NFL Player News

McCaffrey (calf) increased his activity level on the side field at practice Thursday and seems to be getting closer to a return, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

McCaffrey also ran some half-speed routes on the side Thursday, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The star running back is expected to sit out all of San Francisco's preseason games while he works his way back from a calf strain suffered early August, but at this point there don't seem to be any serious concerns about his Week 1 status. McCaffrey still has over three weeks to get healthy before San Francisco's regular-season opener against the Jets on Monday, Sept. 9.

Tracy (ankle) resumed running and cutting with trainers to the side at Thursday's practice, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Tracy suffered a right low-ankle sprain at Tuesday's practice, so it's encouraging to see him already getting some work in on the side field. Initially, due to the fact that he was carted off the field and taken to a hospital for examination, it was feared that Tracy had suffered a severe injury, but it now looks like he could resume practicing on at least a limited basis as soon as next week. Tracy does figure to sit out Saturday's preseason game against Houston, though.

Coach Dave Canales said Thursday that there were "big concerns" when Hubbard (knee) went down at practice "but initial testing looks good," Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.

Hubbard was looked at by trainers after taking a hit at practice, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press, and while the fourth-year pro got up and remained near the field, he didn't resume handling reps. It looks like initial tests haven't indicated an overly severe issue, but that Panthers will doubtless continue to monitor Hubbard's health. He sat out last week's preseason opener against New England and figures to also be held out of Saturday's exhibition matchup against the Jets.

Patterson is believed to be the leading candidate for the Chargers' No. 3 running back job, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

According to Popper, Patterson has gotten the most reps with the first-team offense behind J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards while notably running ahead of Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson. Patterson was also the first running back to get into the Chargers' first preseason game this past Saturday against the Seahawks, finishing with seven carries for 38 yards. Patterson spent most of the 2023 season on Los Angeles' practice squad before a short stint back in Washington. He has 85 career carries for 344 yards and two touchdowns, with each of his 20 career appearances coming in a Washington uniform.

Demercado (shoulder) participated in Wednesday's joint practice with the Colts, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Demercado missed the last week of practice and the Cardinals' first preseason game this past Saturday against the Saints, as he was seen wearing a brace on his right shoulder after last Wednesday's session. Now that he's back in the fold, he'll have a few days to ramp up ahead of Saturday's exhibition at Indianapolis, at which point it'll be interesting to see who among him and rookie third-round pick Trey Benson gets the first touches out of the backfield, assuming Demercado is able to suit up. Prior to his injury, Demercado was mixing in with Arizona's first-team offense, spelling starter James Conner in the process. Demercado presumably would get the initial backfield reps if he's cleared to play Saturday and Conner sits out again.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday that Ward (hamstring) was injured at practice, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Ward managed to walk off the field under his own power, but his status now looks uncertain for Saturday's preseason game against the Bills. He's competing for a depth role in Pittsburgh's deep running back room.

Vaughn (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Vaughn, who last practiced July 31, worked with all three of the Cowboys' offensive units in his return to practice. Now that the 2023 sixth-round draft pick is back in the mix, he'll look to carve out a change-of-pace role in a Dallas backfield that also includes Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Malik Davis.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that Charbonnet did not practice Wednesday due to tightness, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Charbonnet's availability for Saturday's exhibition game against the Titans could be affected by the injury, but the second-year running back doesn't seem to be dealing with anything that should sideline him very long. Kenny McIntosh will get a chance to step into the No. 2 role behind Kenneth Walker if Charbonnet has to miss Saturday's preseason contest.

Kamara (back) will not practice Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Kamara will miss a second consecutive day of practice due to back tightness. Head coach Dennis Allen downplayed the severity of Kamara's situation Tuesday, so the veteran running back doesn't appear to be dealing with anything that will keep him off the field for too long. If Kamara's back issue keeps him from suiting up in Sunday's preseason game against the 49ers, Jamaal Williams could pick up the bulk of the snaps with the starters, especially while Kendre Miller (hamstring) remains a non-participant at practice.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell suggested Wednesday that he's optimistic about Gibbs' health after the running back suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's practice, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. "I think we're gonna be fine here," Campbell told 97-1 The Ticket Detroit. "So, I think we'll be good."

Campbell didn't get into details or provide a timeline for Gibbs, merely hinting at general optimism. Gibbs suffered the injury 27 days before Detroit's season opener Sept. 8 at the Rams, and while he's unlikely to practice for at least the next week or two, he seemingly has a chance to be ready for the rematch of last year's wild-card playoff game.