NFL Player News

Cunningham carried four times for 38 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Chiefs.

With Todd Gurley firmly atop the Rams' RB depth chart and being drafted in the first round of most fantasy drafts, Cunningham's mostly of note for those looking to insure Gurley, though given that he's caught 71 passes over the past two seasons, he already holds some deep league value in PPR formats. Meanwhile, with Tre Mason not currently in the team's backfield equation, 224-pound Malcolm Brown is having a strong preseason and could also emerge as a candidate to absorb his share of carries in the event of a Gurley injury.

Hillman gained 21 yards on three carries in Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers.

While efficient on a per-carry basis, Hillman didn't get a touch until the second half, whereas rookie Devontae Booker was quite busy in the second quarter. Booker gained 36 yards on nine carries and seven yards on one reception, with all of his work coming after C.J. Anderson left the game. Anderson is the still the clear lead back and may have a three-down role, but Booker has surpassed Hillman as the preferred handcuff in the Denver backfield..

Grimes hauled in his lone target for a nine-yard gain in Saturday's preseason game against the Saints.

Despite getting just one carry through two preseason games, Grimes has a real shot to make the final roster, thanks to his special teams contributions and pass-catching skills. He probably won't have much of a role to start the season, as offseason acquisition Lamar Miller is also a more-than-capable pass-catcher.

Sims (ankle) gained 20 yards on five carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

Fully recovered from a minor ankle injury, Sims got the start in place of Doug Martin (bruised ribs), who is also a bit banged up. The result was an unusual stat line, with Sims getting five carries and zero targets. No matter, the two running backs figure to reprise their roles from last season, with Martin getting most of the carries and Sims handling passing downs.

Henry gained 31 yards on five carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Henry didn't quite match his performance from the preseason opener, when he took 10 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. No matter, it was another strong showing for the second-round rookie, who is already locked in as the team's No. 2 rusher. Henry could poach carries from DeMarco Murray early in the season, and might eventually emerge as a threat for the starting job. Murray is also enjoying a strong preseason, with 11 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown. Regardless of how the carries are split, Dexter McCluster figures to handle a good portion of the passing-down snaps.

Thomas rushed for 30 yards on seven carries as the Dolphins were crushed by Dallas, 41-14, on Friday.

Thomas is battling for a roster spot with several other backs on the Miami roster. Arian Foster, Jay Ajayi, and Kenyan Drake (hamstring) are guaranteed spots, which would seem to leave either Thomas or Isaiah Pead fighting for one spot should Miami only keep four running backs after the final cut.

Gillislee was pulled from Saturday's game to be evaluated for a potential concussion, Joe Buscaglia of WKBW reports.

With news of Karlos Williams' release this morning, Gillislee was expected to prove his worth as a backup throughout Saturday's preseason game. However, it appears the head injury that he suffered is going to push back any verdicts a bit. Gillislee is competing with both Reggie Bush and Jonathan Williams for the primary backup spot to LeSean McCoy.

Abdullah (shoulder) removed his his red jersey at practice Saturday, which means he's likely able to take contact now, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Abdullah has sat out both preseason games as he deals with a lingering shoulder issue. Expect the Lions to be cautious with the second-year back in order to ensure his health entering Week 1. He projects to be the team's No. 1 back on the depth chart, but Theo Riddick will likely be the team's pass-catching specialist out of the backfield.

Pierce was released by the Jets on Saturday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

It was unlikely that Pierce would have been a main contributor for the Jets' backfield anyway. The 25-year-old found himself stuck behind the ever-emerging Bilal Powell and proven Matt Forte. In the end, a change of scenery may bode well for the talented Temple product.

Elliott (hamstring) is closing in on his first appearance of the preseason, which may take place Thursday at Seattle, the Dallas Morning News reports. "We have a good week of practice and we'll see what happens," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Saturday. "Obviously that's the goal is to let him touch the ball a little bit against Seattle and we'll see how much and how long."

The Cowboys have been without their 2016 first-round pick for two exhibitions due to a right hamstring strain suffered in practice on Aug. 2. Elliott was only reintroduced to practice Tuesday, during which he partook in individual drills, but activity in team drills this week would signify that his debut as a professional is nigh.