NFL Player News

Rams running back Isaiah Pead earned the start over Daryl Richardson in the team's second preseason game against the Packers Saturday night.

Pead got four series with the first-team offense but did not make much of an impact as he finished with 31 yards of total offense, logging 21 yards on 11 carries (1.9 yards per carry) and 10 yards on one reception.

Richardson also worked with the first unit as he caught the only pass thrown his way for a 24-yard gain in the opening drive. He also broke for an 8-yard run and a caught a 14-yard pass before they were wiped off by offensive holding and illegal formation penalties, respectively.

Richardson appeared to have had an edge over Pead entering Saturday's game. The Rams will likely have its dress rehearsal game on Aug. 24 at Denver, which could indicate who has the edge for the job.

Cardinals rookie running back Andre Ellington, who had been out with a concussion, returned to action in Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys.

Ellington took over in the fourth quarter as he made a quick impact in his first drive. He broke for a 24-yard run and brought down a 12 yard pass from third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley. He finished the game with 39 yards of total offense, logging 24 yards on 10 carries (2.4 yards per carry) and 15 yards on two receptions in a 12-7 victory.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who left Friday's preseason game against the Patriots after taking a knee to the helmet, told the Tampa Bay Times that he passed all concussion tests and could have returned to the game.

Martin is not expected to miss any time and should be ready to return Aug. 24 at Miami for the team's third preseason game.

"It was just a tough play," Martin said. "Things happen."

Wide receiver Jarrett Dillard (concussion) and running back Ryan Williams (knee) will not play Saturday for the Cardinals in their preseason game against the Cowboys, reports azcentralsports.com. 

Daryl Richardson is ahead of the pack in the battle for the Rams' starting tailback job, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The newspaper is stating that Richardson is close to clinching the spot. Richardson averaged six yards a carry in the team's only preseason game.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen received plenty of run in Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, and he showcased his solid all-around game.

Vereen rushed the ball four times for 29 yards and was even better in the passing game. He was targeted six times and brought in four receptions for 46 yards, with a long of 18 games.

Vereen is expected to be the No. 2 running back, but should provide a solid change of pace in passing downs.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was forced to leave Friday's preseason game against the Patriots after taking a knee to the helmet, and was unable to return to the game. Fortunately, he appears to have dodged a serious injury, as he told the Tampa Bay Times he did not suffer a concussion on the hit.

The full extent of the injury is not known, but it appears as if he was merely held out as a precaution.  

With Kendall Hunter still out, 49ers running back LaMichael James has been unable to present himself as a serious contender for the backup running back job. James rushed for just 17 yards on five carries Friday against the Chiefs, while bringing in just one reception for -3 yards.

James has rushed for just 44 yards on 13 carries through the first two games of the preseason. Hunter has yet to play in the preseason while recovering from a torn Achilles. 

Chiefs running back Knile Davis showed he can step up in Jamaal Charles' absence, as he had a solid showing in Friday's preseason game against the 49ers.

With Charles dealing with a foot injury, Davis reserved the bulk of the work with the first team. Davis rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries, and made a big impact in the passing game, hauling in three passes for 31 yards to lead the team.

Davis is Charles' primary backup option, and should continue to see the majority of the work in his absence. Charles is expected back by the start of the regular season, however.

Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was less involved in the offense in Friday's preseason game against the Bills, after he debuted last week with 54 yards and four catches.

Patterson was targeted just three times in the passing game, and he brought in just two of those passes for 19 yards. He also did not make much of an impact in the return game, finishing with just one return for 22 yards.