NFL Player News

The Dolphins signed Horvath to a contract Monday.

Horvath, who was waived by the Saints last week, joins Miami's backfield along with Anthony McFarland on the same day the team released Salvon Ahmed. The Dolphins' initial transaction report lists Horvath as a running back rather than specifically as a fullback, which could be an indication that he'll have a chance to compete for depth backfield reps with his new team.

The Panthers signed Shirden on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

The Monmouth product was waived by Carolina just eight days ago, but the team has now decided to bring Shirden back. Shirden likely has an outside chance of making the Panthers' 53-man roster, but he's expected to compete for a spot on the team's practice squad as the preseason continues. In a corresponding move, the Panthers waived former Washington running back Dillon Johnson.

The Panthers waived Johnson on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Johnson impressed during Carolina's most recent preseason game, touching the ball 20 times for 83 total yards and one touchdown, but it now appears that the team has decided to part ways with the 23-year-old. Now that Johnson has been waived, Carolina's running back room consists of Chuba Hubbard (knee), Jonathon Brooks (knee), Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone and Jaden Shirden.

McFarland signed a contract with the Dolphins on Monday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

McFarland was most recently with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL this spring after his contract with the Steelers expired at the end of the 2023 NFL season. The Maryland product had seen limited work with Pittsburgh in each of the past three seasons and will now have a new opportunity in Miami. His addition comes as fellow running back Chris Brooks was placed in concussion protocol.

Coach Sean McDermott relayed Monday that the Bills won't play their starters, a group that includes Cook, in the team's preseason finale against the Panthers on Saturday, Alec White of the team's official site reports.

The report notes that initially Buffalo's starters were trending toward seeing some snaps this weekend, but with injuries hitting the team ahead of Week 1, a cautious approach will be taken. As a result, Cook's next game action will occur Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Cardinals, and at that time the 2022 second-rounder will be in line to continue to lead a backfield that also includes Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.

Brooks entered concussion protocol after Monday's practice session, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

The second-year running back out of BYU was likely on the outside looking in at Miami's 53-man roster, and this concussion further diminishes his chances. Once Brooks returns to the field, he's expected to compete for a depth role in the team's RB room or a spot on the Dolphins' practice squad.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday he's "hopeful" Guerendo (hamstring) will be able to resume practicing this week and potentially play in Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Guerendo has missed more than three weeks of training camp, including San Francisco's first two preseason games, due to a hamstring injury sustained July 24. The rookie fourth-rounder will be in a position to receive valuable reps if he's indeed able to return this week, with all of Christian McCaffrey (calf), Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Jordan Mason (hip) nursing injuries of their own. Friday's exhibition matchup against the Raiders represents Guerendo's last chance to log game reps before the 49ers take on the Jets in Week 1 on Monday, Sept. 9.

Ali (neck) hasn't practiced since Baltimore's preseason opener and isn't a lock for the 53-man roster, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

Ali suffered a stinger in the preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia, after taking 10 carries for 26 yards and one catch for four yards. He then missed Saturday's preseason win over the Falcons, with Owen Wright getting the start at running back in a game that saw the Ravens hold out a slew of veterans players, including Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Baltimore took Ali in the fifth round of this year's draft, so he could stick around even if the team didn't see what it was hoping for this summer.

Wilson had 13 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 11 yards in Sunday's preseason game against the Broncos.

Wilson started Sunday's contest with the Packers holding out all three players ahead of him on the depth chart, and although he did not find much running room, he did tally both a 15-yard run and the 11-yard catch. With AJ Dillon sitting out Sunday, it seems likely he has secured a roster spot, so it's looking like the Packers will need to open with four running backs or place MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) on injured reserve for Wilson to make the cut.

Vaughn carried the ball five times for 34 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders. He also returned one kickoff for 25 yards.

The undersized back looked good in his first exhibition action after missing the Cowboys' preseason opener due to a hamstring injury. Vaughn led all Dallas backs in rushing yards and showed some surprising power through contact in addition to his usual elusiveness. The 2023 sixth-round pick is fighting for a depth spot behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle in the backfield, and his ability to contribute on special teams could help him secure a spot on the game-day roster.