NFL Player News

Johnson ran for 44 yards on 12 carries in Chicago's preseason game against Tennessee on Saturday, adding three receptions for two yards on four targets.

Johnson saw the vast majority of his playing time in the second half, at which point he split some of the workload with Travis Homer. The Bears primarily used starter Khalil Herbert and free agent pickup D'Onta Foreman in the first half. Johnson's poor returns as a pass catcher can probably be ignored -- the targets he saw were low-quality targets that most running backs couldn't do anything with, either -- so it's arguably encouraging that he saw four targets while Herbert (1) and Foreman (zero) operated almost exclusively as runners. The Bears backfield appears headed to a committee approach in 2023, so all of Herbert, Foreman and Johnson could be involved at various points.

Wilkins has signed a contract with the Browns, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

This news comes one day after he worked out with the team, so he clearly made an impression. Cleveland is in the running back market because its No. 2 option, Jerome Ford (hamstring), is currently week-to-week. The 29-year-old Wilkins spent time on the practice squads of both the Colts and Titans in 2022, and he suited up for four games with the former.

Jackson had six carries for 35 yards in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Jackson had been sidelined in practice the past few days with a quad injury and wasn't expected to play. Apparently he's back to full strength, as he had some impressive runs while get the starting nod at running back. With top running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) on the PUP list and Zack Moss out with a broken arm, Jackson could enter the regular season as the top running back. While the Colts may still decide to sign a veteran in that scenario (they were in talks with Kareem Hunt), Jackson gave them reason Saturday to feel confident he can handle the job, at least in the short term.

Ward is considered questionable to return to Saturday's preseason opener against the Bears due to a knee injury, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Ward had accumulated eight yards on two carries prior to exiting the game. He is competing against Tyjae Spears, Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut for the No. 2 running back role behind Derrick Henry entering the season. There is currently no word on the severity of the injury.

Marable has signed a contract with the Patriots, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Marable is a two-time USFL champion with the Stallions. His most recent NFL experience was getting waived by the Bears prior to the 2021 season. After his USFL success, he is now going to get a second chance in New England, where he will look to make a big impression in the preseason.

Foreman ran for nine yards on three carries in Chicago's preseason game against Tennessee on Saturday.

There's probably not much to take away from Foreman's Chicago preseason debut other than clarity on the point that Khalil Herbert is the starter for the Bears. The depth chart following Herbert is likely a fluid situation, with Foreman the first runner off the bench for now but rookie fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson in an ongoing competition with Foreman to be the first to play after Herbert. Foreman's abilities as an NFL runner are well demonstrated at this point, so there wasn't much reason for Chicago to give him extended run against the Tennessee backups.

Sanders (groin) won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

This was expected, as coach Frank Reich said Thursday that Sanders was unlikely to play Saturday after tweaking his groin in practice. The rest of the Panthers' offensive starters are expected to play, including Bryce Young. In Sanders' absence, Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear should see valuable snaps with the first-team offense. Sanders' next chance to see game action will arrive Friday in an exhibition versus the Giants.

Herbert ran for 15 yards on four carries and caught one pass for a 56-yard touchdown on one target in Chicago's preseason game against Tennessee on Saturday.

It's no surprise that Herbert functioned as the lead running back for Chicago, but the 56-yard touchdown reception was an encouraging sight for a player who generally has not produced as a pass catcher, be it at the NFL or collegiate level. As much as Herbert's history implies he'll never be a volume pass catcher, his ability to weave through traffic might give the Bears reason to dial up screens for Herbert, at least occasionally. In an improved Bears offense that figures to run plenty, Herbert's arrow is pointed up with David Montgomery no longer around.

Edmonds rushed six times for 18 yards and brought in his only target for four yards in the Buccaneers' 27-17 preseason loss to the Steelers on Friday night.

The veteran was the first back in with Rachaad White sitting out the contest, but as was the case for every Buccaneers rusher Friday, he found running room at a premium. Despite the quiet start to the exhibition slate, Edmonds is still projected to play a significant role in the scheme of new coordinator Dave Canales, who's talked up Edmonds' versatility throughout the offseason.

Harris (knee) isn't suited up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, Harris won't play in the team's first exhibition contest after sitting out a few practices this week due to a knee injury. The severity of the issue remains unclear, but the 2019 third-round pick's next chance to suit up for game action will come next Saturday in Pittsburgh. However, Harris will presumably have to practice at least once next week to be cleared for that contest.