NFL Player News

Robinson got the start at running back in Saturday's 24-14 preseason loss to the Chiefs and rushed eight times for 31 yards.

Robinson started the game and played most of the first three drives, while Antonio Gibson mixed in occasionally over that span. The rookie third-round pick wasn't targeted in the passing game, so he'll likely sit in favor of Gibson and J.D. McKissic in passing situations, but Robinson looks like the favorite to get most of the early-down rushing work for Washington, including the all-important goal-line touches.

Mostert isn't playing in Saturday's preseason game against Las Vegas, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Chase Edmonds got the start and played the first 10 snaps, with Sony Michel then following him into the game. This may just be a matter of caution after Mostert suffered a serious knee injury last year with the 49ers. Most reports suggest the Dolphins will open the season with a backfield committee, though it isn't clear to what extent Mostert specifically will be involved. Edmonds is the sure bet to have a significant role, with his workload likely including a lot of the pass snaps and thus RB targets.

McKinnon (hamstring) caught his only target for 14 yards in Saturday's 24-14 preseason win over the Commanders.

McKinnon missed practice time during the week due to a strained hamstring, but it evidently was minor because the veteran running back managed to suit up Saturday. His catch came on a Patrick Mahomes pass on the opening possession. Kansas City's running back usage Saturday suggests rookie Isiah Pacheco's ascent likely will come at the expense of Ronald Jones rather than McKinnon, as Jones didn't play until after halftime.

Pacheco rushed four times for eight yards and caught both of his targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 24-14 preseason win over Washington.

Pacheco played the second drive alongside Patrick Mahomes after Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon both mixed in on the first. The rookie also had one kickoff return for 26 yards and was the only player to attempt a kickoff return for Kansas City. Pacheco's ability to contribute on special teams is one of the traits that seems to have propelled him ahead of Ronald Jones on the depth chart, as Jones didn't touch the ball until the third quarter.

Edwards-Helaire got the start in Saturday's 24-14 preseason win over Washington and rushed twice for four yards.

Fullback Michael Burton got the game's first carry, but the next two both went to Edwards-Helaire. The team electing to start Edwards-Helaire can be viewed as affirmation of his status as the lead back in an otherwise murky Chiefs backfield. After Edwards-Helaire played the first drive alongside Patrick Mahomes, rookie Isiah Pacheco got the entirety of the second possession with the starting quarterback, rushing four times for eight yards.

Mike Tomlin confirmed Harris won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Harris dealt with a minor foot injury earlier in August, but he might be sitting out Saturday even if that weren't the case, as he's a rock-solid bet to rank among the NFL leaders in touches per game. He was able to handle a massive workload without missing any games as a rookie, leading all NFL backs in snaps (980) and touches (381). Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner suggested the Steelers would like Harris to play about seven fewer snaps per game this season, though perhaps without much sacrifice in terms of carries and targets (the idea being to take him off the field more on snaps where he's unlikely to see the ball).

Cook and most other starters are not expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers.

Cook might be held out even if the other starters were playing given his injury history and importance to the team. The Vikings have four options behind Cook at tailback, though Alexander Mattison might not see much work if the team is using this game to look at guys at the back end of the roster or on the bubble.

Moss ran for 19 yards and two touchdowns on four carries in Buffalo's preseason game against Denver on Saturday.

Moss was largely written off earlier in the offseason, especially following Buffalo's second-round selection of James Cook, but the former Utah star has seemingly done well for himself in training camp and preseason. Tentatively expected to establish himself as Buffalo's third runner behind Cook and Devin Singletary, Moss could especially carve out usage in short-yardage and passing-down situations. Consistency and volume don't figure to be his strong suit, however.

Cook ran for 38 yards on four carries and caught a 12-yard reception on one target in Buffalo's preseason game against Denver on Saturday.

The explosive running Cook demonstrated at Georgia has so far carried over to the NFL, and he appears ready for whatever role the Bills might have for him -- seemingly a pass-heavy role off the bench behind starter Devin Singletary. Singletary (four carries for 39 yards) and Zack Moss (four carries for 19 yards and two touchdowns) did some flexing of their own against Denver, which is a useful reminder that this backfield might rotate often.

Singletary ran for 39 yards on four carries in Buffalo's preseason game against Denver on Saturday.

Singletary started and played effectively with his four carries, though every other Buffalo running back also ran wild in the game. Backfield competition like James Cook (four carries for 38 yards, one 12-yard reception on one target) and Zack Moss (four carries for 19 yards and two touchdowns) were effective as well, and even fringe players like Duke Johnson (nine carries for 55 yards and two touchdowns) and Raheem Blackshear (five carries for 58 yards) got hot against Denver. The Buffalo backfield is a favorable one for whatever player is on the field, and Singletary should be its primary heir despite the presence of Cook and Moss.