NFL Player News

Freeman had 12 carries for 25 yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over New Orleans. He caught all three of his targets for 19 yards.

The bulk of Freeman's work came in the second half, a signal that he's a depth back and on the bubble. The top three backs are Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead (who did not play) and Dameon Pierce. The only thing to change that would be if Pierce, whose five carries for a team-high 49 yards, puts him on the radar for a larger role. If the Texans keep four running backs, which they usually do, it will come down to Freeman or Dare Ogunbowale (three snaps, one reception), but offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton may prefer to have a fullback, such as Andy Janovich, for that fourth spot.

Ebner rushed six times for 31 yards and caught his only target for a 12-yard touchdown in the Bears' 19-14 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Ebner ran a pass route out of the backfield, resulting in a scoring pass from backup quarterback Trevor Siemian. In addition, Ebner was the only Chicago running back to average more than 3.7 yards per carry, though he had his production against the Kansas City backups. Regardless, it was a solid professional debut, as he tries to win the No. 3 running back role behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.

Rountree carried three times for eight yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

The second-year back turned in the least productive effort between him and backfield mates Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley. Rountree is arguably more of a candidate for the No. 3 running back role given his seemingly limited profile as a receiver compared to his pair of teammates, but he'll continue trying to make his case in next Saturday night's home exhibition against the Cowboys.

Kelley rushed three times for 16 yards and secured all three targets for 28 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

Kelley opened the game as the starter with Austin Ekeler inactive and logged the first two rushing touches for the Chargers. The 2020 fourth-round pick's production was impressive on a per-touch basis, and he'll continue his battle with rookie Isaiah Spiller and veteran Larry Rountree for the No. 2 running back job in next Saturday night's preseason home matchup against the Cowboys.

Pierce carried the ball five times for 49 yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Saints. He was also targeted once in the passing game.

Pierce was the first running back off the bench behind starter Marlon Mack, and the former stole the show out of the Texans' backfield en route to 9.8 yards per carry in his pro debut. Pierce wasted no time flashing the burst and agility that could eventually separate him from Mack and Rex Burkhead, as the rookie fourth-rounder took his very first touch for 20 yards early in the second quarter. He should head into the Texans' upcoming preseason contest against the Rams with some newfound confidence.

Spiller rushed 10 times for 34 yards and brought in his only target for 10 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

The rookie fourth-round pick saw his first carry with 4:39 remaining in the first half as the third running back in, and he ended up pacing the Chargers in carries and rushing yards. While Spiller wasn't exactly efficient on the ground, he was also playing behind an assortment of second- and third-team offensive linemen. Spiller remains in a battle with the likes of Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree for positioning behind Austin Ekeler, and he should have ample opportunity to make his case again in next Saturday night's home preseason clash against the Cowboys.

Mack carried the ball three times for six yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Saints.

Mack drew the start at running back with the Texans' first-team offense on the field for the opening two series, but only one of his three carries went for more than three yards as the unit struggled to move the ball early. Rookie fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce eventually impressed as he paced the backfield with five rushes for 49 yards while Mack looked on, which could help the former earn some run with the ones this coming Friday against the Rams. However, Mack remains atop the depth chart at running back for the time being.

Dowdle (illness) rushed nine times for 36 yards in the Cowboys' 17-7 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

Dowdle fared reasonably well with his opportunities and paced the Cowboys in carries on the night. The 24-year-old Dowdle and undrafted rookie Malik Davis, his primary competitor for the No. 3 running back job, were similarly productive, so their job battle will continue in next Saturday night's road exhibition matchup against the Chargers.

Moss gained 37 yards on three carries in Saturday's 27-24 preseason victory over the Colts. He also chipped in two receptions on three targets for five yards.

With Devin Singletary held out of the game, Moss was the first back on the field for Buffalo. He began the contest with two rushes of five yards but proceeded to rip off a 27-yard gain on a play that was originally designed to go up the middle. However, Moss was able to bounce off of a tackle and turn the corner for a big gain. After the exhibition, coach Sean McDermott complimented Moss's growth, both on and off the field, per Dan Fetes of ABC Rochester. Singletary is almost certain to begin the season as Buffalo's lead back, though Moss could hold off rookie James Cook for a secondary role in the backfield.

Cook carried the ball three times for five yards in Saturday's 27-24 preseason win over the Colts. He added one reception on one target for five yards.

Cook mixed in with Zack Moss on the Bills' first offensive possession of the game and was on the field for a few offensive possessions thereafter. He couldn't get going in any facet of the game and was outplayed by Moss, who managed 37 yards on three attempts. Devin Singletary didn't suit up Saturday but is expected to serve as the lead back in Buffalo to begin the season, while Moss and Cook figure to battle for a complementary role out of the backfield.