LB RAY-RAY ARMSTRONG

After grabbing an interception in last week's game against the Lions, Armstrong was bumped up to the first-team nickel defense at practice this week. "As a linebacker, he's long and he can cover," Shurmur said. "He's what linebackers should look like and he's made progress. We feel like he's done some really good things as we work through training camp, so it was good to see him have some success."

RB WAYNE GALLMAN

The second-year running back has been one of the most productive players of the preseason, recording two touchdowns (one on the ground and one through the air) against the Lions. He continues to make the most of his increased workload with Saquon Barkley sidelined due to a tweaked hamstring.

CB B.W. WEBB

Coach Pat Shurmur wouldn't say that Webb has gotten the "upper hand" in the competition for the nickel corner spot, but that's where he has been playing as of late with the first team. "What I would say is he's done a good job to this point," Shurmur said. "And he's done a good job covering the slot and covering outside. That's why he's got our attention."

WR RUSSELL SHEPARD

The 53-man roster will be finalized one week from Saturday, and Shepard is among the receivers competing for targets behind Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer. Russell Shepard, who has 72 games of experience in five seasons in the NFL, hauled in a 40-yard pass from backup quarterback Davis Webb in Detroit.

S CURTIS RILEY

Nicknamed "Boobie Miles" because of his resemblance to the real-life high school player portrayed in the movie "Friday Night Lights", Riley is settling into the starting free safety spot next to two-time Pro Bowler Landon Collins.