NFL Player News

Sermon finished with the 2022 preseason with 19 carries for just 39 yards across three exhibition contests.

Sermon didn't do much to dissuade those who labeled him an instant bust after a lackluster rookie campaign. The 49ers already burned another mid-draft pick this year on Tyrion Davis-Price, who was far more explosive with similar reps this preseason. It is looking like veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. is the frontrunner to be the primary backup to Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) come Week 1. Not only is Sermon likely out of the running for that job battle, but he may find himself off the active roster following a horrid preseason.

Gibson isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game at Baltimore.

Joining Gibson on the sideline are fellow Commanders running backs J.D. McKissic (groin), Brian Robinson and Jonathan Williams. With just about none of the team's regular skill-position players in line to suit up in the exhibition finale, that quartert seems poised to survive roster cuts Tuesday. That said, Gibson's ultimate workload is in question due to the impressive showing by the rookie Robinson during the preseason.

Conner is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Titans, Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic reports.

Conner and the team's full allotment of top available skill players are thus in line to see their next game action in Week 1 against the Chiefs. While Conner is the team's clear-cut top RB, the pecking order behind him has yet to be solidified, as Darrel Williams, Eno Benjamin, Keaontay Ingram and Jonathan Ward (shoulder) continue to compete for depth chart slotting.

Shampklin left Friday's preseason contest with an undisclosed injury but did lead the team in rushing yards (54) on 13 carries, Kurt Daniels Editor of Cowboys Star Magazine reports.

Shampklin saw a significant workload with the Cowboys resting almost all of their key starters on both sides of the ball. The undrafted rookie is not expected to make the roster, but he could return to the Cowboys' practice squad in the event he's waived and passes through waivers.

Patterson is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Jaguars, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.

Looking ahead to the Week 1 contest against the Saints when the games count, the versatile Patterson is slated to continue to head an Atlanta backfield that also currently includes Damien Williams, Tyler Allgeier, Qadree Ollison and Caleb Huntley.

McFarland is still competing for a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of the Steelers' preseason finale against the Lions on Sunday, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

While Najee Harris is established as Pittsburgh's clear lead running back heading into 2022, McFarland has been competing with Benny Snell and Jaylen Warren for a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp and the preseason. McFarland made a strong impact in the Steelers' preseason opener, rushing seven times for 56 yards. However, he was held in check last weekend against the Jaguars, rushing twice for one yard while securing his lone target for seven yards. McFarland also has talent as a kick returner, which could give him an edge during the final competition for a roster spot.

Warren is still in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of the Steelers' preseason finale against the Lions on Sunday, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

Warren signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent during the offseason but has made a strong impact during training camp and the preseason. He's been the team's most productive running back over the first two preseason matchups, rushing nine times for 37 yards while securing seven of eight targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. In spite of his preseason results, he's still competing with Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland for depth roles in Pittsburgh's backfield.

Snell is still competing for a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's preseason finale against the Lions, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

Snell served as Pittsburgh's No. 2 running back last year, but he isn't guaranteed a roster spot as a backup running back in 2022. He sat out the preseason opener against Seattle due to a knee injury and was relatively quiet during the matchup against Jacksonville, rushing three times for minus-two yards while securing two of three targets for 15 yards and a touchdown. Snell's chances for a roster spot are improved by his abilities on special teams, but he'll still have to fend off Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Warren as the preseason draws to a close.

Ebner (ankle) missed Thursday's practice, making it unlikely he plays Saturday against the Browns, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Ebner injured his ankle in the Bears' last game against the Seahawks and hasn't practiced since. He had been battling with Darrynton Evans for the No. 3 running back role behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. If he sits out, he'll have two weeks to get ready for the regular-season opener.

Harris carried four times for 54 yards (including a 33-yard run) and caught one pass for seven yards in Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders.

As long as Damien Harris (who sat out the contest with an unspecified injury) and Rhamondre Stevenson remain in the mix, Kevin Harris doesn't have a path to steady carries. However, the 2022 sixth-rounder's chances of securing a roster spot may have increased Friday, with Ty Montgomery having suffered an ankle injury. Also in the depth mix in the Patriots' backfield are fourth-rounder Pierre Strong and J.J. Taylor.