NFL Notes: Broncos, Dolphins, Raiders, Redskins

Broncos

Broncos OC Mike McCoy mentioned that they plan to play all of their running backs now that Devontae Booker is set to return to the team.

“We’re going to play them all,” McCoy said Friday, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “C.J. [Anderson] had a number of touches a couple of weeks ago and it was cut down this week, but [running backs/assistant head coach] Eric [Studesville] is going to rotate. There is going to be a certain flow of the game and what we’re doing and our plan. They’re all going to play. We really don’t have a set number of plays [for each runner].”

• According to Trey Renck, DE Shane Ray will have the pins and screw taken out of his wrist as one of the last steps before he cleared to play. Renck adds that Ray remains “right on schedule.“

Dolphins

Dolphins OC Clyde Christensen said the team will continue to use RBs Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams on third downs to allow Jay Ajayi to rest during the game.

“Jay is our horse, but (third down is) a good time to rest him because we have two guys that can really catch the ball and make big plays catching the ball,’’ said Christensen, via Roy Cummings of Florida Football Insiders.

 “But our intention is to put Damien and Kenyan in on some of those third-downs (and) 2-minute situations, and that’s two-fold. Because they’re good players who can make some big plays and they’re natural receivers, and it gives us a chance to breathe Jay.’’

Raiders

• The Raiders downgraded WR Michael Crabtree (chest) to doubtful for Sunday’s game late last night.
• Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Crabtree is not expected to play against the Broncos.
• According to Ian Rapoport, Raiders QB Derek Carr spent extra time working with WR Amari Cooper this week to hone routes and timing.

Redskins

• John Keim of ESPN thinks the addition of Redskins DL coach Jim Tomsula has been the largest difference maker for the team since he has the defensive line playing “technically sound.”
• Keim also mentions S D.J. Swearinger and LB Zach Brown as key difference makers on the Redskins’ defense.