NFL Player News

Gordon (knee) carried the ball six times for 14 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Seahawks.

Gordon and the rest of the first string barely played, ceding control to the second unit after an extended drive in the first quarter. While Gordon didn't break off any long runs, the Chargers were happy to see their star back make it through the first preseason contest unscathed, especially in light of the team's recent injury woes.

Rawls started at running back in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chargers over Eddie Lacy but played only one series, carrying twice for five yards.

Lacy entered in the second series and had 10 yards on four rushes, but failed to convert on third-and-goal from one-yard line. Rawls currently sits atop the depth chart, though Lacy likely will get time with the first-string offense at some point in training camp. No matter who wins the job, it looks like the Seahawks are inclined to deploy a timeshare of Rawls and Lacy at the position.

Vereen is expected to handle most of the Giants' snaps at running back during passing downs this season, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Vereen is listed behind Paul Perkins on the depth chart at running back, but the veteran is rightfully considered the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield given the success he's enjoyed in that capacity throughout his career. With the Giants sporting the same underwhelming offensive line as last season, coach Ben McAdoo has deployed a quicker-release passing scheme in training camp, emphasizing screens and plays that get the ball out of quarterback Eli Manning's hands as soon as possible. Those designs figure to greatly benefit Vereen, who has topped 50 receptions in his last two full seasons. During his first season with the Giants, Vereen made just five appearances due to injury and has already been sidelined with a lower-leg issue earlier in training camp this summer, but all seems to be sound on the health front at this time. If Vereen can avoid further setbacks during training camp, he should play a significant role in the team's offense in 2017.

Drake required assistance off the practice field Monday after taking the brunt of a helmet-to-helmet hit, James Walker of ESPN.com reports.

The Dolphins have yet to provide an update on the nature of Drake's injury, but he appeared woozy after he was drilled on a pass pattern by a defensive back. With Jay Ajayi still in the concussion protocol and limited in practices, Drake had been seeing the bulk of the snaps at running back with the first team. He had toted the rock four times for 21 yards and caught one ball for two yards in the preseason opener last Thursday against the Falcons.

McNichols gained 12 yards on his two rushes and failed to secure his only target during Friday's 23-12 preseason loss to the Bengals.

The promising rookie didn't get a chance for much action after Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber combined for 19 rushes ahead of him. However, he did gain all but one of his yards on an impressive 11-yard run in the fourth quarter, and is likely to see a bump up in reps during next Thursday's clash against the Jaguars.

Mack (shoulder) did not play in Sunday's preseason loss to Detroit.

Mack missed several practices last week, though the shoulder injury isn't thought to be serious. Head coach Chuck Pagano has raved about his performance in training camp, but Mack will likely need to showcase his talents in a preseason game if he's going to climb the depth chart early in the season. He's currently battling Robert Turbin and Josh Ferguson for touches in the backfield behind Gore.

Washington rushed for 34 yards on six carries and added a five-yard reception during Sunday's preseason win over the Colts.

The second-year back is in an interesting spot due to the fact that there are few sure things ahead of him at the position. Injuries and ball-security issues have held Ameer Abdullah back through two seasons, while Theo Riddick is much more proficient as a receiver than as a runner. If Washington continues to demonstrate the improvement he's shown thus far in camp and during Saturday's game, he could be more of a factor in Detroit than most backs with his slotting on the depth chart.

Conner (shoulder) is on track to play in the Steelers' second preseason game Aug. 20 against the Falcons, Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review reports.

Conner, who's on the mend from a minor shoulder sprain, was able to participate in both individual drills as well as seven-on-seven work Sunday and said he "felt great" afterward. Look for his status for the Steelers' upcoming matchup with the Falcons to be determined prior to kickoff, at the very latest.

Patterson caught two of three targets for 23 yards in Saturday's preseason opener against Arizona.

With Amari Cooper (leg), Michael Crabtree and Derek Carr held out, Patterson got the start and caught a five-yard pass from EJ Manuel on Oakland's first offensive snap. K. J. Brown was the other starter outside, with Seth Roberts assuming his usual place in the slot. There's been talk of Patterson challenging Roberts for snaps, but the former Viking is more likely to serve as the No. 4 wideout, potentially making him the top backup to both Cooper and Crabtree on the outside. Patterson should have a role on offense as an occasional deep threat and/or gadget player, in addition to serving as a kick returner.

Johnson had three carries for two yards in Saturday's preseason game against Oakland.

David Johnson, Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington all got playing time on Arizona's 14-play opening drive. Only Ellington was involved thereafter, cementing the notion that the elder Johnson is locked in as the No. 2 running back, though Ellington or Kerwynn Williams likely would also have a role if David Johnson were to miss time during the season. Considering who's in front of him, the 31-year-old doesn't figure to get as many touches as the typical No. 2 back.