NFL Player News

Davis has been receiving steady snaps with the Jets' starting offense during OTAs, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Breece Hall's minor lower-body injury has opened up opportunities for Davis, a fifth-round pick, as well as rookie fourth-round pick Braelon Allen. Hughes further revealed that Allen has also made a good early impression, with his receiving work in particular being a pleasant surprise after he had only 275 receiving yards in three seasons as the lead back for Wisconsin. The two rookies seem to be competing with 2023 fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda for the second spot on the depth chart, a role that probably won't come with many snaps or touches unless Hall misses time. The Jets also have Tarik Cohen as a potential passing-down specialist, though special teams might offer his more realistic path to a roster spot

Sanders sat out minicamp practice Tuesday with a heel injury, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Obeserver reports.

Coach Dave Canales said Sanders had something "flare up" with his heel, and he's missing practice time this week. Overall, it doesn't sound like a serious issue for Sanders, but he's missing valuable reps with his new coaching staff. The Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft to join Chuba Hubbard in the backfield, so Sanders looks like he's going to head into training camp no higher than third on the running back depth chart. His inability to play special teams would make him a tough player to have active on game days if that's the case.

Haskins (undisclosed) has participated in OTAs, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Haskins spent all of 2023 on IR with an unknown injury, but he appears to be healthy and recovered now. The Michigan product will likely be battling Julius Chestnut for No. 3 running back duties behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears leading up to the start of the 2024 campaign.

The 49ers signed McCaffrey to a two-year, $38 million contract extension Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

CMC's existing deal was set to run through 2025, and he's getting an additional $8 million up front before this two-year extension kicks in to keep him under contract through 2027. The $19 million annual average makes McCaffrey the NFL's highest-paid running back, a distinction he'd already held at just over $16 million per year. This further sets him apart from Alvin Kamara ($15 million) and Jonathan Taylor ($14 million) at the top of the position. McCaffrey was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year last season and was third in MVP voting after finishing with 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns across 16 regular-season contests. McCaffrey turns 28 years old later this week.

Hall is working off to the side at Tuesday's practice, with coach Robert Saleh telling reporters the running back is "dealing with some lower half stuff," Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Hall was first spotted with the Jets' rehab group last Wednesday and is now confirmed to be dealing with a minor injury. It doesn't sound like anything that will still be an issue when the Jets start training camp in late July, but it's possible Hall is limited or absent during mandatory minicamp June 11-13. Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Israel Abanikanda and Tarik Cohen are all candidates to take first-team RB reps while Hall isn't practicing.

Chestnut (hamstring) participated in OTAs in May.

The running back spent most of 2023 on injured reserve, playing in only three games. Chestnut participated in six contests as a rookie the year before. Now that he's back, he'll get to compete for a role in the backfield behind free-agent signee Tony Pollard.

Robinson (ankle) participated in Monday's OTA, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Robinson suffered an ankle injury during OTAs last month, but the running back's participation Monday indicates that it was a minor issue. As the 2024 season approaches, Robinson profiles as the lead option in an Atlanta backfield that also includes returnees Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams, along with rookie sixth-rounder Jase McClellan (foot). In his first pro campaign, Robinson, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, recorded 214 carries for 976 yards and four TDs as well as 58 catches for 487 yards and four receiving scores in 17 games. His fantasy upside in 2024 is largely tied to how much work he yields to Allgeier, who logged 186 carries last season.

The Jets waived Stepp (undisclosed) from IR with an injury settlement Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Stepp reverted to IR with an undisclosed issue Thursday and reached an injury settlement one day later. He'll thus be eligible to join a new organization upon returning to health. The 24-year-old initially latched on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent May 13.

Goodson, Trey Sermon and Evan Hull got first-team reps at Thursday's practice, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reports.

Jonathan Taylor missed practice for personal reasons, leaving the Colts with an inexperienced group of running backs. Multiple reports have suggested Sermon and Hull will compete for the second spot on the depth chart, but Goodson's work with the starting offense suggests he's also in the running to earn a bench role. While he weighs less than 200 pounds and has taken just 19 regular-season touches since going undrafted in 2022, it wouldn't be shocking if Goodson challenged Hull for a role as the two-minute/hurry-up back. Goodson ran a 4.42 at the 2022 Combine, after piling up 2,551 rushing yards and 70 receptions in three seasons at Iowa.

Estime underwent a small scope on his knee last week, but he is expected to be ready for training camp, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Estime is expected to rehab his knee, so he will not be present at OTAs or mandatory minicamp in June. At 5-foot-11, 221 pounds, the Broncos' fifth round pick of this year's draft is projected to bring a physical style to the running back room. Assuming his health is back up to par by training camp, he will presumably be competing with the likes of Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson for a depth role behind Javonte Williams in this year's backfield.