NFL Player News

Mixon (ankle) wasn't seen at the early portion of Friday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

MIxon looks like he'll sit out practice for the third consecutive day due to the ankle sprain, making it difficult to envision him being available for Sunday's matchup with the Packers. Assuming Mixon ends up being ruled out for the Week 5 matchup, Samaje Perine should take over the starting role, with Chris Evans handling the third-down role.

Homer rushed once for five yards and caught his lone target for 13 yards in Thursday's 26-17 loss to the Rams.

Homer ran ahead of DeeJay Dallas through the first four weeks of the season, but Dallas jumped Homer in the pecking order with Chris Carson (neck) out Thursday. Neither player was particularly effective for fantasy purposes. Homer likely won't have much fantasy value in 2021, considering his snap share took a step back in a pass-heavy game script with Carson out of the lineup.

Dallas rushed four times for seven yards and caught both targets for 32 yards in Thursday's 26-17 loss to the Rams.

Alex Collins was the clear lead back with a 74 percent snap share, but Dallas out-snapped Travis Homer, 14-8. Dallas was even in the game during the two-minute drill at the end of the second quarter. The second-year running back could remain a part of the game plan if Chris Carson (neck) can't return next week against the Steelers. However, Dallas logged just four offensive snaps over the first four games before Carson sat out Thursday.

Gordon (lower leg) is expected to play against the Steelers on Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Gordon sat out practice Wednesday but was able to participate in a limited fashion Thursday, and it appears he'll be able to play through the injury this weekend at Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old is trending in the right direction, though it's unclear if he's made enough progress to avoid taking a questionable tag into Sunday's contest.

Head coach Vic Fangio said Thursday that Boone (quadriceps) is close to making his return to the field, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

The veteran running back has been practicing for the past two weeks, and it's possible that the team could activate him from IR ahead of Sunday's game in Pittsburgh. Even if Boone returns, he likely would be in third in line for work out of the backfield behind Melvin Gordon or Javonte Williams. Gordon is dealing with a bruised lower leg and was limited in practice Thursday as a result, so Boone's return to the roster ahead of this weekend's contest could hinge on Gordon's availability.

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.