Let go by Chargers

Pope was waived by the Chargers on Friday, Ricky Henne of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Pope was let go to make room for kicker Nick Rose on the active roster. After initially being elevated from the practice squad on Dec. 13, Pope did not play a single snap with the Chargers before ultimately being cut. The 25-year-old hasn't played in an NFL game since 2016.

Elevated from practice squad

Pope was promoted from the Chargers' practice squad to their active roster Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Pope was added to the Chargers' practice squad a couple of weeks ago when Melvin Gordon originally suffered his MCL injury, and now, with backup Austin Ekeler (neck/concussion) ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Pope will be added to the active roster for added insurance at the running back position. Gordon is reportedly pushing to play Thursday night, but Pope would likely operate as the No. 3 back should the star tailback remain sidelined.

Inks practice squad deal

Pope signed with the Chargers' practice squad Wednesday, Sam Fortier of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: With Melvin Gordon (MCL) banged up and considered week-to-week moving forward, the Chargers opted to add some depth at the running back position to the team's practice squad. Pope would likely be the next man up to join the 53-man roster should another running back go down.

Released from practice sqaud

Pope was released from the Seahawks' practice squad Tuesday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Analysis: Pope joined the team's practice squad in early November as he had previous stints with the team, but the running back depth is apparently no longer needed with J.D. McKissic (foot) nearing a return. The Jacksonville State product hasn't seen game action since 2016 with the Jets and Seahawks.

Finds spot with Seattle's practice squad

Pope signed with the Seahawks' practice squad Tuesday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Analysis: This will be Pope's third stint with the team, as he led the squad in rushing yards during the 2016 preseason but was cut anyway. With Chris Carson's status in jeopardy due to a hip injury, the team wants security in the backfield.

Waived by Houston

Pope was waived by the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis: Pope was cleared off the roster so that Houston could add running back Buddy Howell, who was claimed off waivers from Miami.

Makes play on return

Pope carried four times for zero yards, caught two of three targets for seven yards and had one kickoff return for 45 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Rams.

Analysis: Pope has made a big play in each of the three preseason games. He had 34-yard reception the first week, then a 58-yard kickoff return, which was called back, the second week, and another big return in the third week. Pope is similar to Tyler Ervin - smallish, quick backs who can catch out of the backfield and return kicks - and has been given more opportunities than Ervin during preseason. It's conceivable both could make the final roster if D'Onta Foreman (Achilles) remains on the PUP list.

Lower profile against Niners

Pope had one carry for two yards and caught two of four targets for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the 49ers. He also had one kickoff return for 25 yards.

Analysis: Pope made a splash in the first preseason game when he had 10 touches for 65 yards, but was featured less the second time out. Still, with the regular-season status of D'Onta Foreman (Achilles) unknown and uncertainty behind starter Lamar Miller, Pope is pushing to move ahead of Tyler Ervin on the depth chart, which might leave Ervin without a roster spot.

Nine touches in preseason opener

Pope gained 18 yards on six carries and caught three of four targets for 47 yards in Houston's preseason win over Kansas City on Thursday.

Analysis: Pope got into the game during the first half, but most of his action came following intermission. With D'Onta Foreman's (Achilles) status in a state of uncertainty, there's likely a roster spot available. Pope showed the traits that suggest his main competition in camp is Tyler Ervin, who had a couple of rushes for 12 yards and was not targeted.

The Texans signed Pope to a reserve/future contract Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Pope latched on with the Texans' practice squad in November but was never summoned to the 53-man roster. The team will take a longer look at the Jacksonville State product during its offseason program, but Pope doesn't have a great chance of cracking the roster out of training camp this summer.