NFL Player News

Hubbard rushed twice for four yards and wasn't targeted in the Panthers' 20-3 preseason loss to the Texans on Saturday afternoon.

The Panthers' lead back was out there with his first-unit mates for two series, but Hubbard was sparsely used. That was also the case in the preseason opener against the Browns, as keeping the versatile back healthy for Week 1 is clearly a top priority. Hubbard will share the backfield with Rico Dowdle this coming season, which will likely lead to at least a slight hit to the former's touches, but he should still be in line for a robust role as both runner and receiver.

McCaffrey will not join Brock Purdy and the majority of San Francisco's starters in suiting up for Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.

McCaffrey has been a full-go at training camp, but the 49ers will opt to rest him for a second consecutive preseason game. The veteran running back's final opportunity to handle exhibition reps will come Saturday, Aug. 23 against the Chargers, but it remains to be seen whether San Francisco will consider allowing him to suit up, or take a conservative to the All-Pro's health until Week 1. With Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) both nursing injuries, a combination of Patrick Taylor, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Corey Kiner and Jeff Wilson will handle backfield reps on Saturday.

Goodson was forced out of Saturday's preseason game against the Packers with an elbow injury, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Prior to his exit from the contest, Goodson -- who was sporting a brace on his arm as he went to the locker room, per Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star -- carried twice for 10 yards with a TD. If he's forced to miss time beyond Saturday, added opportunities behind starter Jonathan Taylor would be available for rookie DJ Giddens as well as Khalil Herbert (undisclosed).

Jacobs will not play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Colts, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Jacobs started Green Bay's preseason opener against the Jets, playing just one offensive snap, but the Packers will opt against risking certain key starters Saturday versus Indianapolis. In addition to injured players such as Jordan Love (thumb), Jayden Reed (knee), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Romeo Doubs (back), several key starters alongside Jacobs will be healthy scratches, including TE Tucker Kraft. Malik Willis (starting under center), rookie first-round receiver Matthew Golden, and backup running backs Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd will be among key offensive playmakers available for the Packers.

Lloyd is in line to make his 2025 preseason debut Saturday versus the Colts, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Lloyd missed Green Bay's preseason opener against the Jets while working his way back from a non-contact groin injury, but he retook the practice field Monday and has since gained full clearance. As the 2024 third-round pick competes with Emmanuel Wilson to entrench himself as the top backup to workhorse starter Josh Jacobs, his foremost goal will be to stay healthy after having been limited to just one regular-season appearances as a rookie. With Malik Willis starting versus Indianapolis on Saturday in lieu of Jordan Love (thumb) and Josh Jacobs resting, per Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site, coach Matt LaFleur could focus on the rushing game and provide Lloyd expanded opportunities to demonstrate his athleticism.

Vaki (leg) is in uniform and is taking part in special-teams warmups leading up to Saturday's preseason matchup versus Miami, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports.

A leg injury prevented Vaki from taking part in Detroit's first two exhibition contests, but it appears the second-year running back could play Saturday. Vaki has been practicing this week, and if he does get cleared to play against the Dolphins, he could get an extended look. His ability to take the field could be a significant development in his quest to earn the Lions' No. 3 RB role, for which he's competing with Craig Reynolds.

Ford is among the key Cleveland players not slated to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

The same applies to fellow RB Dylan Sampson, QBs Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Shedeur Sanders (oblique), WR Jerry Jeudy, as well as TEs David Njoku and Harold Fannin. With 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, Ford remains in a position to continue handling a key role in the Browns' backfield, and his next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 23 against the Rams.

Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) participated in Saturday's training camp practice in a limited capacity, Commanders writer Ben Standig reports.

Croskey-Merritt was spotted in a non-contact jersey and was limited to individual work during Saturday's practice. The rookie seventh-rounder is working through a shoulder injury that he suffered during the Commanders' preseason opener against the Patriots, when he turned seven carries into 24 yards and caught his lone target for eight yards. Croskey-Merritt is battling Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez for the RB3 job behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler.

Smith had three carries for 22 yards and two receptions for 16 yards on as many targets in Friday's 33-16 preseason loss to Seattle.

Smith was the first back to receive a carry after Isiah Pacheco and Carson Steele departed with the first-string offense. The 22-year-old Smith experienced improved results over his first preseason outing, as he appears to be completely over the finger injury sustained in practice last week. Smith will attempt to build off of this performance as he claws for a roster spot in the preseason finale against Chicago next Friday.

Charbonnet took five carries for 45 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 33-16 preseason win over Kansas City.

Charbonnet made his preseason debut with the first-team offense as Kenneth Walker is eased back from a minor foot injury. The 24-year-old Charbonnet looked good in the starting role Friday, which was a common theme when he would take over for Walker at times last season. Charbonnet figures to continue operating in the "1B" role when Walker is healthy this upcoming season, although rumblings of a potential timeshare have been brewing in camp.