NFL Player News

Henry (calf) wasn't sporting a walking boot while he was sidelined during Wednesday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

This encouraging nugget arrives just one day after Adam Schefter of ESPN relayed that Henry's strained calf had left the running back in a boot and could sideline him for about two weeks. Henry's injury isn't considered serious and the prevailing belief is that the Titans are simply being cautious with a player who is being counted on for big things this season after a very strong finish to his 2018 campaign.

Harris has impressed with his running between the tackles through the first handful of training camp practices, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Additionally, Howe notes that the 2019 third-rounder "has also shown good awareness while slipping out into the flats on passing downs." Any aptitude that Harris displays as a receiver helps his chances of seeing more snaps and touches in a deep backfield, but as things stand, James White profiles a the Patriots' change-of-pace ace, while Sony Michel remains the team's lead back when healthy. With that in mind, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com suggests that most of Harris' usage as a rookie could come in short-yardage situations. At 5-foot-11, 213 pounds, Harris possesses the frame to handle such duty, and the toughness between the tackles he's flashed thus far in camp support such a notion. Keep in mind that Michel has had his share of knee issues in the past, and if the incumbent starter has any in-season setbacks on that front, Harris could step into a big role in the New England offense.

Jones won't practice Wednesday due to hamstring tightness, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The extent of Jones' injury is uncertain, but the report notes it is "not expected to be anything long term." With that in mind, Jones may be withheld from action for a few more days, but the hamstring issue doesn't look like anything that will affect his status for Week 1. With both Jones and Jamaal Williams -- also dealing with a hamstring injury -- banged up, rookie Dexter Williams will have an opportunity to see more snaps with the first team.

Zenner reported to training camp "in the 220-to-225-pound range," Mike O'Hara of the Lions' official site reports. "I think this is the biggest I've been," Zenner said. "Not by a lot. It sort of just happened with the training."

Zenner drew plenty of attention last offseason for his visually noticeable physical transformation that saw the running back reportedly dip to 8 percent body fat. Zenner said he's only continued on with the same training program since then. While it's encouraging to hear that he has continued to make noticeable progress, of larger importance to Zenner's future is the Lions' recent decision to part ways with Theo Riddick, whose proficiency on passing downs would have made it particularly difficult for the former to see the field in 2019. Now, Zenner only has to compete with C.J. Anderson and Ty Johnson for snaps behind Kerryon Johnson.

Sanders has shown playmaking ability and versatility since rejoining his teammates in practice, Mike Kay of NJ.com reports.

The Eagles are integrating him more and more into the offense as the rookie completes his recovery from a hamstring injury that sidelined him in the spring. Sanders has shown off his power and speed with some impressive plays so far in practice. Perhaps more importantly, he has also been catching the ball well, which would help him solidify his role in the offense if it continues. While the Eagles have long preferred the committee approach with their backfield, Sanders is showing three-down ability early but still has to compete for carries with Jordan Howard, who is also receiving good reports this preseason.

Rawls isn't expected to practice this week while he deals with a hamstring issue, John Reid of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Since bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2015 with Seattle -- taking 156 touches for 906 scrimmage yards and five total touchdowns -- Rawls has seen his numbers decrease. The 25-year-old appeared in one game with Cincinnati last season but was only on the field for two snaps on special teams. Rawls found himself buried on the Bengals' depth chart, and was considered the No. 4 running back behind Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Mark Walton. Rawls finds himself in a similar situation in Jacksonville, being listed as the No. 5 running back. Even though T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant both departed the Jaguars, the team drafted Ryquell Armstead in addition to signing Alfred Blue and Benny Cunningham in the offseason to help back up Leonard Fournette. It's unclear how long the hamstring issue will sideline Rawls past this week, but it obviously doesn't help him in his journey for a roster spot and meaningful reps.

Gordon is considering holding out until midseason, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Gordon's faceoff with the Chargers became real when he didn't report to training camp and subsequently was placed on the reserve/did not report list last week. His precise contract demands are unknown, but the top-paid running backs have an AAV in the range of $13-14 million per year, which apparently is out of the Chargers' price range. If he remains away from the team into the regular season, Austin Ekeler would be in line for more carries in addition to his typical pass-catching duties. Beyond Ekeler, Justin Jackson may be the favorite for early down work after reeling off 4.1 yards per carry as a rookie in 2018.

Matt Nagy has been impressed by Montgomery's hands, route running and ability to make defenders miss, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Nagy went on to explain that Montgomery extends runs with power, and his peripheral vision gives him a feel for when the next defender is coming, which helps him make defenders miss. In addition, the coach used the word "savvy" when describing the rookie's route running, and when these elements are put together, it's clear why the Bears felt the need to trade up to acquire him in the draft. For Nagy's offense, it's important to have a player like Montgomery in the backfield because defenses won't be keyed in as to whether a play is a run or a pass when he's on the field. Even though Tarik Cohen is certain to have a big role in the offense and Mike Davis is around to pitch in, expect Montgomery to see the bulk of the carries while also seeing work in the passing game. However, the fantasy community is already expecting big things from the rookie, as his ADP has him being taken in the top-24 running backs, so fantasy managers will need to make a significant investment to acquire him.

Henry has a strained calf muscle that could sideline him approximately two weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per the report, Henry's injury is not thought to be serious, with the team simply playing it safe with the bruising back. In Henry's absence, added backfield reps in practice will be available for Jeremy McNichols, Alex Barnes and Dalyn Dawkins.

Williams (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Tuesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The Packers were off Monday, but the running back continued to sit out practice upon the team's return to the field Tuesday. His current absence paves the way for added reps (behind Aaron Jones) for rookie Dexter Williams.