NFL Player News

West had nine carries for 25 yards and two touchdowns, adding one catch for seven yards, in Thursday's preseason opener against the Panthers.

The Ravens held out a healthy Justin Forsett, allowing the team to get an extended look at West, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon in the first half. All three running backs had their moments, continuing a battle that's been the talk of camp. West is making a strong case to earn a roster spot, even though Forsett, Allen and Dixon are all considered locks. It increasingly seems the Ravens could be headed for a committee situation in the backfield, regardless of how the depth chart shakes out before Week 1.

Artis-Payne finished with five carries for 10 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.

Artis-Payne enters his second season as the presumptive favorite to earn Carolina's backup running back job, but Fozzy Whittaker and fullback Mike Tolbert saw the first couple carries out of the backfield in Jonathan Stewart's (rest) absence Thursday. That being said, Artis-Payne was still handed the ball twice on the Panthers' first drive, so he was involved with the starters for the brief time they were on the field. Although his production was expectedly limited for the first preseason game, it'll be interesting to monitor how Artis-Payne performs in the three remaining exhibition tilts.

Rodgers had two carries for five yards while securing both of his pass targets for 23 yards Thursday against the Broncos.

Rodgers entered the game with the second-string offense after Jeremy Langford functioned as the starter. With the offensive line struggling, Brian Hoyer was running for his life, but was able to dump off the ball to Rodgers on a pair of occasions to keep the team from suffering additional negative plays. Unless the line can improve on their pass protection during the preseason, it's possible that he'll be needed to help protect Jay Cutler while offering a pair of sure hands out of the backfield. Earlier in the week, the coaching staff was talking up the veteran running back, and he's now looking like he truly is in competition with the team's other running backs for passing-down duties.

Anderson had two carries for eight yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears.

Anderson only played one drive before giving way to Ronnie Hillman, who had three carries for 13 yards. Fourth-round rookie Devontae Booker came in next, running four times for 11 yards. Anderson seems to have the lead-back job locked up, but Hillman and Booker could both be involved to some extent.

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.