NFL Player News

Williams was waived by the Bills on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

This might be the biggest surprise of cutdown weekend, considering Williams was expected to enter Week 1 operating as the top backup to LeSean McCoy. The 2016 fifth-round pick was limited to 27 carries for 94 yards in 11 games as a rookie, but he impressed this preseason with 21 carries for 121 yards. The Bills may feel comfortable with Mike Tolbert and Joe Banyard behind McCoy, or perhaps the team has another move in the works to acquire a replacement running back.

The Colts claimed Jones off waivers on Saturday, NFL.com's Tom Pelissero reports.

A 2015 third-round pick, Jones opened last season as the Redskins' starter but spent the second half of the year as a healthy scratch. Washington ultimately released him Saturday after failing to find a team that was willing to give up a late-round pick for his services. Jones has struggled with fumbles and doesn't have good vision, but he's an impressive athlete at around 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, offering pass-catching potential and quickness that are unusual for a player his size. The Colts seem content with Robert Turbin as their top backup behind Frank Gore, but it makes sense to check out Jones and fourth-round rookie Marlon Mack for the possibility of some actual long-term upside in the backfield.

Oliver is one of three running backs on the Chargers' roster, joining Melvin Gordon and undrafted rookie Austin Ekeler, the team's official site reports.

The decision to cut all three of Andre Williams, Kenjon Barner and Kenneth Farrow suggests the Chargers are confident in Oliver's ability to bounce back strong from last year's torn Achilles. The undersized Ekeler shouldn't be a major threat for backup work, but the team could still bring in a power back to complement Gordon and Oliver. With Gordon expected to handle a heavy workload that includes passing-down snaps, Oliver is merely a handcuff or bench stash.

Foreman (leg) is listed behind Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue (ankle) and Tyler Ervin on the Texans' initial depth chart.

There's still some chance Foreman has an early-season role on offense, as Blue is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and Ervin is an undersized passing-down back. The 2017 third-round pick missed the final two exhibition contests with an unspecified leg injury, yet still finished the preseason with 16 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown and four receptions for 72 yards. His explosiveness was on full display with a 41-yard run and a 63-yard catch, though Texans coach Bill O'Brien did say Foreman is still a work in progress, perhaps hinting at inactive status to start the season. There hasn't been any suggestion that Foreman's injury is serious.

The Steelers cut Fitzgerald Toussaint, Knile Davis and Trey Williams on Saturday, leaving Conner and Terrell Watson as the only running backs behind Le'Veon Bell, the team's official site reports.

It was a bit surprising to see the Steelers part ways with Toussaint, considering Conner and Watson are both power backs with limited pass-catching skills. The team could still bring in another runner or even re-sign Toussaint, but it does seem Conner is on track to open the season as the top backup and preferred handcuff to Le'Veon Bell. The 2017 third-round pick took 24 carries for 124 yards during the preseason, while Watson had 37 for 173 and a score.

Mostert survived Saturday's final roster cuts and will serve as a backup running back and special teams contributor.

Mostert tallied 115 rushing yards, 104 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns in two preseason games, earning him the right to begin the season on a 53-man roster for the first time in his career. The 25-year-old is slotted behind Carlos Hyde and Matt Breida on the depth chart, but he should receive a handful of touches in addition to returning kicks for the new-look 49ers.

Pumphrey (head) made the final roster cut before the regular season, the Eagles' official site reports.

It was unclear if the San Diego State product would make the final cut given his struggles adapting to the pro game this summer, but apparently he did just enough. Since he's clearly still in need of plenty of seasoning at the NFL level, he isn't likely to see much work in the Eagles' offense this season behind LeGarrette Blount, Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles. The club also kept a fifth back, Corey Clement, muddling the picture for Pumphrey even further.

Clement made the final roster cut before the regular season, the Eagles' official site reports.

It seemed doubtful the undrafted rookie would make the team, but thanks to an excellent preseason, Clement earned a spot with the club. He showed both power and a degree of elusiveness over the summer, so even though he is likely last in the pecking order, it will be interesting to see what he can do if he can work himself into some playing time this year.

Martin, who will finish serving a four-game PED suspension over the first three games of the 2017 season, was placed on the reserve-suspended list Saturday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Naturally, the move was completely expected, given Martin's current status. The former Pro Bowler provided plenty of reason for optimism in training camp and preseason, rushing nine times for 41 yards over the first two exhibitions before totaling two yards on two carries in the third preseason game. Martin flashed impressive quickness and cutting ability during camp practices as well, and he could prove to be an excellent fantasy asset once he returns to action in Week 4. For the time being, it appears he'll have one less competitor for playing time to worry about upon returning, as the Bucs released fifth-round rookie Jeremy McNichols on Saturday.

Banyard, a fifth-year journeyman, has made the Bills' initial 53-man roster.

Banyard sealed his positive fate with a strong preseason -- including a 14-68-1 performance in Thursday's preseason finale -- though he'll open the season as the likely fourth option for carries behind LeSean McCoy, Jonathan Williams and Mike Tolbert.