What We Saw Roundup – Preseason Week 2

A new format including all the Preseason Week 2 nuggets and nuance from around the NFL – Here's What We Saw!

Brett Ford
What We Saw 4 Hours Ago
Series Navigation
Introduction
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

AFC

Writer: Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan)

 

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry vs. MIN: Did not play

No need for the Ravens to waste Henry’s good reps in the preseason, especially at his age.

Justice Hill vs. MIN: Did not play

Hill will likely maintain his passing down role. He rested with the starters.

Jonathan Ward vs. MIN: 10 Carries, 35 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 15 Yards
Elijah Tau-Tolliver vs. MIN: 10 Carries, 35 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 15 Yards 

A couple of decent receiving gains out of the backfield and almost zero rushing production, but these were literally the fourth, fifth and sixth-string backs. Move along. Nothing to see here.

 

 

Buffalo Bills

Ray Davis vs. CLE: 7 Carries, 21 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

With James Cook resting, Davis got the start and the first several touches out of the backfield against the Browns. Josh Allen wasn’t in the lineup either, which allowed Davis to take three straight carries from the one-yard line, finally converting the third attempt on the Bills’ opening drive for a touchdown. He rested after the first quarter.

Frank Gore Jr. vs. CLE: 9 Carries, 54 Yards | 1 Target

Gore was the second back on the field for the Bills, taking over beginning in the second quarter. He played deep into the fourth quarter, alternating drives with Wheeler, and seemed to capitalize on the worn-out Browns’ fourth-string defense with a pair of long rushes in the fourth quarter to prop up his stat line. He’s in danger of being cut.

Ian Wheeler vs. CLE: 14 Carries, 56 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 21 Yards

After a dominant season in the UFL, Wheeler looked the part against the Browns’ defensive depth. He has been building momentum through the preseason and provided another strong film for his portfolio. He could stick in Buffalo and if he doesn’t, should be a prime practice squad candidate for any team in need of RB depth.

Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown vs. CHI: Did not play

Tahj Brooks vs. CHI: 3 Carries, 16 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Brooks played the entire first half, but managed to create very little until the Bengals’ two-minute drill. The second-year back caught a short pass and scampered for a 19-yard gain and then added a 10-yard run on the next play to set up a score.

Kentrel Bullock vs. CHI: 6 Carries, 10 Yards

Kendall Milton vs. CHI: 2 Carries, 9 Yards 

Jamal Haynes vs. CHI: 1 Carry, 2 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards

The Bengals seemed focused on their passing attack in this game, evaluating their quarterbacks and receivers more than their running back room. Despite leading throughout, Cincinnati dropped back 43 times to just 15 designed rushing plays. Not much to gather from this bunch of backups.

 

Cleveland Browns

Raheim Sanders vs. BUF: 12 Carries, 31 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard

With his longest rush going for eight yards, Sanders’ best highlight was one where he didn’t even get the ball. It was an exceptional play action fake by Shedeur Sanders that generated the most buzz from this game. Judkins and Sampson seem pretty locked in to their roles in this offense. Managers may need to keep an eye out for Sanders at the goal line, but we didn’t see much short-yardage work from any Browns running back in this one.

Amani Marshall vs. BUF: 8 Carries, 18 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 11 Yards

Davon Booth vs. BUF: 12 Carries, 31 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, -7 Yards

Neither of the Browns’ depth pieces was very impressive. Booth and/or Marshall would likely need to excel on special teams to keep a roster spot.

 

 

Denver Broncos

JK Dobbins vs. GB: Did not play

No surprise here.

RJ Harvey vs. GB: 1 Carry, 5 Yards, | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards, TD

Harvey was featured on the first drive of the game and never came back after that. The highlight was this sweet touchdown catch, burning a linebacker out of the backfield, but he also caught a screen pass for a couple of yards. A lot of hate out there for Harvey this draft season, but he might end up with a larger role than most thought if Dobbins misses time.

Jonah Coleman vs. GB: 3 Carries, 9 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards

Not a lot of work for Coleman on Friday night, which is probably a good sign, right? On one hand, it means he’s likely already considered an important part of the Broncos’ offense. On the other hand, he didn’t do much to impress fantasy managers, especially after the Harvey touchdown catch. I don’t think there’s much to learn from this performance in regards to Coleman, though the fact that Harvey was used exclusively on the first drive could scare some managers away and dampen his draft price. I’m fine buying whatever dip we get.

