NFL Player News

Dowdle carried the ball six times for 21 yards and caught all three of his targets for 33 yards in Saturday's 28-23 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Deuce Vaughn was the star of the Cowboys backfield Saturday, but Dowdle outproduced presumed No. 2 RB Malik Davis, who got the start but managed only 22 yards from scrimmage on eight touches. Unfortunately, Dowdle also committed a crucial fumble just outside Jacksonville's end zone at the end of the first quarter after catching a short pass from Cooper Rush. The battle for backup snaps behind Tony Pollard (ankle) remains open, but Dowdle likely can't afford many more big mistakes if he wants to stay in the mix.

Murray carried five times for 18 yards and caught all three targets for 21 yards in Buffalo's preseason win over the Colts on Saturday.

Murray has been in the league since 2014 and is the league's fourth-leading career rusher among active players, so it's not like he needs a ton of work to be ready for another campaign. However, with Damien Harris out with a knee injury, Murray has a chance to state his case for a more meaningful role for the start of the season, and perhaps a clear-cut No. 2 role if Harris' injury lingers. James Cook looks like the starter, but this is a high-powered offense and one that has historically rotated running backs, so Murray's preseason usage and output is worth monitoring. Murray also appears to have a roster spot locked up following the season-ending, off-field injury to teammate Nyheim Hines (knee).

Kamara (suspension) and the rest of the Saints' healthy offensive starters are expected to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Kamara was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 regular season due to his role in a February 2022 incident in Las Vegas, but that won't prevent him from getting in some preseason work. While the superstar running back likely will be available, he'll presumably play only a series or two.

Valladay was waived by the Texans on Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Valladay joined Houston after going undrafted out of Arizona State, where he rushed for 1,192 yards in his final college season. He'll now have work to find another opportunity.

Davis was the first running back to see action for Dallas on Saturday, but he struggled to the tune of four yards on three carries and four receptions for 19 yards in a preseason loss to Jacksonville.

Davis is looking to secure the backup role behind Tony Pollard (ankle) this preseason, so this rough outing will not help his case -- especially after Deuce Vaughn (eight carries for 50 yards and a TD) dominated when it was his turn to take the field, and even Rico Dowdle (54 scrimmage yards on nine touches) was more productive. Davis will need to rebound quickly against the Seahawks on Saturday if he wants to lock down the top reserve role in an exciting ground attack in Dallas.

Vaughn rushed eight times for 50 yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for six yards in Saturday's preseason tilt against Jacksonville.

Vaughn made quite the splash when he began dominating the defense in the second half of Saturday's contest. The sixth-round pick was brought in to help a position group that lacked reliable pass catchers last year, but he showed us that he could be more than just a passing-down specialist. Vaughn just played a strong hand that could have him jumping ahead of Malik Davis on the depth chart as the top backup to Tony Pollard (ankle) come Week 1. More eyes will certainly be on Vaughn when the Cowboys visit the Seahawks on Saturday for more preseason play.

Drake had five carries for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Drake worked with the second team as he tries to win a final reserve roster spot after joining the Colts last week. He's a long shot to win a roster spot but may be needed with Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor out due to injury.

Funk had seven carries for 13 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, and two receptions for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Funk was the third running back to get a carry in the game, which may say more about Indy's running back depth than his chances to make the team. With Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss out due to injury, Funk may see a lot of work during the preseason. However, he may not make the final roster if Taylor returns to action.

Bigsby rushed nine times for 52 yards in Saturday's 28-23 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Bigsby was already having a strong camp prior to Saturday's impressive rushing performance, drawing praise from coaches for his work in the film room. The rookie out of Auburn was the second back to enter the game behind Travis Etienne (five carries for 22 yards), so he hasn't jumped higher than potentially second on the depth chart as of now. With a 6-foot, 210-pound frame, Bigsby adds some size to Jacksonville's backfield, potentially warranting goal-line looks. The rookie's next chance to impress will come on the road against the Lions on Saturday.

Freeman rushed seven times for 26 yards and a touchdown and failed to bring in his only target during the Rams' 34-17 preseason loss to the Chargers on Friday night.

The veteran recorded a three-yard scoring rush late in the third quarter, with Freeman the third running back into the contest for the Rams after Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans. The 27-year-old Freeman may need Los Angeles to keep four running backs in order to stick on the roster, so he'll have to continue making an impact during next Saturday night's preseason home matchup versus the Raiders in order to keep his chances strong.