NFL Player News

Murray (ankle) rushed twice for six yards and secured two of his three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 32-31 preseason win over the 49ers.

Murray finally stepped onto the field in a Vikings uniform after an extended recovery from offseason ankle surgery. The fourth-year back was projected to serve as the team's lead back when first inked to a deal at the start of free agency, but Minnesota's selection of Dalvin Cook in April's draft put a crimp in those plans. Cook's subsequent body of work through training camp and preseason -- coupled with Murray's absence early on -- further solidified the former's standing as the top backfield option to open the season. Given that he's missed considerable time, Murray could see additional reps in next Thursday's exhibition finale versus the Dolphins.

Cook rushed five times for 17 yards and secured his only target for minus-five yards in Sunday's 32-31 preseason win over the 49ers.

Cook saw Jerrick McKinnon pace the Vikings backfield in rush attempts and yards, and free-agent acquisition Latavius Murray also made his exhibition debut after offseason ankle injury. Cook did nothing to hurt his standing as the presumed No. 1 tailback and is likely to take a seat for next Thursday's preseason finale versus the Dolphins. The 2017 second-round pick has seemingly validated his first-round grade this summer with solid efforts in both camp practices and exhibition contests, and he appears primed for plenty of volume in his rookie campaign.

Perine rushed for five yards on five carries in Sunday's preseason win over the Bengals.

Two of Perine's carries went for no gain or a loss. There were some rumblings that Perine might skyrocket up the depth chart after last week's 74-yard outing against Green Bay and the recent struggles of starter Rob Kelley. After Perine's underwhelming play against Cincinnati and Kelley's rebound performance, such talk seems increasingly premature.

Kelley rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and caught a three-yard pass in Sunday's preseason win over Cincinnati.

After averaging less than a yard per rush through two preseason games, some questioned Kelley's hold on Washington's top spot, particularly with rookie Samaje Perine's 74-yard outing against Green Bay. Kelley assuaged concerns on Sunday, while Perine was only able to muster five total yards. The second-year back's starter status should be set for the opening of the season, with the caveat that Perine still looms in the background and Chris Thompson will get plenty of looks on passing downs.

Mixon carried the ball eight times for 31 yards and added a six-yard catch in Sunday's preseason loss to Washington.

Mixon also lost the handle on an exchange to kill the Bengals' second drive before it started, though the fumble was officially attributed to Andy Dalton. The Bengals have featured a power runner in Jeremy Hill and deft pass-catcher in Giovani Bernard in recent seasons, and the thought was that Mixon could be both rolled all up into one after he was drafted with some controversy in the second round. That hasn't quite been the case as of yet for the rookie, who's averaged just 3.9 yards per carry during the preseason despite a strong debut against Tampa Bay in the exhibition opener. He saw time with the first team on Sunday, though, and his current value is heavily tied to the status of Hill's ankle.

Gordon carried eight times for 36 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 21-19 preseason win over the Rams.

Gordon did most of his damage early in the game and was featured heavily on a 54-yard touchdown drive which he capped off with a plunge into the end zone from two yards out. Though he hasn't been used extensively this preseason, Gordon appears ready to go for the regular season, where he could see north of 20 touches per game as a featured option in what should be a productive offensive unit.

Patterson caught four of five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-20 preseason loss to the Cowboys. He also rushed once for four yards.

Patterson, who was the second-most targeted Raider on the night, connected with Derek Carr for a 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He was able to produce as a member of the first unit and could be working himself into a complementary role behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. He also totaled 48 yards on a pair of kick returns, so it appears the Raiders value his ability with the ball in his hands. As such, he will likely have little involvement in Thursday's preseason finale against the Seahawks.

Elliott (suspension) gained 18 yards on six carries and caught both his targets for an additional six yards in Saturday's 24-20 preseason win over the Raiders.

Elliott was making his preseason debut after being held out of the previous two games. He looked a bit rusty at times and had a long gain of just five yards. His impending suspension by the NFL has allowed the Cowboys to bring him along slowly this preseason, and Elliott will now turn his attention to his appeal hearing Tuesday. Even if the punishment is reduced, the star runner is set to miss the beginning of the regular season.

Watson has made a strong case for a roster spot this preseason, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

A 2015 undrafted free agent, Watson apparently has made a strong impression on Steelers coach Mike Tomlin with his powerful downhill running. The 240-pounder has taken 18 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown this preseason, but it still isn't clear where he fits on the roster behind Le'Veon Bell. The team's 2017 third-round pick, James Conner, already provides some power off the bench, while Fitzgerald Toussaint is a capable pass catcher and Knile Davis can help in the return game. The Steelers might find a spot for Watson at Davis' expense, though it would require keeping four tailbacks.

McNichols only played two snaps in Saturday's preseason loss to the Browns, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After taking 13 carries for 42 yards through the first two weeks of the preseason, McNichols barely saw the field in Saturday's dress rehearsal, losing one yard on his only carry. He figures to make the final roster, but he may not have a role in the Week 1 offense behind Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims.