NFL Player News

Cook (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Coach Mike Zimmer noted earlier Wednesday that Cook was expected to practice, but he didn't disclose whether the running back's reps would be capped. Even though Cook ended up being limited to start Week 8 prep, Zimmer believes the running back will return to action Sunday at Green Bay. Still, Cook's status bears watching as the week goes on to make sure he's trending in the right direction.

Jones (calf) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The Packers have a reputation for being cautious with injured players, and coach Matt LaFleur reiterated Wednesday that the team would be "very careful" managing Jones' calf strain. LaFleur said he hopes to have the running back available sooner than later, but it isn't clear if that will happen for a Week 8 matchup with the Vikings. A return to practice Thursday or Friday would at least give Jones a shot to make his case for suiting up.

Sanders (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Speaking to media earlier Wednesday, coach Doug Pederson classified his starting running back as day-to-day. An absence from practice suggests Sanders is in serious danger of missing a second straight game, but he could perhaps have a shot to suit up Sunday if he makes it back on the field Thursday or Friday. The Eagles host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that the Packers will be "very careful" with Jones as the running back works through a strained calf muscle, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

LaFleur also said the team hopes to have Jones back in the lineup sooner than later, though the overarching theme is one of caution. Jamaal Williams filled in effectively for Jones in the Week 7 win over Houston, and he could get another start Sunday against the 49ers. Practice reports throughout the week should provide some information on Jones' progress.

Mixon (foot) won't practice Wednesday, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Bengals still consider Mixon day-to-day, but missing practice to begin the week isn't a good early sign for his chances of playing Sunday against the Titans. Mixon will still have two more chances to resume practicing before Cincinnati decides whether to give him a designation heading into the weekend. If Mixon is forced to miss another game, Giovani Bernard would be in line to draw a second straight start.

Coach Doug Pederson labeled Sanders (knee) as day-to-day Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Sanders, who last suited up in Week 6, missed last Thursday's 22-21 win over the Giants, with Boston Scott filling in as the Eagles' lead back. The day-to-day label at least implies that a Week 8 return is plausible for Sanders, though that will clearly hinge on how much and how well he practices this week.

Coach Mike Zimmer said that Cook (groin) will practice Wednesday.

The Vikings won't reveal whether Cook will be limited or full participant until after the workout concludes. Even if Cook is listed as limited to begin the week, Zimmer said he assumes the running back will be ready to play Sunday against the Packers, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Cook was sidelined for the Vikings' Week 6 loss to the Falcons before benefiting from a Week 7 bye.

Ogunbowale fielded six offensive snaps with no touches, also collecting two tackles on 21 special-teams snaps during Sunday's 39-29 loss to the Chargers.

Ogunbowale has yet to garner an offensive touch in his debut campaign with the Jaguars, after logging 35 receptions and 11 rushes for a total of 303 scrimmage yards last year in Tampa Bay. So far in 2020, James Robinson has dominated the running back workload by fielding 107 of the position's 113 carries and 32 of the 51 RB targets. Barring an injury on the depth chart ahead of him, Ogunbowale seems destined for extremely limited offensive usage.

Freeman registered 12 rushing yards on three carries, adding a five-yard reception during Sunday's 43-16 loss to Kansas City.

Freeman fielded 18 offensive snaps in Week 7, as Phillip Lindsay was forced to exit late in the second quarter because of a concussion. If Lindsay were forced to sit out Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Chargers' 14th-ranked rush defense, Freeman would once again be inserted into the No. 2 RB role as a complement to Melvin Gordon. Freeman garnered nine offensive touches Week 6 against the Patriots as Gordon sat out with a case of strep throat, meaning he could be in line for a similar workload against Los Angeles if Lindsay is unable to clear concussion protocol.

Vaughn did not play a single offensive snap during Sunday's 45-20 win against Las Vegas.

With Leonard Fournette fielding 11 carries behind Ronald Jones' team high of 13, the rookie back was afforded no offensive opportunities during Week 7. Vaughn racked up 42 rushing yards on five carries against Green Bay during a Week 6 rout, but with both veteran backs healthy against Las Vegas, the Vanderbilt product was limited to special-teams usage only. Unless Tampa Bay's Week 8 road trip to face the Giants becomes a one-sided affair, Vaughn will likely be relegated to an obsolete role in the offense.