NFL Player News

Sanders (groin) is practicing Monday in full pads, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders hasn't practiced since Aug. 10 due to a lingering groin injury, so to see him back on the field Monday represents a significant step in the right direction. The Panthers still may opt for caution and hold Sanders out of Friday's preseason finale against the Lions, given his importance as a likely three-down option out of the backfield, depending on his immediate practice workload. Still, even if Sanders has to gradually ramp back up, this is cause for increased confidence that he's on track for Week 1's divisional matchup against the Falcons.

Johnson agreed to a deal with the Bills on Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The report notes that Johnson, who was released by the Jets with a non-football injury designation in April, has moved past a pectoral injury that he had been dealing with. Now that he's healthy, the 2019 sixth-rounder is in a position to help fill the void created by Nyheim Hines' season-ending knee injury. In that context, Johnson should have a chance to compete for third-down work in a Buffalo backfield that also includes James Cook, Damien Harris and Latavius Murray.

Pacheco (shoulder) is present for Monday's practice in a red jersey, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Pacheco has shed his non-contact jersey for the first time in training camp, and coach Andy Reid said "there's a chance" he suits up for his preseason debut in Saturday's exhibition finale against the Browns, per Nate Taylor of The Athletic. The Chiefs had long listed Aug. 20 as Pacheco's target date for contact clearance, so he remains right on track in his recovery. As such, it looks like the second-year pro still is on track for Week 1.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Achane is week-to-week with a shoulder injury, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

On the plus side, the report notes that Achane avoided a serious injury during Saturday's preseason game against the Texans after having a defensive lineman fall on him, but at this stage it appears safe to assume that the 2023 third-rounder won't play in this weekend's preseason finale against the Jaguars. Once Achane is ready to return to the mix, he'll have an opportunity to secure a role in a Miami backfield that also rosters Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed. However, the level of Achane's early-season involvement clearly hinges on how quickly he's able to bounce back from his injury.

Williams hasn't seen action in either of the Rams' first two preseason games.

The same applies to the Rams' presumed top back Cam Akers, which has given the trio of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers opportunities to log exhibition carries as they compete for depth slotting in the team's backfield. Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic previously noted that Williams, who dealt with injuries as a rookie last season, look good in both the run and pass game in training camp. Based on the team's current roster composition, the 2022 fifth-rounder looks poised to approach the coming season in a position to handle complementary work as Akers' understudy.

McLaughlin rushed seven times for 45 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for eight yards and another score in Saturday's 21-20 preseason loss to the 49ers.

McLaughlin continues to impress with the Broncos, as the undrafted rookie accounted for Denver's only offensive points Saturday. The 22-year-old running back has continuously impressed during training camp with both his play and his dedication to learning the offense. If McLaughlin continues to turn heads, he has a solid chance to move up the depth chart behind Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. It's important to note McLaughlin was also used as a returner, running a kickoff back 44 yards in the contest. The Youngstown State product could therefore also carve out a role on special teams, helping him to secure a roster spot ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Taylor had four carries for 12 yards and a touchdown and one reception for five yards in Saturday's 21-17 preseason loss to the Patriots.

Taylor was not particularly busy in Saturday's contest, but that's because the Packers have a pretty good feel for what they have in him in his fourth season with the team. He remains the frontrunner for the third running back spot on the depth chart.

Wilson had 15 carries for 63 yards and two receptions for 15 yards in Saturday's 21-17 preseason loss to the Patriots.

A 111-yard showing in the exhibition opener earned Wilson a long look in Saturday's contest, and he was effective once more. He remains in the mix for the third running back spot on the depth chart, but as things stand, he presumably sits somewhere between fourth and sixth in the pecking order.

Jacobs is expected to report to the Raiders before their season opener in three weeks, multiple league sources told Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Raiders coach Josh McDaniels when asked Sunday did not have an update on the situation.

Jacobs did not report to training camp, and there have been almost no reports on his status or any contract talks. Because he hasn't yet signed his franchise tag, the team hasn't been able to fine him for practice absences. That gives Jacobs, who led the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage last season, leverage to hold out until Week 1 before he starts facing significant financial penalties. Based on Bonsignore's report, Jacobs intends to end his holdout just before the regular season begins. In that scenario, it's not clear if he'll be in shape and ready to play right away, however. If Jacobs faces any limitations to begin the 2023 campaign, Zamir White would likely see increased work out of the backfield.

Ogunbowale didn't appear in Saturday's preseason loss to the Dolphins due to an undisclosed injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Ogunbowale was banged up during joint practices with the Dolphins this week and was unavailable for the Texans' second preseason matchup. His final chance to suit up before the start of the regular season will be Sunday against the Saints, although his status for that game isn't yet clear.