NFL Player News

Freeman could see plenty of work in Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings once Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams are done for the day, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Whereas Freeman had potentially been on the roster bubble, he's now looking at starting the coming season as Denver's No. 3 back, with Mike Boone on track to miss time early due to a quad injury. That's an assignment with limited fantasy utility; however, if either Williams or Gordon misses time for any reason, Freeman could subsequently emerge as a factor in deeper formats.

Boone (quadriceps) is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks after undergoing an MRI on Friday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Boone injured his quad during joint practice with the Vikings on Thursday. Surgery won't be required to address the injury, but Boone's recovery timetable does make him uncertain for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener against the Giants. The 26-year-old was putting together a strong camp and looks set for the No. 3 role behind Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams when healthy.

Patterson took 10 carries for 40 yards and caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Thursday's 22-13 preseason loss to New England.

The undrafted rookie out of Buffalo is competing with Lamar Miller, Peyton Barber and Jonathan Williams for one or two spots at RB behind roster locks Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. While Barber and Miller scored Washington's touchdowns Thursday night, Patterson was the only back on the team with more than 35 total yards. In terms of playing time, Gibson and McKissic handled the first quarter, followed by Barber early in the second quarter and then a busy drive for Patterson right before halftime (capped off by Barber's one-yard TD). Patterson continued dominating carries in the third quarter before turning things over to Jonathan Williams and Lamar Miller for most of the final frame. It appears that Barber and Patterson are leading the competition for RB depth spots. They'll continue the battle at training camp next week, leading up to an Aug. 20 (Friday) preseason game against Cincinnati.

Gainwell rushed twice for 14 yards and caught two of four targets for 16 yards in Thursday's 24-16 loss to Pittsburgh.

Gainwell got some looks as both a rusher and a receiver, and that type of usage should remain a common theme throughout the preseason for the rookie fifth-round pick. With excellent hands and the ability to make people miss in space, Gainwell profiles as a change-of-pace running back and gadget guy. He could be a weapon on third down if he proves adept enough at pass blocking to be trusted with such a role. Gainwell should see more action in Week 2 of preseason against New England.

Stevenson rushed 10 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns but wasn't targeted in the passing game in Thursday's 22-13 preseason win over Washington.

Stevenson's production came in the fourth quarter against backup defenders, but the rookie fourth-round pick still displayed an impressive mix of power and speed. He scored from one yard out to put the Patriots up 15-7 early in the fourth quarter, then ripped off a 91-yard burst down the sideline to complete the scoring with just over a minute remaining. Look for Stevenson to get plenty of opportunities in Week 2 of preseason against the Eagles as he looks to climb a backfield depth chart that currently lists Damien Harris, James White and Sony Michel ahead of him.

Boone (quadriceps) won't practice Friday and is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason contest at Minnesota, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Boone pulled his quad during Thursday's joint session against the Vikings, his former employer. With his new squad, he's expected to serve as a complementary back to top options Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, when healthy. Now that Boone is sidelined, he likely will yield that role to Royce Freeman for the time being.

Sanders didn't play in Thursday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

In a postgame press conference, coach Nick Sirianni told Zach Berman of The Athletic that Sanders isn't dealing with an injury. Instead, the team opted to hold Sanders out to ensure he's fresh. Beyond Thursday, the Eagles have two more exhibitions -- Thursday, Aug. 19 against the Patriots and Friday, Aug. 27 at the Jets -- both of which are opportunities for Sanders to prove his worth as the team's No. 1 running back.

Harris rushed four times for 17 yards and wasn't targeted in Thursday's 22-13 preseason win over Washington.

Harris got the start and was the only Patriot to register a rushing attempt on the team's first two drives. He also had an 11-yard run down to Washington's three-yard line called back on a holding penalty on New England's second drive, which ultimately ended in a field goal. The Patriots have plenty of running backs on hand, including receiving specialist James White, 2018 first-round pick Sony Michel, and rookie fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson -- who scored two touchdowns in this one -- but Harris remains the leading man in the team's crowded backfield. Harris should start again in Week 2 of preseason against the Eagles.

Harris rushed twice for 10 yards and caught one of two targets for nine yards in Thursday's 24-16 preseason win over the Eagles.

Coach Mike Tomlin said he wouldn't cap Harris' reps in this one, but the rookie first-round pick got only three touches after racking up 25 yards on eight touches last week. Harris has yet to produce a play of double-digit yards, but he should make up for a lack of big plays with volume once the games start to count. The Alabama product will likely see more action in next week's preseason clash with the Lions.

Coach Brandon Staley said Ekeler and other key starters won't play this preseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Among those named on the offensive side of the ball were Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, meaning we won't see the Chargers' first-team offense intact until Week 1. The decision is an interesting one, as Staley clearly isn't comfortable getting to the regular season with one of the trio in street clothes. When it comes to Ekeler in particular, he missed six games during the 2020 campaign due to lower-body injuries, but he still accumulated 933 yards from scrimmage and three TDs on 170 touches in 10 appearances.