NFL Player News

Kamara gained 35 yards on four carries in Thursday's 20-14 preseason loss to the Browns.

Though Kamara finished fourth on the team in carries, he led the way with a healthy 8.8 yards per carry and ripped off an impressive 22-yard gain at one point. He seems unlikely to usurp significant playing time from Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingrahm this season, but Kamara could leapfrog Travaris Cadet and Daniel Lasco in the pecking order if he delivers more performance such as this in the future.

Magee carried four times for 15 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 20-14 preseason win over the Saints.

Magee received the most carries behind starter Isaiah Crowell in this one, plunging into the end zone from a yard out early in the fourth quarter. Rookie Matthew Dayes tallied nine yards and a touchdown of his own on three carries, and is likely Magee's chief competition for the third spot on the running back depth chart behind Crowell and Duke Johnson.

Drake carried four times for 21 yards in Thursday's 23-20 preseason win over the Falcons. He also caught his only target for a two-yard gain.

Though Drake received limited run, he flashed his elusiveness on a couple of nice gains en route to an average of 5.3 yards per carry. Damien Williams and De'Von Smith each saw more action than Drake, but he should have first crack as a complementary option to Jay Ajayi during the regular season. After receiving just 33 carries in 2016, Drake will look to stake his claim for added usage this year.

Coach Sean McDermott said after Thursday's game that Williams suffered a hamstring injury against the Vikings, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Williams was easily Buffalo's best rusher Thursday as he took four carries for 39 yards -- including a 17-yard scamper. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury during the course of the game, but McDermott did not immediately elaborate on the severity of the ailment. The Bills figure to have a further update on Williams' hamstring injury in the near future.

Williams rushed for 39 yards on four carries and caught a pass for seven yards during Thursday's preseason opener against the Vikings.

Williams broke off runs for eight, 15 and 17 yards to strengthen his position as LeSean McCoy's backup entering the season. With new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison expected to utilize a run-heavy attack, Williams has the potential to carve out a consistent role. His clearest path to week-to-week fantasy relevance is through McCoy sustaining an injury, but Williams could also vulture some goal-line looks, so he remains a late-round target in the majority of settings.

Cook rushed five times for just 13 yards but caught four passes for 30 yards during Thursday's preseason opener against Buffalo.

Cook was in for four series Thursday, and while he struggled to get it going on the ground, he did flash nice potential in the passing game. This is especially encouraging to see him active and successful in the passing game after offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur recently said he trusted Cook's pass-protection ability. Minnesota's offensive line was a weakness last year, so that could potentially cap Cook's upside slightly. Otherwise, though, everything is trending toward Cook opening the season as the Vikings' No. 1 running back, and there is a possibility the rookie emerges as a rare workhorse rusher in short order.

Carey (quad) will not return for Thursday's preseason game against the Broncos.

Entering his fourth year in Chicago, Carey has never surpassed 160 rushing yards. He's currently in line to be the fourth string in Chicago, and this injury could hinder his chances of moving up.

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.

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.

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.