NFL Player News

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was forced to leave Friday's preseason game against the Patriots, after he took a knee to the helmet while trying to throw a block. Martin was taken immediately to the locker room, and his return is considered unlikely. The extent and nature of the injury is not yet known.  

Raiders running back Latavius Murray sat out Friday's preseason game against the Saints, though it is not yet clear whether he is dealing with an injury. Murray missed two weeks of practice early in training camp with an undisclosed injury, and it appears as if he has fallen well behind in his battle for the No. 2 running back spot. 

We've beaten the drum for Ryan Mathews in the past only to be left holding broken drumsticks. He's never delivered LaDainian Tomlinson-like numbers, which is what many expected of him when he was drafted back in 2010. And it's been made clear that 2013 is his last chance to be the primary rusher for the Chargers -- coach Mike McCoy said as much. 

But Mathews looks like he's trying to make this chance count, running quite effectively through a pair of preseason games. Mathews ran for 45 yards on nine carries at Chicago this week and rumbled for 19 yards on three carries against the Seahawks last week. It's a little frightening that most of Mathews' runs went between-the-tackles considering his collarbone issues last year, but he's fighting for yardage, a positive. In fact, of Mathews' 12 preseason carries, only three have gone for under four yards. 

Mathews' draft average as of now is 62nd overall. While the Chargers might stink this year and Mathews isn't exactly a lock for 16 games and big stats, the value of picking there or even 10 picks sooner isn't so bad. I'm keeping an eye on him when he plays at Arizona in the third week of the preseason. 

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee and will miss four to six weeks of work, the Denver Post reports. 

Though the Chargers brought in some more talent to push him for playing time in the backfield, running back Ryan Mathews does not seem willing to give up his spot easily.

Mathews was the team's top option in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears, leading the team with 45 yards rushing on nine carries. That followed up a solid three-carry, 19-yard performance in the team's opener. Mathews' running has opened the eyes of coach Mike McCoy.

"The way that (he) ran the ball was outstanding," McCoy told U-T San Diego after the game. "We ran the ball efficiently tonight. I think the way he's running the football (is) what we're looking for in our back."

 Panthers running back Kenjon Barner came tumbling back to Earth in the team's second preseason game against the Eagles Thursday.

Barner, who led the team in rushing and scored in his preseason debut, was significantly less successful this time around. Barner ran the ball six times for just 5 yards total, with a long run of 4 yards. He also brought in just one pass for -1 yards.

Barner is currently the No. 2 back on the depth chart with Jonathan Stewart out. 

Browns running back Trent Richardson made his preseason debut Thursday against the Lions, after sitting out the team's opener with a shin injury.

Richardson played the first two series of the game, rushing for 33 yards on six carries. He had a long carry of 17 yards.

Richardson has little to prove in the preseason, beyond showing he is healthy. He will likely see a slightly larger role in the third preseason game next week. 

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was in uniform but did not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons, due to a knee injury.

Pierce suffered the injury in the previous game and was able to practice this week, but the team did not feel the need to press him into action so early. He will try to play in the third game against the Panthers next Thursday. 

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said the team will use more than one running back, meaning Lamar Miller is going to share work, likely with Daniel Thomas, reports the Miami Herald.

"I don't think it's just going to be Lamar’s position," Ireland said. "We've got a good running back in Daniel Thomas that's certainly making some noise."

Ireland said Miller and Thomas will each have a "breakout season" and "they’re a pretty good one-two punch." But Miller, per Ireland, still has the edge.

"Lamar is a tremendous athlete," Ireland said. "He's got great explosion. He's about 218 pounds. He's well built for the position, which I like. He runs low to the ground. He's got very good instincts. He can stop on a dime. I just felt like going into the season, we had to get this guy going. He can catch it out of the backfield. He can block. He was one of our best pass protectors last year. ... You give him a crease, he's going to get through it."

The running backs used in order for Wednesday's "Team run" period for the Packers were DuJuan Harris, Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin, reports FOX Sports.

James Starks was missing from practice with an illness. It was his first missed practice of training camp.