NFL Player News

Buccaneers featured back Doug Martin played little role in a shocking victory over host Pittsburgh on Sunday despite a 3-yard touchdown run three minutes into the third quarter.

Martin finished with just 40 yards on 14 carries and added two catches for 16 yards. He ran like a guy coming off a knee injury that prevented him from playing the previous two weeks. Oddly, he managed exactly seven carries for 20 yards in both halves. He will attempt to contribute more next Sunday against the host Saints.

The Chargers have made Jason Verrett, Ryan Mathews, Manti Te'o , Reggie Walker, Rich Ohrnberger, David Johnson and Jeremiah Attaochu inactive for Week 4 against the Jaguars.

Mathews, Te'o and Walker had already been ruled out prior to the final injury report. Ohrnberger was listed as doubtful coming into the contest. 

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce returns to the lineup Week 4 vs. Carolina after sitting out Week 3 due to a thigh injury. However, according to ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen, Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro is still expected to play a major role in the rushing attack Sunday as Pierce is eased back into action.

As expected, Buccaneers featured back Doug Martin has received the green light to play Sunday in Pittsburgh. He was listed as probable with a knee problem, but practiced in full throughout the week.

The following players on the injury report were listed active for the Jets in Week 4 at home against the Lions: Muhammad Wilkerson (knee), David Nelson (illness), Eric Decker (hamstring) and Chris Johnson (ankle).

What is a Fantasy owner to do if Brandon Marshall's lingering ankle injury forces the Bears to sit him down in Week 4?

Luckily, the Bears play at 1:00 pm EST, so we will know if Marshall is inactive by 11:30 am, giving you plenty of time to shuffle your roster.However, if you don't have any capable replacements available on your bench -- remember, six teams are on bye this week -- here are some guys you may be able to snag in free agency at the last minute to fill in for Marshall, all of whom are listed among the top-50 at their positions by Dave Richard and Jamey Eisenberg:

Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (42 percent owned), Raiders wide receiver James Jones (68 percent), Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (29 percent), Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (66 percent), or Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings (53 percent).

If you have Marshall slotted into the flex spot, consider running backs Jerick McKinnon (19 percent) of the Vikings, Justin Forsett (63 percent) of the Ravens, Jacquizz Rodgers (19 percent) of the Falcons, Jonathan Grimes (13 percent) of the Texans, or Dexter McCluster (19 percent) of the Titans. 

As expected, Chargers running back Ryan Mathews was officially ruled out for Week 4 against Jacksonville. Mathews suffered an MCL sprain in Week 2 which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least 3-4 more weeks. 

Several premier Ravens have been designated as probable for the Week 4 game against visiting Carolina. Included are running back Bernard Pierce (thigh), wide receiver Steve Smith (non-injury related), cornerback Jimmy Smith (knee/ankle), tight end Owen Daniels (non-injury related) and linebacker Terrell Suggs (thigh).

Defensive lineman Chris Canty (knee) is questionable. Fellow tackle Timmy Jernigan (knee) and offensive lineman Eugene Monroe (knee) are out.

Colts running back Trent Richardson is having a lot of fun again - and that alone represents a change from his first three seasons in the NFL.

"It's not so much of a job anymore of where I need to do this, I need to do that," Richardson told ESPN.com. "It was fun last year, but it wasn't to where it is at this moment. I can say I can really contribute to the team other than practice."

He has done that, at least to a far greater extent than he did a year ago. Richadson is averaging 3.8 yards per carry after stumbling along at 2.9 YPC in 2013. He rushed for 135 yards in 36 carries over the past two games combined. He seems to have wrested the featured back spot away from Ahmad Bradshaw, who received 22 attempts in those games.

Two premier skill position players have been deemed probable by the Buccaneers for their Sunday game in Pittsburgh. Both wide receiver Vincent Jackson (wrist) and featured back Doug Martin (knee) appear all but set to play.