NFL Player News

Williams (foot) didn't practice Thursday, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Despite taking part in some drills on a side field Wednesday, Williams was listed as a non-participant on the Bengals' first Week 1 injury report, which extended into Thursday. It's unclear if he's trending toward inactive status Sunday in Seattle, but the Bengals should be able to get by with the trio of Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine as long as Williams' health is compromised.

On Thursday, executive vice president Stephen Jones wouldn't touch on Elliott's snap count for Sunday's game against the Giants, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. "He came in in really good shape. Hats off to him," Jones added. "I think he's going to be ready to go ... barring something unforeseen."

Jones didn't exactly shed light on the situation as the Cowboys announced Elliott's extension Thursday. Elliott wasn't listed on the first two injury reports of Week 1, so there's no indication he's dealing with a health concern. On the other hand, Jane Slater of NFL Network reported Wednesday that Elliott will get approximately 20-to-25 snaps this weekend, indicating a split of the RB reps with rookie Tony Pollard may come to pass. Whatever the case, Elliott will be involved in the game plan as long as he's active.

Washington (concussion/ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Luke Johnson of USA Today reports.

Washington exited the Saints' third preseason game with a concussion and apparently picked up an ankle injury at some point within the last two weeks, but his full activity Thursday suggests he's moved past both issues. The 25-year-old will enter the season third on the depth chart at running back, a role that won't afford him many offensive snaps while both Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are at full strength.

Murray (undisclosed) wasn't listed on the Saints' initial Week 1 injury report, Luke Johnson of USA Today reports.

Murray missed practice and preseason Week 3 for an unknown reason, but it turned out to be a non-story in the end. Set to serve as the second piece in a backfield that employs Alvin Kamara, Murray should have a healthy dose of snaps on a weekly basis, like Mark Ingram received both of the past two seasons.

Barner was named the Falcons' top kickoff and punt returner Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Barner will begin the season as Atlanta's primary return man while also providing depth at the running back position. The veteran projects to play a key role on special teams for the Falcons, but it's hard to get excited about his fantasy prospects since he won't be in store for regular offensive snaps.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested Edwards and Justice Hill will have roles behind starter Mark Ingram. "We'll probably kind of see who's got the hot hand," Roman said Thursday. "But, you know, Mark's our starter, and I think everybody is going to contribute."

Ingram's status atop the depth chart has never been questioned, but Edwards and Hill should still get some chances in a run-heavy offense, especially now that Kenneth Dixon (knee) is out of the picture. The Ravens likely will have all three running backs active for Sunday's game in Miami, with the workload split to be determined. Roman seems to be hinting at a degree of involvement for each of the three players.

Coach Anthony Lynn hinted that he'll likely have Ekeler share the backfield snaps with Justin Jackson in Sunday's game against the Colts, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports. "I've always used those guys as a tandem," Lynn said. "That's not going to change. We're going to put guys in good positions to do what they do best.

With Melvin Gordon's holdout continuing into the regular season, Ekeler is on track to receive the Week 1 start, but he apparently won't be asked to fill the high-volume role that the former has filled when available. Though Ekeler averaged a robust 5.2 yards per carry on 106 attempts in 2018 while also showcasing utility as a receiver, he hasn't logged more than 17 touches in any game during his two-year career. By not asking Ekeler to handle the overwhelming share of the backfield work, the Chargers are likely hoping he can maintain the efficiency he's displayed in the past and ensure the Los Angeles offense doesn't lose much potency without its top back in the fold.

Wilkins (foot) participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion.

Wilkins battled a hamstring injury in training camp before suffering a foot injury and being shut down for the preseason. Coach Frank Reich wasn't sure about Wilkins' chances of playing Week 1, but some participation in practice is positive news. If he's able to suit up, Wilkins will work as a dual-threat back to complement Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines.

Williams (ribs) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Williams is still recovering after breaking a rib in the Colts' second preseason game. Even if Williams progresses enough to practice this week and play Sunday versus the Chargers, there won't be many opportunities since Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines are healthy.

Williams (foot) participated in individual drills Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Williams spent Wednesday's practice on the rehab field away from the team as he manages a foot injury from the second preseason game. The rookie sixth-round pick appears to be on track to be able to play Sunday versus the Seahawks, but he's still in competition with Samaje Perine for the No. 3 running back role, and the team could dress just three backs for the opener.