NFL Player News

Conner rushed six times for 28 yards and brought in his only target for six yards in the Steelers' 17-7 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

Conner was reasonably efficient with his limited opportunities while playing on the first four series before giving way to Jaylen Samuels. The third-year back is expected to take on another hefty workload this season, but the presence of both Samuels and rookie Benny Snell should help keep Conner fresh and set him up to potentially play all 16 games for the first time in his career.

Thompson rushed four times for 30 yards, failed to bring in his only target and returned one kickoff for 22 yards in the Chiefs' 17-7 preseason loss to the Steelers on Saturday.

The rookie had been gaining momentum at practice in recent days, spending time with the first-team offense after making an impact with 51 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the exhibition opener versus the Bengals last Saturday. Thompson couldn't find the end zone against Pittsburgh, but he was impressive while averaging 7.5 yards on his four totes. The Chiefs' backup running back job battle is a spirited one, yet Thompson appears to increasingly be gaining a foothold with his first pair of preseason performances.

Harris accounted for 80 yards on 14 rushes, while catching all four of his targets for 23 yards during Saturday's 22-17 win against Tennessee.

The stock rises on Harris, as the third-round rookie out of Alabama looked strong in his preseason debut with 5.8 yards per carry. Interestingly enough, he also demonstrated an aspect of his game that was largely untapped in college -- pass-catching ability. He gained eight or more yards on five of his 18 touches, while gashing the Tennessee defense for gains 17 and 20 yards on two of his final eight carries. As a potential No. 2 rushing option behind Sony Michel, Harris carries tremendous upside as a deployable red-zone threat, especially given that New England has finished fourth or better in red-zone trips in 12 of the past 13 seasons.

Snell suffered a groin injury during Saturday's preseason win against the Chiefs, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

During the contest, Snell earned a team-high seven carries, which he used to eke out 16 yards. He also caught two of three passes for five yards. Although coach Mike Tomlin said this injury isn't serious, Snell's health will be one to watch over the Steelers' last two exhibitions, when he would have been looking to establish himself as the No. 3 running back behind James Conner and Jaylen Samuels.

Williams rushed six times for 25 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game during the Chiefs' 17-7 preseason loss to the Steelers on Saturday.

Williams paced the Chiefs backfield in carries on the night and did a serviceable job with his opportunities. Fellow backs Carlos Hyde (5-23) and Darwin Thompson (4-30) were solid as well, so the competition for two potential backup running back slots behind presumed starter Damien Williams remains relatively heated. Williams will look to continue making his case in Saturday's third preseason tilt versus the 49ers.

Zenner rushed three times for 17 yards and caught one pass for five yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Texans.

Zenner looked healthy after having to leave last week's preseason opener with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, Ty Johnson didn't do anything overly impressive. As long as Zenner continues to perform well on special teams, he should have a solid chance of holding down a roster spot in 2019.

Anderson rushed twice for six yards during Saturday's preseason loss to the Texans.

Anderson served as the clear No. 2 back behind Kerryon Johnson, but there doesn't seem to be anyone else around to give Anderson competition for the job. He could see more involvement during the third preseason game Friday against Buffalo.

Foreman lost a yard on his only carry and caught his only target for a six-yard gain during Saturday's 21-18 win over the Colts.

Getting his first taste of preseason action with his new club, Foreman entered the game in the second half and didn't make much of an impact aside from a short gain through the air. He was one of five running backs to touch the ball in this one, so the results aren't ideal for his chances of making the regular-season roster. Foreman could receive more touches next Saturday against the Bears, but he'll need to make the most of the opportunities he gets in order to impact the position battle.

Mack carried six times for 10 yards and caught his only target for an additional six yards during Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.

Mack looked quite rusty in his first taste of preseason action, as he hardly gained any yardage on the ground apart from an eight-yard tote early on. Of course, he was starting for an offensive unit without several of its key players, so the results are of little consequence. Mack should see an uptick in playing time for next week's matchup with the Bears.

Henry (calf) isn't expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the Patriots, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Henry has been tending to a left calf strain since the opening stanzas of training camp. He has yet to return to practice, but his ability to work out on the side at recent sessions is a step in the right direction. His next chance to play during exhibition season arrives Sunday, Aug. 25 versus the Steelers.