NFL Player News

Walton rushed for 13 yards on four carries during Thursdays 30-27 victory over Chicago.

Walton was far from the biggest or fastest back taken in April, but his production in a pro-style scheme helped lead him to a fourth-round selection. He didn't turn many heads on Thursday, never carrying the ball for more than four yards at a time. Meanwhile, starter Joe Mixon broke off a 24-yard reception for a score. With Mixon and veteran Giovani Bernard in the fold, don't expect too much from the rookie.

Breida is questionable to return to Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers with a shoulder injury.

Breida was one of a slew of early injuries for San Francisco on Thursday, with starting tight end George Kittle (shoulder) and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (head) also forced out. Breida is currently slated as the 49ers' No. 2 running back behind Jerrick McKinnon, but has taken snaps with the first team and made an early impact in camp. The severity of his injury is not yet known, but as long as Breida is out, expect Joe Williams or Raheem Mostert to slide in as San Francisco's second-string running back.

Conner rushed for 25 yards on four carries and added a nine-yard catch during Thursday's 31-14 win over the Eagles.

Three of Conner's carries went for at least seven yards and the Steelers scored the contest's first touchdown by throwing deep to JuJu Smith-Schuster after pounding Conner into the line on three consecutive plays. The local product has looked strong this camp and that continued into Thursday. It's just hard to get too excited with Le'Veon Bell looming.

Mack left Thursday's preseason game against Seattle with a hamstring injury, Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis reports.

Mack limped off the field grabbing the back of his leg during the first quarter, so it looks like it could be more than a minor ailment.

Gillislee took 14 carries for 43 yards in Thursday's 26-17 preseason win over Washington.

With Sony Michel (knee) and Rex Burkhead (undisclosed) both absent, Gillislee got the start and handled the first carry, but he was thoroughly outplayed by Jeremy Hill, who took 11 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Further hurting his cause, Gillislee was involved in a botched handoff with quarterback Danny Etling toward the end of the game, while Hill didn't get any carries after the third quarter. If the two veteran running backs are indeed competing for one roster spot, Hill likely moved ahead of Gillislee with Thursday's performance.

Barkley rushed five times for 43 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game during Thursday's 20-10 loss to the Browns in the preseason opener.

The hype surrounding Barkley coming into his first NFL action was almost as massive as his quads, and the second overall selection in this past draft didn't disappoint. He ripped off a 39-yard run on the game's very first offensive play, making a nice cut at the line of scrimmage before bursting up the sideline. The only criticism of Barkley's performance here was his tendency to bounce everything outside, as he won't simply be able to outrun linebackers at this level like he did in college. Jonathan Stewart also mixed in during the two drives played by New York's offensive starters, but the plodding veteran isn't much of a threat to Barkley's playing time.

Kelley got the start in Thursday's preseason game against New England, taking four carries for six yards.

Derrius Guice (knee), Byron Marshall and Samaje Perine also got touches in the early portion of Thursday's contest, though the rookie was removed toward the end of the first quarter after suffering what appeared to be a minor injury at the end of a 34-yard run that was wiped out by a penalty. Guice finished his night with six carries for 19 yards, with Perine adding seven carries for 31 yards. While a slimmed-down Kelley reportedly has made a strong impression at training camp, he may end up battling Perine for a single job. Guice and Chris Thompson (leg) are obvious roster locks, and the Redskins may want to keep Marshall or Kapri Bibbs to provide pass-catching depth behind Thompson.

Cunningham won't suit up for Thursday's preseason game at Cincinnati, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Bears are also holding out Jordan Howard (knee), meaning Tarik Cohen, Taquan Mizell and Ryan Nall are the only available running backs in the exhibition opener. Cunningham may have difficulty finding a consistent role in the regular season with Howard slated for a heavy workload and Cohen on hand to handle pass-catching duties.

Jones (leg) is not in uniform for Thursday's preseason opener, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

In a backfield full of candidates on similar footing, Jones' absence from Thursday's contest could drop him down the depth chart should Wendell Smallwood and/or Josh Adams post a strong showing. A long absence would further hurt his chances of making the 53-man roster, but a timeline for his return has not been disclosed at this point.

Pumphrey will not play in Thursday's preseason game against Pittsburgh, Jeff Skversky of ABC TV 6 in Philadelphia reports.

Pumphrey is likely competing with Wendell Smallwood, Matt Jones and Josh Adams for what may only be one final reserve running back roster spot. He's likely getting the game off and will show what he can do next week.