NFL Player News

Taylor is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Colts' initial unofficial depth chart. Marlon Mack is listed as the starter.

While rookie Taylor has drawn rave reviews in training camp, head coach Frank Reich has said Mack is still viewed as the starter. Still, the Indy coaching staff has continued to say they view their backfield as a committee with both Mack and Taylor as a "one-two punch." Taylor will need to improve as a receiver to claim a larger share of the touches in the backfield, as he struggled at times with drops in college. He had mixed reports in training camp on his receiving abilities with some drops in scrimmages but also some reports of strong showings in the passing game.

Kamara said he's "never held out in (his) life" when asked Monday about his recent four-day unexcused absence from practice, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Kamara avoided questions regarding his negotiations with the Saints about a new contract, affirming that his focus is on Sunday's divisional tilt against the Buccaneers. Additionally, coach Sean Payton said he's "confident that at some point we'll get this [contract] done," but he declined to offer any further details. It doesn't appear as though the three-time Pro Bowler is entertaining the idea of any sort of holdout as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. It has also been reported that Kamara sought treatment for a minor back issue during his previous absence, but he's now resumed fully participating in practice.

Drake (foot) is healthy and ready to suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener against the 49ers, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Drake said that he resumed practicing last Thursday, and that he was out of the walking boot he was spotted wearing Aug. 24 "in like two days." The starting running back then dealt with an illness, but Drake confirmed that he was never dealing with any issue that truly threatened his regular-season availability. The 25-year-old is poised to serve as the clear-cut top option in Arizona's backfield, but he'll face the challenge of overcoming a stout defensive front against San Francisco in Week 1.

Mack is listed as the top running back on the Colts' initial unofficial depth chart.

While rookie Jonathan Taylor has drawn rave reviews in training camp, head coach Frank Reich has said Mack is still viewed as the starter. Mack was also seen having a strong camp and improved on his receiving skills. While Taylor ultimately may win a majority of touches in the backfield, Mack looks set to be the first running back on the field. Still, the Indy coaching staff has continued to say they view their backfield as a committee with both Mack and Taylor as a "one-two punch."

Ozigbo is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart of the season.

After Leonard Fournette was cut last week, coach Doug Marrone told Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com that the Jaguars will take a "situation- and matchup-based" approach with the backfield. Prior to the release of the aforementioned depth chart, it was anybody's guess who among Ozigbo and undrafted rookie James Robinson would get the first shot at RB work Week 1 against the Colts. With Robinson in front of Ozigbo, the latter is poised to play second fiddle in the season opener while Chris Thompson takes on most of the pass-catching reps among Jacksonville running backs.

Robinson is listed as the No. 1 running back on the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart of the season.

In the wake of Ryquell Armstead being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list for the second time, coach Doug Marrone wasn't able to provide a timetable for the running back's return during media availability Monday. As a result, the remaining trio of Robinson, Devine Ozigbo and Chris Thompson will get the first opportunity to contribute out of a Jaguars backfield without Leonard Fournette, who was waived last week. Robinson is an undrafted rookie, but considering he averaged 21.9 carries and 123.3 rushing yards per game in his final two seasons at Illinois State, he can handle a large workload if called upon. It appears he'll have the chance to do just that Sunday against the Colts on early downs, while Thompson is expected to fill a passing-down role.

Taylor has been added to the Patriots' active roster.

Taylor gets a promotion from the team's practice squad, with fellow running back Damien Harris (finger) on IR and set to miss at least three games. The 5-foot-6, 185-pounder probably won't see a big role for the team initially, but Taylor has drawn comparisons to Dion Lewis, so he could end up working his way into a change-of-pace role for the Patriots in time.

Bargas was waived by the Vikings on Saturday but subsequently signed to the practice squad.

Bargas never really pushed incumbent C.J. Ham for the starting fullback role, although the undrafted rookie did ultimately wind up on Minnesota's' practice squad as insurance.

Harris (finger) will be placed on IR and miss at least three games, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

In a corresponding move, J.J. Taylor will be promoted from the team's practice squad. Prior to suffering his finger injury, Harris had been pushing for a key early-season role. That's on hold for at least a few weeks, but Harris does figure to contribute once he's back. In the meantime, look for Sony Michel to head the Patriots' ground game out of the gate, with change-of-pace back James White and the versatile Rex Burkhead also in the mix.

Drake (foot) took part in the open portion of Monday's practice, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

The Cardinals took the precaution of placing a walking boot on Drake in the later stages of August, but coach Kliff Kingsbury downplayed the decision, stating it was the result of "just some normal nicks and bruises." As of Aug. 28, Drake was already out of the boot, but Monday's on-field work was his first in two weeks. Look for the running back to continue increasing his activity level as a Week 1 game in San Francisco approaches.