NFL Player News

Benjamin carried the ball five times for 14 yards and failed to catch his only target in Friday's preseason game against the Bengals.

Veterans James Conner and Darrel Williams both got the night off, leaving Benjamin to handle the opening series for the Cardinals before he too sat down. The third-year back didn't do much with his opportunity, however, squandering the momentum he'd been building up in practice that marked him as a threat to Williams' hold on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. In fact, it might now be rookie Keaontay Ingram who's pushing Benjamin for the No. 3 job. Barring an injury to Conner in the regular season, none of the three is likely to make a big fantasy splash, but Benjamin's chances of emerging from the pack may have taken a hit Friday.

Conner rushed seven times for 21 yards and caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Friday's 24-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Conner also had a 21-yard kickoff return. Travis Etienne got the start in the backfield on Jacksonville's first-team offense, but Conner checked in next once second-string quarterback C.J. Beathard entered the game. James Robinson (Achilles) is expected to platoon with Etienne once Robinson's back to full health, but Conner appears to be the leading candidate for the third running back role, and the rookie's ability to contribute on special teams should help him secure a roster spot.

Hall carried the ball five times for 15 yards in Friday's 24-21 win over the Eagles in preseason action.

Hall split work with Michael Carter during the team's first two offensive possessions and then watched the rest of the contest from the sidelines. It was a fairly nondescript performance from Hall, though he did close his debut with an eight-yard rush. Most importantly, he appears to have left the game fully healthy, which keeps him in line to serve as the Jets' lead back in Week 1 of the regular season.

Etienne rushed nine times for 23 yards and caught one of three targets for 10 yards in Friday's 24-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Etienne suited up after sitting out Jacksonville's preseason opener, but he was held in check by Cleveland's defense. Fellow running back James Robinson (Achilles) didn't suit up for this one but has been splitting first-team reps with Etienne in practice, so the Jaguars seem likely to employ a backfield timeshare when the games start to count. Jacksonville's next preseason game will be Aug. 20 against the Steelers.

Johnson rushed for no gain on three attempts and lost a fumble in Friday's 24-13 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Johnson got the start with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt sitting out the preseason opener, but the 26-year-old running back failed to capitalize on the opportunity. While Johnson played well when injuries cleared a starting role for him last season, his touches will likely be limited as long as Cleveland's top two backs are present and healthy, and this outing did little to bolster Johnson's case for more touches. He'll look to rebound against the Eagles on Aug. 21 in Cleveland's next preseason game.

Allgeier rushed three times for 25 yards in Friday's 27-23 preseason win over the Lions.

Allgeier didn't enter the game until the third quarter, but he was efficient with his workload, which included a long gain of 15 yards. The rookie fifth-rounder will now hope to build on his exhibition debut when the Falcons take on the Jets next Monday night.

Patterson played but didn't get any touches in Friday's 27-23 preseason win over the Lions.

Patterson was on the field for Atlanta's opening snap on offense, but he never got his number called during his brief appearance. The utility tailback should garner more work in the Falcons' next preseason game versus the Jets.

Swift rushed four times for 20 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 27-23 preseason loss to the Falcons.

Swift capped Detroit's opening drive with a nine-yard touchdown rush. That proved to be his final carry of the game, making for a short but effective showing to begin the preseason.

Mitchell is dealing with a hamstring issue that may keep him sidelined for the entire preseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Prior to kickoff of Friday's exhibition against the Packers, Mitchell wasn't seen in uniform along with a number of the 49ers' top skill-position talent, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. But Mitchell's absence is related to an injury. While he may not make an appearance in a game in August, he is slated to be available when the team opens the regular season Sunday, Sept. 11 in Chicago.

Gainwell (hip) isn't slated to play in Friday's preseason contest versus the Jets, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

Gainwell was held out of Tuesday's practice due to a hip issue, which seemingly will keep him in street clothes for the Eagles' first exhibition. With Boston Scott currently in the concussion protocol, Miles Sanders, Jason Huntley, Kennedy Brooks and DeAndre Torrey are the team's options out of the backfield Friday.