NFL Player News

Mattison started Sunday's preseason game against the Raiders in place of Dalvin Cook (rest), finishing with three carries for eight yards and no targets in the passing game.

Cook was just being rested for the preseason game, so fantasy managers don't need to read too much into Mattison starting this contest. The fourth-year back has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset when asked to fill in for the oft-injured Cook in the past, but Mattison's role nearly vanishes when the Vikings' star is at full strength.

Penny, who is dealing with a minor groin injury, didn't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Steelers, Gregg Bell of the Seattle News-Tribune reports.

With Penny sitting this one out, 2022 second-rounder Kenneth Walker drew the start at running back for Seattle, while Travis Homer, DeeJay Dallas and Darwin Thompson also logged carries. For now, consider Penny day-to-day ahead of Thursday night's contest against the Bears.

Williams' (foot) status for Friday's preseason game against the Texans has yet to be determined.

The Rams activated Williams from the PUP list last Monday, but he didn't appear in the preseason opener. Initially, Los Angeles didn't expect the running back to return to full practices until Week 3 of the preseason, so it's possible they'll opt to keep him sidelined from game action until then. Regardless, it doesn't appear like he suffered a setback, so there shouldn't be too much concern if he misses another exhibition contest.

Foreman rushed three times for five yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason win over the Commanders.

Foreman entered the game behind Chuba Hubbard, who started at running back with Christian McCaffrey sitting out. Although Hubbard only carried four times for 11 yards, his competition with Foreman to serve as McCaffrey's primary backup should be worth monitoring during the preseason.

Hubbard rushed four times for 11 yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason win over the Commanders.

Hubbard started the contest with Christian McCaffrey sitting out. Although he didn't play for long, it's notable Hubbard worked ahead of D'Onta Foreman, whose signing this offseason gives Hubbard fresh competition to back up McCaffrey. With Foreman finishing Saturday with three carries for five yards, Carolina's second-string running back competition should remain worth tracking over the exhibition slate.

Taylor, who didn't play in Saturday's preseason loss to the Bills, is unlikely to see game action in the Colts' remaining two exhibition contests according to coach Frank Reich, JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.

"That's really what Chris (Ballard) and I talked about," Reich noted of the likelihood that the Colts would play it safe in the preseason with their franchise back. "I can't see that changing for any reason. So, he's looked good, he's in shape, I feel like we're getting good work in practice versus our defense." With Taylor entrenched as Indy's lead back and Nyheim Hines in line to serve as the squad's primary change-of-pace option, depth slotting behind them is up for grabs, leaving Phillip Lindsay, Ty'Son Williams, Deon Jackson, D'Vonte Price and CJ Verdell currently competing for roster spots ahead of Week 1.

Cook is not in line to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Raiders.

Cook, along with the majority of the Vikings' top offensive players, will be held out of Sunday's exhibition game. Expect Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu to handle the majority of the running back duties during the first half, while Ty Chandler and Bryant Koback may get some work after halftime.

Carter rushed three times for five yards and caught his only target for seven yards in Friday's 24-21 preseason win over the Eagles.

Carter was used sparingly, as was rookie second-round pick Breece Hall, who mustered 15 yards on five carries. The two young running backs are expected to operate in a timeshare led by Hall once the games start to count.

Knight rushed six times for 13 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 24-21 preseason win over Philadelphia. He also returned two kickoffs for 63 yards, with a long of 52 yards.

Knight is a long shot to make the Jets' roster, but the undrafted rookie from NC State helped his case with a strong preseason debut. He moved the pile to score from two yards out in the third quarter and also showcased his abilities as a return man on special teams. Knight should get plenty of playing time in New York's next preseason game Monday, Aug. 22 against the Falcons.

Perine rushed 10 times for 51 yards in Friday's 24-21 preseason win over Philadelphia.

Perine is on the roster bubble, but the 2020 fourth-round pick out of Florida put forth a solid effort in the preseason opener to help his case, topping his totals in rushing attempts (eight) and yards (31) from the entire 2021 regular season. Breece Hall and Michael Carter are locks to make the Jets' roster, leaving Perine, Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson (hamstring) and undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight to battle it out for another 1-to-2 roster spots.