NFL Player News

Rodgers rushed four times for 11 yards and secured his only target for five yards in Friday's 23-12 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Rodgers took over for Doug Martin after the opening possession and ended up matching the latter's carries and yards. He also had modest involvement in the passing game before exiting and looked as solid as he has during camp practices overall. While the Bucs have publicly stated they're likely to go with a committee approach during the season's first three weeks while Martin finishes out his suspension, Rodgers' skill set likely lends itself to garnering the most carries in that type of scenario.

Martin (suspension) rushed four times for 11 yards in Friday's 23-12 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Martin is expected to see a solid amount of work in the first three preseason games, considering he'll then have to sit out for the first three weeks of the regular season while he completes his PED suspension. Accordingly, the two-time Pro Bowler carried the ball on four of the Bucs' first eight plays as part of an impressive 92-yard opening drive. Martin gave way to Jacquizz Rodgers for the second series, but despite limited action and just a 2.8 yards YPC average, he looked decisive and effective on his runs. He'll look to continue building on Friday's effort versus the Jaguars next Thursday.

Mathews (neck) will have a scan on his herniated disk next week and will be released if he passes, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

This just confirms what has long been suspected: that Mathews would be let go as soon as he was healthy. The move makes too much sense for the Eagles as they stand to save $4 million in cap space by releasing him and already have plenty of depth at RB without him. He will then look to latch on with another team before the start of the season.

Toussaint got the start in Friday's preseason opener against the Giants, rushing six times for 19 yards and failing to haul in his lone target.

Toussaint played the whole first quarter, but was outperformed by both Knile Davis and Terrell Watson. If he can hold both of them and James Conner off during the preseason, the 27-year-old running back out of Michigan will be one Le'Veon Bell injury away from the starting job.

Grimes agreed to a deal with the Jaguars on Friday, John Oehser of Jaguars.com reports.

Grimes spent the previous four seasons in a backup role with the Texans. The veteran back will join a crowded depth chart, and look to earn a spot providing depth behind Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory. However, he figures to have a long shot at landing on the final roster.

Dayes rushed three times for six yards and a touchdown while hauling in three passes (four targets) for eight yards during Thursday's preseason victory over the Saints.

Dayes is currently battling for the No. 3 running back spot, and although he scored a touchdown Thursday, his competitor -- Terrence Magee -- found the end zone as well, while rushing for more yards. Dayes has had a strong training camp so far and should get more rushing opportunities as the preseason continues.

McFadden is expected to start in Ezekiel Elliott's (suspension) absence for the first six games of the regular season, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

McFadden said he's been preparing like he's the top guy in Dallas' backfield, and following Friday's news that Elliott will be sidelined until Week 8, it appears the veteran will indeed return to a prominent role. In the wake of DeMarco Murray's departure, McFadden started 10 games during the 2015 season, when he finished with 1,089 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and caught 40 passes for 328 more yards. Although injury limited him to just three appearances last season, McFadden has years of starting experience, as does Alfred Morris, who could serve as the Cowboys' No. 2 back in Elliott's absence.

Williams (hamstring) took part in Friday's practice, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

After straining his hamstring during Thursday's preseason game, Williams' ability to practice, no matter the activity level, is an encouraging sign for his health. When healthy, he's the clear-cut backup to top backfield option LeSean McCoy.

Elliott will appeal the six-game suspension he was handed Friday for violating the league's personal conduct policy, NFL.com reports.

Elliott's representatives released a statement following his suspension, saying the NFL's findings are 'replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions.' The case in question is a domestic violence allegation made against Elliott in 2016. As it stands, Elliott will be unable to play until Week 8 against the Redskins.

Jones tallied two carries and one reception in Thursday's preseason victory over the Eagles but did not accumulate any yards.

While Jones totaled just three touches Thursday, he also only played 13 snaps, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, so he actually saw a decent amount of opportunities when he was on the field. Thursday's game seemingly had little effect on the Packers' depth chart, so Jones remains in the No. 3 spot for now.