NFL Player News

Evans (leg) didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, Steve Layman of newschannel5.com reports.

Nor did top back Derrick Henry, which paved the way for Mekhi Sargent, Brian Hill and Jeremy McNichols to handle the team's rushing duties Saturday. Evans is penciled in as Henry's top backup, but he'll need to bounce back from what appears to be a knee or hamstring issue that has slowed him of late in order to fend off the challenges presented by Sargent, Hill and McNichols.

Wilkins had five carries for 20 yards and two receptions for two yards in Saturday's preseason win over Minnesota.

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. Over his 15 regular-season appearances in 2020, Wilkins logged 84 carries for 308 yards and a touchdown while also securing 12 of 16 targets for 105 yards.

Taylor had eight carries for 48 yards and one reception for seven yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans. He also lost a fumble in the contest.

Taylor was efficient when he touched the ball, but the fumble certainly didn't help his chances of securing a roster spot, and the running back directly ahead of him on the depth chart -- Kylin Hill -- likely locked himself into the No. 3 spot on the depth chart in Saturday's game. With the Packers likely keeping only three running backs, Taylor is on the outside looking in with one preseason game to go.

Dallas caught all three of his targets for 27 yards and returned two kicks for 73 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Broncos.

Dallas didn't run the ball at all, but he showed flashes as a pass catcher and returner. The Seahawks likely won't provide Dallas with much backfield work as long as both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny are healthy. However, Dallas' impact on special teams -- he blocked a punt Saturday as well -- and his receiving abilities make him a strong candidate for the No. 3 role. Alex Collins and Travis Homer (calf) are his primary competition.

Penny (thigh) carried five times for eight yards and caught his lone target for six yards in Saturday's 30-3 preseason loss to the Broncos.

After tearing his ACL in Week 14 of the 2019 season, Penny came back last year and logged just 11 carries for 34 yards over three games. The Seahawks didn't pick up his fifth-year option, so he's battling for placement on the depth chart. This was a tough start to Penny's comeback, though we shouldn't read into this exhibition performance too much. The Broncos' starting defensive line was on the field against the Seahawks' backup offensive line. Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic believes Penny will be the No. 2 back to start the year, but Chris Carson should handle a majority of the reps as long as he's healthy.

McKinnon turned in three carries for four yards and three catches for another 21 yards and a touchdown during Friday's preseason game versus the Cardinals.

McKinnon was brought to Kansas City with the knowledge that he specializes as a receiving threat out of the backfield. While he was unable to get much done as a runner Friday, he took advantage of his opportunities as a receiver, snaring a five-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter. Per John Dillon of USA Today, McKinnon is in an important three-way battle with Darwin Thompson and Derrick Gore to claim the No. 3 running back spot behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (head), so the third preseason contest could be even more important.

Mattison didn't have a carry and caught both of his targets for 16 yards during Saturday's preseason defeat to the Colts.

With Dalvin Cook unavailable, Mattison interestingly was on the receiving end of Kirk Cousins' first two passes, but when the Vikings went to the ground Ameer Abdullah garnered the first two rushes. Afterward, Mattison didn't see another touch, while Abdullah got work with both the starters and reserves until halftime. Mattison has a firm hold on the backup RB job to Dalvin Cook, so the former's usage Saturday likely was to ensure he avoided any sort of health concern. When Cook sat out Weeks 6 and 17 last season, Mattison combined for 35 touches, 175 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.

Williams rushed seven times for 20 yards and secured one of two targets for five yards in the Broncos' 30-3 preseason win over the Seahawks on Saturday night. He also fumbled into the end zone, where it was recovered by offensive lineman Dalton Risner for a touchdown.

The rookie saw the opportunity for his first rushing score as a pro slip through his fingers for the second straight game, as he'd also had a touchdown nullified by penalty in last Saturday's exhibition opener against the Vikings. Williams opened the same drive that culminated with his fumble by ripping off his two most impressive runs of the night, as he rattled off eight- and six-yard carries off left end. The North Carolina product already has shown a propensity for solid chunk gains over his first pair of exhibitions, and he should see a solid amount of opportunities right out of the gate this season while working in tandem with Melvin Gordon.

Ollison carried the ball seven times for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Ollison didn't participate in the team's first exhibition, so this served as his 2021 debut. He was the first back on the field and was heavily involved on the first three offensive possessions. Mike Davis was among the Falcons who didn't take the field, but it appears that Ollison remains in position to serve as Davis' primary backup.

Harris rushed four times for 10 yards and secured two of three targets for 53 yards in the Steeles' 26-20 preseason win over the Lions on Saturday night.

The rookie first-round pick was quiet on the ground for the second straight exhibition. However, he flashed his excellent hands and speed in space with a 46-yard catch-and-run off a crossing pattern shortly after the halfway point of the first quarter, getting the ball down to the Lions' 12-yard line to kick off a drive that would culminate in Pat Freiermuth's second touchdown catch of the night. Harris has been used sparingly overall with an eye on keeping him healthy come Week 1, but by all accounts, he's been as good as advertised in camp and has already demonstrated his elite physical skills on a handful of plays this preseason. Having logged action in the team's first three exhibition contests, it's very possible Harris sits for the preseason finale against the Panthers on Friday.