NFL Player News

Dallas could handle some offensive work in Thursday's game versus the Rams following news that Chris Carson (neck) is inactive.

Alex Collins is expected to operate as the lead back after rushing 10 times for 44 yards and a touchdown and catching two passes (two targets) for 34 yards in Sunday's win over the 49ers, while Travis Homer still has a firm grasp on the passing down work. However, Carson's absence could open the door slightly for Dallas, who has logged just four offensive snaps this season. Dallas should still be the No. 3 option in this rotation, however.

Homer could see an increased workload in Thursday's game against the Rams with Chris Carson (neck) inactive for the contest.

Alex Collins is expected to be the main beneficiary of Carson's absence, especially with regard to early down work, but Homer and possibly DeeJay Dallas could enjoy modest increases in their respective snaps as well. Homer typically handles the team's passing-down reps because he's a sturdy pass blocker and an evasive pass catcher, and that role could be key with a potential high-scoring tilt on tap. Through four games, Homer has rushed once for five yards and caught five passes (on five targets) for 62 yards.

Mitchell (shoulder) was limited at Thursday's practice, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Like last week, Mitchell has logged limited sessions so far this week. Unlike last week, he's gotten rid of his blue non-contact jersey, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. Mitchell continues to work his way back from a shoulder stinger suffered Week 2, which has sidelined him the past two games. If he's able to gain clearance to play Sunday, it's unclear if he'll be able to retake the No. 1 spot on the running back depth chart, or if he'll share the load with Trey Sermon, who has started in Mitchell's place.

Edmonds (shoulder) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Edmonds has yet to join any drills at practice this week, but he was spotted working on the side during the portion of Thursday's session open to the media, per Urban. It's unclear either way if an absence is possible for Edmonds this Sunday against the 49ers, but Friday's practice and subsequent injury report could go a long way in determining his potential to play. Elsewhere in Arizona's backfield, No. 2 RB James Conner returned to practice Thursday after taking off Wednesday due to a personal matter.

Jacobs (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.

Jacobs was limited Wednesday, but his return to a full session Thursday paves the way for him to continue leading the Las Vegas backfield Sunday against the Bears. With fellow back Peyton Barber (toe) listed a questionable and change-of-pace back Kenyan Drake having logged limited touches in the Week 4 loss to the Chargers, Jacobs could be busy this weekend against a Chicago defense that has allowed an average of 112 rushing yards per game to date.

Cook (ankle) was considered a non-participant for the second consecutive practice Thursday.

Cook was in a helmet and seemed to participate in some individual drills at the portion of Thursday's session open to the media, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Still, the Vikings put DNP next to Cook's name on their second injury report of Week 5 prep. Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reported that Cook intends to play through his sprained right ankle Sunday versus the Lions, as he believes he's trending toward active status. Cook would allay fears that he won't by at least putting in a limited practice Friday. In any case, Minnesota has trust in backup Alexander Mattison to fill in in the backfield if Cook is limited or sidelined this weekend.

McNichols (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

McNichols' reps were capped Wednesday in the Titans' first Week 5 practice, but his return to full activity a day later puts him on track to play Sunday in Jacksonville. Assuming Tennessee waits at least one more week to activate Darrynton Evans (knee) from injured reserve, McNichols should be on track to fill his usual change-of-pace role behind Derrick Henry on Sunday.

Jones (ankle) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Jones is mimicking exactly how he went through Week 4 prep this week -- consecutive limited sessions -- before he suited up this past Sunday against the Steelers. He was able to log 63 percent of the offensive snaps en route to 15 carries for 48 yards and three catches (on four targets) for 51 yards in that victory. Assuming he gets through Friday unscathed, too, Jones should handle a similar workload Sunday in Cincinnati.

Mixon (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

With back-to-back practice absences to start Week 5, Mixon will need to get back on the field Friday in order to have a chance to suit up Sunday against the Packers. If he ends up limited or out this weekend, Baby notes that Samaje Perine would be in line to see added carries, with Chris Evans a candidate to see an expanded third-down role.

Hines didn't practice Thursday due to a shoulder injury.

Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis previously noted that Hines' shoulder issue stems from getting hit on a muffed punt Week 4, but the injury didn't impact him for the rest of the game. Still, the running back's absence from practice Thursday makes his status for Monday's game against the Ravens worth monitoring. Assuming he's available for Week 5, Hines will continue to work in a change-of-pace role behind top back Jonathan Taylor.