NFL Player News

Perine's workload for the upcoming season is expected to increase following Derrius Guice's ACL tear, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Injury struck the 2018 second-round pick during Thursday's preseason game in New England, ending the rookie's campaign before it even started. The rest of the backfield will benefit, barring a free-agent signing before Week 1. While Chris Thompson (leg) is the pass-catching back, Perine and Rob Kelley are on pace for an increase in their respective workloads. Perine got far more work than Kelley a season ago -- 197 touches versus 66 -- but the split was actually pretty even before the latter was placed on injured reserve.

Kelley's workload for the upcoming season is expected to increase following Derrius Guice's ACL tear, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Guice suffered the unfortunate injury during Thursday's preseason game at New England, wiping out his rookie campaign in the process. The rest of the backfield will benefit, barring a free-agent signing before Week 1. While Chris Thompson (leg) will handle pass-catching duties, Kelley and Samaje Perine are in line for a bump in their respective workloads. Perine received far more work than Kelley a season ago -- 197 touches versus 66 -- and the responsibility of production on early downs will fall in the laps of the duo.

Mack is expected to miss a few weeks due to a hamstring strain, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

Mack limped off the field during Thursday's exhibition at Seattle, but the injury isn't considered to be serious. With the Colts' expected No. 1 back out of commission, Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines and Robert Turbin (suspension) will work with the first-team offense for the rest of the preseason.

An MRI revealed that Breida's shoulder has no structural damage, and the running back is hopeful to be ready in time for the regular season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Most 49ers fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as this outcome was one of the team's preferred scenarios after Breida exited Thursday's preseason opener favoring one of his shoulders. San Francisco is now hoping Breida can return to full health prior to Week 1 behind nothing more than a prescription of rest and rehab. In fact, since the running back didn't sustain any structural damage, there's a possibility Breida could be back in practice on a non-contact basis long before the start of the regular season.

Edwards ran for 58 yards on 12 carries in Thursday's preseason game against the Rams.

It was much smoother sailing for Edwards than his preseason debut against the Bears as he carved the Rams for nearly five yards per carry. As it stands, the Ravens have two locks at running back in Alex Collins and Javorius Allen, with Kenneth Dixon likely slotting in as the third running back. However, Edwards will be tough for the coaching staff to leave off the roster, or at least the practice squad, if he has more outings like Thursday's.

Michael had three carries for 12 yards and one reception for three yards in Thursday's preseason win at Seattle.

Michael was the third running back in the game and got playing time ahead of rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. That could indicate he has more of a chance to win a reserve running back role than first thought, but the coaching staff may have just deferred playing time to veterans in the first preseason game. He's more likely battling for a final reserve running back role with Josh Ferguson.

Williams was knocked out of Thursday's preseason opener against the Falcons with a head injury, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

The exact severity of the issue hasn't been revealed, but Williams has likely gone through the concussion protocol to check if that is in play. Despite appearing in all 16 games last season for the Chiefs, Williams has a less-than-firm-grasp on a 53-man roster spot with Kansas City. An extended absence wouldn't work in his favor, but getting fully healthy is certainly the first priority.

Williams had five carries for 16 yards and one reception for eight yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason opener.

Williams did not get much going on the ground Thursday, but his touchdown was impressive, as he caught the ball in the flat, made his defender miss on the sideline, and dove in for the score from a couple yards out. As long as he stays healthy, everything is lined up for Williams to open the season as the Packers' starting running back.

Breida (shoulder) isn't expected to practice next week or play in the 49ers' second preseason game, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The initial reports on Breida's shoulder issue seemed promising, as he was the only one of the 49ers' newly injured players who didn't exit for the locker room during Thursday's 24-21 preseason win over the Cowboys. However, coach Kyle Shanahan didn't sound so optimistic after the game, noting that he expects both Breida and TE George Kittle (shoulder) to "miss some time." With Breida expected to serve as the team's No. 2 running back, his upcoming absence should lead to more opportunities for Joe Williams and Jeremy McNichols.

Grant finished with eight rushes for six yards and caught all three of his targets for 39 yards during Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Saints in the preseason opener.

Grant also gained 39 yards on two kickoff returns and recorded a tackle on special teams. On a busy night for the tailback, Grant led the Jags in both carries and receiving yards. Although he didn't get anything going on the ground, his versatility is clearly of value to Jacksonville.