NFL Player News

Harris, who left Wednesday's practice early with an unspecified issue, is unlikely to suit up for Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

There's a chance the Patriots will rest a number of key players Friday, in any case, but with Harris possibly dealing with an injury, it seems likely the team will play it safe with the running back, who's expected to share early-down work this coming season with Rhamondre Stevenson. In New England's exhibition finale, look for J.J. Taylor, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris -- who are battling for depth slotting in the team's backfield -- to see their share of snaps versus Las Vegas.

The 49ers expect Mitchell (hamstring) to return in time for Week 1 at Chicago, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell hasn't practiced since at least Aug. 10 and won't play in any preseason games. His spot atop the depth chart isn't in question, but there is doubt about his ability to stay healthy after he suffered a handful of different injuries last last year, missing six games and then having minor knee surgery in the offseason. Mitchell was healthy for the start of training camp and practiced for about two weeks before the hamstring injury popped up. If he doesn't make it back for the opener, Jeff Wilson would be the favorite to fill in as San Francisco's top running back.

Taylor and fellow running back Nyhiem Hines will sit out the team's final preseason game to rest and prepare for Week 1 at Houston, Joel Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

While neither Taylor nor Hines has missed an NFL game due to injury, coach Frank Reich is wise to hold them out given the high injury rate among RBs in general. Reich made at least two comments this summer suggesting Hines will be more involved in the passing game than he was last year, but that's about the only negative for Taylor, who caught 36 passes as a rookie and 40 last season. He'll still get some targets and dominate carries while running behind a top offensive line, and QB Matt Ryan figures to be at least a slight upgrade on Carson Wentz. Both Taylor and Ryan get nice matchups to start the season, facing a Houston defense that looks average or worse at every position group.

Hines is slated to be held of of Saturday's preseason finale against the Buccaneers, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

The same applies to top running back Jonathan Taylor, with Hines, who is entrenched as the team's top change-of-pace option, thus slated to shift his focus to readying for a key complementary role in the Colts backfield this coming season. While the top of the team's RB depth chart is settled, Phillip Lindsay, Ty'Son Williams, Deon Jackson and D'Vonte Price will have opportunities Saturday to make their cases to secure roster spots behind Taylor and Hines.

With coach Lovie Smith planning to use Thursday's preseason finale against the 49ers as something of a dress rehearsal, per Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com, Pierce is expected to see action in the contest.

After logging five carries for 49 yards in the team's preseason opener, Pierce was rested last Friday against the Rams, with Smith suggesting that he'd already seen what he needed to see from the 2022 fourth-rounder, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. That said, Alexander notes that Smith isn't tipping his hat regarding who will be the team's starting RB in Week 1, but given Pierce's impressive camp and effectiveness in his limited preseason action, the Florida product is trending toward being a key early-season contributor, and possibly the starter, in a Houston backfield that also includes Marlon Mack and the versatile Rex Burkhead.

Teague (ankle) and the Steelers have come to terms on an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

This move comes one day after Teague reverted to the Steelers' injured reserve following his failure to be claimed off waivers. He now has the freedom to find a new opportunity once he fully recovers from his ankle injury.

Hall conceded that he's still adjusting to working in a crowded Jets running back group that also includes Michael Carter and Tevin Coleman, John Pullano of the team's official site reports. "I'm progressing every day," Hall said. "But learning this offense has been kind of different to what I did in college. There are a lot more nuances and a lot of little things that I am still learning."

Hall, whom the Jets selected in the second round of April's draft, logged 253 carries in 12 games during his final college season at Iowa State, but as he begins his professional career, he'll face competition for reps. It's worth noting that Carter was among the key players rested by the Jets in Monday's preseason game against the Falcons, a contest in which Hall started and logged four carries for one yard. Hall nonetheless brings plenty of upside to the table, but he'll have to earn his standing in the Jets backfield out of the gate this season. So far, though, he's impressed head coach Robert Saleh, who said that Hall "has unbelievable and incredible confidence" and "tracks the ball very well."

Rivers signed a contract with the Seahawks on Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

The 23-year-old running back is slated to add depth for Seattle, after the team placed linebacker Jon Rhattigan on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Wednesday. Rivers signed with the Cardinals back in May but was waived earlier this month. With just days before the Seahawks kick off their preseason finale Friday against the Cowboys, there's uncertainty if the rookie will suit up given the short turnaround. Among Rivers' competition for a roster spot in the team's backfield is Josh Johnson and Darwin Thompson.

McCaffrey is unlikely to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Bills, though many of the Panthers other starters will suit up, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Coming off consecutive injury-marred seasons, McCaffrey likely will be held out of a third straight exhibition despite enjoying an injury-free summer. His absence also gives the Panthers a chance to evaluate prospective backups D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard, though neither is expected to see much work behind McCaffrey when the Panthers host the Browns in Week 1.

McCaffrey is a candidate to be rested in Friday's preseason game against the Bills, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Newton notes that for the time being, the Panthers appear to be trending toward playing a number of their starters in the contest, but McCaffrey could be held out of the contest. Given the extensive time McCaffrey has missed due to injuries the past two seasons, Carolina has extra incentive to keep him healthy in advance of Week 1.