NFL Player News

Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas carried four times for five yards against the Cowboys. Only two of his snaps came with the first-team offense.

In advance of Thursday's preseason game at San Francisco, the Broncos released a depth chart showing Ronnie Hillman as the starter at tailback. Rookie Montee Ball is No. 2, followed by Knowshon Moreno.

Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall joined teammate Ryan Williams on the injury list Saturday when he was held out of practice with knee tendinitis according to the Arizona Republic. Coach Bruce Arians doesn't consider the issue serious and says Mendenhall will be back Monday. 

Of course, Arians said last week he expected Williams in action soon and he's on crutches. A knee issue that required a doctor's visit has kept him out of action. He's unlikely to play in the Cardinals' first preseason game.

Rookies Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington along with veteran Alfonso Smith are taking reps in their place. 

Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase told reporters this week that running back Ronnie Hillman has remained impressive in training camp. Hillman is battling rookie Montee Ball and veteran Knowshon Moreno for playing time this season and thus far has fended them off. 

"He has done a good job," Gase said. "The last two days he has been very impressive and has had very minimal mistakes. ... It is good to see him really develop. With the limited playing time he got last year, and now it is increased more, every day is a huge improvement for him."

Cardinals running back Ryan Williams continues to miss practice with a knee injury. Per the official team website, Williams needs rest after irritating the "fatty pad" under the patella tendon. 

Rams coach Jeff Fisher told NFL.com that the team's run game could depend on more than one player. The Rams could be "playing two or three backs all the time. Which is good."

Daryl Richardson is believed to be in the lead for work with the Rams and almost assuredly will take the passing downs role. Zac Stacy and Isaiah Pead figure to compete for the rushing downs role. Stacy could hold an edge with a solid camp and preseason along with a nice effort Week 1 against the Cardinals (Pead is suspended for that game). 

The Titans had running back Chris Johnson back at practice Friday after taking Thursday off, TitansInsider.com reports. Johnson had been dealing with some ankle soreness but the injury wasn't considered significant. 

Patriots running back Shane Vereen could emerge as an X-factor on offense for the Patriots this season, reports the Boston Herald.

Even though Vereen had just eight catches last year, the report says quarterback Tom Brady has used Vereen "as he would have Kevin Faulk or [Danny] Woodhead in the past." Vereen has become Brady's outlet option.

The report calls Vereen "one of Brady’s safety valves during passing situations."

After it was believed Cardinals running back Ryan Williams would be at practice Thursday, the official team website reported he sat out. Williams is dealing with some knee issues.

He's expected to battle for playing time with Rashard Mendenhall, among others, in training camp. 

Titans running back Chris Johnson told TitansInsider.com he rolled his ankle on Wednesday and will miss practice. Coach Mike Munchak referred to the injury as ankle "soreness."

Johnson said his ankle was swollen and was told to take Thursday off. He expects to play against the Redskins on Aug. 8.