NFL Player News

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.

Kelley signed with the Saints, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.

The Saints have been looking at veteran running backs, including Alfred Morris (Cowboys) and Theo Riddick (free agent). The team appears to have settled on Kelley, who took just four carries last season in Washington before a toe injury brought his campaign to an early end. He's never shown much explosiveness or receiving ability, but he's a big, tough runner with experience on special teams. With Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray locked in atop the depth chart, Kelley will compete against Dwayne Washington, Javorius Allen, Devine Ozigbo and Matt Dayes.

Williams (hamstring) isn't in pads for practice Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Williams will miss a second session following his early exit from Sunday's practice. A short-team absence shouldn't make much difference, considering coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy both made it clear during the offseason that they view Williams as their starting running back. Recovery from hamstring injuries is difficult to predict, so the Chiefs likely will take a cautious approach, giving Carlos Hyde most of the first-team backfield reps in the meantime.

Wilson appeared to suffer a minor injury to his lower right leg during Monday's training camp practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Wilson did not take part in additional drills, but he did stay on the field for the remainder of practice, so the injury doesn't sound serious. The 23-year-old is currently fighting for a backup/special teams spot on the 53-man roster this preseason.

Henry (foot) did not practice Monday, Erik Bacharach of The Tennessean reports.

Henry exited practice Friday with an undisclosed health issue and was most recently seen wearing a walking boot. He's now missed three consecutive days of camp work. For now, the injury shouldn't raise major red flags so long as he proves his health at some point in the preseason.

Newsome (leg) was participating at practice Monday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Newsome limped off the field at the end of Sunday's practice with the leg issue but had no problems on the field Monday. The 25-year-old presumably falls behind Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson on the depth chart while Melvin Gordon continues his holdout.