NFL Player News

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said the Lions will use Gibbs in "some ways that people don't quite think we might," Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

The 12th overall pick figures to see a mix of carries and targets when the Lions face the Chiefs on Thursday, splitting backfield snaps with David Montgomery behind a veteran offensive line that's returning five starters. The Lions may run some plays with both backs on the field, and Gibbs could see targets out wide or in the slot from empty looks even when he's the only RB on the field. The workload split between Gibbs and Montgomery is probably the top fantasy storyline to monitor for Thursday's season opener in Kansas City.

Jackson is on track to start Week 1 against Jacksonville, with Zack Moss (arm) expected back for Week 2 or 3, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jackson was Indy's lead back for most of the preseason, with rookie Evan Hull also taking some snaps on the first-team offense. Moss is still expected to climb back atop the depth chart at some point in September, but perhaps not for Week 1 after he broke his arm/wrist at the end of July. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is officially out for the first four games on the PUP list and still wants to be traded.

Armah signed with the Commanders' practice squad Friday.

The veteran has agreed to be a part of Washington's practice squad after being released by the team Tuesday. Armah has also had stints with Carolina and New Orleans across his six-year career, recording 86 yards from scrimmage throughout 70 total appearances.

The 49ers signed Hill to their practice squad Wednesday.

A 2017 fifth-round pick by Atlanta, Hill signed with the 49ers this offseason after playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks during the 2023 XFL season. The veteran running back was promoted to the 49ers' active roster three times during the 2021 campaign, but he played exclusively on special teams.

The Steelers signed Bell to their practice squad Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Bell was let go by the Lions in late July and latched on with the Steelers during training camp. The San Diego State product has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, but he had 245 carries for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns during his final collegiate season in 2021. Bell rushed just four times for nine yards in Pittsburgh's preseason finale versus Atlanta, but he's apparently impressed enough to stick around the organization.

Murray remains on the Bills' roster following Tuesday's cutdown day.

The 33-year-old Murray seemed like a good bet to make the team all along once Nyheim Hines was lost for the season due to an off-field knee injury, but that's been put in ink unless the Bills see someone younger they really like on the waiver wire. The Buffalo backfield will have a bit of a committee feel to it, though Murray -- based on his age and a few other factors -- seems to be the third option behind James Cook and Damien Harris.

Williams (ankle) said Thursday he expects to be back to full health next week, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams has an opportunity to compete for a change-of-pace role behind top running back Joe Mixon, when healthy. A mild right ankle sprain suffered Aug. 1 forced Williams to miss the entire preseason, but barring any setbacks, he seems on track to return to full health ahead of Week 1's opener at Cleveland. Chase Brown and Chris Evans (undisclosed) will also be in contention for backup snaps behind Mixon.

Brightwell (undisclosed) was not a full participant at practice Thursday, Michael Eisen of the Giants' official site reports.

Brightwell stands to contribute mostly on special teams when healthy, as he currently profiles as New York's top kick returner. However, he could occasionally spell Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida as a depth option on offense, per John Fennelley of USA Today.

The Vikings enter Week 1 with only Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin behind Mattison on the depth chart, the Star Tribune reports.

Mattison dealt with a minor injury in early August and didn't play in any preseason games, but he's been back in practice for a while now and is all set to lead the Minnesota backfield Week 1 against Tampa Bay. The extent of his workload remains to be seen, with a dominant share one of the possibilities given that Chandler and Gaskin are late-round picks in their mid-20s who combined for 20 touches last season. Both seem most likely to take playing time from Mattison in passing situations, if at all.

Rivers has a spot on the Rams' initial 53-man roster, Stu Jackson of the official team website reports.

The Rams kept both Rivers and Zach Evans behind Cam Akers and Kyren Williams. They won't necessarily stick with four RBs throughout the season, so either Rivers or Evans could be sent to the practice squad in the coming days/weeks. Rivers bounced between the practice squad and active roster as an undrafted rookie last year, playing 25 snaps on offense and 36 snaps on special teams in eight games for the Rams.