NFL Player News

Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie said Henry has looked "phenomenal" at training camp, ESPN.com's Cameron Wolfe reports.

With DeMarco Murray sidelined by a minor hamstring injury, Henry has dominated first-team work the past couple practices, making a strong impression with his improved pass-catching skills in addition to his running ability. The 2015 Heisman winner started to take a bigger chunk out of Murray's workload late last season -- especially near the goal line -- and it seems the young behemoth is poised for an even larger share in his sophomore campaign. Already a top-notch handcuff, Henry could also prove useful even if Murray stays healthy. The 23-year-old has long-term aspirations of becoming a three-down workhorse, with his receiving skills proving to be far better than what was expected when he was drafted.

Pumphrey (hamstring) still wasn't back at practice Friday, Martin Frank of The Delaware News reports.

Absent for a fourth straight day, Pumphrey is in danger of missing Thursday's preseason opener against Green Bay. He was mixing in with the first-team offense prior to injuring his hamstring, serving as a pass-catching threat both out of the backfield and from the slot. While perhaps viewed as more of a long-term replacement for Darren Sproles than a likely Week 1 contributor, Pumphrey did seem to be pushing for an immediate role in the offense before he got hurt.

Hillman gained five yards on six carries and didn't draw any targets in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against Arizona.

In addition to the poor stat line, Hillman worked behind Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris and Rod Smith, suggesting the Cowboys' recent addition is a long shot to make the roster. While he still has more time to prove himself during camp and the preseason, Hillman seems to be No. 5 in the backfield pecking order right now.

Murray (ankle) is hoping to return to practice in the near future, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "I had two really good [workouts], so things are good," Murray said Thursday. "It is [getting close]. ... I did a little bit of everything, so hopefully soon."

Murray was encouraged after two days of individual work earlier this week, which marked the most activity he's managed on his ankle since bone spurs were removed in March. The Vikings followed up his signing that month with the selection of running back Dalvin Cook in the second round of the 2017 draft. As a result, Murray's lengthy absence has laid the groundwork for Cook to stake a claim to the top RB gig in Minnesota, at least that is until the veteran is able to return to the practice field.

Elliott won't be available for Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Cardinals, Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Drawing an extra exhibition game this year, the Cowboys will sit most of the starters, among them Elliott, Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant. Because Elliott will be out of the lineup and Darren McFadden has plenty of experience in the offense, the backfield could be primarily the domain of Alfred Morris, Rod Smith and Ronnie Hillman on Thursday.

Though Mixon was kicked in the heel and cut during Thursday's practice, his injury is not considered serious, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter's report adds further detail to news Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer relayed earlier Thursday, noting that the rookie back "gingerly left team drills" and subsequently had his left foot checked out.

Mixon was forced to exit Thursday's practice early after injuring his left foot during team drills, Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mixon limped to the sideline as trainers proceeded to examine the running back's left foot, and he was ultimately unable to return to the practice field. He was able to watch the rest of practice while icing the ankle area, however, so he may have avoided a severe injury as there wasn't an immediate need to rush him away on a cart. The seriousness of his injury is unclear at this point, but Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard figure to split first-team reps with Mixon sidelined.

Kelley (neck) is on track to remain Washington's starting running back, according to Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post.

Supporting that notion is that Kelley, who has experienced neck soreness this week, has been the first running back to garner carries with the first-team offense, when healthy. Tesfatsion notes that Chris Thompson is set to retain his third-down role with the team, but suggests that when it comes to early-down work, Kelley should initially get most of the carries, though coach Jay Gruden may also be inclined to roll with the "hot hand" between Kelley and and promising rookie Samaje Perine. Some form of time-share out of the gate thus appears likely, and while it's trending toward tilting in Kelley's favor to start the season, Perine continues to present a challenge on that front.

Hightower has looked good through the first week of training camp, but Carlos Hyde also has impressed and is putting himself in good position to retain the starting job, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Of the three players competing for serious roles, rookie Joe Williams apparently is the only one struggling. Meanwhile, Hyde seems to be back at full strength and taking a liking to coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme, but the fourth-year back doesn't have a strong record as a pass catcher, which should help Hightower in his own bid for a major role. As things stand, Hightower is the favorite for the No. 2 job and also for the role as the primary passing-down back. Williams does still have plenty of time to push for work with the start of the preseason a week away.

Williams is off to a slow start at training camp, struggling to secure the ball and learn the 49ers' offensive system, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Meanwhile, veterans Carlos Hyde and Tim Hightower reportedly have both looked comfortable in coach Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. Williams still has plenty of time to prove himself and earn a role, but it does seem Hyde is doing his best to respond to GM John Lynch, who openly questioned the fourth-year back's fit in the new scheme during the offseason. This backfield still bears close watching, as the team's offseason moves hint at a desire to utilize two or three backs on a weekly basis.