NFL Player News

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.

Miller carried the ball 10 times for 23 yards and a touchdown and caught all three of his targets for 36 yards in Sunday's preseason win over the Chargers.

The third-round rookie made an impact as the feature back in the first half, scoring the Saints' first points of the night on a seven-yard run early in the second quarter while also shining as an outlet receiver for Jameis Winston. The minor knee sprain he picked up in his preseason debut last week didn't seem to be an issue. With Alvin Kamara (suspension) set to miss the first three games of the regular season, Miller is in line to handle a significant workload in the backfield alongside Jamaal Williams, and his efficient showing in the passing game Sunday is a very encouraging sign for his usage in the NFL after he got little chance to display his receiving skills at TCU.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday that Mitchell (hip) is expected to return to practice at some point this coming week, Lindsey Pallares of the team's official site reports.

Mitchell has been sitting out since Aug. 3 while dealing with an adductor strain. The 25-year-old has been hampered by injuries throughout much of his young career, and he was limited to just five games last season. He's still totaled 252 carries for 1,242 rushing yards (4.9 YPC) across 16 career games, and, when healthy, he should fill a significant role behind starting running back Christian McCaffrey.

Williams is among the key Saints players who are not expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Per Underhill, primary running back Alvin Kamara (suspension) is also slated to watch Sunday's game from the sideline, as just about the entire team's starting offensive skill players will not suit up. This includes quarterback Derek Carr and super-utility player Taysom Hill. Rookie Kendre Miller does appear set to play, as he's fully suited up with a brace on his injured right knee, according to John Hendrix of SI.com. Running backs Darrel Williams, Kirk Merritt (hamstring) and Ellis Merriweather are all in uniform pregame as well, per Hendrix, and it's likely these three will filter in behind Miller as part of the Saints' rushing rotation Sunday.

McNichols (hamstring) will likely be out for San Francisco's preseason finale against the Chargers, Josh Dubow of The Associated Press reports.

McNichols was competing for the third-string role with Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price and could now be in danger of not making the final roster because of this injury. The 27-year-old had rushed for 36 yards on 10 carries in the first two preseason games.

Ibrahim (undisclosed) was waived by the Lions on Sunday.

Ibrahim signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent in April. The 24-year-old has been dealing with an undisclosed injury recently, and he'll revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers.

McFarland rushed nine times for two yards while securing both of his targets for 18 yards during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over Buffalo.

McFarland averaged six yards per carry during the Steelers' preseason opener but was unable to generate as much production on the ground Saturday despite leading the team in carries. The 2020 fourth-rounder is only on the team on a reserve/future contract after spending most of last year on the team's practice squad, but he should have a better chance to make the 53-man roster this season since Benny Snell and Jeremy McNichols are no longer with the team.

Funk had five carries for 18 yards, including a four-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason win over Chicago.

Funk scored a rushing touchdown for a second consecutive preseason game, but he's still unlikely to make the Week 1 roster. However, with Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss out due to injury, anything is possible.

Nwangwu (undisclosed) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss to Tennessee.

There's been no update on Nwangwu's status, as he's been sidelined for most of training camp. Ty Chandler looks set to begin the season as the No. 2 running back at this point with Nwangwu hurt.