NFL Player News

Pierce did not log a carry or target during the Texans' 24-20 preseason win over the Rams on Friday night.

There was no shortage of buzz around the rookie fourth-round pick following his five-carry, 49-yard performance against the Saints in the preseason opener, but head coach Lovie Smith opted to give his veteran backs the run of the ground game Friday. Pierce is battling Marlon Mack for the primary early-down role per Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 AM, and although the latter was more productive than in the opener with an eight-carry, 29-yard tally Friday, Pierce could conceivably lock in the No. 1 running back job with a strong enough showing in Thursday night's home preseason finale against the 49ers, which he'll presumably see action in.

Mack rushed eight times for 29 yards in the Texans' 24-20 preseason win over the Rams on Friday night.

Mack drew the start while rookie Dameon Pierce was held out of action, and the veteran was able to put in a more productive showing than his three-carry, six-yard tally during the preseason opener against the Saints on Saturday. Pierce was much more explosive during his time on the field versus New Orleans, however, and perhaps Mack's extended playing time Friday was head coach Lovie Smith's attempt to give him ample opportunity in game action after the combination of an Achilles injury and Jonathan Taylor limited him to just 32 total carries with the Colts over the last two seasons. Pierce could see a similar or greater level of volume in the preseason finale versus the 49ers on Thursday, and if he's able to make another strong impression, it's conceivable the fourth-round pick could wrest the No. 1 running back job ahead of Week 1.

Jones gained 19 yards on four rushes and also tallied three receptions on three targets for 20 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Packers.

Jones started the game and saw increased run with each of Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram and Dwayne Washington sitting the game out. He picked up some chunk gains on the ground but was particularly impressive as a receiver. It's also worth noting that Jones made two tackles on special teams, which will almost certainly be his primary role once the regular season begins.

Taylor carried the ball eight times for 27 yards in Friday's 20-10 preseason win over the Saints.

Taylor got the start with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon both sitting. He didn't do much with his performance, as he averaged only 3.4 yards per carry and his longest rush went for only five yards. Taylor is in competition with Tyler Goodson to serve as the team's third running back so long as Kylin Hill (knee) remains on the PUP list.

Stevenson carried the ball twice for four yards and failed to catch his only target in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Damien Harris, Ty Montgomery and Stevenson rotated through the offense during the first half, but the latter's performance lagged behind the other two as Harris averaged 6.0 yards a carry on his limited touches, while Montgomery found his way into the end zone. Stevenson is coming off an impressive rookie season and has been touted as a breakout candidate with the potential to encroach on Harris' early-down role while also seeing snaps on passing downs; however, as in years past, the Patriots' backfield could be a true committee in 2022, which would make it difficult to trust any of the three main backs on a weekly basis. Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, coach Bill Belichick indicated after the game all his healthy starters would be available for New England's preseason finale next week against the Raiders, so there will be one more chance for the coaching staff to provide some clarity on how Stevenson and the rest of the RB crew will be deployed in the regular season.

Harris carried the ball three times for 18 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery and Harris rotated through the offense during the first half, and while the latter had the most success on his limited touches, it was Montgomery who found his way into the end zone on a two-yard plunge early in the second quarter. Harris remains atop the depth chart for the Patriots and racked up 15 rushing touchdowns last year; however, as in seasons past, the team's backfield could be a true committee in 2022, making it difficult to trust any of the three main backs on a weekly basis. Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, coach Bill Belichick indicated after the game all his healthy starters would be available for New England's preseason finale next week against the Raiders, so there will be one more chance for the coaching staff to provide some clarity on how Harris and the rest of the RB crew will be deployed in the regular season.

Hubbard carried the ball six times for 22 yards and caught one of two targets for minus-4 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

D'Onta Foreman got the start for the Panthers as Christian McCaffrey was again held out, but Foreman and Hubbard saw roughly equal workloads on the night. Neither one was effective, as no Carolina back managed a run longer than seven yards, but Hubbard at least saw a little action as a receiver, something he didn't do much of as a rookie last year. It seems as though the battle for the Panthers' No. 2 RB spot will continue into next week's preseason finale against the Bills.

Foreman carried the ball seven times for 16 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

The offseason signing got the start ahead of Chuba Hubbard in this one with Christian McCaffrey once again held out, but neither Foreman nor Hubbard impressed with roughly equal workloads, and no Carolina back managed a run of longer than seven yards on an ineffective night overall for the offense. It seems as though the battle for the Panthers' No. 2 RB spot will continue into next week's preseason finale against the Bills.

Dillon isn't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Saints, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

With all of Dillon, Aaron Jones and Kylin Hill (PUP, knee) unavailable, Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson and Dexter Williams will compose Green Bay's backfield in the team's second exhibition. Dillon's last opportunity to make an appearance this preseason arrives Thursday in Kansas City.

Jones isn't slated to play in Friday's preseason contest versus the Saints, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

With all of Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill (PUP, knee) unavailable, Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson and Dexter Williams will compose Green Bay's backfield in the team's second exhibition. Jones' last chance to make an appearance this preseason arrives Thursday at Kansas City.