NFL Player News

Clement rushed five times for 32 yards and lost a fumble in Saturday's 12-7 preseason loss to the Jets. He wasn't targeted in the passing game.

Devontae Booker got the start, suggesting he's currently above Clement in the running back pecking order after Saquon Barkley. Clement found space effectively but lost a crucial fumble at the Jets' three-yard line on 1st-and-goal. The former Eagles running back will look to improve his ball security in Week 2 of the preseason against Cleveland.

Sermon rushed nine times for 26 yards (2.9 YPC) and caught both of his targets for 14 yards in Saturday's 19-16 loss to the Chiefs.

Sermon couldn't get much going on the ground in his preseason debut, and he did fumble once, though 49ers left tackle Colton McKivitz jumped on it. The third-round pick out of Ohio State has been making a case in training camp to be the 1B behind Raheem Mostert, a 29-year-old speedster with a troubling injury history. Saturday's dud shouldn't be considered a setback to Sermon's plan, but he'll need to show more moving forward to truly separate from Wayne Gallman and JaMycal Hasty.

Robinson recorded three rushes for 13 yards in Saturday's preseason contest against the Browns.

Robinson took the team's first handoff of the game, working ahead of both Carlos Hyde and Travis Etienne. His initial carry was his biggest of the game, as he ripped off a nine-yard gain. This usage seemingly followed the team's initial depth chart, which listed Robinson and Hyde as co-starters. Even so, the Jaguars' backfield remains one of the most important to watch during the preseason, and Robinson seems to be the head of the committee for the time being.

Hill rushed five times for eight yards and caught his only target for four yards in Saturday's 17-14 preseason win over New Orleans.

Hill was more effective on the ground than starter J.K. Dobbins (no gain on three carries), but the 2019 fourth-round pick's modest effort didn't make much of an impression in a game in which five Ravens rushed for 25-plus yards. Hill's likely to work as a gadget guy and possibly a return man on special teams, but he's little threat to Dobbins or Gus Edwards as an alternative on the ground. Up next for the Hill and the Ravens is a trip to Carolina for Week 2 of preseason.

Mitchell, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, "will be out for a couple weeks" with an adductor strain, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell was a surprise scratch from the roster for Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, and the reason for his absence is now known. He's an intriguing prospect for the 49ers, and one who could have made a preseason push, but he's a bit down the depth chart, so it's unlikely the team's early season running back rotation will be altered significantly.

Carter rushed seven times for 22 yards and caught his only target for nine yards in Saturday's 12-7 preseason win over the Giants.

Carter's expected to carve out a prominent role in New York's backfield as a rookie, and he split work with Ty Johnson in the first half here in a possible preview of his usage pattern. Tevin Coleman also figures to mix in frequently, but the veteran running back was held out of this one. Carter will likely handle a comparable workload against the Packers in Week 2 of preseason.

Etienne carried the ball one time for two yards in Saturday's preseason game against Cleveland. He was also targeted once but did not record a catch.

Etienne got his first and only carry at the beginning of the second quarter. The result wasn't notable, except for the fact that he and Trevor Lawrence got into professional game action at the same time. Etienne was also targeted once but was seemingly limited in his role to ensure his health for the regular season. On the team's initial depth chart, Etienne was placed third among running backs, though he is likely to play a large role in the offense throughout the campaign.

Dobbins rushed three times for no gain and wasn't targeted in the passing game in Saturday's 17-14 win over the Saints.

Dobbins was stuffed for a one-yard loss on 4th-and-1 to end Baltimore's second drive and couldn't get going in his limited action, though not having Lamar Jackson by his side may have cut into Dobbins' effectiveness in his limited action. The Ravens' starting running back will look to up his production in Week 2 of the preseason against the Panthers.

Murray rushed five times for six yards and lost a fumble in Saturday's 17-14 preseason loss to the Ravens. He added an 11-yard catch on two targets.

Murray fumbled inside the Ravens' 10-yard line on the opening drive, which will do the veteran backup no favors in his bid to usurp some red-zone carries from Alvin Kamara, who was given the night off. Devonta Freeman was even less effective on his nine touches (10 yards and a fumble lost), but Tony Jones emerged as a contender for carries behind Kamara with 120 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 10 touches against Baltimore's backups. Murray will look to tighten up his ball security in Week 2 of the preseason against the Jaguars.

Abdullah rushed the ball five times for 29 yards in Saturday's preseason contest against Denver. He added two receptions for 12 yards.

Abdullah was the team's first back on the field with both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison held out of the game. He didn't carry a heavy workload but broke off gains of nine and 12 yards to account for the majority of his production. Abdullah figures to have the inside track for the third position on the running back depth chart, though he'll have to hold off Kene Nwangwu (knee) and A.J. Rose.