NFL Player News

Oliver is listed as the No. 2 running back on head coach Anthony Lynn's first, unofficial depth chart of the new season, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Oliver has made waves throughout the early portions of training camp, so it's not a surprise to see him listed as the No. 2 behind starter Melvin Gordon (knee). Fully healthy after tearing his Achilles last preseason, Oliver will need to continue stringing together positive practices in order to hold off challengers Andre Williams and Kenjon Barner.

With Le'Veon Bell not in camp and James Conner banged up, Toussaint sits atop the Steelers' initial depth chart posted on the team's official site.

Once healthy, Conner, who is listed among the Steelers "not participating" in practice, is slated to compete with Toussaint for the right to back up Bell, the team's undisputed starter. Even when Bell reports to the team, his track record of missing games suggests that whomever wins the top backup role would have high insurance value. If Conner can get healthy soon, it's not hard to imagine him overtaking Toussaint, thus making him a strong fantasy handcuff option.

Rawls appeared to be the clear No. 1 back at Wednesday's practice, with Eddie Lacy (ankle) strictly working with the backups, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

The two power backs were rotating by series at Monday's mock game, but it now seems Rawls has an early edge in the competition to serve as Seattle's lead runner. Lacy has the entire preseason to make a move forward, and it's quite possible he's still working his way into top form after undergoing major ankle surgery last year. The battle is far from over.

A hamstring issue has led to Gillislee working on the Patriots' conditioning field for the past few days, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Per the report, the issue was also in play for Gillislee during OTAs. The running back is thus day-to-day as the Patriots' preseason opener approaches, which we suspect is a factor in him being listed as a third-stringer on the team's posted depth chart. When healthy, Gillislee faces backfield competition from fellow offseason acquisition Rex Burkhead, while James White and Dion Lewis are slated to handle the majority of the team's passing-down work. No matter where Gillislee ends up slotting on the team's depth chart to open the season, the Patriots' tendency to divide weekly carries in a game-plan-specific manner could lead to some sporadic production, even if he does end up absorbing the the greatest share of the short-yardage duties dominated last year by LeGarrette Blount.

Gillislee (unspecified issue) worked on the Patriots' conditioning field Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

While it's unclear what's ailing Gillislee, it wouldn't be surprising to see the running back sit out Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, given that he's missed some team drills of late. Prior to his recent limitations, ESPN's Mike Reiss noted that Gillislee appeared to be "off to a nice start" in training camp, while suggesting that the former Buffalo Bill "looks primed to be the Patriots' top option to replace" departed big back LeGarrette Blount. There's been nothing to suggest that Gillislee is dealing with a concerning injury, but his third-string listing on the posted depth chart is presumably in deference to him not being 100 percent at this time.

Martin's performance during camp has made an impression on quarterback Jameis Winston, who says the running back's approach doesn't betray the fact he'll be suspended the first three weeks of the season, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "We're playing these games for Doug," Winston said Tuesday. "Doug is out there and he's not taking any reps off. He's out there going hard like he's going to be starting Week 1."

The two-time Pro Bowler has apparently been honed in since emerging from rehab early in 2017, as he reportedly trained six days a week during the offseason and cut his body fat about two percent with a cleaner diet. His diligence has paid dividends thus far, as Martin has looked sharp and explosive while running hard and with his trademark low center of gravity. Martin's body of work and effort hasn't been lost on Winston, who noted that the other running backs in what is a talented group are driven to work and play that much harder when they see a teammate who won't take the field in the first three weeks of the season preparing as if he were going to. Martin has been splitting first-team reps throughout camp with Jacquizz Rodgers and is able to participate in all four preseason games before beginning his league-mandated exile from the team.

Sims projects for his typical third-down back role this coming season but could see increased usage in other areas as well, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The fourth-year back has been impressive throughout camp and showed some excellent balance and flexibility while changing direction after hauling in a pass from Jameis Winston during 7-on-7 drills Tuesday. When asked about Sims' potential role in the coming season, head coach Dirk Koetter made sure to note that he'd once again serve as a third-down back "at the very least" but would also likely see more use on the perimeter and out wide as a receiver. The 27-year-old is also likely to see additional carries during the first three weeks of the season while Doug Martin finishes serving out his suspension.

Murray (ankle) indicated Tuesday that he expects to be ready for the regular season, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Murray began training camp on the physically unable to perform list but was activated Monday. He underwent surgery in March after signing a three-year, $15 million contract with the Vikings. His absence from the first two weeks of training camp allowed rookie Dalvin Cook to claim the No. 1 running back role on the team's first official depth chart. While he is currently behind in the competition for touches during training camp, there is still time for him to earn a role on the offense assuming he stays healthy heading into Week 1. However, he's unlikely to play in Thursday's first preseason game.

Conner (shoulder) returned to practice in pads Tuesday, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Conner was sidelined without pads during practice for nine days as he rehabbed a minor AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. The rookie was able to return well before Friday's upcoming preseason opener against the Giants, but it remains to be seen if his reps at running back will be limited to ensure full health moving forward.

Williams is listed as the Cardinals' No. 1 kick and punt returner, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

In four NFL seasons, Williams only has nine reps as a returner, all on kickoffs, but he's only managed 17.1 yards per return. Preseason depth charts can yield insight on potential roles for the regular season, but the current iteration is likely impacted by John Brown's quad injury. When healthy, expect Brown to make an appearance on the depth chart and perhaps leapfrog Williams for the gig. Meanwhile, Williams seems to be the No. 3 running back behind David Johnson and Chris Johnson after working in front of Andre Ellington during last Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Cowboys.