NFL Player News

Taylor finished the 2021 season with 19 carries for 37 yards and two TDs to go along with four catches (on four targets) for eight yards in five games.

Though the Patriots' running back group endured some injuries this past season, Taylor didn't see much volume in his second campaign as a pro. He's under contract with New England through 2022, so the 5-foot-6, 185-pounder is in line to reprise a depth role (behind Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson) in the team's backfield next season.

The Titans plan to activate Henry (foot) from IR in advance of Saturday's divisional-round playoff game against the Bengals, Turron Davenport of ESPN reports.

A transaction to confirm such an outcome is slated to arrive later Friday. Per Davenport, Henry is expected to start when Tennessee's offense takes the field Saturday, though it's unclear how much he'll play in his first game action since Week 8 remains to be seen. With that in mind, it's plausible that D'Onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard -- who have been filling in for Henry of late -- will continue to be involved in the team's ground game versus Cincinnati as Henry works his way back into mix.

Jones (ankle) missed another practice Friday and thus appears unlikely to play this Sunday against the Rams, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

While Jones will almost certainly miss at least one more game, Bucs coach Bruce Arians said Friday that Leonard Fournette (IR/hamstring) has looked good in practice this week, avoiding setbacks as he hopes to play for the first time since Week 15. If both Jones and Fournette are out again, the Bucs likely would repeat their plan from the wild-card round, deploying Ke'Shawn Vaughn as the lead runner and Giovani Bernard as the passing-down back.

Benjamin notched 34 carries for 118 yards and one touchdown, gathered in six of seven targets for 42 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 162 yards in nine appearances during the 2021 campaign.

A 2020 seventh-round pick, Benjamin filled in when injuries impacted the Cardinals' skill-position ranks this season. Most of his usage occurred in games in which one of fellow running backs James Conner or Chase Edmonds was sidelined, but Benjamin wasn't very efficient on the ground, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. On a positive note, though, Benjamin ranked first on the team with 23.1 yards per kick return among Cards with at least five opportunities. With both Conner and Edmonds set to be unrestricted free agents in the offseason, Benjamin could have a more prominent role in 2022, depending on the composition of the backfield following free agency and the draft.

Jones (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

There were positive signs from Jones earlier Thursday, when he was seen running at the back of the practice field, per Laine. However, Jones hasn't been able to cut on his ankle sprain since injuring himself Week 17 at the Jets. With just one more session to mix into drills this week, he may be trending toward a third absence in a row Sunday against the Rams. If the preceding comes to pass, the Bucs again may have to lean on Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Giovani Bernard (hip/knee) at running back because Leonard Fournette (hamstring) remains on injured reserve.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) practiced fully again Thursday.

After having logged back-to-back full sessions Wednesday and Thursday, Edwards-Helaire appears on track to suit up Sunday against the Bills, barring any setbacks. Friday's final injury report will confirm whether Edwards-Helaire approaches the contest minus an injury designation as well as add further context with regard to the status of fellow running back Darrel Williams (toe), who has yet to practice this week.

Williams (toe) didn't practice Thursday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Williams missed Wednesday's practice as well, so what he's able to do Friday will be telling with regard to his chances of suiting up for Sunday's divisional-round game against the Bills. While Williams' status for the contest is cloudy for now, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) has been practicing this week and thus is trending toward a return to action versus Buffalo. In Kansas City's wild-card win over the Steelers this past weekend, Williams logged just eight snaps on offense and one carry, while Jerick McKinnon led the team's backfield with 12 carries on 51 snaps.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said Thursday that Henry (foot) has been taking more reps in each successive practice since the Titans designated him for return from injured reserve Jan. 5, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Vrabel wouldn't tip his hand regarding if Henry will be available for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Bengals, as the Titans plan to reassess the running back Friday before deciding on his status. In order for Henry to be eligible to play this weekend, Tennessee will have to activate him from IR no later than 4 p.m. ET on Friday, so clarity on his availability (or lack thereof) should arrive by that point. If the Titans elect to hold Henry out for their postseason opener, D'Onta Foreman would be in line to serve as the team's lead option on the ground, as was the case for much of the second half of the regular season.

Mitchell (knee) practiced fully Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Mitchell has managed an uncapped session earlier than he did the previous three weeks as he puts his bout with knee irritation further in the rear-view mirror. During the recent three-game stretch, he averaged 24 touches for 100 yards from scrimmage per game while totaling two touchdowns. Mitchell will look to keep it going Saturday in the divisional round, taking on a Packers defense that has allowed 4.3 yards per carry (17th-most in the NFL) and 14 touchdowns (tied for 20th-most) to running backs in 17 regular-season contests.

Barner netted no gain on four carries and returned six punts for 47 yards across three games during the 2021 season.

The veteran back has shuttled back and forth between the practice squad and active roster, most recently garnering active status for the wild-card win over the Eagles on Sunday but not recording any stats. Barner is essentially emergency depth for the Buccaneers, and as was evident Sunday, even injuries to the backfield's top two options far from guarantee he can see any action from scrimmage. Additionally, as long as Jaelon Darden is healthy, the speedy rookie appears to have the full-time return job secured, which cuts off Barner's primary route to even getting on the field.