NFL Player News

Warren recently earned reps with the first-team offense at practice while Najee Harris and Benny Snell were dealing with injuries, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Warren went undrafted this spring after spending three collegiate seasons between Utah State and Oklahoma State, and he's drawn continual praise from the Steelers' coaching staff during training camp. His work with the starters with Harris and Snell sidelined bodes well for his status over fellow running back Anthony McFarland, and Warren took reps ahead of Snell -- who has resumed practicing -- Thursday. Warren seems to have a chance to emerge as Pittsburgh's No. 2 running back as the preseason continues, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. Warren rushed six times for 34 yards while securing four of five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' preseason win over the Seahawks, but he also fumbled on a 13-yard run. The ball was recovered by Pittsburgh, but the 23-year-old has placed an increased emphasis on ball security since then. Najee Harris doesn't expect to play Saturday against the Jaguars, so Warren should have the chance to earn meaningful work during the preseason tilt as he continues to compete with McFarland and Snell.

Snell (knee) recently returned to practice, Chris Adamski of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Snell dealt with a right knee injury late last week and didn't appear in Saturday's preseason win over Seattle. However, he now appears to be healthy once again. The 2019 fourth-rounder will likely have a chance to garner some playing time during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Jaguars as he competes with Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Warren for a role behind Najee Harris in the Steelers' backfield.

Chad Graff of The Athletic suggests that at this stage Strong currently profiles as the Patriots' No. 4 running back.

In the wake of James White's retirement, there are pass-catching/change-of-pace snaps available in a New England backfield led by Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. However, at this stage, it looks like the versatile Ty Montgomery is ahead of Strong in the pecking order. That said, Graff describes the 2022 fourth-rounder as "a better true running back than Montgomery," and even if Strong doesn't have a high-profile role early on, the South Dakota State product has the speed and skills to make a mark as his rookie campaign progresses.

Scott (concussion) has returned to practice, Ed Kracz of Eagles Today reports.

Scott entered the concussion protocol after a hard hit in practice Aug. 4. He's been with the team for years and shouldn't lose any ground because of it, though Scott's role may be a small one when Miles Sanders (hamstring) and Kenneth Gainwell both are healthy.

Sanders (hamstring) missed another practice Thursday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia reports.

Sanders hasn't practiced since last Friday's 24-21 preseason loss to the Jets, in which he caught two passes for 20 yards while playing one drive with the first-team offense. An absence for this Sunday's preseason matchup with Cleveland could leave more reps for Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and others.

Jacobs (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Reed previously noted that Jacobs has been sidelined since Aug. 12, but so far it hasn't been made clear what's causing the running back's absences. With that in mind, Jacobs could be trending toward sitting out Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

The Steelers signed Borghi on Thursday.

Borghi will head to Pittsburgh just two days after being waived by the Broncos. The undrafted rookie out of Washington State totaled four carries for 10 yards during Denver's preseason opener Saturday. Borghi will now look to compete with Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Warren and Mataeo Durant for a possible depth role in the Steelers' running back room this preseason.

The Steelers waived/injured Teague (ankle) on Thursday.

Teague initially signed as an undrafted free agent with the Bears in May before getting cut just one week later. The 221-pound back suffered what appeared to be a minor ankle injury during practice Tuesday, and he is now set to revert to the team's injured reserve list upon clearing waivers.

Chandler (ankle) will not practice Thursday but hopes to play in Saturday's preseason game against San Francisco, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Chandler had an impressive preseason debut with 50 yards rushing last Sunday. However, it looks like he could be sidelined for the second game which could hinder his battle to win the No. 3 running back role.

Coach Doug Pederson said Thursday that he expects Robinson (Achilles) to be ready for Week 1 against Washington, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Pederson did also say the team wants to be cautious, which perhaps explains why Robinson hasn't yet progressed to full-speed 11-on-11s in practice. He'll be held out of Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh, but don't be surprised if the running back is back to full practice participation as soon as next week. It's hard to say what Robinson's Week 1 role will look like if he's deemed ready, as 2021 first-round pick Travis Etienne is poised to lead the Jacksonville backfield after missing his rookie year with a Lisfranc injury.