foster suffered a groin injury Week 9 against Philadelphia and was unable to practice all week after the bye. It's the second game he has missed this season due to injury. Alfred Blue will likely start in his place, with Jonathan Grimes backing him up.

Foster has rushed for 822 yards and seven touchdowns this season. His next opportunity to return will come Week 12 against Cincinnati.

Although Texans coach Bill O'Brien has not completely ruled him out, all signs point to running back Arian Foster sitting out Sunday's game against the Browns in Week 11 because of a groin injury he suffered before the bye week against Philadelphia, the Houston Chronicle reports.

"He and I will talk," O'Brien said. "We'll do what's best for Arian Foster No. 1 and then what's best for our team No. 2. At the end of the day it's more about the health of the player than it is with anything else, especially with a guy like Arian Foster. You've got a guy there that's played a lot of football in this league. We'll just make sure we're in communication with him. We'll make a good decision for him and our team Sunday."

Foster, who is officially listed as questionable on the injury report, will accompany the team to Cleveland and will work out with the coaches prior to kickoff to determine his status for Week 11. If he is unable to play, Alfred Blue will be the probable starter, with Jonathan Grimes backing him up.

The Cardinals enter Week 11 against Detroit relatively healthy. Ed Stinson (toe) was the only player on Arizona's final report ruled out for Sunday. Desmond Bishop (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday and was ruled questionable.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Alexander (knee), Deone Bucannon (quadriceps), Andre Ellington (foot, hip), Stepfan Taylor (calf) and Dan Williams (elbow) were all labeled probable.

As expected, Cardinals running back Andre Ellington was officially labeled probable for Sunday's game against the Lions. Ellington was a limited participant all week in practice despite nursing injuries to his foot and hip. He will likely be accompanied by Stepfan Taylor on Sunday. Taylor was a full participant in practice for the first time this week on Friday and was also deemed probable.

Ellington will likely shoulder the load Week 11.

Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon is listed as probable Week 11 against Chicago.

McKinnon is dealing with a lower back injury. He was a limited participant in practice Thursday, but was able to practice in full Friday. 

The Broncos have ruled out running back Ronnie Hillman (foot) for their Sunday game in St. Louis and tight end Virgil Green (knee) is doubtful, but the team is otherwise quite healthy. The only other players on their Friday injury report are probable.

That group includes running backs Juwan Thompson (knee) and Montee Ball (groin), safety Quinton Carter (knee), offensive linemen Ryan Clady (groin), Paul Cornick (shoulder) and Orlando Franklin (knee) and linebacker Steven Johnson (ankle).

Cornerback Jason Verrett (shoulder) is out and nose tackle Sean Lissemore (quad) is doubtful, but it appears all other Chargers are ready to roll Sunday against Oakland. The only exception could be safety Jahleel Addae (concussion), who is questionable.

The probables are linebackers Manti Te'o (foot) and Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring), running back Ryan Mathews (knee) and offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger (back).

The Buccaneers have ruled out Doug Martin for Week 11 against Washington. Martin is the only player on Tampa Bay's final injury report ruled out for Sunday. Michael Johnson (hand), Luke Stocker (hip) and Alterraun Verner (hamstring) were deemed questionable. Josh McCown (back), Gerald McCoy (groin), Anthony Collins (foot) and Demar Dotson (neck) were labeled probable.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was officially ruled out for Week 11 against Washington, according to the team's official website.

Martin was able to practice on a limited basis this week and made progress, but according to coach Lovie Smith, he's "not ready to go." He has now missed three consecutive games with an ankle injury.