NFL Player News

Thompson faces new competition for touches in the Kansas City backfield with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that the Chiefs are set to sign LeSean McCoy.

Thompson appeared to bypass Carlos Hyde for the backup running back job to starter Damien Williams late in the preseason. Hyde was traded to Houston on Saturday, but the Chiefs then reportedly signed McCoy to a contract that includes a guaranteed $3 million. Thompson may begin the season as the No. 3 RB as a result, but he still has the potential for a larger role if Williams or McCoy falters.

Williams will have a new teammate in the backfield after the Chiefs signed LeSean McCoy on Saturday night.

Williams owners got some breathing room when Carlos Hyde dropped out of the carries picture, but McCoy will offer a serious threat even at 31 years of age. While we'll still consider Williams the starter, he seemed to lose some mojo while working through a hamstring injury this summer. It's worth noting McCoy has a history with coach Andy Reid, not to mention Shady is a strong pass catcher out of the backfield. Williams could use a strong start to hold off McCoy before the latter gets up to speed with his new team.

Johnson survived the final cuts and made the Browns roster.

Johnson played just three offensive snaps in preseason Week 4 but was the primary punt and kick returner for a second straight week. The return job appears to be his while Dontrell Hilliard, who was in the mix as a returner, is elevated to the No. 2 running back spot behind starter Nick Chubb.

Houston waived Higdon on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 22-year-old started in Houston's preseason finale against the Rams, rushing eight times for 25 yards and catching both of his targets for 16 more yards. The Texans traded for fellow running back Carlos Hyde on Saturday, which alleviated some pressure on their running back situation but made Higdon more expendable.

Newsome was waived by the Chargers on Saturday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Troymaine Pope's role on special teams ultimately helped him claim a spot on the 53-man roster over Newsome, but it's possible the undrafted running back could return to the roster if the team does end up trading starter Melvin Gordon. Newsome is expected to land on the team's practice squad if he passes through waivers.

GM John Lynch said Mckinnon needs another surgery on his right knee, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

McKinnon endured a number of setbacks in his recovery from the torn right ACL suffered last August, precipitating the need for another procedure. He'll miss back-to-back campaigns as he yields the 49ers backfield to Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida.

The 49ers placed McKinnon (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Exactly a year removed from tearing the ACL in his right knee, McKinnon will miss a second straight season, primarily due to a number of setbacks during training camp and ensuing practices. The 49ers will trust in Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida to run the backfield in 2019.

Anderson (knee) has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL.

Anderson was looking at a depth running back role on the Bengals' active roster before his knee injury. He'll now be out for the season and will set his sights on recovering for 2020. His injury means that Trayveon Williams will be the final back on Cincinnati's active roster behind Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard.

Gordon and his representation were given permission by the Chargers to seek a trade, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

This is a major bit of news, as Gordon and his representation allegedly attempted to find a trade partner at the beginning of August, only for the Chargers to shut it down. Rapoport noted that the star running back could choose to return to the Chargers, but this is a significant step in a contract holdout that has seemingly had little movement for the better part of training camp. The 26-year-old was already expected to hold out into the regular season in an effort to secure a long-term contract, so until a trade occurs, assume the fantasy-friendly RB will miss at least some portion of the 2019 campaign.

McNichols was cut by the Titans on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

McNichols shined in the team's third preseason game, rushing for 43 yards on nine carriers. The veteran was unable to beat out the likes of Dalyn Dawkins and Alex Barnes and will be looking to secure a roster spot elsewhere.