NFL Player News

The Chargers are slated to waive Spiller, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 2022 fourth-rounder had been in contention with Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson for a depth role in the backfield behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, but Spiller is the odd man out ahead of Week 1. Once this week's cut-down dust settles, Spiller should either find his way on to another team's roster or end up with a practice squad slot.

Robinson (toe) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a designation to return.

A new rule allows two players from each team to be designated for return when placed on injured reserve the day of roster cutdowns. Robinson, a rookie fifth-round pick, will now be out for at least the first four games of the season, with Week 5 marking his earliest possible date for an NFL debut. He's been out with a toe injury since late July, unable to practice or play in preseason games. Robinson had only 796 rushing yards and 332 receiving yards across one season at Alabama and three at Texas, but he added 897 yards on 38 kick returns (23.6 average) over his final two years. Robinson then ran a 4.42 40 at the 2024 Combine, confirming his potential as a return man in the NFL.

Hubbard's backfield mate Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss at least the first four games of the regular season, ESPN.com's David Newton reports.

Brooks remains on the PUP list for the start of the season, having yet to practice with the Panthers since they took him 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. That leaves Hubbard as an incumbent starter with weak competition for backfield touches, albeit under a new coaching staff led by former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The new coaches seemingly want Miles Sanders to have a role off the bench, but it's unclear if he'll get enough work to put a serious dent in Hubbard's fantasy value while Brooks is sidelined. Hubbard figures to make his 25th career NFL start in Week 1 at New Orleans.

Edmonds was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday due to a knee injury, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

The 28-year-old RB won't be designated for a return, meaning the only way he can play this season is if he reaches an injury settlement to be released by Tampa Bay. Edmonds hasn't practiced since the first week of training camp and recently had arthroscopic surgery on his injured knee.

The Vikings plan to cut or trade Nwangwu on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

It's a bit surprising given recent reports about his progress as a running back, but the Vikings apparently weren't won over and may also have doubts about Nwangwu's utility as a kick returner under the new rules. The 2021 fourth-round pick could generate some interest from other teams, if only because he has 4.32 speed and three career touchdowns as a return man. The Vikings are also parting ways with Myles Gaskin, temporarily leaving Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler as the only running backs on their roster. They'll presumably bring someone back later this week or else add a waiver claim or free agent.

The Patriots plan to waive Harris, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

As the coming season approaches, Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson top the Patriots' RB depth chart, with JaMycal Hasty also in the mix. For now, Harris is the odd man out, but he could resurface on the team's practice squad, assuming he clears waivers.

Gaskin was released by Minnesota, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Gaskin faced an uphill battle to win a roster spot as he was fourth on the depth chart at running back behind Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu. He was solid in the preseason (13 carries for 61 yards in Saturday's finale), so he could find work as a reserve elsewhere in the league or land on Minnesota's practice squad.

Hines (knee) will open the regular season on the non-football injury list and miss a minimum of four games, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hines suffered an ACL tear last July when he was struck by a jet ski, costing him all of the 2023 season and now part of 2024. It's unclear if he'll have a significant role once he's deemed healthy enough to play, but there's at least some chance he eventually becomes a pass-catching option and return man for the Browns this year. Hines hasn't practiced this summer and won't be eligible to play any sooner than Oct. 6 against Washington.

Mitchell (knee) will remain on the PUP list to start the regular season, ruling him out for at least four games, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

It's not surprising given the lack of updates on Mitchell's progress since he was placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp. He suffered an ACL tear in Week 15 of last season, ending an impressive run of performances in which he'd emerged as Baltimore's best backfield threat despite being an undrafted rookie. The team has since signed Derrick Henry and still has Justice Hill for passing downs, but Mitchell's speed could make him useful in a change-of-pace role at some point Week 5 or later this year.

Brooks will start the regular season on the non-football injury list and miss at least the first four games, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Brooks tore his ACL while playing football but is eligible for the NFI list because the injury occurred during a college game last November before the start of his NFL career. The Panthers made him the first running back taken in the 2024 NFL Draft anyway, 46th overall, undeterred by a lack of athletic testing or the possibility he'd miss games at the start of his pro career. Brooks has been on the NFI list all summer, leaving Chuba Hubbard temporarily unchallenged as Carolina's No. 1 running back. Miles Sanders could also get some carries early in the season, but Hubbard is a safe bet to make starts and lead the backfield in touches until Brooks is ready to make his NFL debut.