NFL Player News

Patriots running back Shane Vereen had his first career 100-yard rushing performance during a 23-21 win Week 1 at Buffalo. Vereen rushed for a team-high 101 yards on 14 carries, while adding seven catches (10 targets) for 58 yards.

Vereen, whose longest carry went 21 yards, saw an increase in reps after Stevan Ridley was benched following a second quarter fumble. Vereen had three carries for 31 yards and three catches for 29 yards in the first half. His best chance for a touchdown came on a 3rd-and-1 play late in the third quarter, but Vereen was stopped at the goal line.

"I think Shane stepped up, did a good job for us," coach Bill Belichick said at his postgame press conference. "We counted on him a lot, he came through on a lot of plays, that was a huge run he had at the end to get us in field goal range, keep the ball in bounds and force them to use another timeout, that was  good play and that was a smart play."

The Patriots host the Jets Week 2.

A touchdown saved what was otherwise a tough day for Raiders running back Darren McFadden. He totaled 66 yards on 17 carries and three grabs. He would have had a second score from 30 yards out had he kept two feet inbounds on a fourth-quarter catch in the back-right corner of the end zone. McFadden averaged 2.8 yards per carry. 

Next week, McFadden will play vs. the Jaguars. That should be a very nice matchup as the Jags' defense struggled against the Chiefs at home. Kansas City running backs totaled 97 yards on the ground and 34 yards through the air. He should be solid with a chance to be spectacular. 

Raiders running back Darren McFadden carried the ball 17 times for 48 yards and a touchdown in Oakland's 21-17 Week 1 loss to the Colts. He also caught three passes for 18 yards. 

McFadden had a 30-yard touchdown reception called back at the end of the third quarter when the play was reviewed and officials determined that his second foot was out of bounds. McFadden was third on the team in targets, with five. 

The Raiders host the Jaguars in Week 2. 

All the Cardinals listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Rams are active. They include cornerback Javier Arenas, running back Andre Ellington, tight end D.C. Jefferson and tight end Mike Leach.

Cardinals running back Ryan Williams is a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Rams, reports Fox Sports 910. Williams was not on the injury report, though he dealt with knee problems in the preseason.

Coach Bruce Arians said last week that Williams was back to "full speed" and it sounded like he'd back up Rashard Mendenhall. With Williams out, rookie Stepfan Taylor likely will fill that change-of-pace role.

As expected, 49ers running back LaMichael James (knee) was held out of Week 1 against the Packers. James was held out of practice all week as he continues to work his way back from an MCL sprain suffered in the preseason. 

Among Patriots players inactive Week 1 at Buffalo are tackle Will Svitek (knee), running back Brandon Bolden (knee), wide receiver Aaron Dobson (hamstring), safety Nate Ebner (ankle), safety Duron Harmon (hamstring) and running back Leon Washington.

The Panthers have made RB Kenjon Barner, DB James Dockery, C Brian Folkerts, WR Domenik Hixon, DE Wes Horton, SS Mike Mitchell and C Amini Silatolu inactive against the Seahawks. 

The Panthers had four players miss Week 1 against the Seahawks Sunday, due to injuries. The players are: running back Kenjon Barner (foot); defensive backs James Dockery (thumb) and Mike Mitchell (calf); and wide receiver Domenik Hixon (hamstring). 

Despite being limited in practice with a back injury, Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is in uniform and active for Week 1 against the Lions Sunday. The rookie is set to make his NFL debut.