NFL Player News

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.

Williams rushed four times for 26 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

Williams' first carry didn't come until about five minutes remained in the game, but he certainly made a strong impact nonetheless. In fact, Williams' output all came on one drive, which he capped with a four-yard, go-ahead touchdown. That enabled the Saints to take a couple of knees on their final series, and his solid performance could earn Williams earlier action in next Friday's exhibition against the Cardinals.

Scott gained seven yards on his lone carry during Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

Scott's lone carry came late in the fourth quarter, as seven tailbacks got touches for the Saints. While he was buried in the pecking order, Scott at least went for a solid gain on his only opportunity, and he compiled 78 yards on his three kickoff returns.

West rushed five times for 10 yards in Thursday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in the preseason opener.

West's first carry didn't come until the two-minute drill to end the first half. After that, he saw some work over the course of the second half, yet failed to produce much. While fellow tailback and competitor Shane Vereen sprinkled in his five touches over the same span, his eight total yards left little separation between the two.

Mostert racked up 57 yards on just eight carries in Thursday's preseason win over the Cowboys. He also lost a fumble.

Mostert outperformed Joe Williams in terms of yards gained in the two backs' ongoing competition for a third-string role. He did lose a fumble in the third quarter, however, as the 49ers inched close to the red zone. Projected No. 2 back Matt Breida exited the contest with a shoulder injury, so the winner of this job battle could be in line for a larger role than initially expected depending on the length of Breida's absence. Mostert will need to quickly put the turnover behind him if he's to stake his claim to a role in the offense when the regular season rolls around.

Artis-Payne rushed five times for one yard in Thursday's 28-23 win over the Bills in the preseason opener.

Artis-Payne led the Panthers in carries, yet barely found any room to run. It's notable that his first touch came in the second quarter, while fellow tailback and competitor Kenjon Barner didn't get his first carry until the fourth. Look for those two to use the remaining three exhibition tilts to jockey for position behind Christian McCaffrey and C.J. Anderson.

Williams carried the ball 11 times for 27 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason win over Dallas. He also secured two of three targets for 15 yards.

Williams didn't have a strong game from a yards-per-carry standpoint, but he has received positive reviews in camp for an improved work ethic following a disappointing rookie season. The 24-year-old has been competing with Raheem Mostert for No. 3 on the 49ers' depth chart, but Matt Breida's shoulder injury could turn it into a battle for the primary backup role if the latter is forced to miss extended time.

Penny rushed eight times for 16 yards and brought in both of his targets for seven yards in the Seahawks' 19-17 preseason loss to the Colts on Thursday.

The rookie couldn't quite find the same level of success on the ground that fellow back Chris Carson enjoyed, although he did make a modest impact in the passing game. Penny saw action from the first possession, although Carson received the first carry of the contest. Irrespective of which player secures the top spot on the depth chart heading into the regular season, both figure to see a fair share of work as the campaign unfolds. Penny will look to up his rushing numbers against the Chargers in the Seahawks' second exhibition game a week from Saturday.

Wilkins had six carries for 21 yards and one reception for seven yards in Thursday's preseason win over Seattle.

It was a mixed bag for Wilkins' preseason debut. He didn't get carries until the fourth quarter and he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. However, he showed flashes on some runs and several Colts beat writers continue to say he's had an impressive training camp. He's still a rookie to watch in the preseason, especially if Marlon Mack's hamstring injury (suffered in Thursday's game) ends up being serious. He's in the competition for playing time after Mack along with Nyheim Hines, Robert Turbin and Christine Michael.