NFL Player News

Boone (quadriceps) won't practice Friday and is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason contest at Minnesota, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Boone pulled his quad during Thursday's joint session against the Vikings, his former employer. With his new squad, he's expected to serve as a complementary back to top options Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, when healthy. Now that Boone is sidelined, he likely will yield that role to Royce Freeman for the time being.

Sanders didn't play in Thursday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

In a postgame press conference, coach Nick Sirianni told Zach Berman of The Athletic that Sanders isn't dealing with an injury. Instead, the team opted to hold Sanders out to ensure he's fresh. Beyond Thursday, the Eagles have two more exhibitions -- Thursday, Aug. 19 against the Patriots and Friday, Aug. 27 at the Jets -- both of which are opportunities for Sanders to prove his worth as the team's No. 1 running back.

Harris rushed four times for 17 yards and wasn't targeted in Thursday's 22-13 preseason win over Washington.

Harris got the start and was the only Patriot to register a rushing attempt on the team's first two drives. He also had an 11-yard run down to Washington's three-yard line called back on a holding penalty on New England's second drive, which ultimately ended in a field goal. The Patriots have plenty of running backs on hand, including receiving specialist James White, 2018 first-round pick Sony Michel, and rookie fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson -- who scored two touchdowns in this one -- but Harris remains the leading man in the team's crowded backfield. Harris should start again in Week 2 of preseason against the Eagles.

Harris rushed twice for 10 yards and caught one of two targets for nine yards in Thursday's 24-16 preseason win over the Eagles.

Coach Mike Tomlin said he wouldn't cap Harris' reps in this one, but the rookie first-round pick got only three touches after racking up 25 yards on eight touches last week. Harris has yet to produce a play of double-digit yards, but he should make up for a lack of big plays with volume once the games start to count. The Alabama product will likely see more action in next week's preseason clash with the Lions.

Coach Brandon Staley said Ekeler and other key starters won't play this preseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Among those named on the offensive side of the ball were Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, meaning we won't see the Chargers' first-team offense intact until Week 1. The decision is an interesting one, as Staley clearly isn't comfortable getting to the regular season with one of the trio in street clothes. When it comes to Ekeler in particular, he missed six games during the 2020 campaign due to lower-body injuries, but he still accumulated 933 yards from scrimmage and three TDs on 170 touches in 10 appearances.

Coach Andy Reid implied Edwards-Helaire and the rest of the starters will play the first quarter of Saturday's preseason opener at San Francisco, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Reid didn't name any of the aforementioned starters, but if Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce make earlier than expected departures Edwards-Helaire likely will join the trio on the sideline. But the plan laid out by Reid specifically mentioned the first-stringers will play the first quarter, the second team in the second quarter, third-teamers in the third quarter and the rest of the roster in the fourth.

Hines suffered a leg injury at Thursday's practice, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

According to coach Frank Reich, Hines had his "leg whipped," resulting in his early departure. Hines missed some time early in training camp with a hip issue and now is poised to sit out more sessions due to his current health concern. It wouldn't surprise if the Colts hold the pass-catching back out of Sunday's preseason opener against the Panthers, which could allow RBs further down the depth chart plenty of reps during his time away from the field.

Conner has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list after being deemed a high-risk close contact, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Conner, who had been dealing with a toe issue, thus is a question mark for Friday's preseason game against the Cowboys. When available, Conner is expected to combine with Chase Edmonds in what the Cardinals hope will be an effective one-two backfield punch in 2021.

Felton began training camp working with the running back group but has mostly been with the wide receivers recently, Scott Petrak of the Medina Gazette reports.

Felton is known for being adept at both positions and could be a unique source of offense for the Browns, although maybe not in 2021. The issue is a path to playing time. He's blocked at running back and wide receiver, but the rookie sixth-round pick also has experience as a returner. He's practiced with the returners in camp and could be a greater asset to the roster than JoJo Natson, who is listed atop the returner depth chart but viewed as a returner only, having played just 30 snaps on offense over four seasons. Felton is expected to play a lot in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, as head coach Kevin Stefanski said the majority of starters will rest.

Boone suffered a pulled quad during Thursday's practice, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

When healthy, Boone is in line to work in a complementary role behind Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. If his quad issue lingers, however, Royce Freeman would be a candidate to step into the Broncos' No. 3 RB role for any length of time Boone misses.