NFL Player News

The Broncos listed these players as inactive for Monday night's game against the Raiders: cornerback Champ Bailey (foot), tight end Joel Dreessen (knee), guard Chris Kuper (ankle), tackle Winston Justice, running back C.J. Anderson (knee), defensive back Quentin Jammer and quarterback Zac Dysert.

Whether it's Ray Rice or Bernard Pierce as the lead back, the Ravens will get their running game going, coach John Harbaugh said Monday. Baltimore is averaging 77.3 yards rushing and 2.6 yards per carry. Only the Jaguars (2.4) average fewer yards per tote.

"Our run game is not where it needs to be," Harbaugh said, per ESPN.com. "I think one thing you've seen is that philosophically we're going to stick with it. It's something that we think is important. We're going to be able to run the ball here. It's just part of our DNA. It's part of who we are as a football team." 

In Sunday's win over Houston, Pierce and Shaun Draughn were held to no gain or stopped behind the line nine times on 27 carries, reports ESPN.com.

"We have the people to do it," Harbaugh said. "We have some big, strong, tough offensive linemen. We have some really good backs. And we have a fullback who is the best blocking fullback in the league. So, the run game is something that has to happen for us."

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce did not look pretty Sunday in Week 3 against Houston, but he was productive for Fantasy owners. And sometimes that's all that matters.

Filling in for Ray Rice (hip), Pierce started against the Texans and had 24 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 7 yards on two targets. His 2.7 yards per carry were ugly, but you'll take his 12 Fantasy points in a standard league.

In Week 4, the Ravens face the Bills, and Pierce would be an amazing starting option if Rice remains out. Keep an eye on what happens, but if Pierce starts again he should be considered a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.

After bursting onto the scene with 62 yards and a touchdown Week 2 against the Lions, Cardinals running back Andre Ellington wasn't quite as effective Week 3 at New Orleans.

He played the same role on offense, serving as Rashard Mendenhall's change-of-pace option and the preferred pass-catcher out of the backfield, but even with the Cardinals in catch-up mode for most of the game, he finished with three carries for 19 yards and three catches for 36. He did tie for the team lead with six targets, though.

The Cardinals visit the Buccaneers in Week 4.

Patriots running back Brandon Bolden started for the team Sunday against the Bucs but had just three carries. One of them happened to go for 46 yards. He also caught five of six passes thrown his way, adding another 49 yards to his stat line. 

Bolden's always had good hands going back to his days in college. It could be assumed that until Shane Vereen comes back this is the player who will take passing downs work for New England. I like the idea of putting in a waiver claim for him this week and seeing where it goes. 

With Steven Jackson sidelined, Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers earned the start and enjoyed a career performance in Week 3 at Miami.

Rodgers shared his carries with Jason Snelling but nearly reached the century mark. He finished with 18 carries for a career-high 86 yards and two catches for seven yards in a 27-23 defeat. He was targeted three times.

Rodgers has 31 carries for 102 yards through three games. He'll likely get the starting nod again if Jackson is not ready to roll in Week 4 against the Patriots. New England allowed 97 yards on the ground against the Buccaneers.

Jets backup running back Alex Green and fullback Tommy Bohanon were limited against the Bills.

Green gained 15 yards on 5 carries with Chris Ivory out. Bohanon ran the ball one time, picking up 0 yards. They'll face the Titans Week 4. 

Colts running back Donald Brown, now playing behind Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson, ran three times for 25 yards in the win over San Francisco. Brown was targeted once but did not record a catch.

Brown visits the Jaguars in Week 4.

Trent Richardson scored a 1-yard touchdown on his first carry as a Colt. But it wasn't the start of a big day.

Richardson finished with 35 yards on 13 carries, and had no catches despite being targeted three times. Richardson had one bad drop.

Richardson should be in better sync with his offensive line when the Colts visits Jacksonville in Week 4.

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas scored his second rushing touchdown of the season during Sunday’s Week 3 contest at home against the Falcons.

Thomas capped off a 6-play, 80-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. He finished with five carries for 21 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown. He also had one reception for 16 yards in a 27-23 victory.

Thomas has rushed for 65 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries through two games. He will look to stay productive in Week 3 at New Orleans. The Saints allowed 86 yards on the ground against the Cardinals in Week 3.