NFL Player News

Pittsburgh waived Hagans on Monday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Hagans finds himself among a slew of roster cuts by the Steelers on Monday. The undrafted rookie out of Virginia State will get a chance to search for a depth opportunity on a practice squad elsewhere in the league if Pittsburgh doesn't ring him for a return.

The Commanders are slated to waive Patterson on Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Patterson made a case for a spot on Washington's final roster when he turned eight carries into 51 yards in the team's preseason finale, but he nonetheless will be subject to waivers before searching for an opportunity elsewhere. However, Patterson could have earned himself a call back via the practice squad.

Tampa Bay is slated to waive Brown on Monday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Brown won't stick on the Buccaneers' 53-man roster despite performing well during preseason action, but he could be a candidate to pop back up on the practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of Shepherd logged four carries 13 yards and secured his only target for a 24-yard gain in Tampa Bay's preseason finale.

Knight rushed seven times for 22 yards and caught his lone target for eight yards in Saturday's 32-24 preseason win over the Giants.

Knight led all of the Jets' running backs in touches in the team's preseason finale. He's likely to end up on the outside looking in when the Jets announce their 53-man roster Tuesday, with Breece Hall (knee), Dalvin Cook (shoulder), Michael Carter and rookie fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda (thigh) all expected to make the team. Knight should end up on the Jets' practice squad if he isn't claimed by another team, but he could be elevated for the regular-season opener against the Bills if injuries are still permeating the running back room come Monday, Sept. 11.

Singletary rushed seven times for 22 yards and caught his lone target for seven yards in Sunday's preseason finale against New Orleans.

Dameon Pierce started and looked good in his final exhibition appearance, eventually giving way to Singletary and then Mike Boone (7-51-1) in the second half. The latter performed better Sunday -- albeit against backup defenders -- and figures to be involved more as a pass catcher, while Singletary may be used more as a true backup replacement in the event Pierce struggles or gets injured. All three backs figure to see action in some form early on, but only Pierce should generate fantasy value as the lead back heading into a Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Miller rushed eight times for 14 yards and caught three of five targets for 10 yards in Sunday's preseason finale against Houston.

Miller got the start at running back in place of Alvin Kamara (suspension) and Jamaal Williams (rest). The rookie third-rounder struggled to find running room, but he remained involved as a receiver with three more receptions. With Kamara being forced to miss the Saints' first three games, Miller may be asked to do his best impersonation of the dual-threat superstar while veteran Jamaal Williams handles the dirty work between the tackles. Miller's value will take a hit when Kamara is activated, but the former should get a shot at some early-season snaps beginning against Tennessee on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Pierce started Houston's final preseason game Sunday, rushing five times for 30 yards (no targets) in a 17-13 exhibition win over the Saints.

Pierce bounced back from a lackluster exhibition debut against Miami last week, doubling his yardage output on one less carry. The second-year back received the first backfield touch after doing the same in his previous outing. Mike Boone handled receiving duties while sharing the second-half touches with Devin Singletary. It's clear that Pierce is the top dog in Houston's new-look backfield heading into a Week 1 matchup against Baltimore.

Laird rushed three times for 27 yards and brought in his only target for one yard in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Laird logged the second-fewest snaps among the Buccaneers' running backs, but he put them to good use with a 21-yard scamper. The fourth-year pro is a versatile asset that can contribute as a runner, receiver and in multiple facets on special teams. Those traits, combined with his experience edge over undrafted rookies Sean Tucker and Ronnie Brown, could be enough to secure him a reserve running back role.

Brown rushed four times for 13 yards and brought in his only target for a 24-yard gain in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Brown's likely primary competitor for a roster spot, Sean Tucker, outgained him by 21 rushing yards on six additional carries and nine more snaps overall, but the former shined with his one reception. The Shepherd product wrapped up the exhibition slate with 33 yards on 12 carries and a 3-38 line through the air, and whether that was enough to make the leap from undrafted free agent to a spot on the active roster will soon be known.

Vaughn rushed six times for 26 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Vaughn gained nine of his yards on one carry, so his 4.3 yards per tote were somewhat deceptive. The fourth-year pro was the second running back to log a touch after starter Rachaad White, and he led all players at his position with 20 snaps. Vaughn's roster spot is likely safe, especially considering he also has plenty of special-teams experience. However, Patrick Laird fits a similar profile and ripped off an impressive 21-yard run against Baltimore, so there could be a tough decision ahead for the coaching staff if it's also considering keeping at least one of undrafted rookies Sean Tucker and Ronnie Brown on the final roster.