NFL Player News

Sanders rushed four times for 53 yards, caught his only target for minus-3 yards and lost a fumble in Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Eagles.

Sanders worked in a change-of-pace role behind Javonte Williams, who established himself as the top option in Dallas' remade backfield by rushing 15 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders ripped off a 49-yard run in the third quarter but fumbled later on the same drive. Dak Prescott made a touchdown-saving tackle to bail Sanders out to an extent, but that red-zone fumble still proved costly in the four-point loss. Rookie fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue was a healthy scratch Thursday, but any further ball security issues from Sanders could open the door for Blue to usurp the veteran as Williams' backup.

Dillon rushed three times for 10 yards and wasn't targeted in Thursday's 24-20 win over the Cowboys.

Dillon didn't register a touch until the second half. He opened the game as the No. 3 running back behind Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley, but Shipley left the game due to a rib injury late in the first half, allowing Dillon to climb a rung on the depth chart. Dillon could hold on to a change-of-pace role against the Chiefs in Week 2 if Shipley doesn't play, but Barkley should continue to get the vast majority of touches among Philadelphia's running backs regardless.

Coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Achane (calf) is "absolutely" on track to play in Sunday's season opener against the Colts, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

That aligns with Achane's previous assertion that he feels 100 percent healthy and that his recent practice limitations were precautionary. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether the running back carries a Week 1 injury designation, but at this stage it looks like he'll be available to lead Miami's backfield this weekend.

Williams rushed 15 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns and secured two of three targets for 10 yards in the Cowboys' 24-20 loss to the Eagles on Thursday night.

The offseason addition took the first play from scrimmage of the season for a seven-yard gain on his first regular-season carry in a Dallas uniform, a harbinger of what would be a strong debut -- albeit one that benefitted from Philadelphia star defensive tackle Jalen Carter getting ejected immediately after the opening kickoff. Williams would go on to cap off the opening possession with a one-yard touchdown run, and he added another one-yard score on the first play of the second quarter. Backfield mate Miles Sanders had the run of the night with a 49-yard scamper in the third quarter, but he'd go on to fumble at the Eagles' 10-yard line five plays later. Thursday's usage appears to indicate Williams will usually serve in the lead early-down role, and the Week 2 home opener against the Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14 will provide the next opportunity to see the backfield pecking order play out.

Barkley rushed 18 times for 60 yards and a touchdown and brought in four of five targets for 24 yards in the Eagles' 24-20 win over the Cowboys on Thursday night.

In what was his first taste of game action since the Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs in February, Barkley often found running room hard to come by against a game Cowboys front seven. While the defending rushing champion's longest run of the night was only 16 yards, Barkley still made an impact via a 10-yard rushing touchdown shortly before halftime, as well as some productive work as an outlet receiver. Barkley was outgained in rushing yards by Jalen Hurts (62 yards), but that should be a rare occurrence moving forward. Another marquee matchup awaits Week 2, as the Eagles visit the Chiefs for a Super Bowl rematch on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Shipley is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Cowboys due to a rib injury.

Shipley got hit hard on a kick return late in the first half and wasn't spotted with the team coming out to begin the third quarter. AJ Dillon rotated in behind Saquon Barkley and will serve as the backup running back if Shipley is unable to return.

VanSumeren has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's contest against the Cowboys after suffering a knee injury, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reportss.

VanSumeren went down with an injury on the opening kickoff, which is now understood to be a knee issue. The fullback may be facing a prolonged absence, and more information on his status will likely come in the near future.

James (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

James broke his finger in early August and has been a limited participant in each of the first two practices of the week. The rookie fifth-rounder figures to see minimal work out of the backfield this season. However, with Christian McCaffrey popping up on Thursday's injury report due to a calf injury, James could be thrust into the RB3 role behind Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) if McCaffrey is unable to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Seahawks.

McCaffrey was limited at Thursday's practice due to a calf injury, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

McCaffrey's sudden appearance on the 49ers' Week 1 practice report with the same listed health concern that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis and eight games missed to begin last season isn't a great sign. While the team may merely be managing his workload, his status now will be one to monitor closely ahead of Sunday's game at Seattle. With rookie Jordan James (finger) dealing with an injury as well, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the current healthy running backs on San Francisco's active roster.

Sanders, Javonte Williams and FB Hunter Luepke will serve as the Cowboys' backfield options Thursday in Philadelphia with rookie Jayden Blue (coach's decision) inactive, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sanders and company thus won't have to yield reps to Blue, a rookie fifth-round pick, to begin the season, but ultimately the breakdown of reps between Sanders, Williams and Luepke remains to be seen. In his only appearance of the preseason, Sanders mustered 15 yards on seven carries, and he's coming off a career-low 205 rushing yards in 11 regular-season games with the Panthers in 2024, so he doesn't seem to have much fantasy utility unless he receives a significant number of touches.