NFL Player News

Martin took six carries for 24 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Packers.

Marshawn Lynch started and logged two snaps before turning things over to Martin, who couldn't find any room to run until he ripped off a 16-yard gain early in the second quarter on his final carry. Martin's spot on the 53-man roster appears secure, but it's hard to project a significant workload in a backup role that may or may not include regular work on passing downs. Although he didn't draw any targets Friday, the 29-year-old did stay on the field for both third downs during the opening drive. Martin likely will be held out of the preseason finale to ensure he's healthy for Week 1 against the Rams.

Thomas did not play in Friday's preseason game due to an undisclosed injury, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Mike Boone didn't have a great game as the third running back, rushing nine times for 26 yards (2.9 YPC) and catching four of six targets for 13 yards, and left with a bruised right knee. The competition for the third running back role remains unsettled entering the final preseason game as a result.

Murray had 10 carries for 24 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, in Friday's preseason win over Seattle.

Murray bounced back after struggling in his previous preseason game with two fumbles. Dalvin Cook got two carries in Friday's game, showing he's set to return from last year's torn ACL. It's not clear if the Vikings will ease Cook back into action and use Murray more at the early points of the season, but Murray could carve out a goal-line role in any scenario.

Barkley (hamstring) confirmed Friday that he's on track to play Week 1, Josina Anderson of ESPN reports.

Barkley was limited to individual drills throughout the week and didn't suit up for Friday's preseason win over the Jets. He'll presumably be held out of the final exhibition contest, with his focus on getting as healthy as possible for a difficult Week 1 game against the Jaguars. The No. 2 overall pick will handle a heavy workload while Wayne Gallman and Jonathan Stewart compete for scraps.

Jones (suspension) took five carries for 18 yards and didn't get any targets in Friday's preseason game against the Raiders.

Ty Montgomery was one of the few key veterans to suit up for the Green Bay offense, and he was removed before the end of the first quarter due to a foot injury. Jones then took over the backfield in his first game appearance since last season, finally proving his health after battling a hamstring injury for about three weeks. The Green Bay backfield is full of moving parts, with Jones suspended for the first two games and projected Week 1 starter Jamaal Williams nursing a minor ankle injury. The extent of Jones' role in Week 3 and beyond could largely depend upon the health of his backfield mates.

Boone bruised his right knee during Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Boone wasn't playing well before leaving the contest, rushing nine times for 26 yards (2.9 YPC) and catching four of six targets for 13 yards. The undrafted rookie said he feels fine, but he will be monitored throughout the week. He's competing against Roc Thomas (undisclosed) for the No. 3 RB role,

Jones had six carries for seven yards and one reception for 37 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Lions.

Peyton Barber got the start and was once again far more effective on the ground, but it wasn't a total lost cause for Jones, who burnt a linebacker to catch a deep pass while split out wide. The rookie reportedly has struggled with drops during training camp, prompting running backs coach Tim Spencer to say earlier this week that there's a reason Jones was only targeted 17 times at USC last season. Though he may be a work in progress, the second-round pick possesses the kind of explosive athleticism that hints at long-term upside in the passing game. Of course, he'll likely have to settle for a change-of-pace role entering Week 1, with Barber likely to get most of the carries and Jacquizz Rodgers or Shaun Wilson handling most passing downs. Charles Sims (knee) is out of the picture, but that probably isn't a significant development for Jones' value, considering Sims might not have made the team even if he'd stayed healthy.

Patterson caught five of nine targets for 37 yards in Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Patterson hauled in one of his two targets from Tom Brady, gaining 10 yards before adding to his total with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer in the second half. New England's target leader on the night, the elusive Patterson is vying for playing time while Julian Edelman is suspended the first four games of the regular season.

Gillislee rushed 10 times for 35 yards and a touchdown during Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Gillislee also caught his lone target for six yards. The tailback split time with Jeremy Hill throughout the contest, as those two were the only Patriots running backs to get rushing touches Friday. Battling for a roster spot, Gillislee outperformed Hill, who managed 25 yards on his nine carries and wasn't targeted prior to exiting due to injury. With a two-yard touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion rush, Gillislee carries some momentum into the final exhibition outing, but he's far from a lock for the final roster.

Kelley took eight carries for 19 yards in Friday's preseason game against Denver.

Kelley was massively outplayed by Adrian Peterson, who got the start, dominated early work and finished with 56 yards on 11 carries (all in the first half). Kelley stayed in the game into the fourth quarter, and even then he was outplayed by Kapri Bibbs (61 yards on four touches). The only good news for Kelley is that he returned to Friday's game following a brief exit to be evaluated for a stinger. His knowledge of Jay Gruden's scheme and value on special teams should keep his roster spot safe, but it sure looked like the Redskins were preparing Peterson to replace Kelley in the offense. Meanwhile, Samaje Perine was held out with an ankle injury.