NFL Player News

Taylor carried the ball eight times for 27 yards in Friday's 20-10 preseason win over the Saints.

Taylor got the start with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon both sitting. He didn't do much with his performance, as he averaged only 3.4 yards per carry and his longest rush went for only five yards. Taylor is in competition with Tyler Goodson to serve as the team's third running back so long as Kylin Hill (knee) remains on the PUP list.

Stevenson carried the ball twice for four yards and failed to catch his only target in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Damien Harris, Ty Montgomery and Stevenson rotated through the offense during the first half, but the latter's performance lagged behind the other two as Harris averaged 6.0 yards a carry on his limited touches, while Montgomery found his way into the end zone. Stevenson is coming off an impressive rookie season and has been touted as a breakout candidate with the potential to encroach on Harris' early-down role while also seeing snaps on passing downs; however, as in years past, the Patriots' backfield could be a true committee in 2022, which would make it difficult to trust any of the three main backs on a weekly basis. Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, coach Bill Belichick indicated after the game all his healthy starters would be available for New England's preseason finale next week against the Raiders, so there will be one more chance for the coaching staff to provide some clarity on how Stevenson and the rest of the RB crew will be deployed in the regular season.

Harris carried the ball three times for 18 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery and Harris rotated through the offense during the first half, and while the latter had the most success on his limited touches, it was Montgomery who found his way into the end zone on a two-yard plunge early in the second quarter. Harris remains atop the depth chart for the Patriots and racked up 15 rushing touchdowns last year; however, as in seasons past, the team's backfield could be a true committee in 2022, making it difficult to trust any of the three main backs on a weekly basis. Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, coach Bill Belichick indicated after the game all his healthy starters would be available for New England's preseason finale next week against the Raiders, so there will be one more chance for the coaching staff to provide some clarity on how Harris and the rest of the RB crew will be deployed in the regular season.

Hubbard carried the ball six times for 22 yards and caught one of two targets for minus-4 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

D'Onta Foreman got the start for the Panthers as Christian McCaffrey was again held out, but Foreman and Hubbard saw roughly equal workloads on the night. Neither one was effective, as no Carolina back managed a run longer than seven yards, but Hubbard at least saw a little action as a receiver, something he didn't do much of as a rookie last year. It seems as though the battle for the Panthers' No. 2 RB spot will continue into next week's preseason finale against the Bills.

Foreman carried the ball seven times for 16 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

The offseason signing got the start ahead of Chuba Hubbard in this one with Christian McCaffrey once again held out, but neither Foreman nor Hubbard impressed with roughly equal workloads, and no Carolina back managed a run of longer than seven yards on an ineffective night overall for the offense. It seems as though the battle for the Panthers' No. 2 RB spot will continue into next week's preseason finale against the Bills.

Dillon isn't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Saints, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

With all of Dillon, Aaron Jones and Kylin Hill (PUP, knee) unavailable, Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson and Dexter Williams will compose Green Bay's backfield in the team's second exhibition. Dillon's last opportunity to make an appearance this preseason arrives Thursday in Kansas City.

Jones isn't slated to play in Friday's preseason contest versus the Saints, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

With all of Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill (PUP, knee) unavailable, Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson and Dexter Williams will compose Green Bay's backfield in the team's second exhibition. Jones' last chance to make an appearance this preseason arrives Thursday at Kansas City.

Teague (ankle) has reverted to the Steelers' injured reserve, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Teague was waived/injured by the team Thursday and ultimately went unclaimed. As a result, he will spend the rest of the season on the IR unless both parties can ultimately come to terms on an injury settlement down the road.

McCaffrey is among the Panthers' key players not slated to play in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

The same applies to quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, as well as wide receivers DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson and Terrace Marshall. With McCaffrey -- the team's clear-cut starting running back -- slated to sit out Friday's contest, the Panthers' coaching staff will have an opportunity to focus on evaluating the team's complementary/depth backs.

Kamara and fellow running back Mark Ingram aren't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against Green Bay, Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune reports.

The Saints figure to rest most key players, including their top two running backs, both of whom sat out the preseason opener. The real competition is behind Kamara and Ingram for the No. 3 spot -- a role that often came down to special teams under former head coach Sean Payton.