NFL Player News

Artis-Payne rushed six times for 22 yards in Wednesday's preseason game against the Texans.

Artis-Payne went for a game-long run of 20 yards, which boosted his final numbers. With Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey cemented as Carolina's top two running backs, Artis-Payne figures to compete with Fozzy Whittaker and Jalen Simmons for a roster spot. While Whittaker, the favorite to nab the third running back role, was used sparingly Wednesday, Simmons finished with nine carries for 38 yards.

Williams had four carries for 14 yards in Thursday's preseason victory over the Eagles.

Williams' output Thursday was minimal, but he was the second Packers running back into the game and the only Green Bay ball carrier to see more than three carries, so at the least he did not do anything to lose hold on the No. 2 spot behind starting running back Ty Montgomery.

Daniels carried 11 times for 39 yards in Thursday's 31-24 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

We wouldn't read too much into Daniels' effort Thursday, as the Patriots rested numerous starters. However, the undrafted running back could well end up sticking with the team as a practice squad player.

In his first game action since tearing his meniscus, Anderson rushed for 21 yards on five carries in Thursday's preseason win over Chicago.

None of Anderson's runs were particularly spectacular, but he was able to keep the team in manageable down and distances while he was in the game. Unless something changes drastically in the next week or two, the Broncos quarterback situation will be uninspiring. Playing behind what could be four new starters on the offensive line, Anderson figures to be the prime factor for Denver's offensive fortunes this season.

Perine is unlikely to push Rob Kelley out of the starting lineup anytime soon, Rich Tandler of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Perine had plenty of hype ahead of training camp, but he's reportedly looked the part of a rookie at practice, leading up to Thursday's poor showing in the preseason opener against Baltimore. In addition to gaining only 15 yards on six carries, Perine fumbled, dropped a pass and struggled in pass protection. Kelley didn't have any luck on the ground, but he at least avoided the major mistakes that shaped the rookie's night. While he still has time to push for some kind of workload, Perine seemingly has already proven he isn't ready to challenge Kelly for the starting job.

Draughn (ankle) intensified his rehab this week, but he's still falling behind Orleans Darkwa in the competition for a roster spot, NJ.com's Dan Duggan reports.

Coming off summer ankle surgery, the 29-year-old journeyman has already missed the first two weeks of training camp and presumably won't be available any sooner than the third or fourth week of the preseason. With Paul Perkins, Shane Vereen (leg) and fourth-round rookie Wayne Gallman all expected to make the team, Draughn is left to compete with Darkwa for one spot, which may come down to special teams value. It isn't clear if Draughn will be available at any point during training camp to make his case.

Elliott may be suspended as many as six games, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.

Take this speculative report with a grain of salt, but clarity on any potential league discipline for Elliott could arrive on Friday. However, the fact that both Slater and NFL Network colleague Ian Rapoport of NFL Network mentioned six games as a "benchmark" means the first-round running back may receive a longer punishment than initially expected. At least most fantasy drafters will have time to tell whether Elliott will be kept out for a significant chunk of the season, which will heavily influence his draft-day price. Darren McFadden stands to serve as lead back for the Cowboys for however long Elliott might sit.

Cunningham rushed for 41 yards on seven carries and a touchdown while also catching both of his two targets for 25 yards during Thursday's preseason opener against Denver.

While Cunningham is currently buried on the depth chart, he proved to be a capable third-down back with pass-catching ability through the past four seasons with the Rams. He probably has a steep uphill climb to fantasy value, but Cunningham's experience should land him a spot on Chicago's 53-man roster to begin the season.

Kelley had three carries for two yards and caught his lone target for a five-yard gain in Thursday's preseason opener against Baltimore.

Kelley got the start and clearly worked ahead of Samaje Perine, who had six carries for 15 yards with a dropped pass and a fumble. It was a rough night for the rookie, who hopes to push Kelley for early down work in an offense also featuring pass-catching specialist Chris Thompson. Despite having a slow night himself, Kelley moved a step closer to locking down the Week 1 starting job.

Perine had six carries for 15 yards and dropped his lone target in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.

Perine fumbled on the snap preceding his dropped pass, though he at least managed to recover the ball. Clearly working behind Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson, the rookie did nothing on the ground to improve his standing, and to make matters worse, Perine also struggled in pass protection, according to ESPN.com's John Keim. Perine still has time to push for a role, but Thursday's performance supports the notion that Kelley is a favorite for the Week 1 starting gig.