NFL Player News

Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is impressed with Penny's early work as a pass catcher and blocker, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports. "[Penny] has scat back qualities along with the ability of running in between the tackles," said Schottenheimer. "Everybody wants to see him pass protect, but I've been blown away by his ability to, again, diagnose the blitz, see where the blitz is coming from, and track his guy. It's been outstanding for a young back, one of the best if not the best I've ever been around."

While the rookie is off to a good start at training camp, Schottenheimer did mention that Penny still needs to prove he can protect the quarterback in practices with full pads. Chris Carson has been getting most of the first-team reps, with head coach Pete Carroll recently complimenting the second-year back for his versatility on offense as well as his ability to contribute on special teams. Of course, the Seahawks didn't use a first-round pick on Penny just to watch him ride the pine all season, so they'll presumably find a way to get him touches even if Carson earns the Week 1 starting job. This is one of the more intriguing position battles across the league, with pass-catching backs C.J. Prosise and J.D. McKissic also trying to make a case for playing time. Prosise has been getting the majority of first-team reps in the two-minute offense.

Williams has been getting most of the work with the starting offense during normal down-and-distance situations, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Aaron Jones (suspension) has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Ty Montgomery has been taking most of the first-team reps in two-minute and no-huddle situations. Williams is the best bet to handle the Week 1 starting job, but a committee approach is still the most likely outcome, especially once Jones returns from a two-game suspension. Despite averaging just 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie, Williams made a strong impression with his durability (16 games) and unexpected pass-catching contributions (25 catches for 262 yards and two scores on 34 targets).

Henry said the new Tennessee offense is built around outside-zone running plays, Paul Kuharsky of 104.5 The Zone Nashville reports.

Henry isn't doing much more than stating the obvious, considering Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur has spent most of his career working under Kyle Shanahan. Schemes with an emphasis on outside zone are best known for maximizing the talents of physically underwhelming running backs along the lines of Alfred Morris, Arian Foster or Mike Anderson, but there's nothing to say a freak athlete like Henry can't also find success. The presence of Dion Lewis is a bigger concern than scheme fit, as it's hard to imagine Henry approaching 20 touches per game unless his new teammate suffers an injury. The Titans have given every indication that they envision both backs handling major roles.

Jones (hamstring, suspension) won't practice Monday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy declined to provide a timeline, simply stating that Jones will miss at least one more practice while recovering from a hamstring injury that was first reported Saturday. The second-year back is facing a two-game suspension to start the season, but he could have a key role beginning Week 3 if he makes a strong impression over the next month. Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery will duke it out for the Week 1 starting job.

McCaffrey would get between 25 to 30 touches per game in Panthers coach Ron Rivera's ideal scenario this season, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

McCaffrey averaged just over 12 touches, including five per game through the air, as a rookie last season, when veteran Jonathan Stewart led the team's rushing attack. Although pounder C.J. Anderson was signed following Stewart's release this offseason, it's McCaffrey who's seemingly slated to spearhead Carolina's backfield charge under new coordinator Norv Turner. Known for heavily utilizing his top tailback, and having worked with the similarly skilled Darren Sproles in the past, Turner profiles as someone fit to expand McCaffrey's game. Furthermore, citing McCaffrey's added muscle and average of over 25 touches per game his last couple college seasons, Rivera has offered a vote of confidence in the tailback's ability to approach 200 carries this season. While that would mean a large increase from his 117 totes last year, and quarterback Cam Newton will still have the offense run through him, more of McCaffrey would only figure to boost his stock heading into Year 2.

Pumphrey has been targeted frequently in the early days of training camp and is making the most of his opportunities, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports.

A fourth-round pick last year, Pumphrey struggled during training camp and was stashed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He entered the offseason program in 2018 as an afterthought to most Eagles fans, but it seems the pint-sized back is making a decent case to stick around. Regardless, it's hard to see exactly where he fits in with a team that already has Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement and Darren Sproles. As such, Pumphrey will compete with Wendell Smallwood, Matt Jones and Josh Adams for what may only be one roster spot. Pumphrey mentioned that he's up to 186 pounds, a 10-pound boost from his weight at last year's combine.

Warren didn't practice Sunday due to an undisclosed injury, Vic Tafur of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Warren was at least seen working with trainers on the sidelines, which is an encouraging sign that he isn't far off from returning to the field. With Jalen Richard (calf) also not practicing, the Raiders brought in fellow undrafted rookie James Butler as added depth.

Jones has been receiving first-team reps since Friday's practice and has looked the part of a starting running back, Carmen Vitali of the team's official site reports.

The former USC Trojan has looked stout and quick in his cuts according to Vitali, who notes that Jones has been seeing his work with the first unit tick up since Thursday. The team is particularly seeking a home-run dimension from Jones, who notched 12 runs of 40 or more yards during his college career. Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Bucs are one of five teams (the Patriots, Texans, Colts and Lions being the others) that hasn't had a running back rip off a run of greater than 50 yards since 2015, and the solid but somewhat plodding Peyton Barber -- Jones' primary competition for touches -- isn't prone to explosive plays very often. Therefore, the opportunity for significant playing time is Jones' for the taking with a strong camp and preseason.

Gillislee missed Sunday's practice session for undisclosed reasons, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com reports.

It's unclear if Gillislee is suffering from an injury or if he was given the day off for another reason. The team hasn't expressed concern about his availability to this point, and the veteran back is expected to return to the field in the coming days.

Atkinson signed a contract with the Jets on Sunday.

Atkinson's signing with the Jets comes on the heels of Elijah McGuire breaking his foot. With McGuire set to miss several weeks, Atkinson is being brought in to add some depth to the position. Look for him to compete for a role as a reserve running back and special teams player.