NFL Player News

Demercado (shoulder) had 10 carries for 24 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Colts.

Demercado returned from a shoulder injury that held him out of last week's exhibition tilt. The sophomore tailback entered the game in the second quarter behind rookie Trey Benson (9-43-0), but it could have been the coaching staff easing Demercado off the shelf as opposed to a demotion from his projected No. 2 role behind James Conner. Next week's preseason finale should be telling based on how the backup RBs are deployed.

Freeman (groin) rushed seven times for 32 yards in the Cowboys' 27-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Saturday night.

Freeman was able to suit up after having suffered a groin injury earlier in the month, and he finished second in rushing yardage after coming into the game behind starter Malik Davis. Freeman should have a solid chance of securing the No. 3 running back job given his experience, as well as the fact Davis didn't exactly impress with his starting opportunity Saturday (five carries, 14 yards).

Mattison rushed five times for 15 yards and secured one of two targets for six yards in the Raiders' 27-12 preseason loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night. He also returned one kickoff for 23 yards.

Mattison worked as the second running back in behind Zamir White, a hierarchy that's expected to be mirrored during the regular season. Mattison shouldn't need any additional reps to get ready for the regular season and will be a valuable complementary presence, so he's likely to sit out of the Raiders' preseason finale against the 49ers on Friday night.

Evans gained 62 yards on 16 rushing attempts in Saturday's preseason win over the Chargers.

Evans received the first running back touch for the Rams on Saturday, but he was far less efficient on a per-carry basis (3.9 yards) compared to veteran backup Boston Scott. The latter ripped off 55 yards on just 10 carries as the Rams rested the trio of RBs ahead Scott and Evans on LA's depth chart. Neither of the tailbacks competing for a remaining roster spot received a target in the exhibition win.

White rushed four times for 23 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Raiders' 27-12 preseason loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night.

White drew the start and put together what appears to be a fine rushing line on the surface, but it's worth noting 17 of his yards came on his first carry. Nevertheless, the third-year back is primed to open the season as the Raiders' No. 1 option in the ground game, though offseason addition Alexander Mattison is talented enough to serve as a threat if White struggles in the role.

Nwangwu had seven carries for 45 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Cleveland.

Even with the Vikings resting almost all their starters, Nwangwu had a second impressive preseason performance. Nwangwu has had a role in the offense as the No. 3 running back in training camp and looks to have locked up the job at this point in the preseason. While he's not likely to get many carries behind Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler, Nwangwu at least looks like a viable option should the top two get hurt. However, it's not clear if he'll return kickoffs as he hasn't been used as a returner in either preseason game after having that role last season.

Gaskin had nine carries for 45 yards and two receptions for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Cleveland.

Gaskin showed he can be a steady veteran as a reserve running back, but he may face an uphill battle to win a roster spot. The Vikings are likely to keep just three running backs with Kene Nwangwu currently ahead of Gaskin on the depth chart.

Scott took 10 carries for 55 yards in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Chargers.

Scott was the second back to receive a touch behind Zach Evans (16-62-0), but both backs were mixed in early in Saturday's exhibition win. The Rams are holding out the dynamic backs sitting atop the RB depth chart along with Ronnie Rivers this preseason, which is why Scott and Evans have been getting so much run. The long-time Eagle could find himself in a similar backup/special teams role this season, assuming he makes the 53-man roster with his new club.

Davis rushed five times for 14 yards and returned one kickoff for 14 yards in the Cowboys' 27-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Saturday night.

Davis was the first Cowboys running back to log a touch with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle sitting out, but he found limited success during his time on the field. Davis did not record any rush attempts or receptions last season after carrying 38 times for 161 yards and a touchdown and recording six receptions in his rookie 2022 campaign, and he's battling the likes of Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman for a reserve running back spot with one preseason game remaining.

Davis rushed the ball eight times for 58 yards in Saturday's 9-3 preseason win over the Steelers.

Davis didn't manage any snaps with the first-team offense, but he was the next running back into the game following James Cook. After struggling to find rushing lanes in his pro debut against the Bears last week, Davis recorded a long gain of 19 yards, which was supplemented by a pair of eight-yard rushes in his second chance. Davis is competing with Ty Johnson for the primary backup spot in the offense, though the two could coexist as Davis has a frame that should help him excel in short-yardage situations while Johnson is a strong pass catcher.