NFL Player News

Coach Pat Shurmur noted Monday that Barkley practiced well both Sunday and Monday.

Barkley is bouncing back from a hamstring issue, which will presumably keep him out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots. He continues to practice without any setbacks, and at this stage there doesn't appear to be any concern regarding his availability for the Giants' regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the Jaguars.

Tillery signed with the Titans on Monday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Tillery will serve as an extra body for the team's final preseason game against the Vikings. It will take an outstanding performance on offense and special teams for Tillery to snag a reserve running back role.

Newsome carried the ball 12 times for 34 yards and a touchdown in a 36-7 preseason loss to the Saints on Saturday.

Melvin Gordon's surprise absence for personal reasons allowed Newsome to tally the bulk of the second-string carries, converting a touchdown in his first series of work. The undrafted rookie running back appears to have an edge on Russell Hansbrough for the No. 3 duties, but Justin Jackson (hamstring) remains a wildcard when it comes to the aforementioned spot on the depth chart. If the No. 3 rusher in Big Ten history is able to prove he's healthy during the Chargers' final preseason game Thursday, there's a possibility Jackson could edge out Newsome for what figures to be one of the final roster spots available.

Edmonds rushed 11 times for 55 yards and caught both of his targets for eight more in Sunday's 27-3 preseason win over Dallas.

Edmonds got an extended look in the first half with starter David Johnson getting the night off, and the rookie made the most of his opportunity by averaging five yards per carry. T.J. Logan also had a big day highlighted by a 59-yard touchdown, but Edmonds appears destined to serve as the primary backup to Johnson once the games start to count.

Boone (knee) participated in Sunday's practice, Chad Graff of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Boone was forced out of Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks due to a knee bruise, but it appears it was just a minor ailment given that he is already back at practice. Boone did not put together a great performance before exiting the game, as he rushed nine times for just 26 yards. He'll continue to battle Roc Thomas for the Vikings' No. 3 running back slot.

Thomas (undisclosed) participated in Sunday's practice, Chad Graff of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Thomas was sidelined for Friday's preseason game, but it looks like whatever was bothering him was minor. He'll continue fighting for a spot as the No. 3 running back on the Vikings' final roster.

Barkley (hamstring) returned to team drills Sunday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Barkley was seen taking handoffs and "effortlessly" catching passes, making it seem as if he's back to normal after sustaining a minor hamstring strain in practice Aug. 13. He and the the rest of the starting offense will probably be held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots, but there doesn't appear to be any concern regarding Barkley's availability for Week 1.

Mixon rushed six times for seven yards and caught one of two targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 26-13 preseason win over the Bills.

Mixon didn't get much going against the Buffalo front, though he did make a nice play in the passing game. The second-year man out of Oklahoma has the skills to play a three-down role, but he'll likely cede some passing-down snaps to Giovani Bernard when the regular season kicks off Sept. 9 in Indianapolis.

Michael had eight carries for nine yards, including a one-yard touchdown, and one reception for three yards in Saturday's preseason win over San Francisco.

While his stats were not great, Michael got time with the first-team offense and rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins were not overly impressive. It's time to acknowledge the possibility that Michael could figure into the RB mix early in the season if Marlon Mack remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Hines had five carries for zero yards and lost one yard on his only reception in Saturday's preseason win over San Francisco.

Hines drew a lot of praise in minicamp and in training camp with the coaching staff saying they had plans to use him in the backfield, in the slot and out wide. However, he's had a poor preseason as he has eight carries for 19 yards and one reception for nine yards in three games. Perhaps the Colts were being coy about his usage in the preseason, but Hines seems to have fallen behind fellow rookie Jordan Wilkins, with little reason to expect a significant role early in the season.