NFL Player News

New England signed Harris to its practice squad Wednesday, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

J.J. Taylor was also re-signed to the practice squad after being cut a day earlier, giving the Patriots added backfield depth to turn to behind Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery and Pierre Strong, who are on the team's initial 53-man roster. Harris -- a 2022 sixth-round pick -- profiles a player that New England can groom on the practice squad.

The Eagles signed Perine to their practice squad Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Perine totaled 75 touches for 295 yards and two scores as a rookie in 2020 but was waived by the Jets ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline. The Eagles have solid running backs with quality NFL experience on the active roster, but the group is only three deep. So, Perine will likely operate as an emergency depth option in case any of the aforementioned backs go down with an injury.

Detroit waived Jefferson on Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

It initially appeared as though Jefferson had secured a spot on the depth chart after he survived Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline, but he'll now become an unrestricted free agent assuming he isn't claimed during the current waiver period. The move leaves D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds as the remaining running backs on the Lions' active roster.

The Saints released Washington on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Washington signed a one-year deal with the Saints in April and initially made the team's 53-man roster, but he's been let go just one day later. The 28-year-old running back hasn't garnered a substantial offensive role since his rookie season in Detroit, but he was a solid special teams player across all four of his campaigns in New Orleans.

The Texans released Freeman on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Freeman initially made the 53-man roster, but he's been released just one day later. Marlon Mack was signed to Houston's practice squad after being let go ahead of Tuesday's deadline, so he'll likely operate as an emergency option behind Dameon Pierce, Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale. Freeman rushed for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns during his first two seasons in Denver but hasn't garnered a sizable role since.

The 49ers waived Sermon on Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

With Sermon having been let go a day after Tuesday's wave of roster cutdowns, Jeff Wilson, Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason are left to compete for depth slotting behind Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) in the 49ers' backfield. Sermon, a 2021 third-round draft choice, was often a healthy inactive during his lone season in San Francisco, appearing in nine contests while logging 41 carries for 167 yards and one touchdown to go with three catches for 26 yards.

Drake signed with the Ravens on Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Released by the Raiders last week, Drake met with the Ravens on Tuesday and apparently passed a physical. He could get touches Week 1, as J.K. Dobbins (knee) is uncertain to play, and the Ravens otherwise have only Mike Davis and Justice Hill on their 53-man roster at running back. Davis would likely be the starter if Dobbins isn't ready for Baltimore's season opener against the Jets.

The Bengals waived Williams on Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Williams made the initial 53-man roster, but he was let go Wednesday to make room for a trio of waiver claims. The 2019 sixth-round pick appeared in 26 games over three years with the Bengals, totaling 47 touches for 242 yards.

The Seahawks signed Thompson to their practice squad Wednesday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Thompson was solid during limited preseason action but didn't make the Seahawks' initial 53-man roster. However, he'll get a chance to work his way back to NFL game action via the practice squad.

The Chargers waived Rountree on Wednesday.

Rountree finds himself as the odd man out after the acquisition of Sony Michel, who will likely step into a sizable backup role behind Austin Ekeler. As a rookie last season, Rountree appeared in 12 games and rushed 36 times for 87 yards and a score. He was competing for backup slotting heading into Week 1 but struggled to make an impact during limited work in the preseason.