Always Ready: Rawls does his best Beast Mode impression; Nelson shines in prime time
Always Ready is a weekly feature that looks at NFL players who excelled after being thrust into larger roles this past week.
Thomas Rawls
Week 11 line: 30 carries, 209 yards, 3 receptions, 46 yards, 2 total TDs
Marshawn Lynch being a late scratch from Sunday's game could've meant trouble for the Seattle Seahawks' offense, but undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls was ready to step in and keep the offense moving.
Already with a 169-yard rushing effort under his belt, Rawls churned out 209 rushing yards against the San Francisco 49ers, adding another 46 through the air. His seven runs of 10-plus yards are the most by any running back in a single game this season.
Names like Robert Turbin and Christine Michael have been bandied about as possible Lynch replacements, but Rawls rushed for 100 or more yards in three of the four games he's received double-digit carries, and averages six yards per tote.
Spencer Ware
Week 11 line: 11 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs, 1 reception, 5 yards
Injuries at the running back position have hurt the Kansas City Chiefs this season. The injury bug reared its ugly head again Sunday when Charcandrick West - who was in for injured starter Jamaal Charles - suffered a hamstring injury that knocked him out of the game.
In need of a back to help run the clock out as the team nursed a comfortable lead, the Chiefs turned to the only other active running back on the roster: Spencer Ware.
A second-year pro out of LSU, Ware entered the game with six career carries, but made the most of his opportunity by gaining 8.7 yards per carry and scoring twice.
J.J. Nelson
Week 11 line: 4 receptions, 142 yards, TD, 6 targets
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver J.J. Nelson had an impressive combine, showing the kind of blazing speed that can make a difference at the NFL level.
However, he hadn't made a catch as a pro until Week 9 when he hauled in three passes. Nelson broke out at a great time - during "Sunday Night Football" against the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals.
With Michael Floyd sidelined, Nelson corralled four balls for 142 yards, including a game-changing, 64-yard touchdown strike early in the third quarter.
With the Cardinals showing a willingness to chuck the ball all over the field, Nelson's breakout game should lead to Bruce Arians carving out a larger role in the offense for him moving forward.