NFL Player News

Neither Chandler nor Kene Nwangwu has a a clear lead on the backup running back role to Alexander Mattison as both have questions about their abilities in pass protection, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lewis goes as far to speculate that the Vikings could sign a veteran running back late in training camp for the backup role. It's still early in the competition, as each player's showing in preseason games could change the equation. However, neither looks like a lock for the backup role at the moment, and it also doesn't sound like there will be a committee approach at the position as Mattison is the clear lead back.

Running backs coach Stump Mitchell suggested Chubb will play third downs this season, while head coach Kevin Stefanski said he isn't sure who will handle the role, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The Browns need to take Chubb off the field at least occasionally, and it makes sense to do it when the odds of a run play are lowest. On the other hand, their backfield offers minimal NFL experience behind him now that Kareem Hunt is gone, so Chubb may end up being the only one trusted to pass block and know all of his assignments. Jerome Ford is on track for the second spot on the depth chart, following a rookie season in which he got eight carries and nary a target. The Browns also have 2020 sixth-round Demetric Felton, who played some WR in college and could be the choice if the Browns decide to prioritize receiving skills over blocking and size. It sounds like Chubb's position coach expects him to handle at least a portion of the snaps in clear passing situations, which might be enough to elevate him to the elite tier of running backs for fantasy football. The 27-year-old has arguably been the most effective runner in the league since he was drafted -- five straight seasons with at least 996 yards, eight TDs and 5.0 YPC -- and he's also been reasonably efficient with his limited targets, catching 119 of 158 (75.3 percent) with 11 career drops, 8.3 YPR and 6.3 YPT.

Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday that McIntosh is dealing with a left knee sprain that could keep him out a couple of weeks, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Although McIntosh is dealing with an injury, Carroll said the team got "very good news" regarding his diagnosis. McIntosh was selected by the Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but his knee issue could limit his opportunities to compete for a role in the offense, especially now that Kenneth Walker (groin) and Zach Charbonnet (shoulder) have returned to practice.

Benjamin (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Benjamin suffered a torn Achilles in practice Saturday, so the move to IR comes as no surprise. The 24-year-old was working to earn a role in the Saints backfield after closing out the 2022 campaign with the team. He'll now work to get healthy and bounce back next season.

Clinton has been waived by the Colts.

Clinton got an opportunity with Indianapolis when it signed him earlier in the week, but it turns out his tenure with the team has been cut short. The undrafted free agent is a product of the University of Indianapolis, but he will now need to look for a fresh start elsewhere. He tallied 1,001 yards on 147 carries to go along with 11 touchdowns during his final collegiate season.

Head coach Mike McDaniel listed Achane as "day-to-day" after the running back didn't suit up for Saturday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Achane has made an early impression with the Miami coaching staff even though the rookie third-round pick has yet to separate himself from veterans Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. An absolute speed merchant, Achane projects to see a limited workload immediately and could grow into a larger role in the event Mostert and/or Wilson struggle to create explosive plays with their combined touches.

Benjamin appears to have torn his Achilles during Saturday's practice, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Benjamin joined the Saints last December and quickly became important depth, with the running back room depleted due to various injuries. The 2020 seventh-round pick was expected to reprise a similar role in 2023 prior to Saturday's injury. Expect Dwayne Washington and possibly another player not currently on the team's roster to compete for one of the final roster spots ahead of Week 1.

Edmonds, who signed with the Buccaneers this offseason, is envisioned as a multi-position asset by new offensive coordinator Dave Canales, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Edmonds has always been lauded for his speed and pass-catching ability, and Canales has certainly taken note of those attributes from his past experiences coaching against the sixth-year back. However, there's more to Edmonds' skill set, considering he's posted a 78.9 percent pass block win rate since 2018 and is also adept at playing special teams. Additionally, Canales, who refers to Edmonds as "lightning in a bottle" and a "really dangerous asset," also made mention of the fact the 27-year-old is capable of carrying out slot receiver duties.

The Colts are signing Drake, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

With top back Jonathan Taylor on the active/PUP list due to an ankle issue and in the midst of an ongoing contract dispute -- and Zack Moss' Week 1 status in question due to a broken arm -- Drake gives the Colts' backfield some added depth and experience ahead of the team's preseason opener. His main competition for depth slotting will be Deon Jackson, Evan Hull and Jake Funk, but if Drake impresses this summer, he could emerge as a candidate for Week 1 touches, pending the status of both Taylor and Moss.

The Browns waived McCrary on Friday.

The 24-year-old inked a reserve/future deal with Cleveland back in January but will look for a new home to compete for a job. Entering his third season out of Saginaw Valley State, McCrary has just one carry in the NFL.