NFL Player News

Mixon gained eight yards on four carries and caught his only target for a one-yard gain during Saturday's 21-13 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Mixon found the going extremely tough, contributing a long gain of four yards while totaling five yards on his other four touches. None of the other Bengals runners fared well either, so perhaps Mixon's struggles can be chalked up to a sound performance by an improved Dallas defensive unit. He figures to handle a sizable workload regardless of his preseason performance, but it would be reassuring for perspective fantasy owners to see him perform well in an exhibition contest. He'll likely get the opportunity to do so next week against the Bills before sitting out the final preseason contest.

Murray had six carries for 12 yards and fumbled twice (losing one) in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville.

After an explosive performance in the first preseaon game (four carries for 48 yards), Murray struggled Saturday against a better defense. His fumbles likely are not a worry since he's never had a history of turnovers. His playing time early in the season will likely depend on whether the Vikings want to ease Dalvin Cook back into action after returning from an ACL injury.

Freeman rushed six times for 20 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Bears.

Freeman continued to split first-team work with Devontae Booker, and the rookie continued to outshine his counterpart en route to Freeman's second rushing touchdown in as many games. It'll be interesting to see how the Broncos dole out snaps during the team's third preseason game next Friday against the Redskins, when the starting offense is expected to get it's longest run of the preseason before presumably sitting out the preseason finale.

Thomas had five carries for 25 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Mike Boone had 13 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown.

The competition for the No. 3 RB role remains close. Thomas had the big game in the first preseason contests (eight carries for 29 yards and three receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns), and Boone had a big outing in the second. Thomas still averaged five yards per carry and played later in the game with the second- and third-string offenses, so he held his own. The battle for the No. 3 role will likely be decided late in camp, and only Mack Brown has fallen behind due to a poor first game and missing the second game with an injury.

Boone had 13 carries for 91 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville.

Boone was the first of the candidates for the No. 3 RB job to get carries in the game, and he had a strong performance. Roc Thomas also played well (5 carries for 25 yards) and had a big game in the first preseason contest. The competition between Boone and Thomas for the No. 3 job remains close, with Mack Brown falling behind due to a poor first game and missing the second game with an injury.

McNichols rushed 10 times for 28 yards and secured three of four targets for 19 yards in the 49ers' 16-13 preseason loss to the Texans on Saturday.

As expected with Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder) sidelined, McNichols drew the start and saw a robust workload. His overall production -- 47 yards on 13 touches -- was serviceable yet unspectacular, but he certainly didn't hurt his chances, especially considering he faced the Texans' first-team defense for part of the night. McNichols played into the third quarter before giving way to Joe Williams, who actually had an even tougher time finding running room (eight carries, 18 yards). Even with the newly signed Alfred Morris projected to play in next Saturday's preseason game against the Colts, McNichols is likely to see plenty of touches with which he can continue making a case for a roster spot.

Sims suffered a left knee injury Saturday at Tennessee and won't return to the game, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Sims was nicked up on the opening kickoff, which could hurt his standing in the backfield with roster cuts due in exactly two weeks. At the moment, Peyton Barber is fending off rookie Ronald Jones II for the starting gig, and Sims' injury should open the door for Jacquizz Rodgers to make an impact on offense Saturday and perhaps beyond.

Daniels signed a contract with the Packers on Saturday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Daniels will receive a chance to make a name for himself in the Packers' backfield after Akeem Judd called it quits, but he will have a shortened training camp to do so. Daniels' best bet at earning a spot likely comes as a special teams contributor.

Williams (shoulder) didn't play in Friday's preseason game against the Falcons.

Williams suited up for the contest but didn't play. With Spencer Ware (knee) and Charcandrick West (concussion) also held out, Williams probably didn't lose any ground in the competition for backup work.

Vereen caught each of his three targets for 14 yards in Friday's preseason game against Arizona.

Vereen logged 14 snaps on offense, with his first reception coming shortly before halftime. Though he hasn't generated any buzz since signing with the Saints a month ago, the 29-year-old could land on the 53-man roster if the team doesn't trust Jonathan Williams or Boston Scott to handle passing downs in the event of an Alvin Kamara injury. Williams seems to be winning the battle for the No. 2 running back job during Mark Ingram's four-game suspension.