NFL Player News

Head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Swift (groin) will be ready for the Lions' Week 1 matchup versus the 49ers on Sunday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Swift's groin injury limited his activity in training camp and the preseason, but the Lions never seemed concerned he was at risk of missing the start of the season. Rather than proving that he's healthy, the second-year back's focus in practice this week will likely be working to regain conditioning and getting in as many reps as he can to ensure he's in top form against what projects to be a tough 49ers defense. Campbell has said that he envisions offseason pickup Jamaal Williams having an important role in the season opener, but Swift could still lead the backfield in snaps and touches if he's active Sunday.

Mack is listed as the No. 3 running back behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines on the Colts' unofficial Week 1 depth chart released Tuesday, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

While Mack is the most likely candidate to take over as the Colts' early-down back in the event Taylor misses time in 2021, Hines is expected to have more involvement in Indianapolis' weekly game plan in light of his status as the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield. With that in mind, Hines' presence ahead of Mack on the depth chart comes as little surprise, since Hines projects to play more snaps and hold more fantasy value than Mack -- particularly in PPR formats -- while Taylor is healthy. After Mack went down with a season-ending Achilles' tendon tear Week 1 of last season, head coach Frank Reich often favored a three-man committee headlined by Taylor and featuring doses of Hines and Jordan Wilkins. With Taylor having established himself as the clear No. 1 option, Mack will most likely step into the Wilkins role in 2021, which could translate into a handful of touches per game.

Hines is listed as the No. 2 running back behind Jonathan Taylor and ahead of Marlon Mack on the Colts' unofficial Week 1 depth chart released Tuesday, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

While Mack is the most likely candidate to take over as the Colts' early-down back in the event Taylor misses time in 2021, Hines is expected to have more involvement in Indianapolis' weekly game plan in light of his status as the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield. To that end, Hines projects to hold more fantasy value than Mack -- particularly in PPR formats -- while Taylor is healthy, though the Colts aren't expected to phase Mack out of the offense entirely. After Mack went down with a season-ending Achilles' tendon tear Week 1 of last season, head coach Frank Reich often favored a three-man committee headlined by Taylor and featuring doses of Hines and Jordan Wilkins. With Taylor having established himself as the clear No. 1 option, Mack will most likely step into the Wilkins role in 2021, which could translate into a handful of touches per game.

Hubbard is anticipated to serve as the Panthers' kickoff returner, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Hubbard took back kickoffs in his freshman season at Oklahoma State and will now apparently be given the opportunity in his opening NFL campaign. That role would give Hubbard extra chances to flash his big-play ability, as Christian McCaffrey's presence atop the tailback depth chart could restrict his offensive snaps. Carolina's recent signing of Royce Freeman gives Hubbard fresh veteran competition to back up McCaffrey as well, so it'll be interesting to see how the team's backfield plays are divided early on.

Coach Vic Fangio expressed confidence in Williams on Monday, saying, "We're not at all against playing him in any situation, in any time of the game," Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

It's a strong early statement in favor of the rookie second-round pick, who apparently was able to earn the trust of the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. Williams is expected to work in tandem with veteran Melvin Gordon out of the backfield for the Broncos this season, and it's a good early sign for Williams that he's already seemingly entrenched in his role to open the campaign.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Williams' teammate, Justice Hill, has suffered a torn Achilles.

Assuming the report is confirmed, Gus Edwards and Williams would profile as the Ravens' top two healthy backs as Week 1 approaches, though the team is likely to add backfield depth in short order. In any case, Williams' chances of earning his share of touches behind Edwards early on this season appear to be increasing, in the wake of Hill's reported injury.

Perine (foot) may not be available to play Week 1 against the Panthers given the Jets signed Josh Adams off the practice squad Monday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Robert Saleh previously said Perine was expected to be available for Week 1, but the addition of Adams from the practice squad indicates the team wanted more depth at running back. Perine's status should receive additional clarity once the Jets release their first injury report Wednesday, but for now, his availability appears to be up in the air.

Hill reportedly has suffered a torn Achilles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per the report, it's a season-ending injury, which if confirmed, would explain why the Ravens worked out Le'Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman and Elijah Holyfield on Monday. For now, Gus Edwards and Ty'Son Williams are the team's top healthy running backs.

Hill (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Monday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

It remains to be seen if Hill's absence is related to the ankle issue he previously dealt with, but the Ravens currently roster just two other running backs, Gus Edwards and Ty'Son Williams. For now, consider Hill day-to-day as next Monday's season opener against the Raiders approaches.

Coach Andy Reid noted that Williams (head) moved around well in practice this past week and is trending toward being available for Week 1 action, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

The same applies to top back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle), a notion that should be solidified once the team's official practice/injury report arrives following Wednesday's practice. Assuming both backs are available, Williams and Jerick McKinnon would be in line to see complementary work this weekend behind Edwards-Helaire.