NFL Player News

Jones had six carries for seven yards and one reception for 37 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Lions.

Peyton Barber got the start and was once again far more effective on the ground, but it wasn't a total lost cause for Jones, who burnt a linebacker to catch a deep pass while split out wide. The rookie reportedly has struggled with drops during training camp, prompting running backs coach Tim Spencer to say earlier this week that there's a reason Jones was only targeted 17 times at USC last season. Though he may be a work in progress, the second-round pick possesses the kind of explosive athleticism that hints at long-term upside in the passing game. Of course, he'll likely have to settle for a change-of-pace role entering Week 1, with Barber likely to get most of the carries and Jacquizz Rodgers or Shaun Wilson handling most passing downs. Charles Sims (knee) is out of the picture, but that probably isn't a significant development for Jones' value, considering Sims might not have made the team even if he'd stayed healthy.

Patterson caught five of nine targets for 37 yards in Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Patterson hauled in one of his two targets from Tom Brady, gaining 10 yards before adding to his total with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer in the second half. New England's target leader on the night, the elusive Patterson is vying for playing time while Julian Edelman is suspended the first four games of the regular season.

Gillislee rushed 10 times for 35 yards and a touchdown during Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Gillislee also caught his lone target for six yards. The tailback split time with Jeremy Hill throughout the contest, as those two were the only Patriots running backs to get rushing touches Friday. Battling for a roster spot, Gillislee outperformed Hill, who managed 25 yards on his nine carries and wasn't targeted prior to exiting due to injury. With a two-yard touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion rush, Gillislee carries some momentum into the final exhibition outing, but he's far from a lock for the final roster.

Kelley took eight carries for 19 yards in Friday's preseason game against Denver.

Kelley was massively outplayed by Adrian Peterson, who got the start, dominated early work and finished with 56 yards on 11 carries (all in the first half). Kelley stayed in the game into the fourth quarter, and even then he was outplayed by Kapri Bibbs (61 yards on four touches). The only good news for Kelley is that he returned to Friday's game following a brief exit to be evaluated for a stinger. His knowledge of Jay Gruden's scheme and value on special teams should keep his roster spot safe, but it sure looked like the Redskins were preparing Peterson to replace Kelley in the offense. Meanwhile, Samaje Perine was held out with an ankle injury.

McCaffrey rushed 12 times for 48 yards and caught both his targets for 16 yards in Friday's 25-14 win over the Patriots in the third preseason game.

McCaffrey was plenty busy while playing the entire first half, as he also recovered a fumble by quarterback Cam Newton. Besides that, he was featured in a variety of ways, including four carries from inside the 10-yard line on Carolina's opening drive. Clearly looking like the team's backfield workhorse this season, McCaffrey's increased volume should boost his upside as he gets more opportunities to display his big-play ability in his second year.

Freeman took five carries for 26 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against Washington.

Devontae Booker got the start and the first two carries, but it was Freeman who provided the highlight with a 24-yard touchdown on Denver's second drive. The third-round pick shared snaps with Booker and undrafted rookie Phillip Lindsay throughout the first half, doing little of consequence besides the one long run. Booker handled a decent portion of the early snaps, but he finished with just three carries for nine yards to bring his preseason total total to nine totes for 33 yards. Freeman has hit paydirt in each of Denver's preseason games, taking 15 carries for 84 yards and the trio of scores. Despite outplaying Booker this preseason, Freeman seems to be headed for a timeshare Week 1 against Seattle.

Cook rushed twice for one yard during Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks. He was also targeted once but did not record a reception.

Seeing his first live action since Week 4 of the 2017 season, Cook was on the field for Minnesota's first four offensive snaps before being pulled in favor of Latavius Murray. Those four snaps were all Vikings coaches apparently needed to see, though, as Cook's removal from the game was for nothing more than to ensure his health for the games that matter. With the starting offense all but guaranteed to sit out the team's preseason finale next Thursday against the Titans, we won't be seeing Cook again until Minnesota's regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the 49ers.

Cook will suit up for Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

In his return from a torn ACL, Cook isn't expected to play more than one possession, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. In essence, Cook is getting some live hits before the regular season, thus alleviating concerns that he can be a workhorse running back in 2018.

Chubb rushed 14 times for 46 yards during Thursday's 5-0 preseason victory over the Eagles.

Chubb saw the bulk of the action among his fellow running backs Thursday, but aside from his 21-yard run on his first carry, the rookie didn't do much with his workload. Carlos Hyde, on the other hand, nearly matched Chubb's rushing total with half the number of carries. The former Georgia Bulldog still figures to have a role on Cleveland's offense behind Hyde and Duke Johnson, but he'll need to produce if he expects any meaningful playing time.

Elliott is unlikely to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Dallas may have wanted the third-year pro to get a bit of playing time this preseason, but injury woes along the offensive line mean Elliott and Dak Prescott likely will be held out Sunday. The Cowboys seemingly expect RG Zack Martin (knee), LT Tyron Smith (hamstring) and RT La'el Collins (calf, illness) to be ready for Week 1, but C Travis Fredrick may miss some time after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. It's a concern for Elliott's fantasy stock, though not nearly enough to push him out of the first round.