NFL Player News

The new go-to pass-catcher out of the backfield for the Patriots was gone to a lot Sunday against the Browns. The result for Shane Vereen was the shattering of personal records.

Vereen established new career marks with 12 receptions and 153 yards. But it was on the ground, where he had just three carries for 9 yards, where he scored a key 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

His huge production didn't begin in earnest until he sprinted by Browns linebacker Craig Robertson for a 50-yard reception that set up his touchdown. He was targeted a game-high 17 times.

Vereen, who has 40 catches for 373 yards in just five games this season, hopes to increase that output next Sunday at Miami.

Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson had a career performance during a 29-26 loss Week 14 at Baltimore. Patterson totaled a career-high 141 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches, while adding one carry for 6 yards.

Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel tried to get Patterson involved early, as the rookie had a team-high 58 receiving yards on three catches in the first half. Patterson was then held in check until breaking off one of the biggest plays of the afternoon late in the fourth quarter.

Amid the snowfall and with Minnesota trailing 22-19, Patterson took a short pass and turned it up the field 79 yards for a go-ahead score with 45 seconds remaining. Patterson received good blocking early in the play and then used his speed the rest of the way to outrun the defense in what turned into a crazy ending, as the lead changed five times over the final 2:05.

Patterson, who was targeted seven times, now has two receiving touchdowns in 2013 and an offensive touchdown in two straight games, as he tallied his first rushing touchdown last week. The Vikings are back in action Week 15 vs. Philadelphia.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce wasn't able to get much traction in the snowy conditions during a 29-26 win Week 14 vs. Minnesota. Pierce finished with just 12 yards on seven carries, while adding one catch for 5 yards.

The Vikings picked off an underthrown pass intended for Pierce on the opening drive, amid heavy snowfall. A few drives later, the Ravens used Pierce on back-to-back carries from the 2-yard line, but Pierce couldn't punch it in for the score.

The Ravens are back in action Week 15 at Detroit.

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas made his return from an ankle injury in Week 14 against the Steelers Sunday, and played a much bigger role than expected in a 34-28 win.

Thomas opened the game as the team's backup running back, but stepped into the forefront after Lamar Miller left the game with a concussion. Thomas had arguably the finest game of his career, falling just two yards shy of a career-high with 105 yards on 16 carries.

Thomas big game including a 4-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the season, and a 55-yard run that eclipses his previous career-long by nearly 30 yards.

When Thomas first suffered his ankle injury, it was reported that it might end his season. Now, it looks like he may be the starter in Week 15 against the Patriots, if Miller is unable to play. 

Colts running back Donald Brown had four carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 42-28 loss to the Bengals. He also caught four passes for 18 yards. 

Brown, who was targeted six times in the game, didn't really get into a groove at any point in the game. His fellow running back, Trent Richardson, had a season-high 88 total yards, including 50 in the fourth quarter. 

The Colts face the Texans in Week 15. Brown had six carries for 49 yards when the teams played in Week 9. 

Colts running back Trent Richardson had six carries for 20 yards in Sunday's 42-28 loss to the Bengals. Richardson also caught five passes for 68 yards. He was targeted six times. 

Richardson out-carried fellow running back Donald Brown (who had four attempts), and the 88 total yards were a season high. Richardson gained 50 total yards in the fourth quarter, as the Colts were playing from behind and going pass-heavy. He had a 22-yard reception in the second quarter.

The Colts face the Texans in Week 15. 

The Rams have made RB Daryl Richardson, CB Brandon McGee, C Scott Wells, G Shelley Smith, T Mike Person, DT Jermelle Cudjo and DE Gerald Rivers inactive Week 14 against the Cardinals. 

McGee was the only player listed on the team's injury report entering the game. He was questionable due to a foot injury.

The Seahawks have ruled the following players inactive for Sunday's contest against the 49ers in Week 14: wide receiver Percy Harvin, running back Christine Michael, cornerback Brandon Browner, tackle Michael Bowie, tackle Caylin Hauptmann, defensive end Benson Mayowa and defensive tackle Jordan Hill.

The Cardinals have listed WR Brittan Golden, QB Ryan Lindley, RB Ryan Williams, LB Dontay Moch, G Earl Watford, TE Kory Sperry and DE Ronald Talley as inactive Week 14 against the Rams.

None of the seven players were listed on the injury report entering the week. All seven are healthy scratches. 

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington is active Week 14 against the Rams.

Ellington is dealing with a knee injury, but improved each day of practice. He was able to practice in full Friday.