Jaleel McLaughlin vs. GB: 4 Carries, 15 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 9 Yards

Tyler Badie vs. GB: 4 Carries, 2 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 3 Yards

Cody Schrader vs. GB: 4 Carries, 15 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception

McLaughlin played with the second-string offense into the second half, indicating he’s at least fourth on the depth chart. He worked in a rotation with Badie and Schrader into the second half.

 

Houston Texans

David Montgomery vs. LVR: Did not play

If it wasn’t clear enough who the bona fide starting running back is, it ought to be now that Montgomery was held out of Preseason Week 2 action.

Woody Marks vs. LVR: 4 Carries, 37 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards

Marks started the game and was featured heavily on the Texans’ initial scoring drive, including a 20-yard touchdown rumble. I know I just said Montgomery is the clear top dog in Houston, but Marks could, nay, WILL be a factor in this backfield. As usual, Marks left the game and did not return after his touchdown run. At least this time it wasn’t due to injury.

 

Noah Whittington vs. LVR: 9 Carries, 11 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 12 Yards

Owen Wright vs. LVR: 8 Carries, 21 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards

Whittington’s best chance to make this team will likely be as a kick returner, but he didn’t do quite enough to impress me into thinking he’s locked in there. Leading 20-3 at halftime, the Texans should have been able to ice the game on the ground, but neither Whittington nor Wright were able to generate anything. Houston went without earning a first down throughout the entire second half.

 

 

Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor vs. ATL: Did Not Play

See you in Week One, JT.

DJ Giddens vs. ATL: Did not play

I would have liked the opportunity to see Giddens serve as the lead back here, but he missed more due to injury than rest as he nursed a sore hamstring.

Seth McGowan vs. ATL: 8 Carries, 27 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

McGowan started and played the entire first half for the Colts, who sat out their top two running backs. Not much remarkable here as the seventh-round rookie is battling for a roster spot, likely competing with Castle directly.

Anderson Castle vs. ATL: 8 Carries, 41 Yards

Aside from having a VERY strong football name, the rookie running back out of Duke looked pretty solid, averaging five yards per carry with a long rush of 10 yards. Castle took the running back snaps in the second half alongside Anthony Richardson and ran hard on every snap. If he makes the roster, he might end up a short-yardage specialist.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Bhayshul Tuten vs. CAR: Did Not Play

Chris Rodriguez vs. CAR: Did Not Play

Both of the Jaguars’ top running backs sat this one out, so we get no help determining this backfield split in live action.

LeQuint Allen vs. CAR: Did Not Play

Maybe one of the most overlooked impactful injuries so far this preseason, Allen will miss the rest of camp and may even miss time in the regular season. This opens up passing down snaps for the Jags. Managers will hope for Tuten to snatch this opportunity… but I think it’s going to be Abdullah who gets that gig.

Amber Abdullah vs. CAR: 6 Carries, 45 Yards | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 37 Yards

Unc still got it! Abdullah ripped off a couple of chunk plays, including this silky smooth 23-yard run from his own goal line. It’s going to be gross in Week Three of the regular season when Tuten rushes for 40 yards down the field to inside the five-yard line, Rodriguez gets stuffed at the goal line on second down, and then Abdullah comes in to vulture the score from both of them on third-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

DeeJay Dallas vs. CAR: 8 Carries, 27 Yards, Fumble (LOST) | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 13 Yards

Dallas came in for the second half and looked pretty pedestrian. The former Seattle Seahawk averaged just over 3.0 yards per carry and lost a fumble. Not what you want if you’re clinging to a roster spot.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Kenneth Walker III vs. TB: 2 Carries, 4 Yards

Walker made an appearance and carried the ball twice. That’s more usage than he got in Seattle last season! Kidding, obviously, but he looks ready to take on a full workload in Kansas City this season.

Brashard Smith vs. TB: 6 Carries, 37 Yards, Fumble (Recovered) | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 2 Yards

Smith didn’t play until the fourth quarter. Not great news for dynasty managers; he’s lucky to keep a roster spot this season.

