NFL Player News

Warren has made a continual impact over the first two and a half weeks of training camp, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Although Warren went undrafted this past April, he's making a strong case for a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster during camp. He broke several tackles for a 70-yard touchdown during Thursday's practice session and should get increased looks if Benny Snell (knee) is forced to miss any time beyond Thursday. Warren will still need to prove himself during preseason games, but the Oklahoma State product appears to be firmly in the mix for a role as depth at running back.

Coach Pete Carroll relayed Thursday that Penny is dealing with a slight groin issue, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

With that in mind, it seems unlikely that Penny will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Steelers. Per Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune, with Penny a candidate to sit out the contest, rookie second-rounder Kenneth Walker should see his share of backfield action versus Pittsburgh.

Snell (knee) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pryor notes that Snell left Wednesday's session with a pretty big wrap on his right knee, so he's a candidate to sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks. Snell is listed behind top option Najee Harris on the Steelers' posted unofficial depth chart, with Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Warren, Mataeo Durant and Master Teague also in the mix for backfield slotting.

Gordon's foot injury is a mere contusion, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett has pressed pause on any concern multiple times now, suggesting the team isn't concerned about Gordon. The veteran running back presumably will be held out of Saturday's preseason opener against Dallas, though that might've been the case even without any injury.

Strong is a candidate to see added opportunities as a rookie after fellow running back James White announced his retirement from the NFL, NESN's Zack Cox reports.

Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson currently top the Patriots' running back depth chart and appear poised to handle most of the early down work. However, with White no longer in the mix, there will be change-of-pace/pass-catching snaps up for grabs this season, and Strong has a chance to claim a portion of them. Meanwhile, the versatile Ty Montgomery is another player who has a chance to carve out an expanded role in that area, with 2022 sixth-rounder Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor also competing for depth slotting in New England's backfield.

Montgomery is day-to-day with an unspecified injury and isn't likely to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Chiefs, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Montgomery's absence could free up more snaps for backup Khalil Herbert, who may or may not be headed for a larger role under a new coaching staff. Montgomery played 75 percent of snaps in his active games last year, but Herbert did solid work in relief when Monty missed time, running for 344 yards at a clip of 4.4 YPC in a four-game stretch Weeks 5-8. While his rookie year was otherwise quiet, Herbert at least did enough to have a safe lead over Darrynton Evans and Trestan Ebner for Chicago's No. 2 RB role. A shot at something more may depend on Montgomery's performance or health.

Gordon (foot) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Gordon also sat out Wednesday's session, but coach Nathaniel Hackett downplayed the running back's absence. "We're just taking care of his foot, and we're just making sure he's good," Hackett noted, while adding, "We want to make sure he's primed and ready for the season." Following back-to-back missed practices, Gordon is unlikely to appear in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cowboys.

Brightwell figures to see plenty of action in Thursday's preseason opener versus New England, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

No. 2 running back Matt Breida is dealing with an undisclosed injury and isn't expected to play Thursday, and Saquon Barkley will likely see very limited snaps. That should leave lots of room for youngsters Antonio Williams, Jashaun Corbin and Brightwell to show off their skills. Brightwell was listed as the third-string running back on the Giants' first unofficial depth chart, but Williams has more often been receiving those reps during camp. Only one of Brightwell, Williams and Corbin may make the 53-man roster.

Barkley probably won't see much action in Thursday's preseason opener, but he has shown plenty of burst thus far in training camp, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Barkley isn't accustomed to preseason action, as he's played only six snaps -- will all coming during his 2018 rookie season -- in exhibition games during his career. He's expected to play in the preseason opener, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, though it's unlikely that he'll stay on the field long. There's been buzz around Giants camp that Barkley has looked explosive in early camp practices, but he'll of course need to demonstrate a return to form -- not to mention good health -- when games count for fantasy managers to renew their faith in him after a pair of subpar seasons.

Strong, who had been limited by an undisclosed injury, was a full participant in both practices this week and appears poised to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Giants, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Though Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson currently top the Patriots' running back depth chart, if Strong impresses as the preseason rolls along, he could push for a share of work in third-down and passing situations. In a related note, veteran change-of-pace back James White (hip) remains on the PUP list and doesn't appear on track to be ready for Week 1.