Aaron

Shampklin

Patterson went down with an ankle injury in the Steelers’ Week 4 loss to the Colts and did not return. With Jaylen Warren inactive, Aaron Shampklin made his NFL debut as the Steelers’ RB3. Both Patterson and Warren did not practice on Wednesday and look unlikely to suit up for Week 5. Shampklin could see a few touches versus the Cowboys, but the injuries will ultimately funnel a massive workload to Najee Harris.

With Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylen Warren banged up, Shampklin could operate as the team’s No. 2 running back behind Najee Harris in Week 5 against the Cowboys. Shampklin, an undrafted player out of Harvard in 2022, had one carry for five yards last week against the Colts. Look for Harris to see a heavy workload if Patterson and Warren are once again sidelined in Week 5.

Fellow running backs Wes Hills, John Lovett, and Aaron Shampklin also worked out for the Jets. Though any signings from this group will likely be camp bodies and nothing more, a light investment at running back to start camp could be taken as a positive sign on Breece Hall’s recovery. Hall is working his way back from a torn ACL and if the team was worried about his status for Week 1, they would likely add a bigger name to their backfield. They aren’t out of the running for a back like Dalvin Cook, but if Hall makes it through camp without much in the way of competition for touches, he will be locked and loaded for an RB1 season.

Shampklin will revert to IR, ending his season. The undrafted Harvard back was in the mix for Dallas’ RB3 spot before going down, rushing for 106 yards on 28 carries (3.8 YPC) this preseason. With Shampklin out, Rico Dowdle will open the season behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.

Shampklin subbed in on the first series for Dallas and played into the second half, getting injured on the final drive of the night. The undrafted rookie had to be helped to the sideline and was unable to walk under his own power. Shampklin, who was competing with Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis for the RB3 spot, was one of the standouts for Dallas this summer before going down. The Cowboys could stash Shampklin on IR if he makes their roster, sidelining him at least four weeks. Shampklin would miss the entire season if he goes on IR before final cuts.

Malik Davis started with Dallas resting its first-team offense. Shampklin worked in a committee with Davis and finished as the team’s leading rusher. The undrafted Harvard back made a case for a roster spot this preseason, rushing for 106 yards on 28 carries (3.8 YPC). Shampklin is a hedge to the Cowboys’ backfield for bettors who don’t think Tony Pollard can handle a full workload if Ezekiel Elliott goes down. Dallas will stash one of Shampklin, Davis, or Rico Dowdle on its practice squad.