NFL Player News

Breida's role is expected to increase after Jerick McKinnon tore his ACL during Saturday's workout, Matt Barrows of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

On the same day that Breida gained medical clearance from a separated shoulder suffered early in the preseason, the 49ers took a massive hit to their backfield depth. Breida likely is more suited for a change-of-pace role due to Alfred Morris' lack of pass-catching chops. However, Breida proved himself effective on the ground as an undrafted rookie last year, tallying 4.4 yards per carry on his 105 rushes.

McKinnon sustained a torn ACL in his right knee at Saturday's team workout, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

During said workout, McKinnon went to the ground while making a cut, suffering a knee injury in the process. With his first season in San Francisco over, the 49ers will trust in Alfred Morris and Matt Breida to power the ground game.

Scott is poised for a key role early in the season after the Saints cut Jonathan Williams on Saturday, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

The Saints presumably will scour the waiver wire for backfield depth after cutting Williams loose and placing Shane Vereen (undisclosed) on injured reserve. Even if the team does add some help, Scott figures to serve as Alvin Kamara's primary backup until Ingram returns in Week 5. The role could come with a considerable number of touches, given that coach Sean Payton has been clear about his desire to avoid overworking Kamara. Scott made a strong impression during the preseason with 25 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown, though he only caught three passes for 18 yards. The sixth-round rookie out of Louisiana Tech will line up behind a strong offensive line while facing defenses that are worried about Drew Brees, Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn.

Edwards (foot/ankle) was waived by the Ravens on Saturday, Ryan Mink of the team's official website reports.

Edwards was competing with fellow undrafted rookies Mark Thompson and De'Lance Turner for the No. 4 RB spot, but the Ravens ended up keeping just three players at the position. Edwards was injured for the final week of the preseason, missing out on his last opportunity to make a bid for the team.

Simmons was waived by the Giants on Saturday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Simmons had one last opportunity to prove his worth in Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots, and while he did rush 11 times for 41 yards, it looks like it was too little too late for the tailback. He may be a candidate to return as a member of the Giants' practice squad.

Bolden was released by the Patriots on Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The Patriots released Bolden at the same time last year, then brought him back a couple days later. It's something teams do to help with roster flexibility during the mad dash to acquire players that have been waived or released by other teams. Of course, the Patriots might move on from Bolden if they find another player capable of handling a similar role on special teams.

Ogunbowale was waived by the Buccaneers on Saturday, Greg Auman of The Athletic Tampa Bay reports.

Ogunbowale joined the Bucs late in the preseason, so his chances of making the final roster were always slim. It's possible Tampa Bay elects to keep him close, however, by signing him to its practice squad.

Williams (shoulder) was waived-injured by the Falcons on Saturday, Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com reports.

Williams had been competing for a role in Atlanta's backfield behind Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman throughout the preseason, but was ultimately waived with an injury designation as the team trimmed its roster. He'll revert to IR if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Pressley was waived by the Giants on Saturday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic New York reports.

Pressley joined the Giants late in the preseason with the team in need of another body in the backfield for their final preseason games. While Pressley won't be on the final roster this year, he is now a candidate to make New York's practice squad if no one else claims him.

The Saints waived Williams on Saturday, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

When Mark Ingram's four-game suspension was announced in early May, Williams was perhaps the leading candidate to serve as the handcuff to Alvin Kamara to start the season. As the preseason wore on, though, Williams was surpassed by rookie Boston Scott, who ultimately won the competition. There's a chance the Saints keep Williams around on the practice squad, but he'll first have to pass through waivers unclaimed.