NFL Player News

As expected, Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two sessions with an ankle problem. His team is preparing to play at Cincinnati on Sunday in a first-round playoff game.

Mathews is a critical component to offensive success. He averaged 27 carries for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns in the last four regular-season games.

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson and RB Adrian Peterson have been named All Pros.

Patterson was named to the first team as a punt returner. Peterson was named to the second team. He finished the year with 1,266 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Vikings rookie receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has been named to the Pro Bowl.

Patterson will take the place of Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. Patterson is coming off a strong December, in which he took home the NFC Rookie of the Month Award. He scored four receiving touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and two return touchdowns during his first season. 

In what is considered a precautionary move, Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews was again held out of practice on Thursday. He has been dealing with an ankle ailment, but has already guaranteed his availability for the Sunday playoff game at Cincinnati.

Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was named the NFC's Offensive Rookie of the Month in December. 

Patterson showed a lot of progress during the season's final month. Patterson only had 16 receptions for 216, but still manged to score three receiving touchdowns. He did most of his damage in other ways, scoring three rushing touchdowns on 10 touches. The Vikings really tried to showcase Patterson's ability in the final month to see whether he was capable of handling more work. Patterson responded with encouraging numbers, which led to him winning the award.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews wore a protective boot on his injured left ankle Wednesday, reports ESPN.com, but says he'll be full-go for Sunday's playoff game in Cincinnati. "I'm fine," said Mathews, who did not practice. "I'm good. You just have to stay in it mentally."

Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews rested his ailing ankle on Wednesday, but should be fine for the Sunday playoff clash in Cincinnati. Mathews is coming off a career-best 144-yard rushing performance in Week 17 that helped his team clinch the postseason berth.

The Giants signed defensive end Kendrick Adams, offensive tackle Steven Baker, running back Kendall Gaskins, receiver Marcus Harris and defensive backs Travis Howard, Junior Mertile, Chaz Powell and Ross Weaver to reserve/futures contracts.

Running back Brian Leonard was the most productive of the small contributors for the Buccaneers in their Sunday loss at New Orleans. He had five rushes for 35 yards, all in the first half, and added three catches for just one yard. Featured back Bobby Rainey had 35 yards on 11 tries and one reception for 1 yard.

Fellow back Michael Hill managed one attempt for 3 yards and two catches for 23 yards. Wide receiver Chris Owusu contributed one catch for 5 yards while fullback Erik Lorig had one snag for 3 yards.

The Chiefs got a slew of minor contributions in their loss at San Diego. Among them, tight end Sean McGrath caught an 11-yard pass and tight end Richard Gordon had a 3-yard reception. Running back Cyrus Gray carried twice for 2 yards and caught three passes for 7 yards.