NFL Player News

Barner was named the Falcons' top kickoff and punt returner Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Barner will begin the season as Atlanta's primary return man while also providing depth at the running back position. The veteran projects to play a key role on special teams for the Falcons, but it's hard to get excited about his fantasy prospects since he won't be in store for regular offensive snaps.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested Edwards and Justice Hill will have roles behind starter Mark Ingram. "We'll probably kind of see who's got the hot hand," Roman said Thursday. "But, you know, Mark's our starter, and I think everybody is going to contribute."

Ingram's status atop the depth chart has never been questioned, but Edwards and Hill should still get some chances in a run-heavy offense, especially now that Kenneth Dixon (knee) is out of the picture. The Ravens likely will have all three running backs active for Sunday's game in Miami, with the workload split to be determined. Roman seems to be hinting at a degree of involvement for each of the three players.

Coach Anthony Lynn hinted that he'll likely have Ekeler share the backfield snaps with Justin Jackson in Sunday's game against the Colts, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports. "I've always used those guys as a tandem," Lynn said. "That's not going to change. We're going to put guys in good positions to do what they do best.

With Melvin Gordon's holdout continuing into the regular season, Ekeler is on track to receive the Week 1 start, but he apparently won't be asked to fill the high-volume role that the former has filled when available. Though Ekeler averaged a robust 5.2 yards per carry on 106 attempts in 2018 while also showcasing utility as a receiver, he hasn't logged more than 17 touches in any game during his two-year career. By not asking Ekeler to handle the overwhelming share of the backfield work, the Chargers are likely hoping he can maintain the efficiency he's displayed in the past and ensure the Los Angeles offense doesn't lose much potency without its top back in the fold.

Wilkins (foot) participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion.

Wilkins battled a hamstring injury in training camp before suffering a foot injury and being shut down for the preseason. Coach Frank Reich wasn't sure about Wilkins' chances of playing Week 1, but some participation in practice is positive news. If he's able to suit up, Wilkins will work as a dual-threat back to complement Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines.

Williams (ribs) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Williams is still recovering after breaking a rib in the Colts' second preseason game. Even if Williams progresses enough to practice this week and play Sunday versus the Chargers, there won't be many opportunities since Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines are healthy.

Williams (foot) participated in individual drills Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Williams spent Wednesday's practice on the rehab field away from the team as he manages a foot injury from the second preseason game. The rookie sixth-round pick appears to be on track to be able to play Sunday versus the Seahawks, but he's still in competition with Samaje Perine for the No. 3 running back role, and the team could dress just three backs for the opener.

Pollard enters the regular season as the top backup to Ezekiel Elliott, who is expected to be available Week 1 against the Giants after reaching a six-year contract extension with the Cowboys on Wednesday, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.

Pollard could still be looking at a significant role during the regular-season opener, as Elliott only expected to play about 20-to-25 snaps after missing training camp and the preseason, according to Slater. Once Elliott answers any concerns about his conditioning, he'll presumably reclaim the overwhelming share of backfield snaps for Dallas, leaving few left over for Pollard. At the point, the rookie fourth-round pick could still end up making an impact for Dallas as a gadget player, slot receiver and return man.

Coach Doug Pederson confirmed Wednesday that Sanders will have a role in Philadelphia's offense right away in Week 1 against the Redskins, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

Sanders enters the season as part of a crowded backfield that includes more experienced options in Jordan Howard, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement, all of whom bring unique skill sets to the table. The division of labor among all the backs is difficult to predict at this point, but it's reassuring for Sanders' investors to some degree that he won't be buried on the depth chart, even if he doesn't draw the Week 1 start. The rookie second-round pick could gradually claim a larger snap share if he makes the most of his initial opportunities.

Elliott is present for Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Elliott's contract dispute came to an end earlier Wednesday, when the star running back agreed to terms with the Cowboys on a six-year, $90 million contract extension that includes $50 million guaranteed. The new deal puts Elliott on track to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Giants, during which he could play 20-to-25 snaps, according to Jane Slater of NFL Network. That estimated snap count would afford rookie Tony Pollard room to get some backfield work, but it's a safe bet Elliott will dominate carries as soon as he proves to be in proper shape.

Coach Brian Flores expects Drake to get "a lot of touches" Sunday against the Ravens, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Drake returned to practice last week after battling a foot injury throughout much of August. With fellow running back Kalen Ballage averaging just 2.2 yards on 18 preseason carries, it shouldn't come as any surprise to see Drake listed as the starter on Miami's first depth chart of the regular season. Both running backs will likely get touches in Week 1, especially after Flores confirmed Wednesday that Drake has regained his health. The blocking is a bigger problem than the ballcarriers, considering the Dolphins recently traded their best lineman, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, to the Texans.