NFL Player News

Thomas was released by Miami on Saturday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Thomas had a solid camp but in the end he offers very little upside as far as a running back is concerned and doesn't play special teams. The Dolphins chose to go with several backs who are younger, more versatile, and offer higher upside.

The Broncos released Hillman on Saturday, Mike Klis of 9 News Denver reports.

In a cost-cutting move, the Broncos have sent Hillman packing in favor of Kapri Bibbs. While last season's leading rusher searches for other employment, the rushing attack in Denver will thus be headed by C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker.

The Texans released Hunt on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 23-year-old was looking to add depth to the Texans' backfield, but failed to make the final cut. He figured to have a hill to climb, as he projected as the fifth running back on the team's depth chart. He made the most of his final opportunity in Week 4 of the preseason however, recording 71 total yards and and touchdown in the contest.

Ross was released by the Packers on Saturday, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ross was fighting for the third-string running back position behind James Starks and Eddie Lacy. He finished with negative rushing yards in two of his three preseason appearances with the Packers and never impressed enough to earn a spot on the roster.

Drake only rushed for six yards on four carries but did catch his lone target for 33 yards as the Dolphins lost to the Titans on Thursday.

Drake has battled a hamstring injury during camp but there was never much of a chance that he was going to win the starting job anyway. When healthy he will give the Dolphins a home run threat out of the backfield but his value to fantasy owners is likely in keeper or dynasty leagues.

Harris carried the ball nine times for 28 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason finale against San Diego.

Harris -- who is currently fighting for one of the 49ers' final running back spots -- put together a solid preseason campaign, finishing with 131 yards on 28 carries and Thursday's touchdown. With Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn already locked in atop the depth chart, Harris has made a strong argument to be kept on the 53-man roster to start the season. If he does, he would serve as a change-of-pace or third down back.

Carey had seven carries for 19 yards and a touchdown Thursday against the Browns.

With starter Jeremy Langford and most of the team's starters getting the night off, Carey played with the first group of players the Bears had in the contest, and he finished off a drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge. He currently appears to be the top backup to Langford, and he has a reasonable chance to get goal line work during the season.

Rodgers had eight carries for 15 yards, but failed to catch either of his two pass targets Thursday against the Browns.

Playing with the backups, Rodgers certainly did little to inspire the coaching staff that he'll be very effective if given a larger role behind Jeremy Langford in the regular season. However, should Langford struggle in pass protection, Rodgers would easily be the team's best option as a third down back, and that's the scenario in which he could have his best fantasy value.

Williams has been waived by the Cardinals, ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

Williams joined Arizona in 2014 and rushed 80 times for 388 yards since then, posting an impressive 4.8 yards per carry while scoring once for the team. However, with David Johnson, Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington definitely ahead of him, and Stepfan Taylor (knee) also around, the Cardinals simply chose to focus on building depth at other positions, thus making Williams the odd man out at running back.

Hillman rushed for nine yards on three carries in Thursday's preseason finale.

The lack of carries shouldn't concern Hillman fans too much. Hillman was last season's leading rusher, while his main competitor for the No. 3 job, Kapri Bibbs, is more of an unknown. What is of concern is that Bibbs performed well on Thursday and offers more special teams value at a lower cost. Whether or not Hillman and/or Bibbs make the team, C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker are still locks to take up most of the carries barring injury.