NFL Player News

Raiders running back Darren McFadden should have himself another great game in Week 4 against the Redskins. Washington has allowed at least 18 Fantasy points to each of the three running backs they've dealt with the most. That includes James Starks, who came off the bench to replace Eddie Lacy for the Packers in Week 2. 

McFadden has been very reliable for Fantasy owners this year, totaling at least 11 Fantasy points per game. He lucked out last week, getting a late goal-line touchdown and throwing another score in an otherwise sub par effort against Denver. Expect McFadden to bounce back in a big way in Week 4. Make sure he's in your Fantasy lineup. 

The Cowboys have been unable to find a spot for rookie running back Joseph Randle, but that could change in Week 4 against the Chargers. With wide receiver Miles Austin dealing with a hamstring injury, the Cowboys may be able to get Randle active on the 46-man roster for game day Sunday, according to ESPN.com.

The Cowboys could go with four active running backs for the game, with Randle getting time on the special teams unit.

"I'm getting more into the special teams a little more," said Randle, who will participate on two units. "That's what they wanted from me and that's what they got." 

49ers running back LaMichael James was active for the first time all season Thursday, in Week 4 against the Rams.

James saw limited playing time, rushing the ball just three times for no gain. He added no receptions, and he appears to be fourth on the running back depth chart, at best, at this point.

The 49ers play the Texans in Week 5. 

The Rams Went in a different direction with their backup running back spot Thursday against the 49ers, as rookie Benny Cunningham took on the role in a 35-11 loss.

Cunningham was the lone back to receive touches behind Daryl Richardson. He rushed the ball four times for 6 yards, while adding a single reception for 17 yards.

Isaiah Pead was inactive for the game and Zac Stacy didn't receive a touch, so it will be interesting to see how the Rams continue to experiment with the backup role. They take on the Jaguars in Week 5. 

Rams running back Daryl Richardson made it through all of Week 4's game against the 49ers Thursday, but that did not do much for his production. One week after playing just one snap due to a foot injury, Richardson finished with just 20 total yards in a 35-11 loss.

Richardson rushed the ball 12 times for just 16 yards, as he struggled to get free. He also had just one reception for 8 yards on one target.

Richardson has really struggled to get going this season, with just 114 yards on 42 carries through parts of four games. He could have a little more success in Week 5, as the Rams host the Jaguars. 

Late Thursday the Rams announced running back Isaiah Pead was inactive for Week 4 vs. the Niners. Pead wasn't on the injury report so it was assumed he was a healthy scratch. 

Pead's out and Zac Stacy is in. 

We've seen Daryl Richardson play -- he's a nice passing downs back but he doesn't have the look of a full-time starter. Undrafted running back Benny Cunningham is a thick, physical back but he has looked slow. Stacy was a heady, versatile rusher in college but couldn't quite make it translate in the preseason and became a forgotten man. 

Until tonight -- maybe. 

I don't mind cutting Pead before kickoff to claim Stacy off waivers. What's the harm? Pead wasn't doing much for you anyway. If we guess wrong and Cunningham gets a chance, then we make a move on waivers for him next week. But we've seen Cunningham and would roll the dice on Stacy clogging a roster spot for a weekend. I wouldn't drop someone with some good long-term value for him but if you've got nothin', give Stacy a whirl. 

As for Richardson -- I think he'll probably see a little bump in playing time but still wouldn't call him anything more than a Flex for Week 4. 

Rams running back Isaiah Pead was a surprise inactive for Week 4 against the 49ers Thursday, as he has not been dealing with an injury. At this point, there is no reason given for Pead's status, after appearing in each of the previous two games.

Rams running back Daryl Richardson is active and in uniform for Thursday's game against the 49ers, after being limited by a foot injury during practice at times this week. Richardson dealt with the injury last week, playing just one snap before coming out of the game. 

It shouldn't matter to Fantasy owners that Ronnie Hillman boasts the best per-rush average for the Broncos. He's averaging just 4.7 carries per game. That makes him a no-go in any format Sunday against Philadelphia.

Hillman has just 14 carries for 84 yards for a fine 6.0 average with one touchdown. But he has fewer than half the number of attempts as backfield mates Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball with no promise of an upgrade. He also has just just three receptions for 39 yards.

It would be wise to monitor the running back situation in Denver to detect a trend toward one featured back, but that's not likely. And it's certainly not likely to be Hillman. Leave him on the waiver wire or on your bench in Week 4.

Some were surprised that Ahmad Bradshaw received more carries than newly acquired Trent Richardson at San Francisco on Sunday.

Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton does not believe anyone should be surprised. He claimed that he was impressed that Richardson participated took 30 reps just 12 hours after they met, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Richardson was not nearly as productive as Bradshaw, who ran for 95 yards and a score in the surprisingly lopsided defeat of the 49ers. Richardson rushed for just 35 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown and is now averaging a mere 3.2 yards per attempt this season.