NFL Player News

Wilds ran for 49 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason win over the Browns.

The line is encouraging, but it was inflated by a 32-yard touchdown scamper. Outside of that run, Wilds only managed 17 yards on seven carries. That long run counts, though, and it's certainly helpful for a running back who's trying to make the 53-man roster.

Patterson had two receptions for 17 yards in Thursday's preseason win over Seattle. He missed Minnesota's first preseason game with a shoulder injury.

Patterson got time with the first-team offense and caught two passes in the flat, where he was able to use his speed to miss tackles. It was an encouraging sign that he could have a few plays a game designed for him on offense. However, he'll likely see almost all his action as a kick returner.

McKinnon had nine carries for 15 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, in Thursday's preseason win over Seattle. He also had one reception for five yards.

McKinnon and the Vikings offense had a tough time running the ball against Seattle's starting defensive line. McKinnon is the clear backup to Adrian Peterson; the real question is whether he'll get to serve as the third-down back. McKinnon did drop one pass out of the backfield, but otherwise it was hard to get a good read on his planned regular-season role with backup Shaun Hill getting the start at quarterback.

Zenner had four carries for four yards in Thursday's preseason loss to the Bengals, but he again played ahead of Steven Ridley, who didn't enter the game until the second half for a second straight week, MLive's Kyle Meinke reports.

With Ameer Abdullah (shoulder) still unavailable, Theo Riddick got the start and Zenner was second to enter the game. Seventh-round rookie Dwayne Washington actually entered before Steven Ridley, though Washington also stayed in until the very end of the game, suggesting he's still a long shot to make the team. Ridley did end up with a better stat line (4-13-0) than Zenner, but it's clear the veteran has fallen behind his young teammate in the battle for Detroit's power-back job. The winner of the battle would likely become the team's primary ball-carrier if Abdullah were to miss time during the regular season, but with Riddick entrenched as the top pass-catching back, this isn't a high-upside handcuff situation.

Barner had six carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, adding a catch for four yards on his only target, in Thursday's preseason game against the Steelers.

Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles dominated the first-half snaps, with Barner then coming out for the start of the third quarter and ripping off five carries for 37 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive of the half. Meanwhile, rookie fifth-rounder Wendell Smallwood (quad) missed a second straight game, and rookie UDFA Byron Marshall managed just 18 yards on eight carries. Although there's still time for Smallwood to make a push, Barner has put himself in nice position to open the season as Philadelphia's No. 3 running back, at least from a depth chart standpoint. However, Barner's slight frame (5-9, 195) might make him a better insurance policy for Darren Sproles than for the oft-injured Ryan Mathews. At 5-10, 208 pounds, Smallwood probably still makes more sense as a Mathews handcuff for early-down carries.

Abdullah (shoulder) did not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Bengals.

As expected, Abdullah sat out a second straight exhibition, allowing Theo Riddick to make another start. The Lions have mostly kept quiet when it comes to their presumed lead back, but we do know that Abdullah has been practicing in some capacity for the majority of training camp. Although the second-year back could conceivably return for Detroit's third exhibition, he doesn't necessarily need to play in the preseason in order to enter Week 1 as the lead ball-carrier. With Riddick locked in as a pass-catching specialist, Zach Zenner and Stevan Ridley are competing for a role that could be similar to Joique Bell's from last season. There isn't an obvious handcuff, though Zenner does seem to have an early edge over Ridley, while Riddick has the advantage of possessing stand-alone value in PPR league.

Carey (concussion) won't play in Thursday's preseason contest at New England, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

After sustaining a concussion in last Thursday's exhibition, Carey has been limited in drills in the meantime. Look for Jacquizz Rodgers and Jordan Howard to pick up additional reps in Carey's stead.

Skov (foot) has reached an injury settlement with the Browns, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Skov has been sidelined for over two weeks while sporting a walking boot on his left foot. He'll likely need an extended period of time to get healthy, so it might be a while before he latches on with another team.

Artis-Payne could get more snaps in relief of starting running back Jonathan Stewart this season, ESPN's David Newton reports.

Artis-Payne finished his rookie season with 45 carries for 183 yards and one touchdown, but most of that production came when Stewart was injured for the Panthers' final three regular season games. However, in order to keep Stewart fresh throughout the upcoming campaign, coach Ron Rivera said he intends on reducing the veteran's workload by around five carries per game. As a result, Artis-Payne could be the chief beneficiary, as he's currently expected to earn Carolina's No. 2 job. While fullback Mike Tolbert and, to a lesser extent, fellow tailback Fozzy Whittaker should also vie for touches, Artis-Payne seemingly has a very good chance to improve on his totals in his second season.

Carey (concussion) is questionable for Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com reports.

Carey, who suffered a concussion during the Bears' preseason opener last Thursday, has been limited in practice throughout the week and may not play in the team's second exhibition game. Backup running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Jordan Howard figure to see additional reps if Carey remains sidelined.