NFL Player News

Conner (toe) had two carries for one yard during Friday's preseason loss to the Chiefs.

Fellow running back Chase Edmonds got the start and first carry of the game before Conner received the next two touches given to Cardinals RBs. Considering Edmonds is a holdover and Conner has more experience overall, the preceding breakdown of touches may be the status quo in Arizona's offense this season. Conner, a fifth-year pro, signed a one-year deal in the offseason, but he spent most of it in recovery mode due to toe surgery. Then, he missed some practices over the last week due to a stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Now that Conner is healthy and available, though, Edmonds and Conner enter the coming campaign as a 1A-1B backfield pairing.

Edwards-Helaire sprained his ankle during Friday's preseason win in Arizona, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Edwards yielded RB reps to Darrel Williams during the first drive of the contest, but the Chiefs didn't reveal the reason for his abrupt departure until postgame. According to the team, Edwards-Helaire's sprain is on the inside of his ankle, with tests to come to reveal the extent of the injury. It's unclear if he'll miss any time, but with Williams also leaving shortly after Edwards-Helaire to be evaluated for a concussion, Kansas City is down to three healthy running backs (Jerick McKinnon, Darwin Thompson and Derrick Gore) at the moment.

Edwards-Helaire rushed three times for 13 yards and secured his only target for 10 yards in the Chiefs' 17-10 preseason win over the Cardinals on Friday night.

Edwards-Helaire was productive in what could well be his last tune-up for the regular season, looking good while generating seven- and five-yard gains on the Chiefs' 15-play, 57-yard first-quarter drive. The second-year back will look to build on a solid rookie season in which he garnered 1,100 total yards and five total touchdowns, and he should have a clear shot at holding on to lead-back duties throughout the campaign if he's healthy.

Kamara may play in Monday's preseason contest against the Jaguars, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

The Saints kept Kamara on the sideline in the team's first exhibition, but coach Sean Payton noted Friday that certain starters who didn't play in that game will suit up Monday. Kamara is the top name among those candidates, and if he does, he'll be working behind and with Jameis Winston, who is getting the start at quarterback over Taysom Hill. Considering Kamara doesn't need much run, he likely won't play much more than New Orleans' first possession.

Williams is under evaluation for a concussion during Friday's preseason game at Arizona.

Williams earned three touches on the Chiefs' first possession, turning two carries into two yards and one target into an eight-yard catch. Clyde Edwards-Helaire got the initial RB reps with the starters, and Jerick McKinnon and Darwin Thompson after CEH and Williams, so the latter's standing as the No. 2 back in Kansas City appears to be holding up. However, if Williams is diagnosed with a concussion, he could give McKinnon a chance to move up the depth chart.

Mostert is in line to play in Sunday's preseason contest at the Chargers, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said after Friday's joint practice with the Chargers that 49ers starters will log "a quarter, a quarter and a half" in their second exhibition. As a result, it appears San Fran is set to have its dress rehearsal for the regular season Sunday. Mostert should get a lot of the backfield reps while the starters are on the field, yielding the occasional touch to Trey Sermon and perhaps even Wayne Gallman.

Dillon, who didn't participate in team drills during Wednesday's practice due to a calf issue, was able to do so Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

As previously implied by Schneidman Dillon's limitations on Wednesday were "mostly precautionary." With Jamaal Williams having joined the Lions via free agency during the offseason, Dillon is in line to serve as Aaron Jones' top backup this coming season.

Taylor carried 12 times for 93 yards and a TD and caught all three of his targets for 18 yards in Thursday's 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles.

With Damien Harris, James White, Sony Michel, Rhamondre Stevenson and special-teams ace Brandon Bolden also in the team's backfield mix, the Patriots have some tough roster choices to make in advance of final cutdowns. Listed by the team at 5-foot-6, 185 pounds, Taylor isn't really suited for a key early-down role, but if he's able to stick -- either on the final roster heading into Week 1 or as a practice squad member -- the Arizona product could occasionally make his mark as a change-of-pace option on weeks that he's made active.

Harris logged eight snaps on offense in Thursday's 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles, NESN's Zack Cox reports.

It's not a surprise that Harris -- the Patriots' presumed top back -- and pass-catching ace James White (five snaps) saw limited touches Thursday, given their solid roster standing. In that context, Sony Michel, Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor logged the bulk of rushing opportunities versus the Eagles, as they jostle for slotting on the team's depth chart. While Harris continues to profile as the New England back to target earliest in fantasy drafts, the team's deep backfield could lead to a regular-season scenario in which Harris' week-to-week workload varies due to game flow and opponent-specific game scripts.

Elliott will not suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the Texans, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott is fully healthy and reportedly in fantastic shape, but the Cowboys haven't called upon him to handle preseason action since 2017, so it won't be any surprise if he sits out the team's final two exhibition contests. Dak Prescott (shoulder) will also sit out Saturday, but all of Amari Cooper (ankle), Tyron Smith (elbow), Zack Martin and La'el Collins are expected to take the field, albeit while handling limited reps.