NFL Player News

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.