NFL Player News

Michael had three carries for 12 yards and one reception for three yards in Thursday's preseason win at Seattle.

Michael was the third running back in the game and got playing time ahead of rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. That could indicate he has more of a chance to win a reserve running back role than first thought, but the coaching staff may have just deferred playing time to veterans in the first preseason game. He's more likely battling for a final reserve running back role with Josh Ferguson.

Williams was knocked out of Thursday's preseason opener against the Falcons with a head injury, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

The exact severity of the issue hasn't been revealed, but Williams has likely gone through the concussion protocol to check if that is in play. Despite appearing in all 16 games last season for the Chiefs, Williams has a less-than-firm-grasp on a 53-man roster spot with Kansas City. An extended absence wouldn't work in his favor, but getting fully healthy is certainly the first priority.

Williams had five carries for 16 yards and one reception for eight yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason opener.

Williams did not get much going on the ground Thursday, but his touchdown was impressive, as he caught the ball in the flat, made his defender miss on the sideline, and dove in for the score from a couple yards out. As long as he stays healthy, everything is lined up for Williams to open the season as the Packers' starting running back.

Breida (shoulder) isn't expected to practice next week or play in the 49ers' second preseason game, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The initial reports on Breida's shoulder issue seemed promising, as he was the only one of the 49ers' newly injured players who didn't exit for the locker room during Thursday's 24-21 preseason win over the Cowboys. However, coach Kyle Shanahan didn't sound so optimistic after the game, noting that he expects both Breida and TE George Kittle (shoulder) to "miss some time." With Breida expected to serve as the team's No. 2 running back, his upcoming absence should lead to more opportunities for Joe Williams and Jeremy McNichols.

Grant finished with eight rushes for six yards and caught all three of his targets for 39 yards during Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Saints in the preseason opener.

Grant also gained 39 yards on two kickoff returns and recorded a tackle on special teams. On a busy night for the tailback, Grant led the Jags in both carries and receiving yards. Although he didn't get anything going on the ground, his versatility is clearly of value to Jacksonville.

Williams rushed four times for 26 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

Williams' first carry didn't come until about five minutes remained in the game, but he certainly made a strong impact nonetheless. In fact, Williams' output all came on one drive, which he capped with a four-yard, go-ahead touchdown. That enabled the Saints to take a couple of knees on their final series, and his solid performance could earn Williams earlier action in next Friday's exhibition against the Cardinals.

Scott gained seven yards on his lone carry during Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

Scott's lone carry came late in the fourth quarter, as seven tailbacks got touches for the Saints. While he was buried in the pecking order, Scott at least went for a solid gain on his only opportunity, and he compiled 78 yards on his three kickoff returns.

West rushed five times for 10 yards in Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

West's first carry didn't come until the two-minute drill to end the first half. After that, he saw some work over the course of the second half, yet failed to produce much. While fellow tailback and competitor Shane Vereen sprinkled in his five touches over the same span, his eight total yards left little separation between the two.

Mostert racked up 57 yards on just eight carries in Thursday's preseason win over the Cowboys. He also lost a fumble.

Mostert outperformed Joe Williams in terms of yards gained in the two backs' ongoing competition for a third-string role. He did lose a fumble in the third quarter, however, as the 49ers inched close to the red zone. Projected No. 2 back Matt Breida exited the contest with a shoulder injury, so the winner of this job battle could be in line for a larger role than initially expected depending on the length of Breida's absence. Mostert will need to quickly put the turnover behind him if he's to stake his claim to a role in the offense when the regular season rolls around.

Artis-Payne rushed five times for one yard in Thursday's 28-23 win over the Bills in the preseason opener.

Artis-Payne led the Panthers in carries, yet barely found any room to run. It's notable that his first touch came in the second quarter, while fellow tailback and competitor Kenjon Barner didn't get his first carry until the fourth. Look for those two to use the remaining three exhibition tilts to jockey for position behind Christian McCaffrey and C.J. Anderson.