NFL Player News

Hines is listed as the No. 2 running back behind Jonathan Taylor and ahead of Marlon Mack on the Colts' unofficial Week 1 depth chart released Tuesday, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

While Mack is the most likely candidate to take over as the Colts' early-down back in the event Taylor misses time in 2021, Hines is expected to have more involvement in Indianapolis' weekly game plan in light of his status as the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield. To that end, Hines projects to hold more fantasy value than Mack -- particularly in PPR formats -- while Taylor is healthy, though the Colts aren't expected to phase Mack out of the offense entirely. After Mack went down with a season-ending Achilles' tendon tear Week 1 of last season, head coach Frank Reich often favored a three-man committee headlined by Taylor and featuring doses of Hines and Jordan Wilkins. With Taylor having established himself as the clear No. 1 option, Mack will most likely step into the Wilkins role in 2021, which could translate into a handful of touches per game.

Hubbard is anticipated to serve as the Panthers' kickoff returner, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Hubbard took back kickoffs in his freshman season at Oklahoma State and will now apparently be given the opportunity in his opening NFL campaign. That role would give Hubbard extra chances to flash his big-play ability, as Christian McCaffrey's presence atop the tailback depth chart could restrict his offensive snaps. Carolina's recent signing of Royce Freeman gives Hubbard fresh veteran competition to back up McCaffrey as well, so it'll be interesting to see how the team's backfield plays are divided early on.

Coach Vic Fangio expressed confidence in Williams on Monday, saying, "We're not at all against playing him in any situation, in any time of the game," Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

It's a strong early statement in favor of the rookie second-round pick, who apparently was able to earn the trust of the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. Williams is expected to work in tandem with veteran Melvin Gordon out of the backfield for the Broncos this season, and it's a good early sign for Williams that he's already seemingly entrenched in his role to open the campaign.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Williams' teammate, Justice Hill, has suffered a torn Achilles.

Assuming the report is confirmed, Gus Edwards and Williams would profile as the Ravens' top two healthy backs as Week 1 approaches, though the team is likely to add backfield depth in short order. In any case, Williams' chances of earning his share of touches behind Edwards early on this season appear to be increasing, in the wake of Hill's reported injury.

Perine (foot) may not be available to play Week 1 against the Panthers given the Jets signed Josh Adams off the practice squad Monday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Robert Saleh previously said Perine was expected to be available for Week 1, but the addition of Adams from the practice squad indicates the team wanted more depth at running back. Perine's status should receive additional clarity once the Jets release their first injury report Wednesday, but for now, his availability appears to be up in the air.

Hill reportedly has suffered a torn Achilles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per the report, it's a season-ending injury, which if confirmed, would explain why the Ravens worked out Le'Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman and Elijah Holyfield on Monday. For now, Gus Edwards and Ty'Son Williams are the team's top healthy running backs.

Hill (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Monday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

It remains to be seen if Hill's absence is related to the ankle issue he previously dealt with, but the Ravens currently roster just two other running backs, Gus Edwards and Ty'Son Williams. For now, consider Hill day-to-day as next Monday's season opener against the Raiders approaches.

Coach Andy Reid noted that Williams (head) moved around well in practice this past week and is trending toward being available for Week 1 action, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

The same applies to top back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle), a notion that should be solidified once the team's official practice/injury report arrives following Wednesday's practice. Assuming both backs are available, Williams and Jerick McKinnon would be in line to see complementary work this weekend behind Edwards-Helaire.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle) practiced last week and is trending toward being available for Sunday's season opener against the Browns, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

The same applies to fellow running back Darrel Williams (head), with coach Andy Reid noting Monday with regard to the duo's Week 1 status, "I think we'll be OK there." Added context with regard to Edwards-Helaire's progress will arrive no later than Wednesday, when Kansas City's first regular-season practice/injury report is submitted. Assuming he suits up Sunday, Edwards-Helaire is poised to lead the team's rushing attack, with Williams and Jerick McKinnon on hand to work in complementary/reserve roles.

Barkley (knee) is "gearing up to play Week 1" against the Broncos and is "very close" to being cleared, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport didn't comment on expectations for Barkley's Week 1 role, instead saying that we should see the running back on the field "in some form or fashion" for the season opener. The running back seems to have cleared every hurdle on schedule since he was removed from the PUP list Aug. 9, returning to full-team drills at the end of August before taking contact for the first time last Thursday. The Giants still will want to see him complete a full practice this week, but all signs point to Barkley playing Week 1, even if it isn't in his usual role with 80-plus percent of offensive snaps.