NFL Player News

Rawls could share carries this season with Christine Michael, who had an impressive game in Seattle's preseason opener Saturday, the Seattle Times reports. "When Thomas gets back out there, those guys give you a little 1-2 punch that we are kind of excited about," coach Pete Carroll said.

Carroll didn't elaborate, but a "1-2 punch" insinuates a significant role for Michael, taking carries away from Rawls. How Michael and Rawls would be used together is unclear. Rawls (ankle) is not expected to play in preseason. If he is less than 100 percent healthy entering the season, that would give Michael an even bigger opportunity to state his case for a timeshare. But considering how great Rawls played last season, it would be surprising if Michael was used more than just to keep Rawls fresh.

Michael, who was the clear offensive standout in Saturday's preseason opener, could have a bigger role in the offense than expected, perhaps sharing carries with starter Thomas Rawls, the Seattle Times reports. "When Thomas gets back out there, those guys give you a little 1-2 punch that we are kind of excited about," coach Pete Carroll said.

Carroll didn't elaborate, but a "1-2 punch" insinuates a significant role for Michael, taking carries away from Rawls. Michael had a strong game Saturday, rushing for 44 yards on seven carries. Unlike preseasons past when he only impressed with his natural ability, Michael shined within the framework of the offense, following blocks and hitting holes hard with less dancing in the backfield. How Michael and Rawls would be used together is unclear. Rawls (ankle) is not expected to play in preseason. If he is less than 100 percent healthy entering the season, that would give Michael an even bigger opportunity to state his case for a timeshare. "He really has made it clear to us about the work," Carroll said. "He's serious about the consistency. He's taken great pride in the way he's brought it to practice. He's an explosive, dynamic athlete so we're just going to keep going with him."

Henry turned 10 carries into 74 yards and a touchdown, but went without a target in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chargers.

Henry didn't gain much ground on starter DeMarco Murray (six carries for 93 yards and a touchdown), but added to what has already been an outstanding camp with a strong pro debut. The rookie second-rounder out of Alabama is living up to his high draft position thanks an excellent combination of power and vision. It'll be tough for the Titans to keep Henry off the field, especially if he starts to translate surprisingly decent hands into catches out of the backfield.

Gordon rushed three times for 12 yards and caught his only target for a 44-yard touchdown in a strong preseason debut Saturday in Tennessee.

Gordon looked excellent running with the first team offense, putting to bed many concerns about a knee that required microfracture surgery on Jan. 5. The 2015 first-rounder is coming off a mediocre rookie campaign, but is still slated to handle the majority of duties on the ground while Danny Woodhead serves as a receiving complement out of the backfield.

Williams led the Bills with 44 rushing yards on eight carries, but went without a target in Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts.

Williams will have to beat out Mike Gillislee and Reggie Bush for the No.3 running back job in Buffalo, but he's off to a strong start. Expect the rookie fifth-rounder to continue getting a heavy workload in the preseason as the Bills evaluate him.

Michael rushed seven times for 44 yards, but wasn't targeted in the passing game as the Seahawks took down the Chiefs in Saturday's preseason opener.

Michael got a leg up in his competition with rookie C.J. Prosise (hamstring) for the primary backup spot behind Thomas Rawls (ankle). The 2013 second-rounder doesn't quite possess the receiving chops of Prosise, but he has managed to build up a solid early lead in the job battle thanks to a large workload in the absence of the other two running backs.

Elliott (hamstring) won't take the field for Saturday's preseason game at Los Angeles, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott was able to work on the side at Wednesday's practice, ending a week-long absence as he tended to a hamstring issue. The Cowboys are clearly taking a prudent approach with the rookie running back, who will serve to buttress an offense operated by aging signal-caller Tony Romo.

Rainey fumbled a kickoff and a punt and bobbled another punt Friday against the Dolphins.

He was a long shot to make the team anyway, and his odds just got even longer.

Gray did not practice on Saturday due to a quad injury.

Gray didn't participate in Thursday's loss to the Jets and no timetable has been released for his injury. While he's out, look for young backs such as Corey Grant and Joe Banyard to see increased reps as they hope to make the 53-man roster.

Richardson gained 44 yards on 11 carries and added 16 yards on two catches in Friday's 30-17 preseason loss to the Lions.

The 26-year-old tailback built on his impressive training camp performances, with his 44 yards leading all rushers on the night. Richardson has not received a regular-season carry since 2013, his second and final season with the Rams. He's competing with Fitzgerald Touissant for a third-string role behind DeAngelo Williams, with Friday's effort serving as a positive step towards winning that job.