NFL Player News

Conner (shoulder) is scheduled to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Falcons, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Conner missed Pittsburgh's exhibition opener while working his way back from a shoulder sprain, but the tailback returned to practice in a full capacity this week, putting him on the verge of his debut. According to coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will give Conner as much work as he can handle this weekend. Currently pegged as the team's fourth running back, the rookie third-rounder will surely be eager to rise up the depth chart with a strong showing.

Martin (suspension) rushed five times for 30 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in two of three targets for 11 yards in Thursday's 12-8 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Martin touched the ball on the Bucs' first four plays, gaining 13 yards on three carries and securing one target for six yards. He capped off the 11-play, 83-yard drive with a two-yard score, looking to be in mid-season form while making decisive cuts and running with a head of steam. Martin's presence will undoubtedly be missed while he finishes serving his suspension in the first three weeks of the season, but he's given the team plenty of reason for optimism with his performances throughout the offseason, in camp practices and through the first two preseason contests. He's likely due for even more extended action against the Browns a week from Saturday.

Williams had four carries for 11 yards and one reception for three yards (on three targets) in Thursday's preseason loss to Baltimore.

Jay Cutler played two drives, with Jay Ajayi handling the first and Williams the second. Kenyan Drake (concussion) was unavailable as a result of a collision at Monday's practice, but he could still push Williams for the No. 2 role if he gets healthy in the next couple weeks. Drake primarily is valued for his speed and his potential as a receiving threat, while Williams is more of a well-rounded back without any standout trait. The latter's experience and size suggest he's the better option in pass protection, which often is the determining factor in this sort of battle. In any case, Ajayi will dominate carries (and possibly targets) so long as he stays healthy.

Elliott (suspension) isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Colts, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

There's no reason to risk Elliott's health with his spot cemented atop the running back depth chart. Moreover, it doesn't hurt to get Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris additional reps with the first-team offense in the event all or part of Elliott's six-game suspension is upheld. For the time being, Elliott's representatives will prepare for an Aug. 29 hearing in front of arbiter Harold Henderson.

Clement is expected to receive additional snaps Thursday against the Bills due to Wendell Smallwood's (hamstring) absence, Matt Lombardo of NJ.com reports.

With Darren Sproles also sidelined, LeGarrette Blount likely won't log more than a series or two with the first-team offense. Thus, Clement, fellow rookie Donnel Pumphrey and second-year pro Byron Marshall represent the remaining running backs on the roster. In his first preseason action last Thursday at Green Bay, Clement earned the most snaps (28) among Eagles RBs, turning the reps into seven carries for 13 yards and two receptions (on four targets) for 31 yards.

Drake (concussion) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Drake, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, is one of 11 Dolphins who are not suiting up Thursday. Joining the running back on the sideline for the contest will be wideouts Isaiah Ford, Rashawn Scott and Leonte Carroo.

Crossan (undisclosed) reverted back to the Colts' injured reserve after clearing waivers.

The nature of Crossan's injury has yet to be specified, but he's now in line to spend the 2017 season on injured reserve in Indianapolis.

Rawls won't play in Friday's preseason game versus the Vikings due to a "minor" ankle injury, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

On Sunday against the Chargers, Rawls got the nod over Eddie Lacy with the first-team offense, turning two carries into five yards. In the meantime, though, Rawls was held out of the team portion of practice both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. With the ailment revealed, Rawls' lack of activity in all drills will be interesting to watch, especially because Lacy is slated to start Friday.

Barner (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Eric Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Barner missed practice time earlier this week while in the NFL's concussion protocol. With the 28-year-old now back to work, he could even be in line to play in the team's preseason contest Sunday against the Saints if fully cleared for action by that time. Though clearly behind Melvin Gordon and Brandon Oliver in the Chargers' backfield pecking order, Barner is looking to cement a role with the squad as a change-of-pace back/special-teamer.

Mack took the bulk of second-team reps at Wednesday's practice, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

While seemingly destined to open the season third on the depth chart, Mack at least has a chance to get extended run with the second unit while the Colts use Robert Turbin with the starters to avoid overworking 34-year-old Frank Gore. Given Gore's age and Turbin's uninspiring NFL track record, the fourth-round rookie could earn a change-of-pace role, providing some much-needed explosiveness from the Indy backfield. The Colts hope Mack will eventually be Gore's successor in the lead role.