NFL Player News

Watson will serve as the team's No. 4 running back heading into the regular season, according to the team's official website.

Watson wasn't all that impressive running the ball during the preseason (16 rushes for 55 yards), but the Browns decided to keep him on the 53-man roster as the fourth-string back, though that may have something to do with Raheem Mostert (hamstring) still on the mend with his injury. Nonetheless, Watson doesn't figure to get many touches when Cleveland kicks off its regular season on Sept. 11.

Mostert (hamstring) survived roster cuts and will serve as the No. 3 running back, according to the team's official website.

Despite missing the last two preseason games with a hamstring injury, the Browns must've seen enough from the 24-year-old back out of Purdue to keep him on the roster. Mostert will back up Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, which most likely means playing time will be hard to come by. He appeared in a total of 11 games last season for three teams but was used primarily on special teams as a kick returner. The former Raven has yet to make a rushing attempt in a regular season NFL game.

Rodgers was informed by the Bears that he'll be released Saturday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodgers appeared to be in line for significant work as a third-down back for the team, but he played poorly throughout the preseason. He'll look to find work elsewhere as a pass-receiving back.

The Cowboys placed McFadden (elbow) on the reserve/non-football injury list, Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Despite his recent statement that he's ready to practice, McFadden will be unavailable for the first six games of the season as he continues his recovery from a fractured elbow. Once drills are on the docket, he'll be on course for a return after the Cowboys complete their bye (Week 8), but the rushing attack will instead be headed by 2016 first-round pick Ezekiel Elliott.

Thomas was released by Miami on Saturday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Thomas had a solid camp but in the end he offers very little upside as far as a running back is concerned and doesn't play special teams. The Dolphins chose to go with several backs who are younger, more versatile, and offer higher upside.

The Broncos released Hillman on Saturday, Mike Klis of 9 News Denver reports.

In a cost-cutting move, the Broncos have sent Hillman packing in favor of Kapri Bibbs. While last season's leading rusher searches for other employment, the rushing attack in Denver will thus be headed by C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker.

The Texans released Hunt on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 23-year-old was looking to add depth to the Texans' backfield, but failed to make the final cut. He figured to have a hill to climb, as he projected as the fifth running back on the team's depth chart. He made the most of his final opportunity in Week 4 of the preseason however, recording 71 total yards and and touchdown in the contest.

Ross was released by the Packers on Saturday, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ross was fighting for the third-string running back position behind James Starks and Eddie Lacy. He finished with negative rushing yards in two of his three preseason appearances with the Packers and never impressed enough to earn a spot on the roster.

Drake only rushed for six yards on four carries but did catch his lone target for 33 yards as the Dolphins lost to the Titans on Thursday.

Drake has battled a hamstring injury during camp but there was never much of a chance that he was going to win the starting job anyway. When healthy he will give the Dolphins a home run threat out of the backfield but his value to fantasy owners is likely in keeper or dynasty leagues.

Harris carried the ball nine times for 28 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason finale against San Diego.

Harris -- who is currently fighting for one of the 49ers' final running back spots -- put together a solid preseason campaign, finishing with 131 yards on 28 carries and Thursday's touchdown. With Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn already locked in atop the depth chart, Harris has made a strong argument to be kept on the 53-man roster to start the season. If he does, he would serve as a change-of-pace or third down back.