NFL Player News

Mixon indicated Monday that he's hopeful to agree with the Bengals on a contract extension this offseason, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports. "I've always been all about the team. But if it comes to a point where I gotta think about me, that's just what's going to have to happen," Mixon said, when asked if he would skip offseason workouts if an extension isn't in place.

Though Mixon's efficiency as a ballcarrier dropped off in 2019, he still rumbled for 1,137 yards and five touchdowns on an acceptable 4.1 yards per tote while working behind a porous offensive line. The 23-year-old is on Cincinnati's books through 2020, but he's understandably seeking some longer-term job security on the heels of his second consecutive 1,000-plus-yard campaign. Mixon was at his best during the final quarter of the 2019 season, clearing 100 rushing yards in three of those four contests and chipping in nine receptions for 97 yards.

Ekeler carried the ball nine times for 46 yards and caught nine of 11 targets for 43 yards in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs,

While Ekeler was seven yards short of joining just a handful of running backs to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season, it was nevertheless a banner year for the third-year pro as he finished the 2019 campaign with 557 rushing yards, 993 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. The 24-year-old proved that he could be an every-down back in his short stint as the starter to open 2019 while Melvin Gordon was holding out, but it's unclear whether the Chargers will operate with that same mindset next season. At the very least, Ekeler figures to share time with another back, but whether he's the primary option or a dangerous No. 2 could be one of the biggest questions looming for the Chargers in 2020.

Sanders (ankle) is considered day-to-day, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Coach Doug Pederson didn't provide any details, but his brief comment suggests the running back at least avoided a high-ankle sprain, which would typically draw a more pessimistic assessment. Sanders initially tried to play through the injury in Sunday's 34-17 win over the Giants, eventually sitting out for the entire second half while Boston Scott took over as the lead back (and rumbled for 138 scrimmage yards and three TDs on 23 touches). It's a safe bet Sanders will land on the injury report ahead of Sunday's wild-card matchup with Seattle. Pederson did mention that Jordan Howard is likely to see more work come Sunday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Laird carried the ball 11 times for 21 yards during Sunday's 27-24 win over the Patriots. He also secured four of five targets for 48 yards.

Laird once again did most of his damage through the air while struggling to produce on the ground in Sunday's season finale. The undrafted rookie out of California wraps up the 2019 season with 62 carries for 168 yards (2.7 YPC) and one touchdown. He also caught 24 of 30 targets for 204 yards. While it seems extremely unlikely that the Dolphins will deploy Laird as the lead back in 2020, the 24-year-old's solid performance down the stretch may very well secure him a rotational or depth role.

Sanders (ankle) will undergo testing Monday to evaluate what is believed to be a "pretty decent sprain", Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

The Eagles are optimistic it isn't a high ankle sprain, but that doesn't mean Sanders will be ready for Sunday's game against Seattle in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The rookie initially tried to play through the injury during Sunday's 34-17 win over the Giants, but he ended up missing the entire second half, which contributed to Boston Scott piling up 138 yards and three touchdowns on 23 touches. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Sanders will have an MRI on Monday.

Chubb rushed for 41 yards on 13 carries and caught one of two targets for one yard in Sunday's 33-23 loss to the Bengals in Week 17.

The Browns played from behind for much of the game, but not so much that they should have abandoned Chubb. He finished with a season low in carries and yards while losing the NFL rushing title to Tennessee's Derrick Henry. In a disappointing season for the organization, Chubb was one of its few bright spots. Cleveland fired head coach Freddie Kitchens following the game, so there will be some changes to the team in 2020. Chubb, however, is expected to occupy the same role as the team's lead back.

Mostert rushed 10 times for 57 yards and two touchdowns while gaining 16 more yards on his lone reception in Sunday's 26-21 win over Seattle.

Mostert led the 49ers' backfield trio in touches and production for yet another week, finishing with the only usable stat line from the bunch from a fantasy perspective. Formerly known for his pure speed and special teams contributions, the 27-year-old was able to take advantage of playing time opened up by teammate injuries to establish himself as a big-play back. Mostert racked up 952 total yards and 10 touchdowns this season, most of which came over the final five weeks of the year when he took over as the head of a committee. The speedy back's 5.6 yards per carry would have led the league had he finished with enough carries to qualify, but the gaudy average is impressive nonetheless. All three of San Francisco's backfield options are under team control for 2020, but if the end of the regular season is any indicator, Mostert could find himself as the top option heading into training camp next year.

Homer rushed 10 times for 62 yards and caught all five targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 26-21 loss to the 49ers.

Homer finished behind Marshawn Lynch in the pecking order, as Lynch logged 12 carries, but the rookie was the most explosive back with 6.2 yards per carry. His versatility helps make up for the losses of Chris Carson (hip), Rashaad Penny (knee) and C.J. Prosise (arm), but it will likely continue to be a timeshare in the Seahawks' backfield. Homer and the Seahawks travel to Philadelphia next Sunday for the wild-card playoff round.

Scott carried the ball 19 times for 54 yards and three touchdowns and caught four of six targets for 84 yards in Sunday's 34-17 win over the Giants.

Miles Sanders left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury and did not return, but even with Jordan Howard back in the lineup, it was Scott who stepped up and led the team in both rushing and receiving yards while scoring three red-zone TDs in the second half as the Eagles broke the game open. With the NFC East title now in hand and a wild-card battle against the Seahawks ahead next weekend, Scott could again have a significant role in the offense if Sanders isn't 100 percent.

Drake ran for 60 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and caught three of four targets for 23 receiving yards during Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Rams.

The 25-year-old back concluded his late-season scoring surge during Arizona's 2019 finale, accounting for his seventh TD since Week 15 while also reaching 5.0 yards per carry for a third straight game. Drake relegated former Cardinals workhorse David Johnson to a bit role over the latter half of 2019, amassing 18.9 offensive touches per game to Johnson's stunningly low total of 3.3 touches per appearance between Weeks 9 and 17. While Johnson's contract extends through 2021, it seems extremely unlikely that the team would deploy him as the lead back next season given his disintegrating role over the past two months. Drake, meanwhile, will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the Cardinals may very well look to secure his services long term as result of the back's prolific production during the late stages of an otherwise mediocre year for Arizona's offense.