NFL Player News
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Javonte Williams RB | DAL
Broncos' Javonte Williams: Five touches in preseason opener
Williams rushed four times for 15 yards and caught one of his two targets for five yards in Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts.
Williams played just nine snaps as the starter in the Broncos' first preseason game. The veteran running back was unable to get much going with such little playing time, but his limited usage in the opener should hint at his secure spot atop the depth chart ahead of Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. Williams continues to receive high praise from the Denver coaching staff while his surgically repaired knee could be stronger than it was in a disappointing 2023 season. The 24-year-old also lost weight this offseason in an attempt to improve his conditioning, which could help him to get back to the form of his impressive rookie season.
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AJ Dillon RB | CAR
Packers' AJ Dillon: Quiet in preseason opener
Dillon had four carries for two yards in Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns.
Dillon did not do much in the first game of the exhibition season, but he only saw action on Green Bay's second drive before calling it a day. Dillon looks like the favorite to snag the backup running back job behind Josh Jacobs -- particularly with rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) missing time with a couple leg injuries -- but Emanuel Wilson is also contending for the job.
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Samaje Perine RB | CIN
Broncos' Samaje Perine: Targeted once in win
Perine failed to record a carry or reel in his lone target in Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts.
Perine was a non-factor in Denver's first preseason game, playing just 16 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the contest. The veteran did, however, bobble his one target right into an interception for the Colts. Heading into training camp, there was speculation that the 28-year-old could end up a cap casualty, as he is competing for a roster spot in a crowded running back room with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. Perine's skills as a pass catcher and in pass protection paired with his $3 million non-guaranteed salary should help his cause for making the roster, though the running back situation in Denver is one to monitor as the 2024 campaign approaches.
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Tyler Goodson RB | ATL
Colts' Tyler Goodson: Scores TD in preseason opener
Goodson had seven carries for 15 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, and had two receptions for one yard in Sunday's preseason loss to Denver.
Goodson and Evan Hull are battling for the No. 3 running back role and had nearly identical stats (Hull had eight carries for 16 yards and a one-yard touchdown). Goodson may have a slight lead in the competition since he entered the game before Hull. The winner of the No. 3 role could have fantasy relevance if the Colts utilize a third-down back.
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Evan Hull RB | ARI
Colts' Evan Hull: Scores TD in preseason opener
Hull had eight carries for 16 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, and one reception for 15 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to Denver.
Hull missed all but one game last season due to a knee injury, but he's fully healthy and competing for the third running back role. He was the fourth running back to enter the game as he may be slightly behind Tyler Goodson. Either Hull or Goodson could win a meaningful role as the third-down or receiving option due to their pass-catching ability. It's also possible that only one makes the roster as the Colts may just keep three running backs.
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Trent Pennix RB | IND
Colts' Trent Pennix: Suffers groin injury
Pennix left Sunday's preseason loss to Denver due to a groin injury, 107.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.
Pennix is an undrafted free agent trying to win a roster spot on special teams. Pennix played both running back and tight end at North Carolina State. His versatility could be an asset in helping him make it to the NFL, but any injury could limit his chances.
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Zach Evans RB | NYJ
Rams' Zach Evans: Makes little impact Sunday
Evans carried the ball 12 times for 28 yards and caught his only target for 24 yards in Sunday's 13-12 preseason win over the Cowboys.
Boston Scott played the first three quarters as the Rams' lead back, with Evans entering the game in the final quarter and gaining little on the ground. The duo appear to be at the bottom of the RB depth chart for the Rams, with Kyren Williams, rookie Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers all sitting out the team's preseason opener. Given Evans' usage Sunday, he would seem to have an uphill climb ahead of him just to make the 53-man roster.
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Boston Scott RB | PIT
Rams' Boston Scott: Big workload in preseason opener
Scott carried the ball 15 times for 68 yards and caught all three of his targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 13-12 preseason win over the Cowboys. He also returned one kickoff for 23 yards.
The veteran running back got the start for the Rams and played through the third quarter, leading the team in rushing in the process. Scott's big workload came with Kyren Williams, rookie Blake Corum and even Ronnie Rivers sitting out, however, suggesting that the former Eagle isn't headed for a significant role in the Rams backfield this season barring a rash of injuries.
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Rico Dowdle RB | PIT
Cowboys' Rico Dowdle: Cameo in preseason opener
Dowdle carried the ball three times for 14 yards in Sunday's 13-12 preseason loss to the Rams.
Ezekiel Elliott got the day off completely, while Dowdle saw only a handful of snaps on the Cowboys' opening drive before ceding the backfield to Malik Davis and other depth RBs. Dowdle and Elliott are expected to split the bulk of the touches at running back for Dallas this season, but the position is more likely to become a committee than one or the other emerging as a clear starter.
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Kendre Miller RB | NO
Saints' Kendre Miller: Sits out preseason opener
Miller (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's 16-14 preseason win against Arizona.
Miller has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in New Orleans' first training camp practice July 24. The 2023 third-round pick dealt with numerous injuries during his rookie campaign, limiting him to 41 carries and 10 receptions across just eight regular-season appearances. When healthy, Miller is expected to compete with Jamaal Williams for the No. 2 running back spot behind Alvin Kamara. However, Miller will have to work his way back onto the playing field in order to unseat Williams on the depth chart. Miller will look to get healthy in time for next Sunday's road exhibition against the 49ers.