Emmett Johnson vs. TB: 7 Carries, 25 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

Emari Demercado vs. TB: 5 Carries, 18 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 8 Yards

Johnson and Demercado split carries after Walker left up until the fourth quarter. DeMercado got most of the third-down and passing down work while Johnson converted on his one goal line carry. I think Johnson will be Walker’s direct backup while Demercado will serve as more of a pass-down specialist. If Walker gets hurt, I could see Johnson stepping into an early-down role before Demercado does.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty vs. HOU: Did not play

Jeanty didn’t dress for this one. We’ll see him in Week One.

UPDATE: We might not see him in Week One. Preliminary social media speculation indicates that it may have been a sprained ankle. Feels like the Mike Washington Jr. drumbeat will only get louder with this news… but I’m still not completely sold on the talent.

Mike Washington Jr. vs. HOU: 9 Carries, 56 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards

The box score looked really solid for Washington, who finished with over five yards per carry. However, most of it came on his first touch of the game, a 33-yard run up the middle, capitalizing on poor gap discipline from the defensive line. He showed good strength, running through multiple arm tackles, but lacked the breakaway speed to leave the secondary in the dust. The rest of his night was fine, I guess, but I’m not sure why social media is so excited about him right now. Based on what I’ve seen so far from a performance standpoint, I think he should be less of a threat to Jeanty’s workload than what the general public seems to believe.

 

Dylan Laube vs. HOU:  6 Carries, 37 Yards, TD, Fumble (Lost) | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 14 Yards

Laube entered the game in the second quarter AFTER Washington had already carried the ball for two full drives. He was mostly unremarkable, but did pull in a 14-yard swing pass for a first down and made a nice adjustment in the backfield to gain the edge on his touchdown run in the third quarter.

Dare Ogunbawale vs. HOU: 4 Carries, 35 Yards, TD, Fumble (Lost) | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards

A revenge game for Ogunbawale – do they have those in preseason? The pass-game specialist rushed four times for 35 yards and a score, including a 19-yard touchdown scamper as he made the Texans’ late-game defense look as if they’d never had NFL reps before. They probably hadn’t. He also caught a nine-yard pass to open the Raiders’ game-winning touchdown drive in the final two-minute drill. It was a feel-good moment for Dare and probably Texans fans, too.

Roman Hemby vs. HOU: 6 Carries, 27 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 3 Yards

Hemby was in the backfield for the Raiders’ final scoring drive, including on the one-yard sneak touchdown vultured by Aidan O’Connell.

 

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton vs. SF: 1 Carry, -1 Yard

Well, that was… fun? The first team offense appeared for one series, a three-and-out in which Hampton was bottled up in the backfield on a play aimed at the right side. Congratulations on getting a live rep. See you Week One, Omarion.

Keaton Mitchell vs. SF: 3 Carries, -1 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards

Mitchell was the second Chargers running back on the field, playing in two first half series before giving way to Vidal and the rest of the Chargers’ depth backs. Easily the most exciting play of Mitchell’s night technically never happened – a 21-yard gain through the air called back by illegal formation. He made the linebacker covering him look slow as molasses with the route and was wide open for a big gain. I know it’s one play, but that’s the kind of stuff I’m looking for out of a prime sleeper candidate heading into the year.

Kimani Vidal vs. SF: 4 Carries, 6 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

Vidal entered the game as the third running back, with no overlap or alternating with Mitchell, and played into the second half. For a guy who some have considered a deep sleeper, that’s concerning. He was pulled before most of the other third-string players, which could mean he is intended to have some sort of role, but it seems there’s been a clear pecking order established in this backfield.

Jaret Patterson vs. SF: 3 Carries, 7 Yards

Greg Desrosiers Jr. vs. SF: 4 Carries, 21 Yards | 1 Target

You want to know what these guys did? They provided second half reps for the defense. They’ll either be deployed on special teams, relegated to the practice squad, or cut by the end of next week.

 

Miami Dolphins

Jaylen Wright vs. NYG: 6 Carries, 9 Yards, Fumble (LOST)

Ollie Gordon II vs. NYG: 4 Carries, 8 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

Carlos Washington Jr. vs. NYG: 3 Carries, 5 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -5 Yards

Wright played ahead of Gordon again with Achane sitting out, but this entire running game was stinkier than a dirty diaper in a hot vehicle. Let’s hope when Achane is back there, things look a little bit better than this. Good grief.

