NFL Player News

Brown rushed five times for 10 yards and brought in his only target for no gain in the Bengals' 17-14 preseason loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday night. He also returned one kickoff for 26 yards.

With Zack Moss (illness) sidelined, Brown got the starting nod and saw a hefty workload on the opening possession. Brown logged three straight carries starting with the second play from scrimmage, with his game-long run of six yards coming on the final touch in that sequence. The second-year back added a five-yard gain later in the drive. He's projected to handle what will presumably be a markedly larger volume of touches than the 58 he logged across 12 regular-season games as a rookie while sharing the backfield with the departed Joe Mixon.

Spears rushed three times for two yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for two yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Titans.

Tony Pollard was the first back deployed in Saturday's exhibition, but Spears had his touches mixed in with the first-unit offense. The 23-year-old didn't do much with his four touches in comparison to co-starter Pollard (6-46-0), but he was able to cash in a short touchdown run behind a revamped offensive line. Both backs should continue to get plenty of run this preseason as they jockey for position atop Tennessee's depth chart.

Vidal, who participated in warmups, was held out of the team's 16-3 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday, Daniel Popper of The Athleticreports.

It's not clear why the coaching staff decided to have Vidal and 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey (lower body) participate in pre-game warmups but then not have either player in uniform during the game. Given the Chargers' offensive struggles, particularly on the ground (50 yards on 15 designed carries), it's entirely possible Vidal will see substantial playing time in the coming weeks, but it's also worth noting Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins were also held out of the preseason opener despite zero health concerns to date.

Pacheco rushed two times for 16 yards and brought in his only target for nine yards in the Chiefs' 26-13 preseason loss to the Jaguars on Saturday night.

The Chiefs' top back was out there with the rest of the healthy members of team's first-team offense for the opening possession, and Pacheco made good use of his opportunities. The third-year pro's efficiency with his three touches is right on brand for the explosive Pacheco, who's set to once again lead Kansas City's backfield in 2024 and perhaps improve on the 1,179 total scrimmage yards he recorded across 14 regular-season games a year ago.

Patterson carried the ball seven times for 38 yards and also caught one of his two targets for four yards in Saturday's 16-3 preseason loss to the Seahawks.

Patterson started the game at running back due to Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins both being healthy inactives and continued to see time until early in the third quarter. Los Angeles' offense as a whole struggled to move the ball, especially in the first 30 minutes of the game, as Patterson's long of 16 yards came near the end of the first half with Seattle playing a prevent defense of sorts, content to let the Chargers effectively run out the clock. Neither Elijah Dotson (three carries, seven yards) nor Isaiah Spiller (five carries, five yards) did much with their limited opportunities on the ground, and it's worth noting intriguing rookie Kimani Vidal also was held out of the exhibition, which appeared to be a coach's decision.

Etienne rushed four times for three yards and brought in his only target for a nine-yard touchdown in the Jaguars' 26-13 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.

The talented back found running room at a premium, but he was able to cap off the Jaguars' opening possession with a nine-yard touchdown grab in connection with Trevor Lawrence. Etienne projects for another robust role in the upcoming season as the Jaguars' clear No. 1 back. It remains to be seen if he'll see a boost in playing time during the team's second preseason game against the Buccaneers next Saturday night.

Moss didn't play in Saturday's preseason loss to the Buccaneers due to an illness, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

According to coach Zac Taylor, Moss became sick Friday night, so the Bengals exercised caution with their top running back as they kicked off exhibition season. Chase Brown, Moss's primary competition for RB reps, didn't fare too well Saturday, notching five carries for 10 yards while catching his only target for no yards. Moss will aim to get healthy ahead of next Saturday's preseason contest at Chicago.

Pollard rushed four times for 35 yards and a caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Saturday's 17-13 win over the 49ers.

Pollard was the first back utilized in Saturday's preseason opener and wound up leading the team with six combined touches for 46 yards. Tyjae Spears finished with just four total yards on four touches in the exhibition win, but he scored the only rushing touchdown out of the duo. Pollard showed good burst and acceleration in his brief debut Saturday, and he remains the preferred fantasy target out of Tennessee's backfield as we enter draft season.

Mason rushed six times for 34 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Titans.

Unquestioned starter Christian McCaffrey (calf) sat out Saturday's preseason opener along with the rest of San Francisco's star players, affording Mason the opportunity to start the team's exhibition opener against Tennessee. The 25-year-old was featured heavily on the 49ers' opening drive and wound up scoring the only first-half touchdown for his club. Mason's strong start to the preseason schedule has the running back in a position to seize the primary backup role behind CMC, with Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) both missing Saturday's contest to injury.

Dobbins isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

The same goes for fellow key RB Gus Edwards, which sets the stage for Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller, Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson to handle backfield work versus Seattle on Saturday. Dobbins' next chance to see exhibition action will be Aug. 17 against the Rams.