NFL Player News

Larison is part of the competition for the No. 3 running back role, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are the Patriots' unquestioned top two backs, and Terrell Jennings (undisclosed) was the favorite for the primary depth role before being placed on injured reserve Thursday. Jennings' misfortune boosts Larison's chances of earning a spot on the 53-man roster, and he'll have to continue to battle Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins and JaMycal Hasty.

Brooks isn't suited up for Thursday's preseason game in Pittsburgh.

Brooks will join Josh Jacobs (groin) on the sideline for the Packers' exhibition opener, leaving some combination of MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon to man the backfield. Brooks' absence Thursday may stem from the hamstring injury that kept him on the active/PUP list until this past Sunday. In any case, he'll have two more chances to mix into a preseason contest as he vies with Lloyd for the No. 2 RB role behind Jacobs.

Hyatt (leg) will not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports.

Hyatt was absent from Thursday's practice session, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports. The wide receiver has not returned to the field since he injured his right ankle during Monday's session. It is unclear how much time the 24-year-old will miss with the issue. After being inactive for much of the 2025 season, Hyatt will likely be a victim of cutdown day if he cannot return to the field and prove his worth soon.

Kraft (knee) appears on track to be available for the Packers' Week 1 matchup with the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 13, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kraft spent the first two days of training camp on the active/PUP list, but he's been active on the field for most practices since then, including Monday's session when he was seen running routes on air while catching passes from QB Jordan Love without a sleeve on his right knee. Said knee endured a torn ACL in Week 9 of last season, but considering Kraft's slow build-up to date in camp, Rapoport's report lines up with an appearance for the tight end in the regular-season opener. Another question surrounding Kraft is whether or not he and the Packers are able to agree to terms on a contract extension.

Huntley is expected to start Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran signal-caller returned to Baltimore last season after a one-year stopover in Miami in 2024, and Huntley is once again set to serve as the primary backup to Lamar Jackson this season. Huntley will likely see at least a couple of series Saturday before giving way to Joe Fagnano and potentially, the recently signed Austin Reed.

Pittman isn't in line to suit up for Thursday's preseason contest against the Packers, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pittman missed practice this week due to an right leg injury, and with DK Metcalf (undisclosed) also in street clothes Thursday, the Steelers' top two wide receivers won't be available to the offense. Pittman's next opportunity to log some exhibition action and potentially get some work in with QB Aaron Rodgers is Friday, Aug. 21 versus the Jets.

Johnson (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Johnson exited Saturday's practice early with a knee injury and has not returned to the field since. Thursday marks the running back's fourth consecutive missed practice, and there does not appear to be a return date in sight. If Johnson's knee injury is severe, the Bills could be waiting for cutdown day to place him on injured reserve with a designation to return during the regular season.

Metcalf (undisclosed) isn't in uniform for Thursday's preseason opener against the Packers, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The same applies to fellow WR Michael Pittman (leg), with Steelers playing it safe with their top two wideouts, as they've been managing injuries of late. Metcalf's next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 21 against the Jets, and his absence, along with Pittman's on Thursday, will open up opportunities for those competing for depth-chart slotting and/or roster spots to see added snaps versus Green Bay.

Rodgers isn't slated to play in Thursday's preseason game versus the Packers, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

With Rodgers in street clothes ahead of the contest, the Steelers will turn over the offense to Mason Rudolph (likely 1-to-2 series), Will Howard (the rest of the first half) and Drew Allar (after halftime), per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Coach Mike McCarthy has suggested he would like Rodgers to get some exhibition reps this month, so the quarterback's next chance to do so is Friday, Aug. 21 versus the Jets.

Humphrey (undisclosed) is eyeing a return to practice next week, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported Thursday.

Humphrey left Wednesday's practice due to injury and did not return. The cornerback missed Thursday's session as well, but head coach Jesse Minter said the 30-year-old is just dealing with a relatively minor issue. With both Humphrey and Nate Wiggins (leg) injured, T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin and Chidobe Awuzie will likely see a large portion of snaps at cornerback during Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles.