NFL Player News

The Panthers have claimed Freeman off waivers from the Broncos.

In a corresponding move, the Panthers waived fellow running back Trenton Cannon. Freeman, who spent the last three seasons with the Broncos after being taken in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, gives Carolina some valuable depth and experience behind star back, Christian McCaffrey. Also in the team's backfield mix is rookie fourth-rounder Chuba Hubbard.

Barkley (knee) took hits during Thursday's practice, but he didn't elaborate on the extent or significance, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports that the running back has a "strong chance" to play Week 1 against the Broncos. Barkley returned to 11-on-11s last Thursday, donning a non-contact jersey for a joint practice with the Patriots. He's now progressed to some form of contact, though perhaps not in full-team sessions.

Barkley (knee) has a strong chance to play Week 1 against Denver, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Barkley has been trending in this direction for a few weeks now, but the Giants will wait until the final days before their Sept. 12 opener to make a decision, as they first want to see him in full-team practices without a non-contact jersey. The running back is on the field for the start of Thursday's practice, per Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York, though it isn't clear exactly what he'll be doing. Barkley returned to full-team drills last week during joint practices with the Patriots, albeit in a non-contact jersey. It may be tough to judge his activity level this week, as media access is reduced at the end of the preseason and the Giants' first injury report isn't due until Wednesday (Sept. 8).

Coach Sean McDermott told Ashly Holder of WGRZ this week that Singletary looks great entering this season. "He's got burst to him this year, pass protection is on point and every time he touches the ball he makes something happen," said the coach.

It's not like McDermott is going to say bad things about his running back, but Singletary is coming off a strong preseason that followed a productive offseason, where teammates and the coaching staff have continually stated how strong and sharp he looks. He'll enter the season as the No. 1 running back in a high-powered offense, though it always comes with the caveat that it's hard to picture him getting into the end zone a ton considering that's a role more played by Josh Allen and Zack Moss in the running game, plus numerous targets in the red-zone passing game. Moss will also see the field a lot in normal packages, with the Bills using more of a "hot-hand" approach in recent times. In other words, Singletary needs to produce once the real action starts in order to keep his current high status.

Etienne (foot) will have surgery Thursday and is facing a four-month recovery timeline thereafter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Etienne is ineligible for 2021 after being placed on injured reserve during the preseason, but it sounds like he'll at least be healthy before the start of the offseason program next spring. Dr. Robert Anderson will perform surgery Thursday on the rookie's Lisfranc injury, while James Robinson is set to lead the Jacksonville backfield Week 1 against the Texans.

The Eagles signed Huntley (ribs) to the practice squad Wednesday, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Huntley wasn't listed with an injury designation when the Eagles waived him Tuesday, so it appears that he's recovered from the ribs issue that limited him during the preseason. The 23-year-old return man will look to continue developing as part of the scout team.

The Dolphins signed Laird to the practice squad Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Laird has been a solid reserve option and special-teams contributor for the Dolphins over the last two seasons, in which span he's suited up for 31 games. Though he won't begin the 2021 regular season on the 53-man roster, it wouldn't be surprising to see him bump up should Miami suffer any backfield injuries.

The Dolphins signed Doaks to the practice squad Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Doaks wasn't able to secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster, but he will get to continue his development with the Dolphins via the scout team. The rookie seventh-round pick showcased a three-down skill set in his collegiate career at Cincinnati, but for now he's only on the fantasy radar in deep dynasty formats.

Abdullah signed with the Vikings' practice squad Wednesday, Craig Peters of the team's official site reports.

Abdullah was cut by the Vikings on Tuesday but will stick around the organization on the practice squad. The 28-year-old could join the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 since Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison are the only running backs currently on the roster.

Nwangwu (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

Nwangwu picked up the knee injury during the preseason matchup with the Browns on Aug. 14, and he was sidelined for the rest of the preseason. The rookie fourth-round pick will remain on injured reserve for at least the first three contests of the regular season.