NFL Player News

Carter was described as "a step above" the Jets' other running backs in camp by Connor Hughes of The Athletic.

Carter has worked with the first-team offense, though Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson and La'Mical Perine remain on hand to jostle for playing time. The rookie fourth-round pick split time with Broncos second-rounder Javonte Williams at UNC, and there are concerns about whether Carter's 5-foot-8, 201-pound frame can hold up through the rigors of a starter's workload in the NFL, but Carter looks like the leading candidate to top the Jets' backfield in touches this season if he can stay healthy.

Thompson (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thompson landed on the COVID list last week but cleared the necessary protocols and returned to practice Wednesday. The 24-year-old is set to fill a depth role in Kansas City's backfield behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon.

Swift departed Wednesday's practice early with an unspecified injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

It's unclear what exactly Swift may be dealing with, but Birkett noted that the second-year player had a "lighter workload" than fellow Lions running backs in recent sessions, so an injury could be holding him back. Having said that, Swift jogged to the locker room "under his own power." If Swift misses any time in the coming days, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson and Dedrick Mills will receive more practice reps.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said that he plans to play Harris in all four of the Steelers' preseason games, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports. "He's a rookie," Tomlin said of the team's new top back. "He needs the process of game preparation and to ultimately play. We have four opportunities for him to do that and we're going to make sure he participates in all four of those processes."

Based on that comment and Tomlin's assertion that the team will focus on pre-game "preparation process" for the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris should be in line for some work in Thursday's preseason opener versus Dallas. As a rookie, the Alabama product has an immediate path to fantasy utility during the regular season, but even if he does suit up for all of Pittsburgh's exhibition contests, the team will likely manage Harris' exposure to contact.

Williams has been a standout for the Bears during early training-camp sessions, with the running back impressing as a pass catcher in particular, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

While being used as a receiver, Williams has been able to create space against teammate Roquan Smith, who is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league. With Tarik Cohen (knee) slated to miss at least a few weeks to begin the season, Williams could be positioned to earn an increased role as a receiving back. He's already proven to be adept in that capacity, having caught at least 20 passes in each of his six years in the league.

Evans continues to display good hands and route-running in training camp, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Evans could be involved in obvious passing situations if the Bengals want to give Joe Mixon a few snaps off here and there. It's worth noting that Evans was described as the token bright spot in an otherwise lousy day for the Bengals' offense during camp.

Dallas could be a candidate for a role as Seattle's third-down back if his pass-blocking skills show improvement, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

As long as Chris Carson is healthy, Dallas likely won't receive many carries. Even if Carson gets hurt, both Rashaad Penny and Alex Collins will likely the next men up to lead the ground game. While Dallas profiles as the best route runner in the backfield, his pass-blocking skills weren't good enough last year to earn him much playing time. As it stands, Travis Homer (calf) likely still has the edge on third-down duties because he has adequately protected Russell Wilson in the past. Homer is currently on the preseason PUP list though, opening the door for Dallas to stake his claim to the third-down gig.

Taylor (groin) returned to the practice field Monday, Eric Boynton of WeAreGreenBay.com reports.

Taylor started training camp on the PUP list due to a groin injury but has now returned to action alongside his teammates. The second-year back now has a chance to compete for the No. 3 running back spot on the depth chart behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Wilkins missed practice Tuesday with a hamstring injury, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Wilkins left Monday's practice with the injury, but the specific reason wasn't known until Tuesday. The injury is likely minor, but it's worth monitoring his progress. Wilkins will likely have a reserve role and sits fourth on the running back depth chart, but he's been given larger opportunities at times by the coaching staff.

Hines participated in practice Tuesday for the first time in training camp after sitting out with a sore hip, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Hines has played all 48 games through three NFL seasons and this issue doesn't sound serious, so he'll likely be ready for the start of the regular season. While the Indianapolis offense will take a hit with Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson out five to 12 weeks after their foot surgeries, there's a case to be made that Hines could benefit if more short passes are called for backup Jacob Eason.