NFL Player News

Judkins is expected to take on a larger role in the passing game this year, according to Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.

The report also notes that "the plan is for Judkins to be a workhorse" under new Browns head coach Todd Monken. A couple of weeks ago, RBs coach Duce Staley said the second-year back "can play all three downs" once he has the mental aspect mastered. The Browns still have Dylan Sampson as an option for passing downs or to mix in on early downs, but it sounds like Judkins will get the lion's share of touches come Week 1. He's been a full practice participant since OTAs, coming back strong from late-December surgery on a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday that Jacobs (groin) will be "out for at least this week," Weston Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Jacobs initially was held out of practice last Thursday, so this essentially confirms that his absence will stretch to at least a week and a half. He won't play in Green Bay's preseason opener this Thursday against Pittsburgh, and it'd be surprising to see Jacobs in the lineup a week later versus Denver. The Packers recently got Chris Brooks (hamstring) back from the NFI list, joining MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon in the backfield. Lloyd is the current favorite for the No. 2 RB role behind Jacobs, who dealt with nagging injuries throughout much of last year.

Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael didn't rule out the possibility of Cook having more involvement as a pass catcher in 2026, Alex Brasky of SI.com reports. "Anytime you can get the ball in [Cook's] hands, you have an opportunity for a big play," Carmichael said Monday. "I think he can bring value not only in the run game but the pass game as well."

Between 17 regular-season and two postseason contests in 2025, Cook took on 348 carries, handily surpassing his previous career high of 273 totes over 19 contests in 2023. The running back ended up leading the league in rushing with 1,621 yards, but head coach Joe Brady has already mentioned the possibility of taking some of that workload off the 26-year-old's plate. One way the Bills could limit the pounding Cook takes between the tackles without sacrificing his overall touches would be to increase his involvement in the passing game, where he's averaged 7.1 yards per target during his four-year career. Ty Johnson has carved out a role as a pass-catching specialist the past three seasons, but he exited Monday's practice with a knee issue. Cook may end up taking on more third-down snaps out of necessity if Johnson's injury lingers into the regular season.

Washington is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Raiders' unofficial depth chart, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

Monday's unofficial depth chart shows that Washington has the edge for the backup role after training camp. The fourth-round rookie is competing with Dylan Laube, Dare Ogunbowale and Roman Hemby to serve as the main complementary option behind Ashton Jeanty. If Washington can continue to impress in practice and preseason, he may be a good fantasy handcuff to Jeanty in 2026. The presence of star center Tyler Linderbaum, who signed as a free agent this offseason, should also benefit any running backs that take snaps for the Raiders during the coming season.

Vidal was listed a co-backup in the the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart Monday, Eric Smith of the team's official website reports.

Vidal and offseason addition Keaton Mitchell were listed as the top backup options behind starter Omarion Hampton ahead of the team's preseason opener Thursday in Houston. Vidal returned to Los Angeles on a one-year deal in the offseason after turning 155 carries into 643 yards and three scores across 13 regular-season contests in 2025, and he's expected to be utilized as a part of a backfield committee in 2026. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel outlined that he will use all three of Hampton, Vidal and Mitchell every game, leaning on the "hot hand," which he described as "bad news" for fantasy managers and good news for him.

The Falcons signed Sermon on Monday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Sermon spent the 2025 campaign bouncing between Pittsburgh's practice squad and active roster, but he's now getting another opportunity with a new team. He'll be competing with the likes of Nathan Carter and rookie undrafted free agent Cash Jones for a depth role in Atlanta's backfield in 2026.

White was listed as the Commanders' No. 2 running back on the team's unofficial depth chart Monday, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.

White joined Washington in the offseason, inking a one-year deal with the team in March. Head coach Dan Quinn named White as a standout performer from OTAs and minicamp, but at this point, second-year pro Jacory Croskey-Merritt appears to have the edge as the No. 1 option in the backfield heading into the 2026 campaign. White was able to turn 132 carries into 572 yards and four touchdowns while also adding 40 catches and 218 yards over 17 regular-season contests with the Buccaneers in 2025, marking the third time in his four-year career that he was active for the entire regular season.

The Dolphins waived Hankerson on Monday.

The Dolphins signed Hankerson back in May after he went undrafted out of Oregon State, but he's now on track to become a free agent again unless he's picked up by another team during the current waiver period. His departure could open up more practice opportunities for Donovan Edwards and Carlos Washington.

Hall is expected to be featured more prominently as the Jets' lead back this season, Connor Hughes of SNY.TV reports.

Hall signed a three-year, $45.75 million contract with the Jets in May, and it now appears as if the 25-year-old's offensive snap share will go up in his fifth campaign with the team. The running back's usage peaked at a 67.5 percent offensive snap share in 2024 before dropping down to 61.1 percent in 2025. With the heightened expectations for Hall, Braelon Allen is set to operate as a clear No. 2 option while Isaiah Davis will play third fiddle in the backfield this year.

Johnson (knee) did not participate in Monday's practice, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Johnson left Saturday's practice early with a knee injury. The change-of-pace back still does not have a set return date, and it's currently unclear how severe the knee issue is. Johnson was spotted on the field at the beginning of Monday's session but then retreated back into the locker room. If Johnson was testing the limits of the injury Monday, it could signify he's not far from returning.