 

New England Patriots

Jam Miller vs. PHI: 11 Carries, 36 Yards

Miller gained most of his yardage on one long run, breaking a couple of tackles on the way to a 20-yard gain. He averaged just 1.6 yards per carry on his other touches, though, which may have hurt him in the RB3 race here in New England.

Lan Larison vs. PHI: 9 Carries, 33 Yards, TD | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 41 Yards

Larison returned the opening kickoff and took the first snaps in the backfield for the Patriots with both Rhamondre Stevenson and Treveyon Henderson resting. He reminded me of Danny Woodhead, with good pass-catching prowess and vision out of the backfield on zone rushing plays like the one he scored a touchdown on. He may have earned himself a roster spot with this strong performance.

Hassan Haskins vs. PHI: 4 Carries, 16 Yards

Jamychal Hasty vs. PHI: 5 Carries, 12 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards

 

New York Jets

Breece Hall vs. PIT: Did not play

Breece doesn’t need the reps, so he’ll rest until the regular season.

Braelon Allen vs. PIT: 3 Carries, 4 Yards | 1 target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

With Hall out, Allen starred on the first series and exited with the starters right after their opening drive touchdown. He smashed into defenders on a couple of runs and caught one pass out of the backfield before leaving.

Chip Trayanum vs. PIT: 6 Carries, 20 Yards | 1 Target

Sam Scott vs. PIT: 6 Carries, 14 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 2 Yards

Kene Nwangnu vs. PIT: 7 Carries, 11 Yards

Nwangnu finished out the first half for the Jets while Trayanum and Scott split carries in the second half. Nobody was particularly productive, but Trayanum looked like the best rusher of the group just in the way he hit what little space he had from his blockers with conviction. He could stick around as a depth piece in this offense.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren vs. NYJ: 5 Carries, 17 Yards 

Rico Dowdle vs. NYJ: 5 Carries, 18 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 2 Yards

We learned sooooo much about this backfield split in this game. Warren started, which is helpful, I guess. But both rushers got five carries, nine snaps, and Dowdle ran one more route and got one more target than Warren. Neither one was impressive. But neither one was bad either. I don’t know, man. This might just be a 50/50 frustration until one of them gets hurt.

Kaleb Johnson vs. NYJ: 10 Carries, 39 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Johnson got as much opportunity as he could handle, but it almost felt more like a showcase for other teams than an audition for the Steelers’ depth chart. The former third-round pick was one of the more effective pieces of the Steelers’ offense, but runs like the one shown below make me question his future in the NFL. Instead of running North-South and following blockers after getting into the second level, Johnson tries to run away from contact parallel to the line of scrimmage. This just isn’t it.

Lew Nichols vs. NYJ: 3 Carries, 11 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 2 Yards

Eli Heidenreich vs. NYJ: 2 Carries, 9 Yards

Heidenreich is a fun story, but likely isn’t more than a practice squad body or maybe a special-teamer.

 

Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard vs. SEA: 2 Carries, 12 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 33 Yards

Pollard played all eight snaps of the Titans’ first drive with the starters, touching the ball three times, including what looked like a designed swing pass out of the backfield for a massive gain. Pollard having his day finish before Spears’ day began ought to be indicative of the pecking order in this backfield.

Tyjae Spears vs. SEA: 2 Carries, 2 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 14 Yards

Spears played in the Titans’ two subsequent offensive series, generating very little on the ground and some modest gains through the air. He caught all three of his targets, but was stood up in the backfield on a 4th-and-1, forcing his team off the field. He appears to be the clear spell back to Pollard and could concede some touches to the rookie Nicholas Singleton, once he gets healthy.

Julius Chestnut vs. SEA: 8 Carries, 48 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards

Chestnut took care of most of the second half burn in the backfield as the Titans turned the ball over to former first round pick Will Levis under center. A smash-mouth type back, Chestnut ran at and over defenders to the tune of 7.0 yards per carry over his first six touches. He’s not fast, but if given the opportunity, I think he could be an excellent goal line back.

Michael Carter vs. SEA: 7 Carries, 28 Yards | 1 Target

Carter took the field with the rest of the second-string offense in the second quarter, making a few plays before giving way to the depth pieces in the backfield. He also returned a kickoff, which may be his more likely role if he sticks on this roster.

D’Ernest Johnson vs. SEA: 10 Carries, 25 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 8 Yards

The final running back off the bench for the Titans, Johnson punched in a two-yard touchdown. Good for him. He’s practice squad fodder, though.

