NFL Player News

Daniels isn't expected to take the field for Saturday's game against the Texans due to an undisclosed injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Daniels rushed for 39 yards on 11 carries in the team's preseason opener against the Jaguars but will miss a valuable opportunity at proving his worthiness of a roster spot in the team's second preseason tilt. While Mike Gillislee (hamstring) will also sit out the contest, the Patriots still have five other running backs to share the load against Houston.

Gillislee (hamstring) isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Gillislee stayed in New England when the team joined Houston for joint practices this week, so his absence from the contest shouldn't surprise many. He's been dealing with a hamstring injury for a couple weeks now, with no clear indication of when he will be ready for game action. While he's still a strong candidate to see early-down work for the Patriots this season, his continued absence opens the door for his backfield mates to improve their standing. Per Reiss, Rex Burkhead is expected to receive early reps in his place Saturday.

McNichols rushed 11 times for 32 yards in Thursday's 12-8 preseason win over the Jaguars.

After getting only two carries in the preseason opener against the Bengals, the Bucs appeared intent on giving their promising fifth-round rookie plenty of run Thursday. McNichols' longest run was for only eight yards, but he saw all the backfield work during the entirety of the fourth quarter. The rookie should see another healthy dose of playing time a week from Saturday against the Browns in the third preseason contest.

Cook rushed seven times for 40 yards and caught 1-of-3 targets for 10 yards during Friday's preseason Week 2 loss in Seattle.

Cook got the start at running back and played the first two drives before giving way to Jerick McKinnon for the rest of the first half. He averaged an impressive 5.7 yards per carry, finding room against a Seahawks defense that surrendered a league-low 3.4 yards per rush last season. It remains to be seen how the work distribution between Cook and Latavius Murray (ankle) shakes out once the free agent acquisition is healthy enough to play.

Murray (ankle) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Murray, who's bouncing back from ankle surgery, evidently still needs some time to work his way back to full speed. Dalvin Cook should see the majority of the first-team work in his absence Friday, with Jerick McKinnon mixing in on occasion.

Carey (thigh) is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game in Arizona.

Carey suffered some sort of thigh injury in the preseason opener against the Broncos and subsequently missed out on some practice time this week. However, it seems he's good to go, so Carey should serve as the No. 2 runner Saturday with Jordan Howard (eye) and Jeremy Langford (ankle) on the shelf.

Jones is still practicing as the Packers' No. 3 running back, ESPN.com reports.

With Ty Montgomery (leg) out, one might have expected Jones to work as Green Bay's second running back, but Devante Mays made enough of an impression to earn that opportunity for the time being. Saturday's preseason game against Washington should provide a good barometer on how the Packers feel about their group of rookie tailbacks.

Conner (shoulder) is scheduled to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Falcons, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Conner missed Pittsburgh's exhibition opener while working his way back from a shoulder sprain, but the tailback returned to practice in a full capacity this week, putting him on the verge of his debut. According to coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will give Conner as much work as he can handle this weekend. Currently pegged as the team's fourth running back, the rookie third-rounder will surely be eager to rise up the depth chart with a strong showing.

Martin (suspension) rushed five times for 30 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in two of three targets for 11 yards in Thursday's 12-8 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Martin touched the ball on the Bucs' first four plays, gaining 13 yards on three carries and securing one target for six yards. He capped off the 11-play, 83-yard drive with a two-yard score, looking to be in mid-season form while making decisive cuts and running with a head of steam. Martin's presence will undoubtedly be missed while he finishes serving his suspension in the first three weeks of the season, but he's given the team plenty of reason for optimism with his performances throughout the offseason, in camp practices and through the first two preseason contests. He's likely due for even more extended action against the Browns a week from Saturday.

Williams had four carries for 11 yards and one reception for three yards (on three targets) in Thursday's preseason loss to Baltimore.

Jay Cutler played two drives, with Jay Ajayi handling the first and Williams the second. Kenyan Drake (concussion) was unavailable as a result of a collision at Monday's practice, but he could still push Williams for the No. 2 role if he gets healthy in the next couple weeks. Drake primarily is valued for his speed and his potential as a receiving threat, while Williams is more of a well-rounded back without any standout trait. The latter's experience and size suggest he's the better option in pass protection, which often is the determining factor in this sort of battle. In any case, Ajayi will dominate carries (and possibly targets) so long as he stays healthy.