NFL Player News

Sermon won't suit up Sunday at the Chargers due to an ankle injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The 2021 third-rounder made a surprise appearance on the 49ers' list of players "not expected to play," but an injury and not a coach's decision is forcing the team's hand. Sermon will be unavailable to the backfield along with Raheem Mostert and Elijah Mitchell (hip), meaning San Francisco will trot out Wayne Gallman, JaMycal Hasty, Kyle Juszczyk and Josh Hokit at running back.

Sermon isn't in line to play in Sunday's preseason contest at the Chargers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Sermon will join starting running back Raheem Mostert and fellow rookie Elijah Mitchell (hip) on the sideline. With the trio unavailable, San Francisco's backfield has been whittled down to Wayne Gallman, JaMycal Hasty, Kyle Juszczyk and Josh Hokit for preseason Week 2.

Mostert isn't slated to play in Sunday's preseason game at the Chargers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Despite coach Kyle Shanahan's assertion that the starters would log at least a quarter of work in preseason Week 2, Mostert won't be available to the 49ers offense Sunday. Mostert will be joined by rookie running backs Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell (hip) on the sideline, leaving the backfield to Wayne Gallman, JaMycal Hasty, Kyle Juszczyk and Josh Hokit.

Gordon is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Gordon didn't suit up for Denver's Week 2 preseason win over Seattle, but after the game coach Vic Fangio said that the 28-year-old running back will see time on Aug. 28. The running back returned to practice Tuesday after suffering a minor groin injury, but it appears the Broncos want to take a cautious approach this preseason. When the regular season begins, Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams figure to be used as a one-two punch out of the backfield. The veteran's absence has provided Williams with valuable playing time in the first two weeks of the preseason, as well as Royce Freeman, who figures to be the team's No. 3 RB while Mike Boone is sidelined with a quadriceps injury.

Felton rushed eight times for 25 yards and caught one of two targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason win over the Giants.

Felton entered the game after fellow tailback D'Ernest Johnson, who finished with 59 yards from scrimmage on eight touches. Although Felton was less productive than Johnson, he also chipped in on special teams, returning three punts for 21 yards. In terms of the race to serve as the third option behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, however, John Kelly impressed the most, totaling 79 yards on his 10 touches. Overall, that makes for an interesting contest between Felton and company heading into next Sunday's preseason finale versus the Falcons.

Johnson rushed four times for 36 yards and caught four of five targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason win over the Giants.

Johnson was Cleveland's first tailback to feature Sunday, and he did well with his workload. Along with totaling nearly 60 total yards, Johnson also recovered a fumble by quarterback Kyle Lauletta. Although John Kelly impressed with nine carries for 58 yards and a touchdown after Johnson exited, the USF product at least helped himself heading into what could be a crucial preseason finale next Sunday in his quest to earn a roster spot behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

Brightwell rushed three times for seven yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason loss to the Browns. He also caught three of five targets for 12 yards.

Brightwell saw action behind Devontae Booker and Corey Clement. The rookie sixth-rounder didn't manage many yards, but Brightwell at least showed some pass-catching utility, tying for the team high in receptions. Although Booker and Clement represent needed veteran insurance behind star Saquon Barkley, Brightwell nonetheless will hope to earn a roster spot following next weekend's exhibition finale.

Igwebuike rushed seven times for 21 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for four yards during Saturday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

Igwebuike was bottled up on most of his attempts, but he showed some burst on an eight-yard touchdown run to start the fourth quarter. With each of D'Andre Swift (groin), Jamaal Williams and Jermar Jefferson likely to be rested during Detroit's preseason finale Friday against the Colts, the converted safety could see even more work on the ground alongside Dedrick Mills and Craig Reynolds.

Mills rushed four times for nine yards while securing both of his targets for seven yards during Saturday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

With Jermar Jefferson seemingly locked into the No. 3 role behind D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams, Mills now seems to be in a battle with Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike for a potential No. 4 job at running back. While Mills didn't do anything special in this one, he did have an impressive 20-yard gain on fourth-and-1 in the preseason opener last week against Buffalo. If each of Swift, Williams and Jefferson are rested for the preseason finale, Mills could have his biggest exhibition workload yet when Detroit takes on Indianapolis on Friday.

Clement rushed nine times for 30 yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Clement entered the game after Devontae Booker started and managed 40 yards and a touchdown from eight touches over New York's first two drives. Although Clement protected the ball after fumbling in his first preseason outing, Booker's superior performance should keep him as the Giants' top backup behind Saquon Barkley heading into next weekend's exhibition finale.