NFL Player News

Cook is listed as Minnesota's starting running back on the first depth chart the team issued Monday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's not a surprise given the raves Cook has received from the coaching staff during training camp, along with the fact that Latavius Murray (ankle) only returned to practice Monday after missing the first two weeks of training camp. While he likely will have to share the first-team work in practice now that Murray is healthy, Cook is trending in the right direction to earn the lead back job for Week 1.

The unofficial depth chart the Patriots issued Monday lists Gillislee on the third-string.

We're taking this with a grain of salt, as he's listed behind Brandon Bolden, who's entrenched as a depth back and special teams player. By most accounts, Gillislee profiles as the team's top fantasy option out of the backfield, given the likelihood that he eventually absorbs the bulk of LeGarrette Blount's previous early-down/goal-line work. That said, Gillislee faces competition from fellow offseason acquisition Rex Burkhead, while James White and Dion Lewis handle the majority of the team's passing-down work. Regardless of where Gillislee ends up slotting on the depth chart, he'll be at the mercy of the Patriots' tendency to divide weekly carries in a game-plan-specific manner.

Murray (ankle) was removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list and will practice Monday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Murray signed a three-year, $15 million contract in March and underwent surgery to address bone spurs shortly thereafter. He's been held out of practice on the PUP list for the first two weeks of training camp, which has allowed rookie Dalvin Cook to claim the top spot at running back on the Vikings' first official depth chart of training camp. While he remains behind in the competition for touches in the Minnesota backfield, Murray still has time to carve out a role if he can show he's fully healthy during preseason play.

Hightower was held out of practice Monday with a knee injury and is considered day-to-day, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hightower exited early during practice Thursday and was subsequently absent from Friday's session with what was termed as a day off. It now appears that the veteran is nursing a legitimate injury, but given the day-to-day prognosis, it seems Hightower's situation presents little cause for concern.

Ellington had five carries for 17 yards and a touchdown and caught two of three targets for 15 yards in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Cowboys.

With David Johnson and Chris Johnson both held out, Kerwynn Williams handled the opening drive and capped it off with a touchdown. Ellington then played throughout the rest of the first half, suggesting he's only No. 4 in the current pecking order. With his experiment at wide receiver ending earlier this offseason, Ellington is now battling Williams for what might only be one roster spot, though both players saw their odds improve when rookie fifth-round pick T.J. Logan dislocated his wrist during Thursday's game. For the time being, Chris Johnson remains the best handcuff bet for David Johnson owners.

Williams had five carries for 18 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against Dallas, getting all of his work on the opening drive.

Williams worked ahead of Andre Ellington, who had five carries for 17 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 15 yards while playing most of the first half. Williams was the favorite for the top backup job earlier this offseason, but the Cardinals ultimately signed Chris Johnson, which likely leaves Williams and Ellington in a battle for the No. 3 spot. Both players saw their roster odds improve when rookie fifth-round pick T.J. Logan dislocated his wrist in Thursday's game, as the latter will likely enter Week 1 on the Physically Unable to Perform list or injured reserve. In any case, as it currently appears, Johnson is the preferred handcuff for David Johnson owners.

Kelley (neck) is listed as the Redskins' No. 1 running back on the team's first depth chart of training camp, Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official site reports.

Kelley has been battling a sore neck of late that's limited his practice time, but he'll still enter the preseason as the Redskins' top back. He may need to perform well during exhibition play in order to maintain his spot atop the depth chart, however, as rookie Samaje Perine, a power back with more breakaway speed than Kelley, offers formidable competition for starting duties. Kelley should still be viewed as the favorite to open the season as the Redskins' lead back after averaging a respectable 4.2 yards per carry in 2016, but don't be surprised if coach Jay Gruden still mixes in Perine liberally if the former Oklahoma standout impresses during the preseason. Both Kelly and Perine will likely find themselves on the sidelines on definite passing downs, as Chris Thompson, who is listed second on the depth chart, is the Redskins' clear top receiver out of the backfield.

Thomas (undisclosed) was removed from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Monday.

Thomas landed on the PUP list a little over a week ago, but it looks as if the Lions feel he's ready to contribute once again. Had he remained on the list heading into the regular season, Thomas would have been ineligible for activation until after Week 6.

Perine is listed as the Redskins' No. 3 running back for their first depth chart of training camp, Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official site reports.

Chris Thompson seems to be locked in as the Redskins' third-down back thanks to his skills as a pass catcher, so Perine and Rob Kelley, who is listed atop the depth chart, are effectively battling for a starting role. While Kelley impressed last season as an unheralded undrafted rookie out of Tulane, he lacks the breakaway speed of Perine, who also offers plenty of power between the tackles. The performances of both backs in the preseason will ultimately dictate who retains starting duties in Week 1, but Perine is seemingly the higher-upside target of the two players.

Gordon (knee) carried the ball "decisively" in the Chargers' joint practice with the Rams on Saturday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Gordon has reportedly looked sharp during the beginning stages of training camp, making all the necessary cuts as he continues to work his way back from season-ending knee and hip injuries. The 24-year-old is expected to build on his breakout 2016 season and will likely be one of the first handful of running backs taken in re-draft formats.