 

NFC

Writer: Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1.bsky.social on Bluesky)

Arizona Cardinals

Evan Hull vs. DAL: 11 Carries, 51 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards

With Bam Knight sitting out and Trey Benson‘s availability remaining an issue due to nagging injuries, the Cardinals chose to go without their top three backs – rookie Jeremiyah Love, offseason addition Tyler Allgeier, and veteran James Connor, who is coming off a bad injury. Hull dominated the carries behind the starters and was efficient at best in a 34-13 defeat, which showed the gulf in depth compared to the Cowboys. It is unlikely that the former Giant makes this roster.

Corey Kiner vs. DAL: 10 Carries, 29 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 6 Yards

Kiner got the start and struggled out of the gate as the Cowboys’ defensive line swarmed a poor Cardinals offensive line. His stat line does not reflect how hard he ran in this game. He was impressive between the numbers and showed good vision for a smaller-bodied back. And that showed through with a couple of determined goal line carries, the second of which resulted in a touchdown. An interesting back to keep an eye on given the injuries hanging around this unit.

Tre Stewart vs. DAL: 2 Carries, 40 Yards

 

Atlanta Falcons

Nathan Carter vs. IND: 17 Carries, 42 Yards, TD

Carter got the heavy workload for the Falcons, and his touchdown came on a short yardage play that was looked at from every angle after he was initially stood up at the goal line. It was a good second effort from Carter with three Colts defensive linemen stuffing his first attempt with some voracity.

Cash Jones vs. IND: 7 Carries, 41 Yards | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 62 Yards, TD

If you want to make an NFL roster, this is how you go about it. The former Georgia Bulldog is hoping to become the latest gadget man out of the backfield, and he showed his explosiveness and versatility as both a runner and receiver. Jones was effective in the screen game with a 22-yard catch-and-run before taking a similar pass to the house a few plays later at the end of the first half.

Tyler Goodson vs. IND: 6 Carries, 59 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

Goodson got the start for the Falcons and also featured effectively on kickoff returns. He made the play of the game with a beautiful 49-yard run to the end zone on the Falcons’ second drive of the game. He showed excellent vision, and his burst through the secondary was eye-catching. On a night when all three prospective backs scored touchdowns, Goodson’s speed really stood out.

 

Carolina Panthers

AJ Dillon vs. JAX: 5 Carries, 16 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 8 Yards

The former Packer looks to have carved an important role for the Panthers this preseason. Chuba Hubbard looks to be the starter at this stage (he is currently nursing a hamstring injury), but both Dillon and Brooks will have roles to play if the usage in preseason is anything to go by. Dillon worked behind Brooks and immediately saw work in the red zone after the Panthers forced a turnover deep in Jacksonville territory. Dillon took his second carry up the gut for a 7-yard score. Job done.

Jonathon Brooks vs. JAX: 5 Carries, 18 Yards, TD

Coming off two horrendous injuries, what is to be expected of the former second-round pick this season? Any type of meaningful action at the NFL level would be a great start. He drew the start in this game alongside the other Panthers starters. He made a nice run to the outside on the second series of the game and also showed excellent pass protection on the following play. He was rewarded with a carry from inside the ten, which he easily punched in through a big hole. It was a promising outing for the back that everyone wants to see on the field every week.

Trevor Etienne vs. JAX: 5 Carries, 24 Yards | 1 Target

Miles Davis vs. JAX: 3 Carries, 11 Yards

 

Chicago Bears

Roschon Johnson vs. CIN: 12 Carries, 42 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard

The Bears ran the starters, and Johnson got his opportunity thanks to a knee injury to D’Andre Swift‘s backup, Kyle Monangai, last week. He could be facing extended time on the sideline, so it was encouraging to see Johnson break off his first two runs into good yardage on the opening drive that resulted in a field goal. Johnson is a downhill specialist, and his work between the numbers will encourage Head Coach Ben Johnson if Monangai isn’t ready for the season.

Salvon Ahmed vs. CIN: 6 Carries, 36 Yards | 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 14 Yards

 

Dallas Cowboys

Jaydon Blue vs. ARI: 15 Carries, 75 Yards

Blue saw the bulk of the work behind the starters after Dallas had built a commanding lead. His flash play was a 15-yard run through the middle that included a nice hurdle between tacklers before a strong finish to the outside. Blue definitely showed enough to stick around on the practice squad and wait for his opportunity. He stood out with his polish more than former fifth-round selection for the Jets, Israel Abanikanda.

