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Benny Cunningham RB | JAC
Bears' Benny Cunningham: Expected to play Thursday
Cunningham is expected to play Thursday against the Broncos, Adam Hoge of WGN Radio reports.
Cunningham, who appears to be well past the neck injury that landed him on injured reserve last season, will likely rotate alongside Ka'Deem Carey once Jordan Howard is retired for the day. He could see some work as a kickoff returner as well.
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Damien Williams RB | ARI
Dolphins' Damien Williams: Starting Thursday
Williams will start Thursday's preseason contest against the Falcons, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.
The Dolphins backfield is sans Jay Ajayi due to a concussion, handing Williams the initial running back reps. In three seasons, he's only managed 3.4 YPC, but his prowess as a receiver is notable, as he's racked up 65 catches (on 87 targets) for 578 yards and five touchdowns.
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Jerick McKinnon RB | KC
Vikings' Jerick McKinnon: Not likely to play Thursday
McKinnon isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason game in Buffalo.
McKinnon tended to a lower leg injury earlier in camp, but the ailment hasn't hindered his practice reps since the end of July. He'll be joined by free-agent pickup Latavius Murray, who spent most of the offseason recovering from March ankle surgery. Consequently, rookie Dalvin Cook will be given the first reps out of the backfield before giving way to reserves Bishop Sankey and Terrell Newby.
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Latavius Murray RB | BUF
Vikings' Latavius Murray: Unlikely to take field Thursday
Murray isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason game at Buffalo.
Following March ankle surgery, Murray focused on rehab for the bulk of the offseason, only getting activated from the PUP list Monday. As such, the Vikings will hold off on his first game action of the preseason slate. With Jerick McKinnon also expected to sit Thursday, rookie Dalvin Cook will be given plenty of chances to show off his wares, while Bishop Sankey and Terrell Newby also earn a piece of the backfield pie.
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Ezekiel Elliott RB | LAC
Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott: NFL decision could arrive by Friday
The NFL could relay a decision pertaining to the league's investigation of Elliott as soon as Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Resolution of Elliott's situation has been slow to arrive, but Rapoport suggests that clarity on that front could occur by Friday. Per the report, the league has been looking into multiple incidents involving Elliott for more than a year, but it now appears as though the NFL is just about set to rule whether or not the running back will be subject to any league discipline.
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Derrick Henry RB | BAL
Titans' Derrick Henry: Shrugs off minor tweak in practice
After briefly dealing with an apparent ankle or foot tweak Thursday, Henry was able resume practice at full speed, the Tennessean reports.
Afterward, coach Mike Mularkey said that Henry was okay, which is good news with the Titans' top back, DeMarco Murray, still nursing a hamstring injury. Though Henry's path to abundant regular-season carries is blocked by Murray, the bruising second-year runner should see enough touches to merit lineup consideration in deeper formats. Moreover, in the event that an injury to Murray presents Henry with a starting opportunity at any point, the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder would vault up our rankings.
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Marlon Mack RB | ARI
Colts' Marlon Mack: Injures shoulder
Mack is dealing with a shoulder injury and missed a third consecutive practice Thursday, Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star reports.
While likely stuck behind Frank Gore and Robert Turbin, the fourth-round rookie could at least make a case for a change-of-pace role this preseason if his shoulder issue isn't serious. Mack has already made a strong impression on coach Chuck Pagano, who recently said that the rookie back "jumps off the tape."
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D'Onta Foreman RB | CLE
Texans' D'Onta Foreman: Turns in exceptional exhibition debut
Foreman rushed nine times for 76 yards and caught both his targets for six receiving yards in Wednesday's opening preseason game versus the Panthers.
Foreman watched Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue get carries before him, but the rookie third-rounder definitely flashed once called upon. Boasting a unique combination of size and agility, Foreman made hay between the tackles and out wide, including a game-long, 41-yard run during the fourth quarter. After such success, fantasy owners should keep an eye on how Foreman fares while hopefully getting more early playing time in Houston's next couple preseason tilts.
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Christian McCaffrey RB | SF
Panthers' Christian McCaffrey: Looks good in exhibition debut
McCaffrey rushed seven times for 33 yards in Wednesday's preseason opener against the Texans.
McCaffrey was also the target of one unsuccessful passing play. Carolina's first-rounder played most of the first half and showed just why he's expected to play a large role in the team's offense. Not only did McCaffrey display his quickness on runs to the outside, but he also exhibited patience while hiding behind blockers between the tackles. Overall, it was a productive first outing for the rookie, who will be eager for more touches in the games to come.
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Kenjon Barner RB | TB
Chargers' Kenjon Barner: Listed as main kick returner
Barner is listed as the Chargers' No. 1 kick returner in the most recent, unofficial depth chart, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
Barner is also in contention for the backup running back job behind Melvin Gordon (knee), but for now it appears as if Branden Oliver has the role on lockdown. Barner, who joined the Chargers in the offseason, is likely the most explosive weapon the team has had on special teams in years. Even if Barner were to win the backup job, there's certainly a possibility that he could end up returning kicks as well.