NFL Player News

Etienne was rested for all three of the Saints' preseason contests and is fully healthy heading into the team's Week 1 game in Detroit.

Etienne was one of the few Saints running backs to avoid any sort of injury scare or setback during training camp. Ty Chandler (knee) is out for the season after landing on injured reserve, and Alvin Kamara (knee) appears to be trending toward sitting out Week 1. Additionally, Kendre Miller sustained a minor undisclosed injury during practice Tuesday and is day-to-day, while Audric Estime is healthy but missed time in camp due to an ankle issue. After signing a four-year, $52 million deal in March, Etienne had already looked poised to handle a sizable workload for New Orleans both as a lead runner and pass catcher, and the current condition of his backups following camp and the preseason adds further fuel to the notion that he'll be in line for heavy volume right of the gate.

Sampson was rested for the Browns' 37-13 win over the Patriots in their Aug. 27 preseason finale.

Cleveland held both of their top two backs -- Quinshon Judkins and Sampson -- out for the third game of the preseason to open up more playing time for other running backs to stake claims to roster spots. Judkins is locked in as the Browns' lead runner heading into their Week 1 matchup with the Jaguars, but Sampson should have a consistent role as a weapon on passing downs. Sampson proved to be adept as a pass catcher during his 2025 rookie campaign, drawing 40 targets on just 249 snaps while producing a 33-271-2 receiving line. He was much less productive as a runner, however, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry on 65 totes.

The Buccaneers signed Williams to the practice squad Monday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The Buccaneers waived Williams during Sunday's cutdown day. The running back cleared waivers and joined the practice squad, where he resided for much of the 2025 season. Williams played in three games for the Buccaneers during the 2025 regular season, rushing four times for 11 yards while accumulating 129 kick return yards.

The Seahawks signed Wright to the practice squad Monday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

The Seahawks waived Wright on Sunday; however, the running back showed enough value in training camp to receive an invitation to the team's practice squad once he cleared waivers. Wright played in the last two preseason contests for the Seahawks, rushing 23 times for 114 yards and a touchdown.

The 49ers signed McCormick to the practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The 49ers waived McCormick during Sunday's cutdown day. The running back had a strong preseason, rushing 23 times for 99 yards and a touchdown. The team invited the 25-year-old to the practice squad as soon as he cleared waivers.

The Steelers signed Hurleman to the practice squad Monday.

The Steelers waived Hurleman during Sunday's cutdown day. The wide receiver cleared waivers and will once again sign with the practice squad. Hurleman spent the entirety of the 2025 season on the Steelers' practice squad but did not participate in any regular-season games.

The Steelers signed Nichols to the practice squad Monday.

The Steelers waived Nichols during Sunday's cutdown day. The running back cleared waivers and chose to accept his invitation to the team's practice squad. The 25-year-old participated in all three preseason games, rushing 20 times for 87 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers signed Homer to the practice squad Monday.

The Steelers released Homer during Sunday's cutdown day. Homer was quickly invited back to the team's practice squad due to a strong training camp. The running back played 10 regular-season games for the Bears in 2025, rushing once for a two-yard loss while also participating in 163 special teams snaps.

The Eagles signed Steele to the practice squad Monday.

The Eagles waived Steele last Saturday. The running back was able to clear waivers and was invited back to the team's practice squad as a free agent. Steele played in all three preseason games for the Eagles, logging 21 rush attempts for 58 yards as well as 14 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old will contribute to the practice squad as a reserve running back with dual-threat upside.

The Eagles signed Pierce to the practice squad Monday.

The Eagles cut Pierce on Sunday, and the running back was immediately welcomed onto the team's practice squad. Pierce spent four years with the Texans before shifting to the Chiefs for the 2025 season. The 26-year-old played one game during the 2025 regular season, rushing four times for 10 yards.