Israel Abanikanda vs. ARI: 8 Carries, 39 Yards

Malik Davis (DEN) vs. ARI: 5 Carries, 29 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 8 Yards, TD

The favourite to make the roster, Davis looked sharp and hit the end zone with an 8-yard catch-and-run early off the back of a turnover that put the ball in the end zone. Showing nice cuts on his limited carries, Davis then juked his way around a couple of defenders inside the 10-yard line to hit paydirt and start the Cowboys’ rout.

 

Detroit Lions

Trayveon Williams vs. LVR: 10 Carries, 36 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 24 Yards

Williams made several nice runs working behind Saylors, but his splash play was a 24-yard catch and run off a play-action pass from Joshua Dobbs. Williams jinked his way through the middle for a huge gain and finished up the drive a few plays later with a tough run up the middle behind some nice offensive line play. The former Bengal has not seen much opportunity despite his draft capital. The Lions are likely going to keep one of Saylors or Williams at best.

Jacob Saylors vs. LVR: 6 Carries, 32 Yards

Saylors has made his name in the UFL as a runner and kick returner, and his early preseason performances have propelled him into the conversation for a roster spot. Saylors got the start and showed some toughness in driving the pile forward in his first series. He gave way to Williams with his roster spot still in the air.

Raheem Blackshear vs. LVR: 11 Carries, 29 Yards

 

Green Bay Packers

Pierre Strong Jr. vs. DEN: 8 Carries, 37 Yards

Strong Jr. also put on tape an impressive 68-yard kickoff return in the second quarter to keep his name in the conversation in a running back room that is wide open behind Josh Jacobs. He worked behind MarShawn Lloyd after the starters exited and looked handy in his outside runs.

MarShawn Lloyd vs. DEN: 6 Carries, 17 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards, TD

Lloyd could be the fantasy sleeper of the season now opportunity has opened up in Green Bay behind workhorse Jacobs. And he did everything he needed to in this game in an impressive all-around performance. He moved the sticks with a couple of tough runs to the outside on a couple of occasions on third down and, even more importantly, he burst out of the backfield to haul in a touchdown pass from Jordan Love to give the Packers the lead in the first quarter. Statement made!

Chris Brooks vs. DEN: 5 Carries, 12 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard

Jaden Nixon vs. DEN: 4 Carries, 20 Yards, TD | 1 Target

 

Los Angeles Rams

Jarquez Hunter vs. NOS: 12 Carries, 68 Yards, TD

Hunter impressed enough in college for the Rams to spend a fourth-round pick on him in the 2025 draft, and he worked in tandem with undrafted rookie from the same class Jordan Waters. Hunter showed the better determination in between the numbers as Waters mainly handled the outside zone plays. Hunter hit the end zone late in the fourth quarter as he worked through his contact balance expertly to find his way through a tired Saints defense and pad his stats. He’ll hang around as a depth piece once again for the Rams.

Jordan Waters vs. NOS: 10 Carries, 54 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

 

Minnesota Vikings

Zavier Scott vs. BAL: 7 Carries, 28 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 8 Yards

Scott was effective as a rookie in limited opportunities late in the season last year, with injuries opening up opportunities. He is a small-bodied back who relies on his quick movement off the line to create lanes to run. He worked well in this game without anything spectacular. The Vikings offensive line struggled to stop rushers again, much like last week.

Demond Claiborne vs. BAL: 8 Carries, 18 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards

Claiborne drew the start for the Vikings with J.J. McCarthy under center. The Vikings moved the ball through the air with some deep balls coming off in the first half. Claiborne took a swing pass in the red zone down to the two-yard line but didn’t get a chance to punch it in before McCarthy threw incomplete on fourth down. Claiborne followed that catch-and-run with a strong burst down the middle on the next drive. He should line up behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason to start the season.

New Orleans Saints

Kendre Miller vs. LAR: 6 Carries, 22 Yards | 1 Target

Nothing to see here, move on. The Saints have injury concerns across their running back room and thus held out all those expected to start the season on the field. Miller drew the start but labored behind an offensive unit that looked all over the place at times with Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler at quarterback. The Saints were down heavily by halftime, and everyone wanted to get out of the building midway through the third quarter in a game that resulted in a 34-0 trucking by the Rams.

