NFL Player News

Hightower gained two yards on four carries and 22 yards on two receptions (five targets) in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots.

Hightower, Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller split snaps throughout the first half, mostly facing New England's second-team defense. While it was odd for Ingram to get so much playing time, there's no reason to think his role as the lead back is in any danger. Hightower does have quite a bit of handcuff appeal, as seen over the final four weeks of last season.

Bolden had four carries for 34 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Saints.

With Dion Lewis (knee) out, Bolden split snaps with James White and LeGarrette Blount throughout the first half. Tyler Gaffney then handled most of the work after halftime, taking nine carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. Blount is still the favorite to serve as New England's top power back, but he could face pressure from both Bolden and Gaffney this preseason.

Jones had two carries for one yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Falcons.

The Washington starters only played one drive, leaving Jones with little chance to make an impression. In any case, he seemingly has a clear path to the lead-back role, though Chris Thompson could take over on passing downs, and rookie seventh-rounder Keith Marshall may have a shot to push for a chance-of-pace role. Jones figures to get much more work in the second and third preseason games.

Barner had seven carries for 35 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Buccaneers.

With fifth-round rookie Wendell Smallwood (quad) sidelined, Barner made a nice first impression, outplaying UDFA Byron Marshall, who gained just six yards on five carries. Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles are locked into significant roles, leaving Barner, Smallwood and Marshall to compete for either one or two roster spots.

Mathews (ankle) had two carries for 15 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason opener against Tampa Bay.

Mathews made the most of his brief appearance, running through would-be tacklers on a couple of tough runs up the middle. He showed no lingering signs of the ankle injury that cause him to miss some practice time, and seems to be locked in as the Eagles' lead back. However, Darren Sproles figures to get most of the passing-down work, and Mathews' durability has always been an issue.

Williams has been diagnosed with a concussion, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.

Williams entered the concussion protocol during Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars and, now that he has officially been diagnosed, faces a serious risk of being cut from the Jets' roster. He was fifth on New York's running back depth chart entering Thursday's game.

Carey left Thursday's game and is being evaluated for a concussion.

Carey made a hard hit on special teams in the second half of Thursday's game against the Broncos and came off wobbling, prompting him to enter the concussion protocol. If Carey is forced to miss any time, expect Jeremy Langford, Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Jordan Howard to pick up the running back slack in the Bear's second preseason game against New England on Aug. 18.

Martin had five carries for 13 yards and one reception for 11 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Martin only played the first few drives, but he should see more action in the second and third preseason games. He's locked in as Tampa's lead back, with Charles Sims (ankle) handling most of the passing-down work

Williams left Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars to undergo concussion protocol, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Williams entered Thursday as the fifth running back on the teams depth chart, so he is competing for a roster spot. The undrafted rookie figured to be a long shot heading into camp given the team's running back depth.

Pierce (suspension/hamstring) won't suit up for Thursday's preseason opener versus the Jaguars.

Afflicted by a hamstring concern since early last week, Pierce will join Matt Forte (hamstring) and Khiry Robinson (lower leg) in street clothes Thursday. The Jets will instead rely on a backfield composed of Bilal Powell, Dominique Williams, and Romar Morris.