NFL Player News

Wilson started Thursday's 17-0 preseason loss to the Texans and rushed three times for 16 yards while catching his only target for two yards.

Wilson's deployment was more important than his stat line, as he was the first running back into the game for the 49ers, suggesting that he remains the team's top option at the position behind Elijah Mitchell (hamstring). The 49ers expect to get Mitchell back for the team's Sept. 11 season opener against Chicago, but Wilson appears to be next in line to start should Mitchell's recovery hit a snag.

Mack had 10 carries for 55 yards during Thursday's preseason win against the 49ers.

After starting the Texans' first two exhibitions, Mack didn't take the field until the second half of preseason Week 3, yielding the start to rookie fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce (six rushes for 37 yards and one TD). Rex Burkhead also got run in the first half en route to 11 touches for 31 yards from scrimmage. It's unclear if this signifies a change in the pecking order of Houston's backfield, and it also should be noted Mack's healthy 5.5 YPC occurred against San Francisco's reserve defense. In any case, the trio seems to all be safe bets to make the Texans' initial active roster, as Dare Ogunbowale and Royce Freeman earned their touches in the third and fourth quarters Thursday.

Pierce rushed six times for 37 yards and a touchdown as Houston's starting running back in Thursday's 17-0 preseason win over San Francisco.

Pierce was the only Texans running back to touch the ball on the opening drive, which he capped with a one-yard rushing touchdown. The rookie out of Florida seems to have cemented himself as Houston's top option in the backfield heading into the regular season, with the versatile Rex Burkhead also in the mix, along with Marlon Mack, who didn't see the field until the second half Thursday.

The Chiefs waived Gore (thumb) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Thursday, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Gore was placed on IR shortly after Kansas City's second preseason game against the Commanders last Saturday, where he likely picked up the issue that landed him on the list. Following Thursday's transaction, the 27-year-old has the ability to sign elsewhere once he demonstrates that he's past his thumb injury.

Coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that he'd have "no problem" giving Homer snaps on early downs this season, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Homer served as Seattle's third-down back for parts of the past three seasons, seeing 64 carries and 43 targets in 39 games. He's reportedly bulked up a bit -- he's listed at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds -- and could see some work outside of obvious passing situations if Kenneth Walker (abdomen) misses time early in the season. Rashaad Penny is still the lead back and figures to take most of the carries in a Week 1 matchup with the Broncos and old friend Russell Wilson.

Robinson (Achilles) said Tuesday that his goal is to be ready for Week 1 against Washington, SI.com's John Shipley reports.

Coach Doug Pederson mentioned the same goal when he spoke about Robinson a week earlier, though the running back still hasn't been cleared for contact in practice. Travis Etienne figures to lead the Jacksonville backfield early in the year, but Robinson has a shot to be involved from the jump and could see more work as he acclimates. If he does end up missing games, 2022 fifth-round pick Snoop Conner appears on track for the third spot on the depth chart behind Etienne and Robinson.

Herbert (undisclosed) practiced Thursday and appeared to increase his activity level, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Herbert has been in and out of practice since exiting early Saturday. This is the latest sign it's nothing serious, and it seems starting RB David Montgomery (undisclosed) also has made progress with his injury, while potential No. 3 back Trestan Ebner hasn't practiced since hurting his ankle in the second preseason game last Thursday against Seattle. Herbert figures to enter the year second on the depth chart, but the job could entail more work under a new coaching staff, especially after he filled in capably as a rookie.

Penny tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play in Friday's preseason game against Dallas, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Penny reportedly doesn't have serious symptoms and is expected to rejoin the team within a few days. He's still on track for the start Week 1 against Denver, with potential for an especially large workload if rookie second-round pick Kenneth Walker (abdomen) isn't ready.

Harris, who left Wednesday's practice early with an unspecified issue, is unlikely to suit up for Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

There's a chance the Patriots will rest a number of key players Friday, in any case, but with Harris possibly dealing with an injury, it seems likely the team will play it safe with the running back, who's expected to share early-down work this coming season with Rhamondre Stevenson. In New England's exhibition finale, look for J.J. Taylor, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris -- who are battling for depth slotting in the team's backfield -- to see their share of snaps versus Las Vegas.

The 49ers expect Mitchell (hamstring) to return in time for Week 1 at Chicago, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell hasn't practiced since at least Aug. 10 and won't play in any preseason games. His spot atop the depth chart isn't in question, but there is doubt about his ability to stay healthy after he suffered a handful of different injuries last last year, missing six games and then having minor knee surgery in the offseason. Mitchell was healthy for the start of training camp and practiced for about two weeks before the hamstring injury popped up. If he doesn't make it back for the opener, Jeff Wilson would be the favorite to fill in as San Francisco's top running back.