Ty Chandler vs. LAR: 6 Carries, 21 Yards, Fumble (Lost) | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

Fumbled in the red zone in the third quarter. Ty gonna Chandler (from your writer who is a Vikings fan!).

 

New York Giants

Devin Singletary vs. MIA: 8 Carries, 40 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

The veteran was his industrious self in a professional performance against a very average Dolphins second-string outfit for much of this game. Singletary watched as veteran quarterback rumbled in for an early touchdown before getting his chance to hit the end zone later in the half. He is likely the main option behind Cam Skattebo, with veteran Najee Harris also signing in the last few days to further complicate this crowded running back room.

Eric Gray vs. MIA: 6 Carries, 37 Yards | 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 37 Yards

Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. MIA: 6 Carries, 26 Yards, Fumble (Lost) | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 22 Yards

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Will Shipley vs. NEP: 11 Carries, 56 Yards, TD 

It must be hard for Will Shipley, who has impressed when given the chance, but when youy are working behind Saquon Barkley in football it is a poisoned chalice. He showed what he is capable of in this outing with a early 18-yard breakaway run serving as a highlight package for his skillset. He then capped a 77-yard touchdown drive with a nice run up the middle from five yards out. Backup role locked in for the season.

Carson Steele  vs. NEP: 12 Carries, 33 Yards | 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 84 Yards, TD

The former Chiefs back certainly made his case for a roster spot with a stat sheet that shows how much work he saw out of the backfield as a pass-catcher. One of those plays was possible the play of the weekend, Steele hurdling a defender for a touchdown, showcasing the unusual athleticism that has made him such an intriguing prospect so far in his career.

 

Seattle Seahawks

Jacardia Wright vs. TEN: 8 Carries, 81 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 12 Yards

One play, 69 yards and a touchdown. A nice start for the undrafted free agent who knocked around the Seahawks practice squad last year. Wright broke away from the Titans defense thanks to a big hole down the middle, and he left the defense for dead with an impressive burst of speed through the hole. The Seahawks played everything conservatively from that point on. With all the starters not suiting up, it is hard to read into what impact this play will have on what looks like a locked-in roster for the running back room.

Anthony Hankerson vs. TEN: 5 Carries, 10 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards

 

San Francisco 49ers

Kaelon Black vs. LAC: 8 Carries, 33 Yards

Black was given the start and saw all his carries in the first quarter. His longest run of 9 yards was initially stuffed at the line, but a terrific second effort saw him plough forward for an impressive gain. If he is to work in the short yardage role, then this play was exactly what we wanted to see.

Sincere McCormick vs. LAC: 6 Carries, 53 Yards, TD

An impressive showing from the third-year back who broke away down the sideline in the second quarter for a 37-yard run that was stopped just a yard short of the touchline. He was rewarded for his big play with a follow-up carry, which he punched in down the middle for a touchdown. His night’s work was done. McCormick is pitching for the main backup role with Black behind Christian McCaffrey, and outperforming Black in this contest will set him in good stead.

Zamir White vs. LAC: 12 Carries, 29 Yards

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving vs. KC: 3 Carries, 14 Yards 

After a down year in 2025, Irving will look to make more of an impact this season from a fantasy perspective. Irving had a couple of nice carries in the first series to move the chains, and that was enough for him for the night. With Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker the only other backs on the roster worthy of note, it is promising that he will likely be in the mix for early-season work to kickstart his campaign.

Sean Tucker vs. KC: 5 Carries, 23 Yards, TD | 2 Targets

 

Washington Commanders

Kaytron Allen vs. DET: 10 Carries, 30 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 0 Yards

There is nothing really to mention worthy of this performance from a running back room that was only treated to 15 rushing attempts in this game. The sixth-round rookie is likely ahead of Robert Henry Jr. more due to the fact that Henry Jr. coughed the ball up on a kickoff return late in the game.

Craig Reynolds vs. DET: 2 Carries, 2 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 3 Yards

Robert Henry Jr. vs. DET: 4 Carries, -3 Yards, Fumble (Lost) | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

Series Navigation
Introduction
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

Brett Ford

Writer, Editor and Podcast host for QBList.com, Ravens fan, Cool Dad