NFL Player News

Drake (hamstring) won't play Friday versus the Cowboys, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

This is not a surprise as Drake hasn't practiced in almost two weeks since suffering the injury. Drake never had much of chance to win the starting job anyway as he is more of a change of pace back but missing this much of training camp could reduce any role he will have in his rookie season.

Mathews ran the ball five times for 18 yards during Thursday's preseason win over the Steelers.

Mathews had less carries than both Byron Marshall (eight) and Kenjon Barner (six) as the Eagles don't need to risk the health of their projected starting running back. Mathews' value in PPR formats figures to be reduced due to Darren Sproles' role on passing downs, who didn't carry the ball Thursday but recorded three receptions for eight yards. Fellow running back Kenjon Barner also impressed against Pittsburgh with six carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, but he shouldn't cut into too many of Mathews' touches by the time the regular season rolls around, given he remains healthy.

Brown (hamstring) did not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears.

Brown and undrafted rookie D.J. Foster continue to miss time, with the duo's chances of making a run at sticking with the Patriots hinging on their ability to get back into action in short order.

Bolden carried twice for seven yards and caught one pass for 17 yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Bears. He also lost a fumble in the contest.

Though Dion Lewis (when healthy) and LeGarrette Blount still top the team's running back depth chart, Bolden seems bound, despite Thursday's fumble, to reprise his role in 2016 as a versatile depth back, who is also a core special teams contributor for the Patriots.

Murray led the Raiders in carries during Thursday's exhibition loss to the Packers, with six rushes for 19 yards and one catch resulting in a loss of four yards.

The entire Raiders offense, including Murray and fellow running backs, couldn't seem to get anything going after a successful preseason opener last week against the Cardinals. Murray's starting spot out of the backfield isn't in danger, although rookie DeAndre Washington continues to make a case for himself as possibly a change-of-pace option who could eventually cut into Murray's touches.

Atkinson carried the ball three times for three total yards to go along with one reception for 15 yards during Thursday's preseason loss to the Packers.

After a near 100-yard rushing performance on just five carries in the team's preseason opener last week, Atkinson's production declined tremendously Thursday as he got four total touches out of the backfield. Rookie running back DeAndre Washington is essentially a lock to make the roster at this point, while Atkinson may have the edge over the injured Jalen Richard (knee) for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart.

Barner may open the season as the top backup to Ryan Mathews, according to CSN Philadelphia's Reuben Frank.

Barner ran for 76 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries (5.8 YPC) in Philly's first two preseason games, boosting his stock while fifth-round rookie Wendell Smallwood (quad) watched from the sideline. Although he won't actually land any higher than No. 3 on the depth chart, Barner could be next in line to serve as the lead runner in the event of a Ryan Mathews injury, as pint-sized Darren Sproles had more targets than carries in each of the last six seasons. Given the unlikelihood of Sproles handling a heavy workload on the ground, Barner and/or Smallwood will probably need to pick up most of Mathews' carries if the oft-injured veteran misses time this season. However, Barnes is listed at just 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, which could work against him in such a scenario. Smallwood is also known for his quickness and receiving skills more so than his power, but he does come closer to the typical NFL mold for a running back, checking in at 5-foot-10, 208 pounds.

Michael gained 55 yards on 10 carries and nine yards on one reception (one target) in Thursday's preseason game against the Vikings.

Coming off a seven-carry, 44-yard effort in the preseason opener, Michael was busy from the get-go Thursday night, tallying five carries and one catch on Seattle's opening drive. He served as the primary running back until midway through the second quarter, at one point ripping off gains of five, eight and 16 yards on consecutive plays. Recent comments from team brass suggest Michael could be a big part of the Seattle offense, even if Thomas Rawls (ankle) and C.J. Prosise (hamstring) are both available by Week 1.

Rawls (ankle) might play in Seattle's fourth preseason game, the Seattle Times reports.

Rawls wasn't expected to get any preseason action, but general manager John Schneider said the Seahawks hope to get him some carries in the fourth exhibition game. Christine Michael has had a good preseason and could take carries away from Rawls this season, but if Rawls plays in the preseason, it's more likely he's the one who ends up with the majority of touches in Week 1. He's expected to be a "full go" in practice next week.

Gray ran for 76 yards on 18 carries in Thursday's preseason win over the Browns.

The 76 yards was good for the team lead, but he only averaged 4.2 yards a carry. Devonta Freeman, Brandon Wilds and Gus Johnson all averaged at least six yards a carry on Thursday, with Freeman boasting an impressive 10.5 yards a clip on four carries. Gray proved he can handle a heavy workload, but he'll need to be a little more effective if he wants to make the final roster.