NFL Player News

Gillislee is listed behind Alvin Kamara on the Saints' current running back depth chart, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

With Mark Ingram (who scored 12 TDs in 2017) set to miss the first four games of the season, Kamara is clearly the team's lead back. Gillislee's quick rise up the depth chart since signing with the team Sunday suggests he could carve out a role in Ingram's absence, notably in short-yardage situations. Meanwhile, the 5-foot-6, 203-pound Boston Scott is on hand to provide a change-of-pace option and can potentially contribute as a returner.

Hines is listed as the No. 3 running back and No. 3 kick returner and isn't listed as a punt returner on the Colts' depth chart ahead of Week 1.

Hines entered the preseason as the top candidate to win both the punt and kickoff return jobs, but he had issues with ball security on returns in the preseason. Hines could have a sizeable role on offense, however, if Marlon Mack remains out with a hamstring injury.

Even if Le'Veon Bell reports to the Steelers on Wednesday and practices right away, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests that Conner could still get the start at running back for the team in Week 1.

The plot will of course thicken if Bell re-joins the team for Wednesday's practice, but unlike last season when he reported to the team on a Monday and Conner (then a rookie) was a less-finished product, coach Mike Tomlin indicated that he's comfortable with handing Conner the ball Sunday against the Browns, with or without Bell in the mix. Look for added clarity regarding this situation Wednesday, but if Bell remains away from the team, even for one more day, then Conner's Week 1 streaming appeal will see a major uptick.

The Lions plan to add Pumphrey to their practice squad, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Bringing Pumphrey aboard gives the Lions added depth behind Kerryon Johnson, LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah. At 5-foot-9, 176 pounds, Pumphrey isn't ideally suited for every-down work, but he can at least provide Detroit with an in-house change-of-pace alternative to Riddick.

Bolden is slated to sign with the Dolphins, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

From a fantasy standpoint, Bolden will be behind listed co-starters Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore, as well as Sinorice Perry and rookie Kalen Ballage. The former New England Patriot will, however, add versatility to the Miami backfield, plus he's made a name for himself as an outstanding special teams player.

Breida (shoulder) is expected to share starting duties with Alfred Morris following Jerick McKinnon's placement on injured reserve, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.

The 49ers haven't announced a concrete plan regarding who will take McKinnon's spot as top dog in the backfield. Instead, the team will cater to matchups with the duo of Morris and Breida. The latter was already expected to have a share of carries prior to McKinnon's injury, but the elevated role will certainly increase the back's targets in the passing game. Breida averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie last season, so he is unlikely to be pigeon-holed into a third-down role. For now, we can expect both runners to be involved in Sunday's season opener against Minnesota, with the larger-framed Morris likely seeing goal-line chances and Breida being the preferred option in PPR formats.

Washington has signed with the Saints' practice squad, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Washington was the odd man out of a crowded backfield in Detroit, even after racking up 110 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 26 touches in Thursday's preseason finale. He'll now join the Saints' practice squad, where he'll compete for a spot on the active roster.

Williams has signed to the Saints' practice squad, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Although the back failed to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, he won't be going far. Mark Ingram will begin his four-game suspension this week, so if the Saints suffer any injuries in the backfield, Williams could be back on the active roster.

Freeman will be the Broncos' top back heading into Week 1.

The move, which was confirmed by coach Vance Joseph on Monday, is hardly a surprise as Freeman led the Broncos with 5.6 yards per carry and three touchdowns during the preseason, much of that production coming against opponents' top units. Freeman has appeared to be a find this preseason, though one of his few downsides being that he might not be a three-down back for the Broncos. Fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay averaged 14.5 yards per catch and scored a receiving touchdown during the preseason, and veteran Devontae Booker has arguably been stronger as a receiver than a runner during his career. Expect Freeman to be the guy on first and second down, with Booker or Lindsay coming in on third down and passing situations.

Gordon (personal) is good to go for the regular season, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

Gordon was away from the team during preseason Week 3 to deal with a family matter and, as is customary for elite running backs, didn't take the field in the Chargers' exhibition finale. No matter, he'll be good for his typical workhorse role in 2018 after accounting for 21.4 touches per game a season ago.