NFL Player News

Pollard rushed twice for nine yards and did not see any targets during the Cowboys' 16-3 preseason loss to the Steelers in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Even with Ezekiel Elliott suiting up but not playing, Pollard was utilized sparingly while the Cowboys gave Rico Dowdle an extended look. Pollard should once again be set for a solid complementary role behind Elliott, one that could even include a boost in the 101 carries Pollard logged in 2020 with Elliott playing in 15 games. There's also been talk this offseason of the third-year pro seeing more work as a receiver, which would seemingly be one way to take advantage of his ability in space while also potentially deploying him and Elliott simultaneously.

Harris rushed seven times for 22 yards and secured his only target for three yards during the Steelers' 16-3 preseason win over the Cowboys in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

The rookie first-round pick, who's slated to see action in all four preseason games according to head coach Mike Tomlin, got a solid allotment of work in Thursday's contest, beginning with the Steelers' opening drive. Harris looked impressive while churning out a pair of five- and six-yard gains apiece over the three possessions he participated in, and his remaining unproductive runs appeared to largely be the result of subpar blocking. Pittsburgh unsurprisingly played things fairly close to the vest on offense in its opening exhibition, but there's been plenty of rumblings about Harris potentially being split out wide at times during the regular season in order to capitalize on his above-average receiving skills.

Swift's practice reps have been limited of late by a tight groin, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "He's bound pretty tight and he runs hot, so we're trying to get him (good work) and then back him down," coach Dan Campbell said of the running back.

At this point, Swift's issue appears to be a minor one that the team is simply managing, with his Week 1 availability not a concern at this time. Swift currently heads the Detroit backfield depth chart, followed by Jamaal Williams and Jermar Jefferson, with Dedrick Mills and Michael Warren also in the mix.

Ahmed (lower body) remained limited at practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Ahmed followed the same routine as Tuesday, limited to individual drills while donning a non-contact jersey. He and Malcolm Brown seem to be competing for the No. 2 RB spot behind Myles Gaskin, though a poor summer could have Ahmed on the outside looking in when it comes time for roster cutdowns at the end of the preseason.

Sanders has struggled with drops and ball security at training camp, Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia reports.

One week of camp is a small sample, but it's nonetheless worth noting given that Sanders had seven drops and four fumbles in 12 games last season. He also averaged 5.3 yards per carry, and by all accounts is still operating as Philadelphia's starting running back in practice. However, the 2019 second-round pick may not have as much leeway with the new coaching staff, especially if he struggles with the same things -- namely durability and ball security -- that held him back last season. The Eagles have solid backfield depth with Boston Scott, Kenneth Gainwell, Kerryon Johnson and Jordan Howard.

Carter was described as "a step above" the Jets' other running backs in camp by Connor Hughes of The Athletic.

Carter has worked with the first-team offense, though Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson and La'Mical Perine remain on hand to jostle for playing time. The rookie fourth-round pick split time with Broncos second-rounder Javonte Williams at UNC, and there are concerns about whether Carter's 5-foot-8, 201-pound frame can hold up through the rigors of a starter's workload in the NFL, but Carter looks like the leading candidate to top the Jets' backfield in touches this season if he can stay healthy.

Thompson (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thompson landed on the COVID list last week but cleared the necessary protocols and returned to practice Wednesday. The 24-year-old is set to fill a depth role in Kansas City's backfield behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon.

Swift departed Wednesday's practice early with an unspecified injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

It's unclear what exactly Swift may be dealing with, but Birkett noted that the second-year player had a "lighter workload" than fellow Lions running backs in recent sessions, so an injury could be holding him back. Having said that, Swift jogged to the locker room "under his own power." If Swift misses any time in the coming days, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson and Dedrick Mills will receive more practice reps.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said that he plans to play Harris in all four of the Steelers' preseason games, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports. "He's a rookie," Tomlin said of the team's new top back. "He needs the process of game preparation and to ultimately play. We have four opportunities for him to do that and we're going to make sure he participates in all four of those processes."

Based on that comment and Tomlin's assertion that the team will focus on pre-game "preparation process" for the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris should be in line for some work in Thursday's preseason opener versus Dallas. As a rookie, the Alabama product has an immediate path to fantasy utility during the regular season, but even if he does suit up for all of Pittsburgh's exhibition contests, the team will likely manage Harris' exposure to contact.

Williams has been a standout for the Bears during early training-camp sessions, with the running back impressing as a pass catcher in particular, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

While being used as a receiver, Williams has been able to create space against teammate Roquan Smith, who is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league. With Tarik Cohen (knee) slated to miss at least a few weeks to begin the season, Williams could be positioned to earn an increased role as a receiving back. He's already proven to be adept in that capacity, having caught at least 20 passes in each of his six years in the league.