NFL Player News

Hampton rushed 15 times for 48 yards and caught both of his targets for 13 yards in Friday's 27-21 victory over Kansas City.

Hampton was deployed as the every-down starter Friday, generating 15 more combined touches than Najee Harris (eye). The team could have been easing Harris back after he suffered an eye injury that held the back out for all of training camp and the preseason, but the stark difference in touches points the fantasy value arrow strongly in Hampton's direction to kick off the year. If the North Carolina product continues to dominate the backfield work moving forward, he could prove to be an even greater draft day steal than managers originally hoped. Hampton's volume combined with a plus matchup against the Raiders next Monday make him a solid play Week 2.

Pacheco rushed five times for 25 yards and brought in two of three targets for three yards in the Chiefs' 27-21 loss to the Chargers on Friday night.

The Chiefs were down by a touchdown after one quarter and trailed throughout, which played a part in Pacheco seeing a modest workload. Additionally, backfield mate Kareem Hunt matched Pacheco's carry total, while Patrick Mahomes paced the Chiefs with both his six rush attempts and 57 rushing yards. Despite Friday's usage, Pacheco still profiles as Kansas City's top running back heading into a Week 2 Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14.

VanSumeren was diagnosed with a torn patella tendon Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

VanSumeren suffered the injury on the opening kickoff of Philadelphia's Week 1 matchup against the Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve earlier Friday and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

McCaffrey (calf), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Seattle, said Friday that he "feels great" and is preparing to suit up Week 1, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.

Prior to McCaffrey's comments, coach Kyle Shanahan told Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News that McCaffrey's calf injury "came up" Thursday, when the RB was a limited participant, and that he didn't practice at all Friday. The 49ers seemingly will give McCaffrey the next 48 hours to put himself in a position to lead the backfield Sunday, but with a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff on tap, there won't be as many options to pivot to if he ends up being sidelined. Currently, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the healthy running backs on San Francisco's active roster.

James (finger) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest in Seattle, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The broken finger that James suffered in early August thus is poised to delay the rookie fifth-round pick's pro debut. Whenever he's healthy, though, there will be a chance for him to mix into the 49ers backfield if Christian McCaffrey's recent calf injury lingers or even develops into Achilles tendinitis as it did a season ago. At the moment, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the healthy running backs on San Francisco's active roster.

The Eagles placed VanSumeren (knee) on injured reserve Friday.

VanSumeren was injured on the opening kickoff Thursday night against Dallas and was carted off the field with what appeared to be a significant knee injury. It's unclear at this point if he has a chance to return in 2025, but VanSumeren will be required to miss at least the next four games.

Mullings (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Mullings appeared to be past the ankle issue, as he wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday or Thursday, but he was added as a limited participant in Friday's practice. It's possible Mullings suffered a setback. With Tyjae Spears (ankle, IR) already out, Tony Pollard could be in line for a big workload Sunday in Denver.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that McCaffrey (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Shanahan added that McCaffrey's calf injury "came up yesterday" in reference to the running back's limited practice Thursday, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News, and that he didn't take part in any drills Friday. With his status for Week 1 up in the air and a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff on tap Sunday, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the 49ers' healthy backfield options in the event McCaffrey is inhibited or even sidelined.

Tucker (hand) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Tucker practiced in full all week and should be fine for his RB3 role in the Tampa Bay backfield. Rachaad White dealt with a groin issue earlier in the preseason but wasn't even listed on the injury report this week and has been practicing without limitations for the last couple weeks, leaving Tucker behind both Bucky Irving and White to open the season. Tucker would likely need an injury to one of the two in order to find his way into meaningful playing time and touches.

Vaki (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds will handle backfield duties for the Lions against Green Bay. Vaki touched the ball just nine times last regular season.