NFL Player News

Johnson notched seven carries for 24 yards during Sunday's preseason loss at Houston.

The Cardinals' ground game was dominated by David Johnson on the first two possessions, but the veteran Johnson and Andre Ellington shared the load for the next three, getting work with both Carson Palmer and his backup Drew Stanton. While Chris Johnson ripped off a 13-yard run at one point, he otherwise didn't surpass four yards on any other rush and wasn't targeted in the passing game. If his usage in the preseason is any indication, his touch count will hover about five per game in 2016 behind the bell cow that is David Johnson.

McFadden (elbow) has yet to resume practicing as of Sunday, the Cowboys' official site reports.

With no practice reps under his belt and one preseason contest to go, McFadden is on pace to enter the regular season sans game action, which cannot be simulated in drills. At this stage, he would only be a complementary runner anyway due to Ezekiel Elliott's appearance in last Thursday's exhibition and Alfred Morris' competent play this preseason, but McFadden still has no timeline for a return from breaking his elbow in the offseason.

Jones (shoulder) was off to the side at Monday's practice, Brian McNally of 106.7 The Fan reports.

Already ruled out for the final two preseason games, Jones has been limited to side work at practice since he injured his shoulder Aug. 19. He was diagnosed with a second-degree sprain of the AC joint, leaving his Week 1 status in some question. Washington also has issues further down the depth chart, with seventh-round rookie Keith Marshall (elbow) out for up to three weeks. Undrafted rookie Rob Kelley and passing-down specialist Chris Thompson (shoulder/knee) may have to lead the backfield in Week 1, though it's also possible Washington could add a veteran free agent in the coming days. Jones said he's making good progress and expects to be ready for the start of the season.

Draughn (ribs/back) wore a blue jersey at Sunday's practice to signal that he's exempt from being hit, The Sacramento Bee reports.

Draughn hasn't played in either of the 49ers' past two preseason games due to a rib injury he suffered during a practice scrimmage with the Broncos. While that condition requires the protection associated with a blue practice jersey, starting running back Carlos Hyde's concussion suffered Friday against Green Bay makes protecting Draughn's health even more important. At the moment, Draughn projects as the Niners' No. 2 running back, so if Hyde is unavailable, he represents the team's next option at the position, where the alternatives don't appear too attractive. It's also worth noting that Draughn was involved with returning punts during Sunday's session.

Fowler carried once for two yards while playing 15 snaps in Saturday's preseason win over the Raiders.

Fowler received some competition in camp from Sam Bergen, but seems to have solidified his role as the Titans fullback after playing 15 snaps in the regular season dress rehearsal compared to Bergen's three. The 2015 fourth-rounder out of Alabama brings some extra skill at the position, but is usually overlooked in favor of more traditional weapons.

Grimes didn't get any touches in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

Fourth-round rookie Tyler Ervin, also a capable pass-catcher, had two carries for 13 yards and one reception for 20 yards, even getting some snaps with the first-team offense. If Ervin has indeed passed Grimes as the top backup for passing downs, it would appear Grimes is merely competing with Akeem Hunt and Kenny Hilliard for the possibility of one roster spot.

Oliver (Achilles) is expected to miss an extended period of time, the Chargers' official site reports.

Previously slated to work as San Diego's No. 3 running back, Oliver may have suffered a torn Achilles during Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings. Despite his spot on the depth chart, he actually had a important role in the San Diego offense, capable of replacing both early-down runner Melvin Gordon and passing-down back Danny Woodhead. The Chargers will now look to Dreamius Smith and/or Kenneth Farrow at the bottom of the depth chart. Smith had 13 carries for 31 yards and three catches for 30 yards (four targets) in Sunday's game, whereas Farrow didn't record a touch.

Gillislee remains in the concussion protocol, but has begun the Return-to-Participation process, BuffaloBills.com reports.

Gillislee was in pads for Sunday's practice and participated in the media viewing portion, so we wouldn't be surprised if he returns to practice fully this week. He still has a decent chance of landing the No. 2 running back job behind LeSean McCoy.

Head coach Adam Gase expects Pead (hamstring) to be sidelined for at least two weeks, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Pead had roughed up his hamstring during Thursday's preseason tilt against the Falcons, but it was initially thought to be minor. That is evidently not the case anymore, and the Dolphins now have a tough decision to make regarding Pead's future with the team. Though he enjoyed a solid preseason, Miami's RB depth chart is a gallery of tailbacks susceptible to injury and there simply may not be room for an already-injured body.

Drake (hamstring) will play in the Dolphins' preseason finale Thursday versus the Titans, Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Drake has not played in any of the Dolphins' preseason games due to a lingering hamstring injury. However, participation in Thursday's contest bodes very well for his health entering the regular season. Still, he remains firmly behind both Jay Ajayi and Arian Foster on the team's depth chart and, barring injury to those ahead of him, may struggle to gain any sort of fantasy relevance during his rookie campaign.