NFL Player News

The Chiefs waived Gore (thumb) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Thursday, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Gore was placed on IR shortly after Kansas City's second preseason game against the Commanders last Saturday, where he likely picked up the issue that landed him on the list. Following Thursday's transaction, the 27-year-old has the ability to sign elsewhere once he demonstrates that he's past his thumb injury.

Coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that he'd have "no problem" giving Homer snaps on early downs this season, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Homer served as Seattle's third-down back for parts of the past three seasons, seeing 64 carries and 43 targets in 39 games. He's reportedly bulked up a bit -- he's listed at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds -- and could see some work outside of obvious passing situations if Kenneth Walker (abdomen) misses time early in the season. Rashaad Penny is still the lead back and figures to take most of the carries in a Week 1 matchup with the Broncos and old friend Russell Wilson.

Robinson (Achilles) said Tuesday that his goal is to be ready for Week 1 against Washington, SI.com's John Shipley reports.

Coach Doug Pederson mentioned the same goal when he spoke about Robinson a week earlier, though the running back still hasn't been cleared for contact in practice. Travis Etienne figures to lead the Jacksonville backfield early in the year, but Robinson has a shot to be involved from the jump and could see more work as he acclimates. If he does end up missing games, 2022 fifth-round pick Snoop Conner appears on track for the third spot on the depth chart behind Etienne and Robinson.

Herbert (undisclosed) practiced Thursday and appeared to increase his activity level, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Herbert has been in and out of practice since exiting early Saturday. This is the latest sign it's nothing serious, and it seems starting RB David Montgomery (undisclosed) also has made progress with his injury, while potential No. 3 back Trestan Ebner hasn't practiced since hurting his ankle in the second preseason game last Thursday against Seattle. Herbert figures to enter the year second on the depth chart, but the job could entail more work under a new coaching staff, especially after he filled in capably as a rookie.

Penny tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play in Friday's preseason game against Dallas, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Penny reportedly doesn't have serious symptoms and is expected to rejoin the team within a few days. He's still on track for the start Week 1 against Denver, with potential for an especially large workload if rookie second-round pick Kenneth Walker (abdomen) isn't ready.

Harris, who left Wednesday's practice early with an unspecified issue, is unlikely to suit up for Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

There's a chance the Patriots will rest a number of key players Friday, in any case, but with Harris possibly dealing with an injury, it seems likely the team will play it safe with the running back, who's expected to share early-down work this coming season with Rhamondre Stevenson. In New England's exhibition finale, look for J.J. Taylor, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris -- who are battling for depth slotting in the team's backfield -- to see their share of snaps versus Las Vegas.

The 49ers expect Mitchell (hamstring) to return in time for Week 1 at Chicago, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell hasn't practiced since at least Aug. 10 and won't play in any preseason games. His spot atop the depth chart isn't in question, but there is doubt about his ability to stay healthy after he suffered a handful of different injuries last last year, missing six games and then having minor knee surgery in the offseason. Mitchell was healthy for the start of training camp and practiced for about two weeks before the hamstring injury popped up. If he doesn't make it back for the opener, Jeff Wilson would be the favorite to fill in as San Francisco's top running back.

Taylor and fellow running back Nyhiem Hines will sit out the team's final preseason game to rest and prepare for Week 1 at Houston, Joel Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

While neither Taylor nor Hines has missed an NFL game due to injury, coach Frank Reich is wise to hold them out given the high injury rate among RBs in general. Reich made at least two comments this summer suggesting Hines will be more involved in the passing game than he was last year, but that's about the only negative for Taylor, who caught 36 passes as a rookie and 40 last season. He'll still get some targets and dominate carries while running behind a top offensive line, and QB Matt Ryan figures to be at least a slight upgrade on Carson Wentz. Both Taylor and Ryan get nice matchups to start the season, facing a Houston defense that looks average or worse at every position group.

Hines is slated to be held of of Saturday's preseason finale against the Buccaneers, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

The same applies to top running back Jonathan Taylor, with Hines, who is entrenched as the team's top change-of-pace option, thus slated to shift his focus to readying for a key complementary role in the Colts backfield this coming season. While the top of the team's RB depth chart is settled, Phillip Lindsay, Ty'Son Williams, Deon Jackson and D'Vonte Price will have opportunities Saturday to make their cases to secure roster spots behind Taylor and Hines.

With coach Lovie Smith planning to use Thursday's preseason finale against the 49ers as something of a dress rehearsal, per Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com, Pierce is expected to see action in the contest.

After logging five carries for 49 yards in the team's preseason opener, Pierce was rested last Friday against the Rams, with Smith suggesting that he'd already seen what he needed to see from the 2022 fourth-rounder, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. That said, Alexander notes that Smith isn't tipping his hat regarding who will be the team's starting RB in Week 1, but given Pierce's impressive camp and effectiveness in his limited preseason action, the Florida product is trending toward being a key early-season contributor, and possibly the starter, in a Houston backfield that also includes Marlon Mack and the versatile Rex Burkhead.