NFL Player News

The eventual return of Raiders running back Darren McFadden from a hamstring injury doesn't necessarily mean he will be back at the featured spot. Replacement Rashad Jennings has bettered his production by far.

Jennings has rushed for 340 yards on 57 carries for a 6.0 average and two touchdowns in the last three games. McFadden's mark was 3.6. Jennings has averaged near that (3.2) after contact alone.

The starting job will likely not be an issue this week. It appears that McFadden will miss his third straight game when his team hosts Tennessee on Sunday.

The Falcons got little production from their backup running backs in Week 12 against the Saints, as neither Jacquizz Rodgers nor Antone Smith made much of an impact in the 17-13 loss.

Smith, who rushed for a 50-yard touchdown last week, was a nonfactor Thursday. He ran the ball just one time for 11 yards, and was not targeted in the passing game.

Rodgers was more effective in the passing game, hauling in two of three passes thrown his way for 31 yards. Unfortunately, he did little on the ground, finishing with 7 yards on three carries.

Neither player has been featured much offensively recently, a trend that should continue in Week 13 against the Bills. 

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas bounced back with a solid game in Week 11, as the balance of the team's running-back-by-committee shifted back his way. Unfortunately, an encore performance in Week 12 is unlikely, as the Panthers come to town.

Thomas' role has fluctuated wildly this season, as he has split time with Lamar Miller throughout. Even if he gets the lion's share of the team's looks in the running game in Week 12, he might not be able to do much with it against a tough Panthers' running defense.

Carolina allows just 77.7 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs, as well as 13.8 Fantasy points per game; both marks rank among the 10-stingiest in the league. Thomas is a risky Fantasy starting option for Week 12. 

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (ankle) was considered probable for Week 12 against the Saints, and he had no problem taking the field Thursday. Rodgers is officially active for the game. 

Patriots running back Shane Vereen will look to keep things going during Sunday's home debut against the Broncos in Week 12.

Vereen made his season debut against the Panthers in Week 11 after sitting the first eight games with a broken wrist. He didn't play a huge role in the running game and made his presence felt in the passing game, as he came down with a team-high eight catches for 65 yards on 11 targets in Carolina.

We could be in for a shootout, so expect Vereen to see more opportunities again as a pass-catcher. At least five opposing running backs have scored seven-plus Fantasy points as receivers with five touchdown receptions. Consider him a solid starting in the majority of Fantasy formats, including PPR league for Week 12.

Embattled Colts running back Trent Richardson appeared on the Thursday injury report with a calf issue. He was listed as limited in practice.

Richardson has received fewer reps as the season has progressed due to a lack of production. He has just 44 yards in his last 21 carries over the last three games.

Titans running back Chris Johnson heads into his Week 12 matchup at Oakland looking to stay hot based on his recent level of play. We expect that to happen, and he should be considered a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues.

Johnson is coming off a tremendous game against the Colts in Week 11 with 17 carries for 86 yards and two touchdowns. He now has at least 20 Fantasy points in two of his past three games, and this is a great matchup against the Raiders.

Oakland has allowed a running back to score double digits in Fantasy points in each of the past eight games, including Ben Tate and Andre Brown the past two weeks. Johnson last faced the Raiders in 2010, and he had 27 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns in that meeting.

We expect Johnson to remain hot at Oakland, and hopefully he will close the season strong. Continue to start him in all leagues with confidence.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden missed another practice Thursday with a hamstring injury and appears destined to be inactive for the third straight game when his team hosts Tennessee on Sunday.

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers has been in a bit of a rut since the return of starter Steven Jackson -- scoring nine total points (in standard leagues) over the last four weeks.

Rodgers has caught an average of four passes per game over that span, giving him some baseline value in PPR formats -- and he may see extended time if New Orleans takes an early lead and the Falcons are forced to pass their way back into the game -- but he still carries significant risk, as Jackson gets healthier and can play more snaps. 

Rodgers should only be considered in PPR formats for Week 12. And even in that setting, he's a borderline flex start in deeper leagues. 

Colts running back Donald Brown could have a tough time Week 12 against the Cardinals.

Arizona has been the second best team against opposing running backs, holding them to just 11.80 Fantasy points per game. Through 10 games, the team has allowed just four rushing touchdowns. The team has done a great job preventing running backs from getting anything going, allowing an average of 67.20 yards per game to running backs. 

Last week, Brown seemed to distance himself from Trent Richardson in the run game. Brown received 14 carries to Richardson's eight, and managed to score two touchdowns. Richardson, however, was a much bigger factor in the passing game, snagging five receptions. While it seems Brown is the much better runner, the team has been hesistant to completely faze Richardson out of the offense. Brown might be the better play, but he's still a risky bet, especially against Arizona.