NFL Player News

Evans (leg) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

The move was a formality for Evans after it was already reported he would miss the 2024 campaign due to suffering a torn patellar tendon during a joint practice with the Bears on Thursday. The Michigan product was competing for a spot on Cincinnati's running back depth chart behind Zack Moss and Chase Brown before suffering the injury.

Coach Andy Reid indicated that he expects Edwards-Helaire (illness) to practice Monday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Edwards-Helaire didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Lions, and it's unclear if he'll see snaps in Kansas City's exhibition finale versus the Bears on Thursday. When available, Edwards-Helaire slots in behind top back Isiah Pacheco, but the 2020 first-rounder's status is worth monitoring ahead of Week 1. In addition to Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince and Carson Steele also could factor into Kansas City's backfield equation out of the gate this season.

The Dolphins signed Horvath to a contract Monday.

Horvath, who was waived by the Saints last week, joins Miami's backfield along with Anthony McFarland on the same day the team released Salvon Ahmed. The Dolphins' initial transaction report lists Horvath as a running back rather than specifically as a fullback, which could be an indication that he'll have a chance to compete for depth backfield reps with his new team.

The Panthers signed Shirden on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

The Monmouth product was waived by Carolina just eight days ago, but the team has now decided to bring Shirden back. Shirden likely has an outside chance of making the Panthers' 53-man roster, but he's expected to compete for a spot on the team's practice squad as the preseason continues. In a corresponding move, the Panthers waived former Washington running back Dillon Johnson.

The Panthers waived Johnson on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Johnson impressed during Carolina's most recent preseason game, touching the ball 20 times for 83 total yards and one touchdown, but it now appears that the team has decided to part ways with the 23-year-old. Now that Johnson has been waived, Carolina's running back room consists of Chuba Hubbard (knee), Jonathon Brooks (knee), Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone and Jaden Shirden.

McFarland signed a contract with the Dolphins on Monday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

McFarland was most recently with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL this spring after his contract with the Steelers expired at the end of the 2023 NFL season. The Maryland product had seen limited work with Pittsburgh in each of the past three seasons and will now have a new opportunity in Miami. His addition comes as fellow running back Chris Brooks was placed in concussion protocol.

Coach Sean McDermott relayed Monday that the Bills won't play their starters, a group that includes Cook, in the team's preseason finale against the Panthers on Saturday, Alec White of the team's official site reports.

The report notes that initially Buffalo's starters were trending toward seeing some snaps this weekend, but with injuries hitting the team ahead of Week 1, a cautious approach will be taken. As a result, Cook's next game action will occur Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Cardinals, and at that time the 2022 second-rounder will be in line to continue to lead a backfield that also includes Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.

Brooks entered concussion protocol after Monday's practice session, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

The second-year running back out of BYU was likely on the outside looking in at Miami's 53-man roster, and this concussion further diminishes his chances. Once Brooks returns to the field, he's expected to compete for a depth role in the team's RB room or a spot on the Dolphins' practice squad.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday he's "hopeful" Guerendo (hamstring) will be able to resume practicing this week and potentially play in Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Guerendo has missed more than three weeks of training camp, including San Francisco's first two preseason games, due to a hamstring injury sustained July 24. The rookie fourth-rounder will be in a position to receive valuable reps if he's indeed able to return this week, with all of Christian McCaffrey (calf), Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Jordan Mason (hip) nursing injuries of their own. Friday's exhibition matchup against the Raiders represents Guerendo's last chance to log game reps before the 49ers take on the Jets in Week 1 on Monday, Sept. 9.

Ali (neck) hasn't practiced since Baltimore's preseason opener and isn't a lock for the 53-man roster, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

Ali suffered a stinger in the preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia, after taking 10 carries for 26 yards and one catch for four yards. He then missed Saturday's preseason win over the Falcons, with Owen Wright getting the start at running back in a game that saw the Ravens hold out a slew of veterans players, including Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Baltimore took Ali in the fifth round of this year's draft, so he could stick around even if the team didn't see what it was hoping for this summer.