NFL Player News

Ward (shoulder) won't return to Sunday's preseason game against the Ravens.

Ward was busy before getting hurt, rushing three times for 11 yards while adding a 27-yard catch and returning three kickoffs for 90 yards. His ability to contribute on both offense and special teams has Ward in contention for a roster spot, though this injury could put a dent in those hopes. The 24-year-old running back will try to heal up in time for Saturday's preseason finale in Tennessee.

Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday that the team has yet to develop a return timetable for Walker (abdomen), who is recovering from a procedure to repair a hernia, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

"It's just a matter of time," Carroll said of Walker's recovery. "We don't have a designated return sequence yet, we've got to see how he responds." The rookie second-round pick is targeting a return to activity prior to Seattle's Sept. 12 season opener against the Broncos, but it's not yet clear whether that's a realistic goal for Walker.

Kelly had 14 carries for 66 yards, including a six-yard touchdown run, in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Kelly has received a lot of work through the first two preseason games, as the Browns opted to hold out Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Most of the ground game has been handled by Kelly and rookie fifth-rounder Jerome Ford, with Kelly toting the ball a team-high 24 times. Kelly's 86 yards are second to Ford's 88. There are too many backs in the room right now, so Kelly is not expected to be on the final roster. Ideally, the Browns will be able to stash the 25-year-old back on the practice squad for emergency use.

Ford had nine carries for 31 yards and caught four of four targets for 26 yards in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Like in last week's opener, Ford showed off his skill as receiver. The rookie fifth-round pick has eight catches on nine targets for 71 yards through two preseason games. Ford wasn't used much as a pass catcher at the University of Cincinnati, hauling in just 31 balls over three seasons for the Bearcats, but the Browns unearthed those skills during offseason training activities, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. "Since we've gotten him on campus, he's done a very nice job in the pass game. He catches it, runs good routes. That is an element of his game," Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Ford is locked as the fourth running back, but he's shown enough thus far to hint at a larger role later in the regular season.

Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record doesn't expect Barkley to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Bengals.

Though the bulk of the Giants' healthy first-team offense seem poised to appear in the contest, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com, it looks like the team could be inclined to play it safe with Barkley. In that scenario, Antonio Williams is a candidate to start versus Cincinnati, with both Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell dealing with undisclosed injuries.

Perine isn't expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Giants, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

With top back Joe Mixon also not in line to play Sunday, Conway indicates that Chris Evans is a candidate to see his share of snaps against the Giants. As Week 1 approaches, Perine profiles as Mixon's top backup.

Ozigbo was waived by the Saints on Sunday, John Sigler of Saints WIre reports.

Ozigbo had initially signed with New England in January but was waived May 2, before rejoining the Saints two weeks later. The 25-year old appeared in two games with New Orleans last season, while spending time with Jacksonville, and the aforementioned Patriots, as well.

Scott rushed 10 times for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 21-20 preseason win over the Browns. He also caught his only target for 11 yards.

Scott returned this week from a concussion and started ahead of Kenneth Gainwell, while usual top running back Miles Sanders (hamstring) sat out. After capping Philadelphia's opening drive with a one-yard touchdown, Scott subsequently saw Gainwell carry 11 times for 46 yards and a score on the Eagles' next series. With both Scott and Gainwell finding pay dirt, the team's depth at running back clearly was on display Sunday, and both players should factor into the first-team rotation even when Sanders is available during the regular season.

Gainwell rushed 11 times for 46 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 21-20 preseason win over the Browns.

Gainwell saw Boston Scott start at running back and cap Philadelphia's opening drive with a one-yard touchdown. Once he was called on for the Eagles' second series, however, Gainwell made his presence felt. In fact, all 11 of his carries came on that drive, which he punctuated with a two-yard score of his own. In doing so, Gainwell made a good impression after missing the team's preseason opener with a hip issue, which should help his case to serve as Miles Sanders' (hamstring) top understudy this season.

Igwebuike rushed seven times for 32 yards with one touchdown during Saturday's preseason win over the Colts.

Igwebuike was the fourth running back to rotate in behind Craig Reynolds, Justin Jackson and Jermar Jefferson. The one advantage that the converted safety may have over these guys is Igwebuike's ability on special teams, but that may not be enough for a roster spot this year.