NFL Player News

Barner took five carries for 72 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Despite finishing without a target or any touches on special teams, Barner was able to make his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. He's competing for the No. 3 running back job with Cameron Artis-Payne, who took seven carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers might consider keeping both players, as Artis-Payne can provide insurance for C.J. Anderson's power role while Barner provides pass-catching insurance for Christian McCaffrey. Barner also has experience returning kicks and punts, but the Panthers seem to be in good hands with some mixture of McCaffrey, Damiere Byrd, Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore handling those duties. Barner isn't even listed on the special teams portion of the Panthers' preseason depth chart.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he will split carries evenly amongst his available running backs Saturday against the Texans, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Mostert was initially expected to start Saturday's contest, but the addition of Alfred Morris and the recent first-string playing time of Jeremy McNichols during practice this week suggests otherwise. Regardless of who starts, it seems all of the players competing for the 49ers' third-string running back role this year will share carries against the Texans. Mostert made the most of his opportunity in last week's preseason opener against the Cowboys, ripping off 57 yards on eight carries, but he did lose a fumble as well.

Williams rushed for 23 yards on eight carries to go along with four catches on five targets for 27 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Falcons.

In his return from a head injury that knocked him out of the Chiefs' preseason opener last Thursday, Williams led the team in rushing versus Atlanta despite averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Williams' versatility was on display as he battles for a reserve role at running back behind Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware (knee).

Wilkins received the start at running back in Friday's practice, but the Colts rotated Christine Michael and Nyheim Hines with the first-team offense as well, ESPN 1070 AM Indianapolis reports.

With Marlon Mack sidelined with a hamstring injury and Robert Turbin hampered by an ankle issue, Wilkins has an opportunity to showcase his talents in the next two preseason games. It's possible he could figure early into the regular-season mix if Mack is sidelined past the preseason, considering Turbin is set to miss the first four games due to a suspension. However, Michael and Hines could still figure into the mix, with the latter likely having particular upside on passing downs.

Williams gained 37 yards on eight carries and lost two yards on one reception in Friday's 20-15 preseason loss to the Cardinals.

Following a 4-26-1 rushing line in the preseason opener, Williams operated as the clear No. 2 behind Mark Ingram in Friday's game. Boston Scott and Terrance West did eventually get some work, with the former taking six carries for 28 yards and the latter gaining 26 yards on just two carries. Alvin Kamara was held out of the game, helping the Saints get a better look at the players who might join him in the backfield while Ingram serves a four-game suspension. Williams seems to lead the group, but Scott and West won't go down without a fight.

Chubb took 11 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for no gain in Friday's preseason loss to the Bills.

Chubb took a big step forward from last week with gains of 17 and 14 yards, but it was Carlos Hyde who got most of the carries early in the contest on his way to a 9-64-1 rushing line. The rookie still has time to continue making his case for some work, but the Browns likely will give Hyde and Duke Johnson most of the playing time to start the season.

Kamara isn't playing in Friday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Herbie Teope of NFL.com reports.

With no injury reported, the Saints likely are just being cautious as they prepare to begin the regular season without Mark Ingram (suspension). Kamara did have three carries for 11 yards and one catch for seven yards in last week's preseason opener against Jacksonville, and he could get some work in the third week of the exhibition slate. The Saints seems to be auditioning Jonathan Williams for a role behind Kamara while Ingram serves the four-game suspension. The team can't ask Kamara to shoulder the load alone, considering he and Ingram combined for 350 carries and 171 targets last season.

Anderson gained 39 yards on eight carries and nine yards on two catches in Friday's preseason game against Miami.

Anderson got his first carry with 4:29 remaining in the second quarter, at which point Christian McCaffrey had already piled up 120 yards on nine touches, including a 71-yard rushing score. Panthers coach Ron Rivera has been clear about his desire to get McCaffrey more touches this season, and Friday's game wasn't encouraging for the idea of Anderson matching Jonathan Stewart's 2017 mark of 13.2 carries per game. There should still be room for Anderson to contribute, but it does seem the Carolina backfield will primarily be McCaffrey's show.

McCaffrey had five carries for 92 yards and a touchdown along with four catches for 28 yards on five targets in Friday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

McCaffrey was barely touched on a 71-yard touchdown scamper, showing what can happen when speed meets terrible defense. He also had a bad third-down drop, a reception for 18 yards and a pair of nine-yard carries, thoroughly dominating the early workload before C.J. Anderson got involved with five minutes remaining in the first half. Anderson finished with eight carries for 39 yards and two catches for nine yards, playing until midway through the third quarter. It was an encouraging night for anyone invested in McCaffrey; less so for those with stock in Anderson.

Simmons left Friday's game against the Lions with a concussion, Tom Rock of Newsday reports.

Simmons is seeking a depth roster spot with with the Giants, but his performance before his injury was won't help his chances. The 26-year-old rushed six times for 11 yards, while three other Giants running backs scored Friday -- Robert Martin, Wayne Gallman and Kyle Lauletta.