NFL Player News

Oliver (Achilles) was placed on IR by the Chargers.

With Oliver, who injured his Achilles during Sunday's preseason game in Minnesota now on IR, the Chargers' running back depth behind Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead takes a pretty tough hit. The team's current options on that front are Kenneth Farrow and Gus Johnson, but another option could be added in the next few days.

Taliaferro (foot) was moved to the regular-season PUP list Tuesday, ruling him out for the first six weeks of the year.

A 2014 fourth-round selection, Taliaferro missed all of training camp and the preseason while recovering from Lisfranc surgery. He's been plagued by foot and ankle issues to this point in his career, and the Ravens already have a crowded backfield. Taliaferro will be ineligible for the first six weeks, with Baltimore then having three weeks to activate him from the PUP list once/if he resumes practicing. Taliaferro may ultimately be placed on injured reserve or released with an injury settlement, as Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon (knee) are all clearly ahead of him on the depth chart.

Drake (hamstring) said Tuesday he still isn't 100 percent healthy, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite his admission, Drake is expected to make his first NFL appearance in Thursday's preseason finale against the Titans. As a third-round rookie, Drake is a lock to make the final roster, but he's clearly behind Jay Ajayi and Arian Foster on the depth chart. If the Dolphins keep four running backs, Drake could open the regular season inactive.

Wilds (knee) is doubtful to play in the Falcons' preseason finale Thursday, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

Wilds went down in the team's third preseason contest last Thursday and was unable to return. Expect his status to be confirmed before kickoff.

Morris was waived by the Jets on Monday with an injury designation, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports.

Morris was competing for a spot in the crowded Jets backfield prior to being released. He injured his shoulder and will require surgery, which was the reason for the team deciding to part ways. He'll be eligible for the injured reserve list if he clears waivers.

Gray (undisclosed) has reached an injury settlement with the Falcons, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It's unclear what sort of injury Gray is nursing, but he'll now hit the free agent market. Atlanta now rosters a foursome of Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Terron Ward and Brandon Wilds at running back.

Kelley will get some carries in Thursday's preseason finale against Tampa Bay, but Mack Brown will handle most of the workload, Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports.

With Keith Marshall (elbow) out for approximately three weeks and a candidate to be stashed on injured reserve, the undrafted Kelley has locked up his spot as the No. 3 running back. The remaining question is whether lead back Matt Jones (shoulder) will be healthy for Week 1, as his absence could leave Kelley with a significant role on the ground. Passing-down back Chris Thompson (knee/shoulder) doesn't seem to be in any real danger of missing the opener, and Washington may still take a look at the free-agent scrap heap. Mack Brown is still looking at difficult roster odds.

Elliott does not expect to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Texans, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

If there were any argument for Elliott to play, it would be the Cowboys' desire to get him more snaps alongside Dak Prescott, who is expected to start at quarterback for at least the first few weeks of the season. While the absence of Tony Romo (back) could be problematic for the entire Dallas offense, it may lead to a scenario in which Elliott's workload is somehow even larger than previously expected. The rookie figures to start his career with a three-down role, playing in an offense that gave DeMarco Murray nearly 400 carries in 2014. Granted, the Cowboys could look to mix in Alfred Morris, with Lance Dunbar (knee) and Darren McFadden (elbow) potentially having limited roles once they're healthy. Elliott impressed in his lone preseason appearance, gaining 49 yards on seven carries against a tough Seattle defense.

Murray played only seven snaps in Saturday's preseason game against the Titans.

Murray hardly played Saturday, but still touched the ball four times, rushing twice for no yards and catching two passes (on three targets) for 19 yards. His lack of snaps was purely so the Raiders could get better looks at rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, who are both vying to be his primary backup this season. While both Washington and Richard impressed in extended action, Murray's starting spot is nothing to worry about going into the regular season.

Ellington posted three carries for 25 yards, three receptions (on six targets) for 20 yards, four kick returns of 73 yards, and one punt return for three yards during Sunday's preseason loss in Houston.

Ellington received the bulk of his snaps in the first half, indicating that head coach Bruce Arians is committed to using him regularly this season. On the other hand, Ellington resides behind David Johnson and Chris Johnson among the Cardinals' backfield options, meaning his snaps may be contained to strict passing downs and as the No. 1 return option. Barring an injury to one of the Johnsons, Ellington may be hard-pressed to sustain much viability in his fourth professional campaign.