NFL Player News

Coach Andy Reid implied Edwards-Helaire and the rest of the starters will play the first quarter of Saturday's preseason opener at San Francisco, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Reid didn't name any of the aforementioned starters, but if Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce make earlier than expected departures Edwards-Helaire likely will join the trio on the sideline. But the plan laid out by Reid specifically mentioned the first-stringers will play the first quarter, the second team in the second quarter, third-teamers in the third quarter and the rest of the roster in the fourth.

Hines suffered a leg injury at Thursday's practice, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

According to coach Frank Reich, Hines had his "leg whipped," resulting in his early departure. Hines missed some time early in training camp with a hip issue and now is poised to sit out more sessions due to his current health concern. It wouldn't surprise if the Colts hold the pass-catching back out of Sunday's preseason opener against the Panthers, which could allow RBs further down the depth chart plenty of reps during his time away from the field.

Conner has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list after being deemed a high-risk close contact, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Conner, who had been dealing with a toe issue, thus is a question mark for Friday's preseason game against the Cowboys. When available, Conner is expected to combine with Chase Edmonds in what the Cardinals hope will be an effective one-two backfield punch in 2021.

Felton began training camp working with the running back group but has mostly been with the wide receivers recently, Scott Petrak of the Medina Gazette reports.

Felton is known for being adept at both positions and could be a unique source of offense for the Browns, although maybe not in 2021. The issue is a path to playing time. He's blocked at running back and wide receiver, but the rookie sixth-round pick also has experience as a returner. He's practiced with the returners in camp and could be a greater asset to the roster than JoJo Natson, who is listed atop the returner depth chart but viewed as a returner only, having played just 30 snaps on offense over four seasons. Felton is expected to play a lot in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, as head coach Kevin Stefanski said the majority of starters will rest.

Boone suffered a pulled quad during Thursday's practice, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

When healthy, Boone is in line to work in a complementary role behind Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. If his quad issue lingers, however, Royce Freeman would be a candidate to step into the Broncos' No. 3 RB role for any length of time Boone misses.

Boone was carted off the the field Thursday after he appeared to pull something in his left leg, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

It remains to be seen if Boone needing a cart to get off the field was precautionary or indicative of an injury that could cost him regular-season time. Klis notes that the running back was having a strong training camp, and if healthy Boone is slated to work in a complementary role behind Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. If he misses any length of time, Royce Freeman would be a candidate for added opportunities in Denver's offense.

Williams (knee) returned to practice earlier this week, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

The running back has rejoined his teammates after missing a day or two with a minor knee injury. Williams is trying to lock down KC's No. 2 spot at running back, fending off competition from Jerick McKinnon and Darwin Thompson. Given his value on passing downs and special teams, Williams is a safe bet to make the Week 1 roster even if the Chiefs are more inclined to use another running back for carries off the bench behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Lions signed Reynolds to a contract Thursday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Reynolds appeared in two games with the Jaguars in 2020, in which he took his sole carry for four yards. He also secured his only target for three receiving yards. With D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jermar Jefferson (ankle) both dealing with injuries, Reynolds could handle some reserve reps at camp.

Robinson and Carlos Hyde are listed as co-starters at running back on the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Coach Urban Meyer indicated post-draft he envisioned Robinson and Hyde as the "1-2 punch" with Travis Etienne as the third-down back, and the opening depth chart reflects those comments from the spring. Despite the current order, Etienne is the clear competition for backfield touches as a rookie first-round pick with explosive talent, and he figures to have a significant role in the offense. It should only be a matter of time before Hyde drops down the depth chart, but Robinson could easily open the season as the starter after totaling 1,414 scrimmage yards as a rookie last year, though he'll have a vastly different workload in 2021 given the new-look offense.

Etienne is listed as the third running back on Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart of training camp, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

James Robinson and Carlos Hyde are listed as the co-starters, which echoes head coach Urban Meyer's post-draft comments in which he indicated Robinson and Hyde would be the "1-2 punch" in the run game, while Etienne serves as a third-down back. However, it's difficult to imagine Etienne being limited to a specialized role after being drafted 25th overall, and the depth chart figures to be more fluid after Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns. Etienne has been lining up at both running back and wide receiver since rookie minicamp in June, and his versatility could become more important if Robinson and Hyde do in fact serve as the Nos. 1 and 2 options for carries.