NFL Player News

Harris has logged more meaningful snaps in training camp than fellow second-year back Pierre Strong while Ty Montgomery (leg) has missed practice time, Chad Graff of the The Athletic reports.

Rhamondre Stevenson's role as the team's top back isn't in any doubt, but Harris, Strong and Montgomery (when healthy) are in the mix to see complementary work this coming season. The Patriots could bring in a veteran such as Ezekiel Elliott to bolster their depth behind Stevenson, but if that doesn't happen, Harris could end up carving out a role as the primary backup in early-down situations.

Strong is among the younger Patriots players who is expected to see some early action in Thursday's preseason opener against the Texans, Paul Perillo of the team's official site reports.

While head coach Bill Belichick hasn't specifically outlined his plans for who will play in Thursday, based on the way Tuesday's practice played out, the Patriots appear set to rest or limit a number of key players. As a result, the door could be open for the likes of Strong, fellow running back Kevin Harris, and receivers Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas to get some run with the team's reserve quarterbacks versus Houston. Though Rhamondre Stevenson is entrenched as the Patriots' top back, both Strong and Harris are competing for complementary work, with the continuing absence of Ty Montgomery (leg) having afforded the pair of 2022 draftees added opportunities in practice of late. While the 5-foot-10, 225-pound Harris is a candidate to spell Stevenson on early downs, Strong's speed could make him a change-of-pace asset this coming season.

Mack sustained a torn left Achilles' tendon during practice Tuesday, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Mack had just signed with Arizona on Friday, but his hopes of playing in the NFL this season are effectively over. The 27-year-old previously suffered a torn right Achilles' tendon in Week 1 of the 2020 campaign, and he's struggled to find a consistent role in the league ever since. Mack will now work to get healthy, although it's unclear what his future may hold heading into the 2024 season.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Ford (hamstring) is week-to-week, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Ford, who suffered a hamstring injury at practice Monday, won't be available for Friday's preseason game against the Commanders and will be considered week-to-week after that. Once healthy, Ford looks like the lead candidate for the No. 2 backfield role behind Nick Chubb, but that could change if he's forced to miss a substantial amount of first-team reps. Demetric Felton, John Kelly and Hassan Hall will all get increased opportunities to compete as long as Ford is sidelined.

Wilson (undisclosed) departed Wednesday's practice early with an injury, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

The nature of Wilson's injury isn't known, but even if he's just tending to a minor issue, it could affect his availability for Friday's preseason game against the Falcons. The veteran looks primed to handle a sizable role in Miami's backfield alongside Raheem Mostert and rookie Devon Achane, so it will be worthwhile to monitor his status closely.

Harris missed Wednesday's practice due to knee soreness, Nick Wojton of USA Today reports.

Harris logged some time on a stationary bike off to the side during practice, but he hasn't yet returned to the field since injuring his knee earlier this week. He may have avoided a serious issue, but Buffalo's coaching staff could still opt for caution and hold the veteran running back out of Saturday's preseason game against the Colts. Harris joined the Bills on a one-year contract this offseason and is expected to work toward the top of the backfield depth chart when healthy.

Harris isn't practicing Wednesday due to a knee issue that he appeared to suffer Monday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Per Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo, Harris, who wasn't in uniform for the session, was spotted sporting a protective sleeve on his right leg. If Harris doesn't return to practice in short order, he'll be a candidate to sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts.

Ozigbo signed a contract with the Lions on Wednesday.

Ozigbo last played with the Broncos in 2022 and appeared in four contests, mostly working on special teams. He'll now work to earn a role in Detroit's backfield.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday that he expects Dobbins (undisclosed) to be back at practice "very soon," Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

For a second time in as many weeks, Harbaugh said "the ball is in [Dobbins'] court," essentially confirming that the running back's absence is related to his contract even though he's technically on the PUP list with an unspecified injury. The 24-year-old is in the final year of his rookie deal and presumably wants an extension, but his continued absence from practice this summer leaves Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon as the veteran options in Baltimore's backfield.

Vaughn is listed as the No. 3 running back on the Buccaneers' first depth chart of 2023, the team's official site reports.

The fourth-year pro began camp as the No. 2 back, but Chase Edmonds fills that slotting in the first iteration of the depth chart. However, Vaughn is better suited to be an early-down option behind starter Rachaad White, while Edmonds is a versatile, change-of-pace back that can also split out wide. Vaughn also has a longer tenure with the team, although he and Edmonds are both learning new coordinator Dave Canales' offense from scratch.