NFL Player News

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury recently praised Benjamin's progress, saying he "would've never expected him to come this far" based on the running back's limited production over the first two years of his career, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. "Early on I didn't know if he could figure it out," Kingsbury said. "Each year he has just gotten progressively better. He's one of the hardest workers on the team now.

Urban adds that no player on the roster has been praised more this offseason than Benjamin, a 2020 seventh-round pick with 40 career touches for 160 yards, all of which came in 2021. Urban further suggests that the No. 2 running back job is Benjamin's to lose, with the top challengers being former Chief Darrel Williams and rookie sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram. It's a situation to monitor this preseason, with the eventual winner of the backup role sitting one James Conner injury away from a significant workload.

Williams is listed as the starting running back on the Broncos' first unofficial depth chart ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Cowboys, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Williams' placement atop the depth chart doesn't come as a major surprise, as recent reports have indicated that the second-year back has received the slight edge in snaps with the first-team offense in training camp over veteran Melvin Gordon. With Gordon playing on an expiring deal and set to turn 30 next offseason, Denver will likely prepare for the 22-year-old Williams to operate as Option 1A out of the backfield after the two had worked in a near-even timeshare in 2021. With that said, the coaching staff is committed to using multiple backs this season, which should cap the overall upside of both backs when they are healthy. Offensive coordinator Justin Outten recently said the running backs will be on a pitch count this season, further complicating matters for fantasy purposes.

Head coach Doug Pederson said Etienne, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and other starters will play a couple drives in Friday's preseason game against Cleveland, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Etienne will be taking the field for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc injury in the second week of the preseason his rookie year. The 2021 first-round pick may eventually face competition from James Robinson, who is coming back from an Achilles tear, but reports out of camp suggest Etienne has gobbled up first-team reps (and looked good in the process). Meanwhile, Robinson is steadily working his way up to speed.

Felton is likely to settle in atop the depth chart at kick and punt returner after Jakeem Grant exited Tuesday's practice with an Achilles injury, Zack Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Felton is the first line for the return gig, but D'Ernest Johnson, Anthony Schwartz, Ja'Marcus Bradley and Mike Harley could also be used in practice and preseason games. Since the start of the preseason, Felton's chances of making the Week 1 roster have improved considerably. After the Browns drafted Jerome Ford this spring to add to an already crowded running back room, the hybrid back/receiver found himself on the roster bubble. Since then, injuries to several wide receivers gave Felton plenty of reps at the position, and now Grant's injury creates an opportunity for Felton in the return game.

Warren is making a case for a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster early in training camp, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site reports.

Warren joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent at the beginning of May but has had a strong start to camp. He had the longest rush of the day during Tuesday's live tackling period, breaking several tackles en route to a 15-yard gain. Benny Snell seems to be the likeliest option to serve as the No. 2 running back behind starter Najee Harris, but Warren should have a chance to compete with Anthony McFarland, Mataeo Durant and Master Teague for one of the final spots on Pittsburgh's roster ahead of the regular season.

Snell worked with the Steelers' first-team offense during goal-line drills at Monday's practice, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Snell lost weight during the offseason and has impressed over the first week of training camp. While Najee Harris is in line to serve as the Steelers' lead back this year, Snell was on the field with the first-team offense during Monday's goal-line drills. None of the team's backup running backs carved out a meaningful fantasy role behind Harris last year, but it's possible that Snell, Anthony McFarland or Jaylen Warren earn some extra touches in 2022 as the Steelers are attempting to lighten Harris' load.

Ealy has spent time at running back and wide receiver during training camp, Charles Goldman of Chiefs Wire reports.

Ealy was considered a running back when he signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss. However, the 21-year-old has actually been getting more reps at wideout during practice, while still getting reps at running back. Although he's likely a longshot to make the roster, his versatility could help him carve out a niche role with the team.

Pierce is listed third on the Texans' unofficial depth chart for Saturday's preseason opener against the Saints, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 2022 fourth-round pick is behind Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead. Pierce has impressed during drills in camp, but the Texans are anxious to see how he performs in pads against opponents in a game situation before moving him ahead of the veterans.

Mack and Rex Burkhead are listed as the first running backs on the Texans' unofficial depth chart for the preseason opener against the Saints on Saturday, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The two veterans lead the position group, with Mack's name listed first. It was presumed the former Colt would be the team's lead back, but the Texans want to see him prove it during preseason game action, as Mack is coming off an Achilles injury that wiped out his 2020 season and was used sparingly (six games, 57 snaps) in 2021. Dameon Pierce, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Florida, is third in line.

Jones has been the No. 2 running back for much of training camp, ESPN's Adam Teicher reports.

While Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco also have seen some first-team snaps, it sounds like Jones is usually the next guy up behind returning starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Kansas City is giving CEH another shot as the starter by all accounts, but the 2020 first-round pick is on a shorter leash after opening his career with a pair of mediocre and injury-marred seasons. While subpar receiving skills might limit Jones to a committee role in Kansas City's pass-first offense even in a best-case scenario, he could end up as the lead rusher if Edwards-Helaire struggles and/or misses time again.