NFL Player News

Perine rushed for 26 yards on six attempts and did not haul in his lone target in Friday's preseason opener against Arizona.

Perine got the start with Javonte Williams (knee) still being eased back into action after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Head coach Sean Payton insists that Williams can and will see the field this preseason, which would be an impressive feat considering how severe knee injuries can be to return from without issue, especially at the running back position. That's one of the main reasons the Broncos added a reliable veteran like Perine, not to just complement the lead back, but also to serve as an insurance policy if Williams is forced to miss time at any point this year. Williams' next opportunity to return will be when Denver takes on San Francisco on Aug. 19.

Kelly carried the ball six times for six yards and caught his only target for three yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Commanders.

After a good showing in the Hall of Fame Game last week, Kelly crashed back down to Earth in this one. Not only was he thoroughly outproduced on the ground by Demetric Felton, Kelly flopped in his biggest moment -- he got a fourth-down carry from the one-yard line on Cleveland's first drive, but rather than punching the ball into the end zone, he got tackled for a four-yard loss by Montez Sweat. If Cleveland goes with only three backs on its Week 1 roster, Kelly is by no means assured of a spot.

Felton carried the ball eight times for 31 yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Commanders.

With Nick Chubb getting the night off and Jerome Ford (hamstring) unavailable, Felton got the start for the Browns. While his numbers don't jump off the page, the third-year UCLA product was the only Cleveland running back to reach double-digit rushing yards. His role on special teams should ensure he makes the Week 1 roster, but if Ford's injury lingers into the regular season, Felton could see a bit more usage on offense than expected as well.

Gibson carried the ball twice for seven yards and caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Browns.

The Commanders used their first-team offense for three possessions despite wet field conditions, and during those drives Gibson wound up seeing one more touch than Brian Robinson (three carries for 16 yards). While neither back was effective, Gibson becomes a more appealing fantasy option if new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy continues to split the workload relatively equally between them rather than leaning more heavily on Robinson.

Robinson carried the ball three times for 16 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Browns.

The start of the game was delayed due to a thunderstorm, but the Commanders elected to send out their first-team offense to begin the night even with wet field conditions. Robinson ended up seeing one less touch than Antonio Gibson (two carries, two receptions) over three drives before the backups took over, perhaps giving an early glimpse at how new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy plans to split the workload in the backfield. Robinson should remain the primary option on early downs, but the 2022 third-round pick's fantasy value could depend on how much usage he sees in the red zone and at the goal line.

Vaughn was held to just four yards on seven carries and was not targeted in Friday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

Projected starter Rachaad White was held out of Tampa Bay's first exhibition contest, so it was notable that Vaughn was the first back deployed (even with the dirt-poor results). Fellow tailback rotation candidates Chase Edmonds (6/18/0) and Sean Tucker (6/10/0) barely moved the ball against Pittsburgh's defense either, so it's hard to give any player the leg up as they jockey for position ahead of Week 1. Vaughn will get an opportunity for redemption when the Bucs face the Jets on Aug. 19.

Warren rushed three times for 13 yards on Pittsburgh's opening drive in a 27-17 preseason win over the Buccaneers.

It was interesting to see Warren get his snaps mixed in with the first unit, especially considering expected starter Najee Harris received no carries and one reception for a loss on the same drive. There is little doubt that Harris will be the starting back in Pittsburgh come Week 1, but Warren's inclusion with the first unit shows the growing trust the coaching staff has in its standout UDFA from a year ago.

Harris joined the starters for the opening drive of Friday's exhibition win over Tampa Bay, but he did not record a carry and caught his lone target for minus-1 yard.

While Harris wasn't used as a runner during the starters' brief appearance Friday, he did record the first touch out of Pittsburgh's backfield via a reception. Backup Jaylen Warren spelled Harris on the opening drive and finished with three carries for 13 yards. Harris is still the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh, but injuries and a lack of improvement on a solid rookie season has likely shortened his leash should he get off to a slow start in 2023. Expect the Steelers to get their lead back involved offensively at some point this preseason, with that next opportunity coming on Aug. 19 against the Bills.

Gibbs rushed six times for 19 yards and caught his only target for 18 yards in Friday's 21-16 preseason win over the Giants.

Gibbs was viewed as a reach when the Lions picked him 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but at least Detroit should give the rookie out of Alabama plenty of touches to justify the selection. He figures to be a direct replacement for D'Andre Swift, whom the Lions traded away after drafting Gibbs. The shifty running back showed off his pass-catching skills on an 18-yard reception to move the chains on Detroit's third possession, but Gibbs will need to be more efficient on the ground moving forward to compete with David Montgomery for early-down work.

Robinson rushed six times for nine yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game in Friday's 21-16 preseason loss to the Lions.

With starter Saquon Barkley resting, Robinson was the second running back into the game after Matt Breida. Robinson's inability to find any running room in this one won't quell concerns that his ability has been permanently diminished by the Achilles tear he suffered late in the 2021 season. He averaged just 2.9 yards per carry after being traded from the Jaguars to the Jets last season and was waived by New England three months after signing with the Patriots in the offseason. Robinson's fighting an uphill battle to earn a roster spot with the Giants.