NFL Player News

Vaki (eye) exited Monday's practice early, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Vaki was poked in the eye during the session. The 2024 fourth-round pick has a shot to compete for the No. 2 spot at running back in 2026, but the signing of Isiah Pacheco means Vaki will need every opportunity to make a case to serve as the primary backup to Jahmyr Gibbs (back).

Coach Mike LaFleur said Monday that Benson is dealing with discomfort in his left knee, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson wasn't able to play after Week 4 last season due to a knee injury, finishing with 29 carries for 160 yards, 13 catches (on 16 targets) for 64 yards and no touchdowns in four contests. LaFleur noted that the team doesn't expect the current issue to be a long-term concern, and there's a chance Benson will play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Panthers, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. With James Conner (foot) still not operating at 100 percent in training camp, Bam Knight, Corey Kiner and Evan Hull are the reserve RBs behind the top duo of rookie first-round pick Jeremiyah Love and offseason signing Tyler Allgeier.

Rodriguez (foot) worked in team drills for a second consecutive day during Monday's padded practice, John Oehser and John Shipley of the Jaguars' official site report.

Rodriguez, who is bouncing back from an offseason left foot procedure, had worked only in individual drills during training camp's first three practices, but he's been able to upgrade his participation level since then, and in the process he had several long runs during Monday's session. As the summer progresses, Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten are in line to compete for the Jaguars' RB1 job following Travis Etienne's free-agent departure. While Tuten had the advantage of getting a head start due to Rodriguez's injury, the team's backfield pecking order has yet to be solidified ahead of Week 1, with a committee approach featuring Tuten and Rodriguez a likely outcome, and LeQuint Allen also a candidate to mix in.

Black is missing Monday's practice due to an adductor injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Black now is one of three 49ers running backs tending to a health concern -- also, Jordan James (ribs) and Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) -- leaving Patrick Taylor, Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert to handle reps behind No. 1 option Christian McCaffrey. A third-round pick in this year's draft, Black will have a prime chance to compete for the direct backup role once he's healthy, especially since James is out indefinitely with fractured ribs.

Gibbs (back) was present but not in uniform for Monday's practice, Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News reports.

When asked when he thinks he'll return to the practice field, Gibbs -- who has yet to take reps during training camp as he reportedly holds in for a new contract -- the running back said "only time will tell." Per Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com, coach Dan Campbell noted last week that Gibbs was dealing with a "little bit of a back" issue that cropped up during conditioning tests, but on Monday, Gibbs declined to comment on the reason for his absence. For his part, Campbell said this past Thursday that he's "not even sweating" Gibbs' situation, but until his star back re-takes the field, added practice reps will be available for Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki (eye) Jacob Saylors, Jabari Small and Kye Robichaux.

Miller has been taking kickoff-return reps during training camp, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

As camp progresses, Miller, who the Patriots took in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, continues to compete for slotting in the team's backfield behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. While Lazar notes that Lan Larison has been getting the first crack at reps behind the top duo thus far, Miller could still push for the No. 3 RB role down the road, with his ability in the return game boosting his chances of securing a roster spot ahead of Week 1. Also in the mix for depth roles in New England's backfield are are Terrell Jennings and Myles Montgomery.

Monangai (undisclosed) was in full uniform for Monday's practice, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports.

Per Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com, head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged earlier Monday that Monangai missed time during the start of training camp last week due to a soft-tissue injury that's believed to be related to his hamstring. Johnson indicated that Monangai's absence would be "on the shorter side," and the second-year running back supported his coach's claim by getting back on the practice field. The Bears could still ease up on Monangai's reps early in camp, but he looks like he'll have a realistic shot at being available for the Aug. 15 preseason opener versus the Browns.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Monday that Monangai is dealing with a soft-tissue injury, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Per Adam Jahns of AllCHGO.com, Johnson indicated that Monangai's injury absence should be on the "shorter side," though the running back already missed three practices last week. In Monangai's absence, added reps will be available for Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown and Salvon Ahmed.

Collier (undisclosed) reverted to injured reserve with the Raiders on Sunday, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

Collier will return to the Raiders after being waived/injured by the team Friday, and he is now set to spend the entirety of the 2026 campaign on IR unless the two sides reach an injury settlement down the road. Collier spent the entirety of the 2025 season with the Raiders' practice squad, and he may now be forced to shift his sights to a return to the field in 2027.

The Texans waived Hull on Sunday.

Hull is headed to waivers less than three months after signing with Houston. The 24-year-old rushed for 48 yards on 19 carries across six games with the Saints and will now look to find a new opportunity with another team.