ESPN's Mike Reiss believes the Patriots might deploy both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson as 3-down backs this season. The idea is that they'd rotate series -- like they did in the 2nd preseason game -- but stay on the field for 3rd downs. Reiss believes RB Ty Montgomery might play "when it's a two-minute offense type of situation." If Reiss is right, Harris and Stevenson would be just RB3s in fantasy lineups when both are healthy. But if either gets hurt, the other would become a strong fantasy play.

Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official website calls RB Ty Montgomery the "early favorite" for passing-down duties. "Montgomery has been one of the under-the-radar stars of Patriots training camp this summer, slowly but surely cementing himself as part of the running back rotation," Dussault writes. HC Bill Belichick called Montgomery a "very smart, multi-skilled, multi-talented player" prior to Tuesday's practice. This still feels like a fluid situation, with RBs Rhamondre Stevenson and Pierre Strong also in the mix for pass-catching work. But it's time to at least start considering Montgomery near the end of deeper PPR drafts.

Patriots HC Bill Belichick said Tuesday that RB Rhamondre Stevenson "has done a real good job improving his pass-game skills," especially as a pass protector. Stevenson said back in June that his primary focus this offseason was in the passing game, and it sounds like the work has paid off. New England's pass-catching role is up for grabs with RB James White's retirement. It sounds like Stevenson, Ty Montgomery and rookie Pierre Strong are the top contenders for that job.

NESN's Zack Cox calls Ty Montgomery a "strong candidate" for the Patriots' 3rd-down RB role. "He’s listed as a wide receiver but has seen just as many reps in the backfield this summer, if not more," Cox writes. He goes on to concede that Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie Pierre Strong are also candidates for the 3rd-down job. So the situation is as clear as mud at this point. We'll see if we learn anything in preseason games.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (knee) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report. HC Sean Payton said Friday that Kamara was “real close” to playing last week, and that it was actually a hamstring issue that kept Kamara out. RBs Mark Ingram and Ty Montgomery are on the COVID list and are likely to miss Sunday’s game, so Kamara should be in for a heavy workload against the league’s 32nd-ranked RB defense.

Saints RB Ty Montgomery has joined RB Mark Ingram on the COVID list. Both guys are unlikely to be cleared for Sunday's game vs. the Jets. New Orleans might not have any choice but to give RB Alvin Kamara a full workload in his first game back from his MCL injury.

Saints RB Tony Jones is a healthy scratch for tonight's game vs. the Cowboys. Mark Ingram will operate as New Orleans' lead back, with Ty Montgomery in a change-of-pace role.

Saints RBs Latavius Murray, Dwayne Washington and Mike Burton have been placed on the COVID list as close contacts of RB Alvin Kamara, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reports. Those 3 guys are out for Sunday's game against the Panthers but will at least be eligible for the 1st round of the playoffs if they continue to test negative. New Orleans will use Ty Montgomery at RB and also promote Tony Jones from the practice squad, according to Glazer. The Saints will likely be forced to go pass-heavy in this one, but Montgomery has some RB3 and DFS appeal.

The Saints have signed RB Ty Montgomery, according to insider Nick Underhill. The 27-year-old was a non-factor with the Jets last season but compiled 107 catches over his first 4 NFL seasons (3.5 with the Packers and the rest with the Ravens). We're interested to see what HC Sean Payton does with Montgomery's unique skill set, but he's unlikely to be a fantasy asset without an injury to Alvin Kamara.

Jets RB Ty Montgomery (foot) is active for tonight's game against the Ravens. He should be the #2 RB with Bilal Powell inactive, but that's not likely to mean much playing time.

Jets RB Le'Veon Bell (illness) isn't listed on the final Week 15 injury report. RB Bilal Powell (ankle) has been ruled out, while RB Ty Montgomery (foot, hip) is questionable. Bell should dominate backfield touches against the Ravens on Thursday night.

The Jets have downgraded RB Le'Veon Bell (illness) to out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. That leaves the backfield to RBs Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery. Over the past 5 weeks, Powell has totaled 25 carries and 6 targets to Montgomery's 8 carries and 4 targets. We'd bet on Powell leading the way tomorrow, but there's no way to know for sure what the split will look like. There's at least upside vs. Miami's 28th-ranked RB defense.

Jets RB Le’Veon Bell (illness) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game against the Dolphins after missing practice on Thursday and Friday. Players almost always play when on the injury report with illnesses — but HC Adam Gase said Friday that he’s “unsure” if Bell will be available vs. Miami. We’ll look for an update on his status on Sunday morning. Bell’s absence would leave the Jets with a committee backfield of Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery.

Jets HC Adam Gase said Friday morning that he's "unsure" if RB Le'Veon Bell will play against the Dolphins this weekend. Bell missed Thursday's practice with an illness and will be sidelined again on Friday. Players almost always play through illnesses -- but it's possible that Bell is dealing with something more serious. We'll get another update on his status this afternoon. His absence would leave the Jets with RBs Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery.

Jets HC Adam Gase said RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) won't practice on Wednesday and will be monitored beyond that. His knee injury reportedly isn't serious, but he shouldn't be considered a lock to play against the Giants this weekend. Bell's absence would leave the Jets' backfield to some type of committee with Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell and possibly Josh Adams.

Jets RB Le'Veon Bell suffered a knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, HC Adam Gase said. Bell is undergoing an MRI to determine the severity. We'll update his status as soon as we know more. Bell's absence would leave Ty Montgomery as the likely leader of backfield committee alongside Bilal Powell.

Jets RB Le'Veon Bell is missing practice Thursday and getting an MRI after experiencing shoulder soreness. HC Adam Gase said Thursday morning that he still hopes Bell can play Monday night, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. If he can't, of course, Ty Montgomery would step in. We'll see about the MRI results.

The New York Post's Brian Costello believes Jets RB Ty Montgomery "could be a significant piece" of the offense this season. The former Packer and Raven has been "one of the most impressive players" in camp, Costello adds. Although he's flamed out in lead roles, Montgomery is a plus pass-catcher and is still just 26. We're not expecting him to see enough action to be a real fantasy option. But he could put a dent in RB Le'Veon Bell's volume.