NFL Player News

Carter's expected to be the Jets' No. 3 running back this season, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the team has agreed to a one-year contract with Dalvin Cook (shoulder).

Both Cook and Breece Hall (knee) are recovering from injuries, but New York's optimistic that they will both be available come Week 1. Carter has been working ahead of Zonovan Knight and rookie firth-round pick Israel Abanikanda in training camp, so the 2021 fourth-round pick remains likely to secure a roster spot in New York's deep backfield. Barring a setback or new injury for one of Cook or Hall, however, Carter's role is expected to be limited. Hall and Cook have career averages of 5.8 and 4.7 yards per carry, respectively, well above Carter's 4.0 YPC, although the third-year back does have 77 career receptions in 30 NFL games.

Burns may not be able to supplant Khari Blasingame for a spot on the active roster, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Burns, an undrafted free agent, is battling Blasingame, who is a four-year veteran and key part of the Bears' blocking scheme. With Blasingame having a combination of experience and a good training camp, the veteran seems to have a firm lead on the job. However, there is a good chance that Burns sticks with the team as a member of the practice squad.

Blasingame is expected to be an important part of the Chicago roster, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Blasingame has had three rushing attempts during his four years in the league, but his blocking as a fullback is a critical part of the Bears' blocking scheme in the running game. In addition, he plays on special teams. It seems as if Blasingame has an excellent chance of being on the regular-season roster, though don't look for him to get many rushing attempts.

Ebner appears to be in direct competition with Travis Homer for the Bears' No. 4 running back role, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Despite Ebner having some nice runs during camp while also bringing value on special teams, he may face an uphill battle for a roster spot against Homer. With Homer being counted on as a key special teamer, Ebner may need to overcome the odds to make the Week 1 roster.

Homer may be in line to make the Bears' regular-season roster due to his role as a key special teamer, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Homer is competing with Trestan Ebner for the No. 4 running back role. Although both players have had positive moments during camp, the Bears will likely need Homer to be heavily involved on special teams. That could give him a leg up in the battle with Ebner. Unless the team has multiple injuries at running back, it's unlikely the No. 4 role results in many offensive snaps.

Williams (knee) will suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday he isn't sure yet how many snaps Williams will handle, but the announcement bodes exceptionally well for the 23-year-old as he completes his recovery from ACL surgery. Though Payton noted that the Broncos will be smart with Williams, it would seem that he's on track to start Week 1 versus the Raiders. Denver does have Samaje Perine available to take on a significant workload should Williams need to be eased back into action.

Valladay signed with the Steelers on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Valladay was waived by the Texans over the weekend after spending the bulk of the offseason in Houston. The undrafted rookie rushed four times for eight yards in the Texans' preseason opener. In Pittsburgh, Valladay will try to show enough to carve out a spot on the practice squad.

Hall (knee) downplayed his return to practice Tuesday but is "confident" he'll be available for Week 1, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Hall, however, stopped short of guaranteeing that he'd play in the season opener against the Bills. The plan is to ease the second-year running back into practice and let him get his legs back before making any decisions on Week 1. Hall's fantasy stock took a hit Monday with the Jets' signing of Dalvin Cook, although new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has experience juggling two top backs from his days in Green Bay.

Shampklin signed a contract with the Chargers on Tuesday.

Shampklin joined the Colts on a reserve/future deal in January, after he spent part of last season on the Cowboys' practice squad. Ultimately, he was waived by the team in May, but he'll now get a chance in Los Angeles to make the team's 53-man roster.

The Jets reinstated Hall (knee) from the active/PUP list Tuesday.

Hall is set to practice on a limited basis, a significant step in his recovery from a left ACL tear suffered Week 7 of his rookie season. New backfield mate Dalvin Cook (shoulder), signed Monday, isn't yet ready to practice due to his own recovery from an offseason procedure, but the hope in New York is that both will be in top form shortly. If Hall's recovery lingers into the start of the regular season, or he needs time to ramp up his workload, Cook's presence could provide the Jets with a highly capable starting option. When both are fully healthy, however, new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett could deploy a scheme similar to the one he used in Green Bay, in which Aaron Jones found success despite being in tandems with first Jamaal Williams and then AJ Dillon.