NFL Player News

Jones and the other Bucs running backs continued to struggle with drops Monday morning, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Coach Bruce Arians commented on the backfield pass-catching struggles after Sunday's practice, in which Jones was guilty of at least two drops, per Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times. Smith notes that Jones had an impressive catch in 1-on-1 drills Monday morning, but the general pattern coming from Bucs camp suggests his receiving work has been subpar. It sounds like the other Tampa Bay running backs haven't been much better, with the possible exception of passing-down specialist Dare Ogunbowale. While it increasingly seems unlikely for Jones to take away some of the work that went to Ogunbowale last season, we do have Arians on record referring to RoJo as the "main guy" in his backfield. Jones figures to enter Week 1 as the lead runner, but he'll probably be looking over his shoulder if he doesn't start the season strong.

Montgomery shed six pounds in the offseason and looks noticeably quicker on the practice field, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Although Montgomery ran for just 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie, the offensive line frequently failed to open holes for him, and he often ran on obvious running downs against stacked boxes. Unless a line that wasn't addressed in the offseason takes a big step forward, it'll be difficult for Montgomery to show massive improvement. However, he's the unquestioned leader for early-down work, and his expected volume indicates he offers a stable floor for a player being drafted outside the top-24 running backs in average drafts.

Akers lost a fumble during Saturday's scrimmage, Jordan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

At first glance, a rookie being stripped in what has to be considered an exhibition game in this unprecedented preseason is worrisome. However, it was All-Pro Aaron Donald who dislodged the ball, and Akers' early-season fantasy outlook might have even improved with sophomore Darrell Henderson sustaining a hamstring strain Saturday. Henderson is questionable for Week 1, and while veteran Malcolm Brown was the first running back on the field during the scrimmage, he doesn't offer the same athleticism or big-play potential as Akers. It's definitely still a murky depth chart, but Akers probably remains the best long-term option for fantasy managers from the Los Angeles backfield.

Head coach John Harbaugh said Hill is dealing with a soft-tissue injury, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Harbaugh didn't elaborate on the nature of Hill's injury, so it's a concerning report considering the wide range of outcomes. If Hill is forced to miss any time, it'll mainly affect special teams, where Hill features as a kick returner.

Evans (undisclosed) didn't participate in Sunday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

There's no indication of why Evans didn't practice Sunday, and it could simply be a maintenance day. The rookie third-round pick has been a bit inconsistent in training camp with fumbles, but his explosiveness has been evident, making him one of the more useful fantasy backups if he stays healthy.

Mike Reiss of ESPN.com believes that Harris has put himself in a good position to be "a primary option (in the Patriots' running game) alongside Rex Burkhead" to start the coming season.

Per Reiss, Harris' "fresh legs and soft hands in the passing game" have helped the second-year back take advantage of the continued absence of Sony Michel, whose Week 1 status is cloudy as he continues to recover from May foot surgery. If Michel isn't ready to start the season and Lamar Miller (knee) is unable to make a late push for early-down work once he joins practice, it's starting to look like Harris could have a chance to head the team's backfield in New England's opener, with the versatile Burkhead also on hand and James White available in his usual change-of-pace/pass-catching role.

Gordon (ribs) remained sidelined at Sunday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The running back missed Friday's practice as well, with coach Vic Fangio having noted that Gordon is considered day-to-day by the team. His absence frees up added practice reps behind Phillip Lindsay for both Royce Freeman and LeVante Bellamy.

Conner (undisclosed) isn't practicing Saturday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN NFL Nation reports.

It could just be a maintenance day for Conner, who hadn't missed a practice since Pittsburgh began padded sessions. Expect an update on the reason for his absence if the running back misses any additional time.

Kelley remains in a tight battle with Justin Jackson for the No. 2 running back spot behind Austin Ekeler, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

It was a tremendous week of practice for Kelley, who began Monday on the third unit ,only to eventually see first-team action by Thursday. The nearly 6-foot running back brings a bit more power to his game -- which ultimately could make him a more optimal No. 2 behind the sturdy yet smaller Ekeler -- but Jackson has been impressive in brief stints at the NFL level as well, especially as a change-of-pace back.

Chubb has cleared concussion protocol and will practice Saturday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Less than a week after leaving practice early following a hard tackle from teammate Mack Wilson, Chubb will return to the practice field having cleared concussion protocol. The star running back figures to be in line for an excellent 2020 campaign behind a rebuilt offensive line and alongside head coach Kevin Stefanski, who made Dalvin Cook a top-tier fantasy asset during his tenure with the Vikings.