NFL Player News

Browns featured back Trent Richardson expressed disappointment Thursday when asked about his lack of reps in the loss Sunday to Miami. Richardson had four carries in the first six plays, but just nine the rest of the game and none in a fourth quarter that began with the Browns trailing only 13-10.

"I just don't think [the Dolphins] stopped the running game," he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think we stopped it ourselves ... I guess coach had another game plan and it went that way. I just thought we were going to run the ball. I thought it was going to be a real good day. I just knew that if we could run the ball on any team, I feel like it's going to be a fight down to the finish and we're going to win."

Richardson and his offensive line looked out of sync after a strong start. He managed just 21 yards on nine carries after the first possession.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Thursday that he hopes to get Richardson more than 20 carries Sunday in Baltimore.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews didn't have the most impressive of Week 1 performances, rushing 13 times for 33 yards and catching two passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. While it all added up to 11 points in standard leagues -- good for a spot in the top 10 of Week 1 running back scoring -- it's risky to look at this as a good thing, as he won't be scoring touchdowns (and getting those six points) every week. 

Mathews should benefit from a Week 2 date against the Eagles, who will execute their offense at a lightning-fast pace and offer the Chargers plenty of chances to rack up Fantasy stats. The question here, though, is about playing time -- Ronnie Brown had seven touches in Week 1 to Mathews' 15. And Danny Woodhead will likely have a role in the offense, as well. Mathews was second on the team in receptions in Week 1, but that's not going to matter much to his owners if all that takes is catching two passes. 

Mathews hasn't done enough yet to merit standing as a solid RB2 just yet. But with his potential in this new Chargers system, he can be started as a flex in most leagues. It's a new world order with running backs this season, and just hitting double digits in points may be enough to be a top-12 back most weeks. 

Browns featured back Trent Richardson received 13 rushing attempts in the loss to Miami on Sunday, including just five in the second half and none in the fourth quarter, which began with his team trailing only 13-10.

His lack of reps drew criticism and might explain why offensive coordinator Norv Turner told the Akron Beacon Journal on Thursday that he wants to see Richardson get more than 20 carries Sunday in Baltimore.

Richardson carried the ball on four of the team's first six plays for 26 yards but managed just nine carries for 21 yards the rest of the way.

Although Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson saw his first five kick-return attempts Week 1 against the Lions result in touchbacks, Patterson finally got his hands on a kickoff eight yards deep in the end zone and returned it 30 yards. Patterson said the coaching staff has no problems with him taking chances on kickoffs.

"My coach [Mike Priefer] feels comfortable with me, whether I catch it eight or nine yards deep, he told me just bring it out," Patterson said, per The Star Tribune. "He expects me to do good things."

The Patriots may be without two of their possible replacements for Shane Vereen in the backfield for Week 2 against the Jets. That is because running backs Brandon Bolden (knee) and Leon Washington (thigh) were both limited throughout the week of practice and are officially questionable for Thursday's game. 

With Shane Vereen out for an extended period of time due to a wrist injury, the eyes of Fantasy owners will naturally turn to the Patriots backfield to see who steps up. They have three possible options on the roster, and it will be worth keeping an eye on them in Week 2 against the Jets to see who steps up.

LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington all have a chance to step up as the team's backup running back, and any of them could end up taking on a big role if they prove worthy. Each brings something different to the table, and it is possible some combination of the three players will be used to patch together the backfield behind Stevan Ridley.

For Week 2, there is little reason for any Fantasy owners to rely on any of the trio, given how uncertain their roles are right now. But Fantasy owners should be ready to pounce on whichever ends up filling Vereen's role, if any in fact do. 

Redskins running back Roy Helu may get an opportunity to see more touches after a solid Week 1 at home against Philadelphia. He only totaled 16 yards from scrimmage, but looked good on his 11-yard reception.

Heading into Week 2 at Green Bay, Helu is still just the backup for Alfred Morris, who struggled Week 1. Morris will be out to prove this is his team and Helu will be looking to take advantage if he can.

The Packers gave up 68 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and a TD to San Francisco RBs Week 1. There is always the chance Helu could get into the end zone. That said, he is not a recommended Fantasy start outside the deepest of leagues due to his usage by coach Mike Shanahan.

49ers running back LaMichael James, who sprained his MCL in the preseason finale, remains sidelined. He was unable to practice Wednesday, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Panthers rookie running back Kenjon Barner (ankle) won't play Sunday at Buffalo, but he's progressing well and could play in Week 3, coach Ron Rivera told the Charlotte Observer.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was limited in practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury. The Ravens are preparing to host the Browns Week 2.