NFL Player News

Colts running back Donald Brown got nine touches Sunday against the Giants, but wasn't all that productive. The fifth-year pro ran six times for 21 yards (3.5 average) and caught three passes for 17 yards.

Brown was the second running back the Colts used, after Vick Ballard.

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas rushed for a team-high 25 yards on four carries during Saturday's preseason game at Houston. Thomas' longest carry went 13 yards, and he also had one catch for 27 yards. 

Thomas is averaging 4.1 yards per carry through three preseason games (12 carries for 49 yards).

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman earned the start and received the bulk of the carries over Montee Ball in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks.

Hillman had a chance to score but had some issues hanging on to the ball as he recovered his own fumble during his fourth series with the first unit. 13 plays later, he coughed up the ball right before breaking the plane. Brandon Browner returned the fumble 106 yards back for a Seahawks touchdown. Hillman finished with 34 yards on 13 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per clip.

Ball got his first touch of the night during the team's third drive and was pulled out after haltime. He rushed for 28 yards on six carries, averaging 4.7 yards per rush.

The Broncos will play their third preseason game Aug. 24 at home against the Rams, which could indicate who has the edge for the starting job.

The Seahawks held wide receiver Sidney Rice (knee) and Christine Michael (back) were both held out of Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos.

Rice, the team's leading receiver last season, has yet to play a preseason game. Michael was the team’s leading rusher in last week’s preseason opener.

The Seahawks will travel to Green Bay to play the Packers on Friday.

Rams running back Isaiah Pead earned the start over Daryl Richardson in the team's second preseason game against the Packers Saturday night.

Pead got four series with the first-team offense but did not make much of an impact as he finished with 31 yards of total offense, logging 21 yards on 11 carries (1.9 yards per carry) and 10 yards on one reception.

Richardson also worked with the first unit as he caught the only pass thrown his way for a 24-yard gain in the opening drive. He also broke for an 8-yard run and a caught a 14-yard pass before they were wiped off by offensive holding and illegal formation penalties, respectively.

Richardson appeared to have had an edge over Pead entering Saturday's game. The Rams will likely have its dress rehearsal game on Aug. 24 at Denver, which could indicate who has the edge for the job.

Cardinals rookie running back Andre Ellington, who had been out with a concussion, returned to action in Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys.

Ellington took over in the fourth quarter as he made a quick impact in his first drive. He broke for a 24-yard run and brought down a 12 yard pass from third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley. He finished the game with 39 yards of total offense, logging 24 yards on 10 carries (2.4 yards per carry) and 15 yards on two receptions in a 12-7 victory.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who left Friday's preseason game against the Patriots after taking a knee to the helmet, told the Tampa Bay Times that he passed all concussion tests and could have returned to the game.

Martin is not expected to miss any time and should be ready to return Aug. 24 at Miami for the team's third preseason game.

"It was just a tough play," Martin said. "Things happen."

Wide receiver Jarrett Dillard (concussion) and running back Ryan Williams (knee) will not play Saturday for the Cardinals in their preseason game against the Cowboys, reports azcentralsports.com. 

Daryl Richardson is ahead of the pack in the battle for the Rams' starting tailback job, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The newspaper is stating that Richardson is close to clinching the spot. Richardson averaged six yards a carry in the team's only preseason game.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen received plenty of run in Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, and he showcased his solid all-around game.

Vereen rushed the ball four times for 29 yards and was even better in the passing game. He was targeted six times and brought in four receptions for 46 yards, with a long of 18 games.

Vereen is expected to be the No. 2 running back, but should provide a solid change of pace in passing downs.