NFL Player News

Raiders coach Josh McDaniel suggested Jacobs played in Thursday's preseason opener because it's difficult for running backs to simulate game action in practice, NFL.com reports. "I always think it's good for backs to carry the ball in the preseason," McDaniels said. "There's a lot of things that happen when you're getting tackled and hit that you can't simulate in practice."

It reeks of coach-speak, but that doesn't mean Jacobs' appearance in the Hall of Fame Game is cause for total panic. For one thing, the Raiders didn't rest all their starters the way the Jaguars did, instead selectively sitting players based on age and/or status. And while Jacobs may be one of the Raiders' most prominent players from a fantasy standpoint, he doesn't compare all that favorably to other starting RBs around the league. He does compare favorably to the other guys on the Vegas depth chart, however, and he showed it Thursday night with seven touches for 44 yards. Rookie fourth-round pick Zamir White also made his case for a role with 11 carries for 52 yards, getting all his work after Jacobs was done for the night. Austin Walter and Ameer Abdullah also had their moments, but they're probably more in the mix for passing-down work, as is Brandon Bolden (who was rested). Last and perhaps least, Kenyan Drake had a rough Thursday night, managing only nine yards on five carries and working behind both Jacobs and White. McDaniels may not intend to use Jacobs as a workhorse, but the fourth-year pro remains a favorite to take most of the carries and a portion of the RB targets.

Elliott isn't expected to suit up for any of the Cowboys' preseason games, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. "This is my seventh year (in the NFL). I've seen a lot of football. I don't think I need a preseason game, especially with the joint practices (with the Broncos and Chargers)," Elliott said this week.

The decision to hold Elliott out of exhibition action isn't a surprising one, especially considering he played through a knee injury most of last year. The 27-year-old appears to be fully healthy in camp and ready to rebound after posting a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry and a career-low 58.9 rushing yards per game in 2021, but Zeke is only 62 touches short of 2,000 for his career and it's fair to wonder exactly how much tread he has left on his tires.

Conner rushed four times for 10 yards, brought in his only target for six yards and returned one kickoff for 20 yards during the Jaguars' 27-11 preseason loss to the Raiders in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

With James Robinson (Achilles) and Travis Etienne (illness) not playing Thursday, Conner saw a solid amount of touches and did a serviceable job with the opportunity. The rookie fifth-round pick did find running room at a premium, but efficiency isn't really a concern with a player who averaged an impressive 5.2 yards per carry over 34 games in three college seasons at Ole Miss. Although Etienne is expected to suit up for the Jaguars' Aug. 12 exhibition contest against the Browns, Conner should still see his fair share of touches as that game unfolds.

Abdullah rushed twice for seven yards and a touchdown, secured both targets for 23 yards and returned one punt for 13 yards during the Raiders' 27-11 preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Abdullah was the third running back into the game behind Josh Jacobs and rookie Zamir White, making his presence felt on an eight-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The versatile veteran also looked good on the receiving front and in his one return opportunity, and his ability to contribute on special teams could ultimately prove to be the tiebreaker if it comes down to him and Kenyan Drake for a roster spot. Abdullah's next opportunity to make his case comes in the Raiders' next preseason matchup Sunday, Aug. 14 against the Vikings.

Drake rushed five times for nine yards during the Raiders' preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Drake drew even with Josh Jacobs for third in carries on the night in what was his first game action since Week 13 of last season. The veteran back seems to be fully recovered from the ankle injury that cut short his 2021 campaign, and as Week 1 approaches he'll look to solidify his standing in a Raiders backfield that also includes Jacobs, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden.

White rushed 11 times for 52 yards and brought in three of four targets for 23 yards during the Raiders' 27-11 preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

The rookie fourth-round pick was notably the second running back in behind Josh Jacobs and paced the Las Vegas backfield on the night in carries and rushing yards, flashing some of the efficiency that led to him averaging over 5.0 yards per carry in each of his three college seasons at Georgia. White's work as a receiver was equally encouraging, considering he finished his time with the Bulldogs having garnered just 17 receptions in 37 games. White is likely to see another solid dose of action when the Raiders face the Vikings in their next preseason contest on Sunday, Aug. 14.

Jacobs rushed five times for 30 yards and brought in both targets for 14 yards during the Raiders' 27-11 preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Jacobs was the biggest name on the Raiders offense to see action Thursday, and he made good use of his time on the field as his final line indicates. Playing on Las Vegas' first two drives, the 24-year-old rattled off gains of 12 and nine yards and also put together a strong showing through the air. Jacobs figures to see similar usage in at least two of the Raiders' remaining three preseason games as a tune-up for another season as the team's lead back.

Head coach Dan Campbell specified Jefferson as a player having a productive training camp, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

After a productive career at Oregon, Jefferson failed to find his footing as a seventh-round rookie last year in Detroit. By season's end, both converted safety Godwin Igwebuike and Kutztown product Craig Reynolds had earned more snaps and game appearances than him. However, it seems that Jefferson has worked his way back into the mix this offseason, which opens the door for him to compete with Igwebuike, Reynolds and Justin Jackson for the No. 3 running back job behind D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.

McFarland made a pair of big plays during Thursday's practice session, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

McFarland was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in 2020, but he's on the roster bubble ahead of the 2022 season. The 23-year-old has had minimal work over his first two professional seasons, rushing 36 times for 116 yards while securing seven of 10 targets for 65 yards. However, he broke off a 70-yard touchdown run during Thursday's practice session before making a contested catch along the sideline later in the day. McFarland is competing with Benny Snell and Mataeo Durant to serve as backfield depth for the Steelers ahead of the regular season. Even if McFarland wins a roster spot, he's unlikely to be a significant fantasy contributor as long as Najee Harris (foot) is healthy.

Robinson (Achilles) won't play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Robinson continues to work his way back from an Achilles' injury, so it's no surprise that he'll sit this one out. Fellow running back Travis Etienne also isn't slated to play Thursday, which leaves the likes of Snoop Conner, Mekhi Sargent, Ryquell Armstead and Nathan Cottrell as candidates to handle the team's backfield reps against Las Vegas.