NFL Player News

Mason played five snaps on special teams and did not receive a touch in Sunday's 19-10 loss to the Bears.

Mason -- an undrafted rookie -- leapfrogged 2022 third-round pick, Tyrion Davis-Price (healthy scratch), on the depth chart seemingly moments prior to kickoff, earning the first active game of his NFL career. Despite his unheralded rise up the running back pecking order in San Francisco, head coach Kyle Shanahan failed to trust the rookie on the field, despite starter Elijah Mitchell (knee) going down early and playing just 17 snaps. Veteran back Jeff Wilson (nine carries for 22 yards) got the remaining 40 snaps at running back, and the combination of wide receiver Deebo Samuel (eight carries for 52 yards and a touchdown) and quarterback Trey Lance (13 carries for 54 yards) made up the remainder of a sorry performance from the 49ers offense. Traditional coaching and fantasy football logic would make Jeff Wilson the hot add on waivers for as long as Mitchell is out, with Mason being the "upside pick," but it is hard to predict what will unfold when San Francisco's front office and coaching staff appear to be at odds from a strictly football strategy standpoint. Davis-Price should be in the mix and also targeted as a potential waiver dart, as the top backs in Shanahan's run-heavy zone scheme have traditionally churned out strong fantasy results. Next Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks will provide a clearer picture of who will benefit the most from Mitchell's impending multi-week absence.

Freeman was signed to the Texans' practice squad Monday.

Freeman was let go for a second time this season by the Texans on Friday. Now the 26-year-old has been brought back again. Freeman will try and work his way up to the active roster and not get let go for the third time.

Nwangwu returned one kickoff for 25 yards in Sunday's win over Green Bay.

Nwangwu played all six of his snaps on special teams. He'll work as the primary kickoff returner and may not get many carries as a running back unless Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison are hurt or the game is a blowout.

Mitchell (knee) underwent an MRI on Monday and is expected to miss time, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 49ers will have a clearer picture of Mitchell's recovery timetable once the MRI results reveal the full extent of his right knee injury. The second-year running back was ruled out of Sunday's loss to the Bears after San Francisco's fourth possession, and he was spotted after the contest wearing a brace. An extended absence on Mitchell's behalf likely would propel Jeff Wilson into the No. 1 running back spot, and likewise mean increased work for rookies Jordan Mason (zero touches Week 1) and Tyrion Davis-Price (inactive Week 1). Deebo Samuel also could factor in for more backfield action.

Mattison had eight carries for 36 yards but no receptions in Sunday's win over Green Bay.

Mattison played on 14 of the offense's 62 snaps, essentially giving starter Dalvin Cook rest on two series. Even with new head coach Kevin O'Connell, the workload split between Cook (48 snaps) and Mattison (14) remained about the same as last season. It looks like Mattison will have the same role as prior years with a large role if Cook is hurt, but a modest one if the latter is healthy.

Jackson did not play any snaps on offense and played 15 snaps on special teams in Sunday's overtime tie at Houston.

While he's the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, the Colts appear set to only give meaningful touches to Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines as long as both remain healthy.

White was limited to just four snaps on special teams during his pro debut in a 24-19 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

White didn't see the field on offense as the Raiders were forced to play catch-up for a majority of the season opener, registering only 13 total carries as a team. The rookie fourth-round pick could remain relatively uninvolved again Week 2 against the Cardinals with Brandon Bolden (hamstring) and Ameer Abdullah splitting passing-down work behind starter Josh Jacobs.

Haskins failed to record a rushing attempt or reception during Sunday's 21-20 loss to the Giants.

Haskins played just nine of Tennessee's offensive snaps and failed to record a touch. Instead, it was fellow backup running back Dontrell Hilliard who made an impact as a pass catcher, as he racked up 61 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions. Barring an injury to Hilliard or starter Derrick Henry, Haskins likely won't play a huge role in the Titans offense this season. Haskins' next opportunity for snaps comes next Monday night when the team travels to Buffalo.

Abdullah failed to reel in his only target in Sunday's 24-19 loss to the Chargers.

Abdullah played only seven offensive snaps while fellow running back Brandon Bolden caught two passes for 21 yards and a score behind starter Josh Jacobs. However, Bolden exited Sunday's contest early due to a hamstring injury, so Abdullah could see an uptick in passing-down work Week 2 against the Cardinals if Bolden remains sidelined.

Hines had three carries for four yards and six receptions for 50 yards on six targets in Sunday's tie at Houston.

Hines played on 26 of the offense's 92 snaps while Jonathan Taylor played on 70 snaps. The Colts played from far behind much of the game, so Hines was involved in the passing game. However, the Indianapolis coaching staff's desire to reduce Taylor's workload and get Hines more involved in the offense didn't exactly work out as planned. Hines played just a few more snaps than average lats season (19 per game) and Taylor logged 31 carries. Hines should get targets in the passing game when the team is behind, but it's still not clear he'll get the same usage in other game scripts.