NFL Player News

Jones (hamstring) did not play in Thursday's preseason opener.

Jones is not believed to be dealing with an injury that will affect him long-term, but he has not practiced in over a week and was unable to suit up for the Packers' first preseason game. The Packers could just be taking the cautious route with Jones, but the longer he remains sidelined, the more the concern about his status grows. The Packers will not practice Friday, but it seems likely either the team or head coach Matt LaFleur will release some sort of official update on his status in the near future.

Walton rushed six times for 12 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons.

Walton saw work after starters Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake left the field, lending credence to his apparent position as the team's No. 3 running back. The second-year pro and Miami product found the end zone on a two-yard run and is making an argument for a depth spot on the 53-man roster.

Zenner suffered an undisclosed injury during Thursday's preseason loss to the Patriots and did not return, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Zenner ended up only rushing three times for 13 yards after he ended up being the fourth tailback to enter the game. It's unclear at this point what sort of injury he is dealing with, but the Lions should have an update the next time they take the practice field.

Bawden logged snaps on special teams during Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots, Chris Burke of the Athletic reports.

Bawden missed the entire 2018 season due to a torn ACL and was thought to be a candidate for the regular-season PUP list. However, he's seemingly progressed faster than originally thought, and his availability for Thursday's exhibition game all but confirms that he's good to go moving forward.

Pollard worked with the first-team offense during Thursday's practice and could get the start in the preseason opener Saturday against the 49ers, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The recently signed Alfred Morris is also expected to see action, as should Darius Jackson, but Pollard's impressive showing in camp so far has the rookie looking like he can be a big part of the Cowboys' backfield picture in the event Ezekiel Elliott's holdout drags on into the regular season. If Pollard is able to flash his speed and power Saturday, he could catapult into the No. 2 spot on the RB depth chart.

Patterson was inactive for the Bears' preseason opener against the Panthers on Thursday.

Patterson's expected to serve as the team's No. 4 receiver in addition to being a kick returner. When on the field, he may not see many touches, but he'll likely be used on jet sweeps and other plays that showcase his speed as both a weapon and a decoy. He's going undrafted in many fantasy leagues, but in leagues that award points for return yardage, he'll provide added value.

Freeman rushed three times for 49 yards and brought in his only target for one yard in the Broncos' 22-14 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Thursday.

Freeman's game-long 50-yard run was naturally the highlight of his night, as he actually netted minus-1 yard on his other two carries. The second-year back was surprisingly upstaged by Phillip Lindsay last season, but there has been talk of more of a time-share in the coming campaign. Freeman certainly flashed with his one big scamper Thursday, and he'll look to be more consistent on a per-carry basis in coming exhibitions.

Ollison picked up 41 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries during Thursday's 34-27 loss to Miami.

Ollison got his name back in the mix for Atlanta's No. 2 running back job with a strong performance against Miami, taking advantage of a matchup with the NFL's 31st-ranked rush defense from a season ago. To become a more balanced, every-down back he will strive to improve upon his elusiveness and agility, but as currently constructed, the big-bodied Ollison is an interesting fit for Dirk Koetter's offensive scheme. Ito Smith has not received the requisite number of touches this preseason (eight total) to get an updated fantasy appraisal, but Ollison is doing what he can to build a case for himself as the potential No. 2, if not at least the team's No. 3 guy.

Penny rushed six times for 15 yards and brought in one of two targets for 27 yards in the Seahawks' 22-14 preseason win over the Broncos on Thursday.

Penny has been drawing positive reviews for a slimmer physique and the resulting increase in quickness and speed during training camp. He was able to flash some of it on his one catch, with the 2018 first-round pick taking a short pass from Geno Smith 27 yards up the left side of the field on Seattle's first possession. Penny was able to get first-team work with Chris Carson sitting out the contest for precautionary reasons, and he'll look to continue making a case to eat into the latter's touches during the Seahawks' second exhibition, Aug. 18 against the Vikings.

Ekeler rushed five times for 40 yards and brought in all three targets for 29 yards in the Chargers' 17-13 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Thursday. He also lost a fumble.

Ekeler's first official 2019 audition as the lead back in the wake of Melvin Gordon's ongoing holdout had only one blemish, a lost fumble that short-circuited the Chargers' first drive at the Cardinals' two-yard line. The third-year back otherwise shined through both the ground and air, flashing his signature skills with the ball in his hands. The extent of Ekeler's role this coming season naturally depends on Gordon's status, but the Western State product did inspire confidence in his ability to help keep the run game afloat Thursday, his one miscue notwithstanding.