NFL Player News

Benjamin carried the ball five times for 50 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Cowboys.

The second-year player was the third back in the game for the Cards, following starter Chase Edmonds and Jonathan Ward, but when Ward suffered an ankle injury it became Benjamin's turn to shine. He got Arizona on the board with a six-yard TD run in the second quarter, then set up a field goal on the first drive of the second half with a 38-yard scamper. The 2020 seventh-round pick didn't see a snap last year in the regular season, and there's no guarantee he does in 2021 either with James Conner (COVID-19 list/toe) and Ito Smith also fighting for touches in the backfield, but if Benjamin continues to impress in the preseason he could force the coaching staff to make some tough roster decisions.

Edmonds gained 10 yards on three carries and caught his only target for an additional 10 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Cowboys.

The 25-year-old was only on the field for Arizona's first two drives of the night, but he flashed his three-down skill set before exiting. Interestingly, he got replaced in the red zone by Jonathan Ward (ankle) on the Cards' second drive (and first scoring drive), but that isn't necessarily a hint at Edmonds' usage during the regular season. He's expected to form a backfield tandem with James Conner (COVID-19/toe) come Week 1, but Conner's inability to stay healthy during his career could lead to Edmonds seeing a big workload at times.

Huntley's performance in Thursday's preseason loss to the Steelers seems to have given him an advantage in pursuit of one of the Eagles' final running back roster spots, E.J. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Huntley carried the ball four times for 15 yards and caught one of three targets for four yards in Thursday's 24-16 preseason loss to the Steelers. He returned a kick 35 yards and also had a 30-yard run called back due to penalty. The 23-year-old has garnered praise for the strides he's made in camp thus far, showcasing his playmaking ability and improvement as a pass blocker. He's battling Jordan Howard and rookie Kenneth Gainwell for one of two likely places on the team, while Kerryon Johnson currently seems to have fallen behind.

Ward won't return to Friday's preseason game against the Cowboys due to an ankle injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Prior to his departure, he notched six carries for 21 yards and three catches (on four targets) for 13 yards as the second RB in the game after Chase Edmonds. As an undrafted rookie last season, Ward was active for 14 games, as opposed to none for 2020 seventh-rounder Eno Benjamin. Ward's adeptness on special teams was the primary reason, and he ended up getting only one touch (a reception) Week 17. Ahead of the coming campaign, he may be the leader for the No. 3 role for that very reason, but he also has more competition in the form of Ito Smith, with Edmonds and James Conner (COVID-19/toe) locked in at the top of the depth chart.

McNichols carried the ball four times for 17 yards in the Titans' opening game of the preseason against the Falcons on Friday.

With Derrick Henry rested, McNichols was the second back on the field behind Darrynton Evans (knee). Most notable was that McNichols worked ahead of Brian Hill, who was listed with Evans as a co-second string back on the team's initial depth chart. That seemingly put McNichols in danger of losing his roster spot, though his usage in the game indicates he may not be entirely buried among the team's rushers.

Foreman carried the ball three times for 10 yards in Atlanta's preseason opener against Tennessee on Friday.

Foreman joined the Falcons on Aug. 9, and the team wasted no time getting him into game action. He was the third back on the field behind Caleb Huntley and Javian Hawkins, with backs further up the depth chart sitting the contest out. Foreman didn't do anything spectacular but did manage a gain of four yards and two runs that went for three yards. Foreman projects to fight for a depth roster spot with Huntley and Hawkins for the remainder of the preseason.

Moss (hamstring) didn't play in Friday's preseason opener against the Lions.

With Moss out, Devin Singletary got the start and delivered a strong performance (48 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on nine touches). Moss and Singletary are expected to split carries once Moss heals up, with Matt Breida, who totaled 27 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards Friday, mixing in as a change-of-pace option. Since Moss's injury is considered minor, he has a chance of suiting up in Week 2 of the preseason against Chicago.

Coach Dan Campbell said the Lions are taking a "conservative" approach with Swift's groin injury, which is the reason he didn't suit up for Friday's preseason loss to the Bills, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.

Campbell added Swift was healthy enough to play if Detroit needed him, but his health concern has lingered, hence the stated approach with his return. Plus, it's exhibition season, so it's no surprise the running back was kept on the sideline. In Swift's stead, Jamaal Williams got the start and mustered just 15 yards on nine carries.

Swift (groin) didn't play in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills.

Jamaal Williams got the start at running back but managed only 15 yards on nine carries. Swift's the much more explosive option in Detroit's backfield and should get the majority of touches over Williams once healthy, especially if Williams continues to struggle. The 2020 second-round pick's next opportunity to see game action will come in Week 2 of preseason against the Steelers.

Jefferson (ankle) rushed four times for seven yards and caught his lone target for one yard in Friday's 16-15 preseason loss to the Bills.

Jefferson didn't find much running room, but at least the rookie seventh-round pick was able to suit up after recently battling an ankle injury. Jamaal Williams got the start with D'Andre Swift (groin) out but managed only 15 yards on nine carries, and Detroit's most effective running back was Craig Reynolds in the fourth quarter. Now healthy, Jefferson should see an expanded role in Week 2 of preseason action against Pittsburgh.