NFL Player News

Williams hasn't seen action in either of the Rams' first two preseason games.

The same applies to the Rams' presumed top back Cam Akers, which has given the trio of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers opportunities to log exhibition carries as they compete for depth slotting in the team's backfield. Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic previously noted that Williams, who dealt with injuries as a rookie last season, look good in both the run and pass game in training camp. Based on the team's current roster composition, the 2022 fifth-rounder looks poised to approach the coming season in a position to handle complementary work as Akers' understudy.

McLaughlin rushed seven times for 45 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for eight yards and another score in Saturday's 21-20 preseason loss to the 49ers.

McLaughlin continues to impress with the Broncos, as the undrafted rookie accounted for Denver's only offensive points Saturday. The 22-year-old running back has continuously impressed during training camp with both his play and his dedication to learning the offense. If McLaughlin continues to turn heads, he has a solid chance to move up the depth chart behind Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. It's important to note McLaughlin was also used as a returner, running a kickoff back 44 yards in the contest. The Youngstown State product could therefore also carve out a role on special teams, helping him to secure a roster spot ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Taylor had four carries for 12 yards and a touchdown and one reception for five yards in Saturday's 21-17 preseason loss to the Patriots.

Taylor was not particularly busy in Saturday's contest, but that's because the Packers have a pretty good feel for what they have in him in his fourth season with the team. He remains the frontrunner for the third running back spot on the depth chart.

Wilson had 15 carries for 63 yards and two receptions for 15 yards in Saturday's 21-17 preseason loss to the Patriots.

A 111-yard showing in the exhibition opener earned Wilson a long look in Saturday's contest, and he was effective once more. He remains in the mix for the third running back spot on the depth chart, but as things stand, he presumably sits somewhere between fourth and sixth in the pecking order.

Jacobs is expected to report to the Raiders before their season opener in three weeks, multiple league sources told Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels when asked Sunday did not have an update on the situation.

Jacobs did not report to training camp, and there have been almost no reports on his status or any contract talks. Because he hasn't yet signed his franchise tag, the team hasn't been able to fine him for practice absences. That gives Jacobs, who led the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage last season, leverage to hold out until Week 1 before he starts facing significant financial penalties. Based on Bonsignore's report, Jacobs intends to end his holdout just before the regular season begins. In that scenario, it's not clear if he'll be in shape and ready to play right away, however. If Jacobs faces any limitations to begin the 2023 campaign, Zamir White would likely see increased work out of the backfield.

Ogunbowale didn't appear in Saturday's preseason loss to the Dolphins due to an undisclosed injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Ogunbowale was banged up during joint practices with the Dolphins this week and was unavailable for the Texans' second preseason matchup. His final chance to suit up before the start of the regular season will be Sunday against the Saints, although his status for that game isn't yet clear.

Doaks didn't play in Saturday's preseason loss to the Dolphins due to an undisclosed injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Doaks was banged up during joint practices with Miami this week and was unable to suit up for Saturday's matchup. It's unclear whether he'll be available for Sunday's preseason finale against the Saints as he attempts to compete for a role with the team.

Freeman rushed twice for six yards and caught both of his targets for three yards during Saturday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Raiders.

Freeman saw the least playing time of the trio of running backs used by the Rams on Saturday and also made the least contributions. Ronnie Rivers (9-42-0) and Zach Evans (8-20-0 and a seven-yard reception) both saw ample touches during their time on the field, and Rivers looked particularly efficient for the second straight preseason game. With Cam Akers and Kyren Williams locks to make the roster and Rivers grinding his way into a spot of his own, it may come down to Freeman and the rookie Evans for a roster spot that is conditioned on the Rams choosing to keep four running backs on the team.

Spiller carried the ball five times for 27 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Saints.

Joshua Kelley also got five touches but managed only 13 yards with them -- a mark that Spiller topped in one play, an 18-yard dash up the middle during a two-minute drill at the end of the first half that set up the Chargers' first TD of the night. The two backs could continue jockeying for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Austin Ekeler right up until the Week 1 kickoff, but at the moment, the momentum in the battle seems to swinging toward Spiller.

Kelley carried the ball four times for nine yards and caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Saints.

The fourth-year back got the first two touches of the night for the Chargers, but Kelley wound up being thoroughly outplayed by Isaiah Spiller, who averaged 5.4 yards per carry on his five totes. The duo could continue jockeying for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Austin Ekeler right up until the Week 1 kickoff, but even if Kelley loses that battle, his ability to contribute on special teams might be enough to keep him on the roster.