NFL Player News

Funk rushed six times for 16 yards in Saturday's 29-22 win over the Chargers. He also caught one of two passes for 10 yards and returned two kicks for 36 yards.

Funk didn't light up the stat sheet Saturday, but he did show off a multi-faceted skill set beyond his rushing ability with his reception and two kick returns. Brandon Powell (knee) and Tutu Atwell will likely serve as the primary return men for the Rams during the regular season, but Funk's abilities on special teams may help swing the second-year running back onto the roster and into a backup role, especially if Kyren Williams (foot) isn't ready to go to start the regular season.

Gainwell (hip) returned to practice Sunday, Chris Franklin of NJ.com reports.

Gainwell missed Friday's preseason matchup with the Jets due to a hip issue, but it appears like he avoided a major injury and will look to return to action for Week 2 of the preseason. Fellow running backs Boston Scott (concussion) and Miles Sanders (leg) currently are sidelined, so it's possible Gainwell heads into Sunday's exhibition contest against the Browns as the Eagles' No. 1 option ahead of Jason Huntley, Kennedy Brooks and DeAndre Torrey.

Sanders didn't practice Sunday due to leg soreness, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

The Eagles surprisingly opted for a padded practice Sunday after losing to the Jets, 24-21, during Friday's preseason game. During the contest, Sanders didn't receive a carry but caught both of his targets for 20 yards on his only drive of the game. The extent of the issue is unclear, but it's possible Philadelphia is just resting him for a day after his first live contact since last season.

Ogunbowale was not given a carry and caught his lone target for eight yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over New Orleans.

Ogunbowale is on the bubble in a competition with Royce Freeman to become the fourth running back, which the Texans usually carry. He had three snaps on offense during the first two series, while Freeman was handed the rock 12 times in 36 snaps. Ogunbowale also was seen returning kicks in pregame warmups, per Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle, but he didn't get a chance to return during the game. It's not a given the team rosters four running backs. Houston may designate that spot for a fullback, particularly if there's a player at another position they'd rather retain.

Evans rushed seven times for 20 yards and caught three of six targets for six yards in the Bears' 19-14 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Evans is primarily competing with sixth-round draft choice Trestan Ebner for the No. 3 running back role behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. Although Evans saw a lot of work in the preseason opener, his production paled in comparison to Ebner's, who was effective as both a runner and receiver. The next two weeks could settle this training camp battle.

Freeman had 12 carries for 25 yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over New Orleans. He caught all three of his targets for 19 yards.

The bulk of Freeman's work came in the second half, a signal that he's a depth back and on the bubble. The top three backs are Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead (who did not play) and Dameon Pierce. The only thing to change that would be if Pierce, whose five carries for a team-high 49 yards, puts him on the radar for a larger role. If the Texans keep four running backs, which they usually do, it will come down to Freeman or Dare Ogunbowale (three snaps, one reception), but offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton may prefer to have a fullback, such as Andy Janovich, for that fourth spot.

Ebner rushed six times for 31 yards and caught his only target for a 12-yard touchdown in the Bears' 19-14 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Ebner ran a pass route out of the backfield, resulting in a scoring pass from backup quarterback Trevor Siemian. In addition, Ebner was the only Chicago running back to average more than 3.7 yards per carry, though he had his production against the Kansas City backups. Regardless, it was a solid professional debut, as he tries to win the No. 3 running back role behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.

Rountree carried three times for eight yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

The second-year back turned in the least productive effort between him and backfield mates Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley. Rountree is arguably more of a candidate for the No. 3 running back role given his seemingly limited profile as a receiver compared to his pair of teammates, but he'll continue trying to make his case in next Saturday night's home exhibition against the Cowboys.

Kelley rushed three times for 16 yards and secured all three targets for 28 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

Kelley opened the game as the starter with Austin Ekeler inactive and logged the first two rushing touches for the Chargers. The 2020 fourth-round pick's production was impressive on a per-touch basis, and he'll continue his battle with rookie Isaiah Spiller and veteran Larry Rountree for the No. 2 running back job in next Saturday night's preseason home matchup against the Cowboys.

Pierce carried the ball five times for 49 yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Saints. He was also targeted once in the passing game.

Pierce was the first running back off the bench behind starter Marlon Mack, and the former stole the show out of the Texans' backfield en route to 9.8 yards per carry in his pro debut. Pierce wasted no time flashing the burst and agility that could eventually separate him from Mack and Rex Burkhead, as the rookie fourth-rounder took his very first touch for 20 yards early in the second quarter. He should head into the Texans' upcoming preseason contest against the Rams with some newfound confidence.