NFL Player News

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.

Hillman had one carry for no gain and two catches for 15 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams.

Hillman served as the No. 4 running back, playing much of the fourth quarter. He seems to be competing with Rod Smith for the third spot on the depth chart while Ezekiel Elliott is suspended. Smith also had a quiet night, gaining two yards on one carry and five yards on one reception. With Elliott appealing his suspension, there's no guarantee either Hillman or Smith makes the Week 1 roster.

Henry rushed eight times for 29 yards and added one reception for zero yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets.

Henry failed to find much room against the stout New York front, but it was encouraging to see him suit up after tweaking his foot/ankle Thursday. He'll serve as DeMarco Murray's backup as long as the veteran stays healthy, but the 2016 second-rounder is one Murray injury away from inheriting one of the league's most desirable running back positions behind Tennessee's tremendous offensive line.

Sims rushed three times for 23 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game in Friday's 23-12 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Sims got work in behind Doug Martin and Jacquizz Rodgers, ripping off back-to-back gains of 13 and eight yards on a late second-quarter drive. The versatile fourth-year back ceded work to the likes of Peyton Barber and Jeremy McNichols after that point, but his effort during limited time mirrored the caliber of performances Sims has typically turned in thus far in camp. He'll look to see more touches in next Thursday's tilt versus the Jaguars.

Morris (shoulder) is expected to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans.

Last summer with the Jets, Morris carried 11 times for 27 yards (2.5 YPC) before getting cut prior to the third preseason game. He'll have his opportunities again this time around but will need to be much more effective in order to secure a roster spot ahead of Week 1.

Carey (thigh) didn't practice Saturday.

Carey went down with some sort of thigh injury during Thursday's preseason opener against the Broncos and wasn't able to return to the game. His timetable for a return isn't clear.