NFL Player News

Felton has taken carries at running back the last two days of practice after spending most of training camp at wide receiver, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Out of necessity due to several wideout injuries, the Browns had Felton focused on running routes rather than running the ball. With the return of players from injury, the Browns can allocate more of Felton's time to the backfield. Cleveland's ground attack took on a new level of significance Thursday following the increase in Deshaun Watson's suspension from six to 11 games. The backs figure to be paramount in offensive game plans while the team adjusts to life without its No. 1 quarterback.

Evans rushed eight times for 39 yards and a touchdown while catching two passes for seven yards in the Bears' 27-11 preseason win over the Seahawks' on Thursday.

Evans got into the game after both Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner saw action. At that point, Evans and Ebner rotated series until Ebner left with an ankle injury. Evans saw work as late as the fourth quarter. He had his best production when seeing four straight carries that resulted in the Bears moving the chains. He'll likely remain in a battle with Evans for the No. 3 running back role.

Houston head coach Lovie Smith has not named a lead back and will continue to evaluate Pierce among several candidates Friday when the Texans face the Rams in Los Angeles, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports. "I think you let guys play," Smith said. "They kind of tell you who should start, who should be on the roster, how many plays they should get. They all have a certain strength, and we'll let it play out."

Pierce was the lead story coming out of last week's preseason opener against the Saints, bolting for 20 yards on his first rushing attempt and finishing with 49 overall on five carries. He also showed up well in pass protection. Jonathan M. Alexander and Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle talked about Pierce and the team's RB1 situation heading into Friday's contest. The hype in Houston has started, but it should be noted that Pierce's production came against New Orleans' second-unit defense. The Texans will need to evaluate him against a team's top unit; when the Saints defensive ones were on the field, Marlon Mack was stuffed on a pair of runs and Houston's offense went three-and-out on two drives. The major difference this week, however, will be Houston having most of its starting offensive line on the field.

Herbert rushed once for seven yards and caught both of his targets for two yards in Thursday's 27-11 preseason win over the Seahawks.

Herbert got the start with David Montgomery getting the night off, but the second-year running back only played one possession himself before being removed along with fellow skill position starters Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. While Montgomery remains the favorite for most of the regular season playing time in Chicago's backfield, Herbert's usage Thursday suggests he has solidified himself as Chicago's No. 2 running back heading into the team's Aug. 27 preseason finale in Cleveland.

Ebner suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's preseason game in Seattle, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

It's unclear exactly how Ebner picked up the issue, but he was the second Bears running back on the field in the team's second exhibition behind Khalil Herbert with David Montgomery (undisclosed) sidelined. Prior to his departure in the second quarter, Ebner took nine carries for 29 yards.

Penny isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

The same goes for rookie second-round running back Kenneth Walker, who is slated for surgery to repair a hernia. If all goes well in his recovery, Walker is in line to play Week 1, while Penny still has a chance to make an appearance before then in the Seahawks' final exhibition Friday, Aug. 26 at Dallas. Penny didn't play in the team's preseason opener due to a minor groin injury, so it appears coach Pete Carroll and company are being cautious with their presumed top RB.

Montgomery was not in uniform for warmups ahead of Thursday's preseason game against the Seahawks, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

With Montgomery not in line to play Thursday, the Bears will have a chance to evaluate the players behind him on the depth chart, with RB slotting and touches behind Montgomery and Khalil Herbert up for grabs ahead of Week 1.

Warren recently earned reps with the first-team offense at practice while Najee Harris and Benny Snell were dealing with injuries, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Warren went undrafted this spring after spending three collegiate seasons between Utah State and Oklahoma State, and he's drawn continual praise from the Steelers' coaching staff during training camp. His work with the starters with Harris and Snell sidelined bodes well for his status over fellow running back Anthony McFarland, and Warren took reps ahead of Snell -- who has resumed practicing -- Thursday. Warren seems to have a chance to emerge as Pittsburgh's No. 2 running back as the preseason continues, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. Warren rushed six times for 34 yards while securing four of five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' preseason win over the Seahawks, but he also fumbled on a 13-yard run. The ball was recovered by Pittsburgh, but the 23-year-old has placed an increased emphasis on ball security since then. Najee Harris doesn't expect to play Saturday against the Jaguars, so Warren should have the chance to earn meaningful work during the preseason tilt as he continues to compete with McFarland and Snell.

Snell (knee) recently returned to practice, Chris Adamski of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Snell dealt with a right knee injury late last week and didn't appear in Saturday's preseason win over Seattle. However, he now appears to be healthy once again. The 2019 fourth-rounder will likely have a chance to garner some playing time during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Jaguars as he competes with Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Warren for a role behind Najee Harris in the Steelers' backfield.

Chad Graff of The Athletic suggests that at this stage Strong currently profiles as the Patriots' No. 4 running back.

In the wake of James White's retirement, there are pass-catching/change-of-pace snaps available in a New England backfield led by Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. However, at this stage, it looks like the versatile Ty Montgomery is ahead of Strong in the pecking order. That said, Graff describes the 2022 fourth-rounder as "a better true running back than Montgomery," and even if Strong doesn't have a high-profile role early on, the South Dakota State product has the speed and skills to make a mark as his rookie campaign progresses.