NFL Player News

Wilkins (foot) did not participate in Saturday's practice, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Wilkins has been held out of a handful of practices with a reported foot injury in recent weeks. Head coach Frank Reich suggested the team is still "trying to determine the best course of action with his foot," a perhaps ominous note that would hint the second-year back could continue to miss time. While Nyheim Hines is locked into his role as a third-down specialist, newly signed D'Onta Foreman figures to be the biggest beneficiary if Wilkins' absence were to be prolonged, as the Texans castoff could wiggle his way into the primary backup duties behind Marlon Mack with a solid training camp.

Jones (hamstring) is back at practice Saturday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Jones hasn't participated in practice since last week Wednesday due to a hamstring issue, eventually missing the team's opening preseason contest, so this is certainly good news. Projected backup Jamaal Williams has also been out for a similar amount of time with a hamstring injury, which has allowed for Dexter Williams to emerge as a training camp standout, a possibility that could continue if the Packers choose to ease their starting RB back into the rotation.

Ozigbo carried three times for 20 yards and caught his lone target for nine additional yards during Friday's 35-24 preseason loss to the Vikings.

Ozigbo looked impressive as a runner, ripping off an 11-yard gain and finishing averaging 6.7 yards per carry, albeit in a limited sample size. He's currently buried on the depth chart behind several more established veterans, but he helped his case for additional reps in this one. The starters should play more in the next contest against the Chargers, but perhaps Ozigbo could receive some extra touches in the latter stages.

Snell rushed 13 times for 26 yards and brought in two of three targets for 25 yards in the Steelers' 30-28 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Friday.

The 2019 fourth-round pick comfortably paced the Steelers backfield in carries, even though he found precious little running room on most of them. The rookie's extensive involvement was encouraging, however, as he battles the likes of Jaylen Samuels and Trey Edmunds for a backup role behind James Conner, who did not play Friday. Samuels and Edmunds may eat into some of Snell's carries in coming exhibitions, and it's certainly conceivable that at least two of the three backs stick on the final roster behind Conner.

Mattison carried nine times for 30 yards and turned his lone target into a one-yard touchdown during Friday's 34-25 preseason win over the Saints.

Mattison led the team in carries, and although he averaged a pedestrian 3.3 yards per tote, he made a splash with a one-yard touchdown reception from Kirk Cousins on the opening drive. This was an encouraging debut for Mattison, who has already earned the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Dalvin Cook. If he shows he can produce more efficiently with his carries, the rookie could make a case for a larger role when the regular season starts, which would allow the team to spell Cook a bit more often.

Murray carried three times for 14 yards and caught all three of his targets for an additional 22 yards during Friday's 34-25 preseason loss to the Vikings.

Murray mixed in behind Alvin Kamara, averaging a healthy 6.0 yards per touch in limited action. Most notably he made an impact as a pass-catcher after he was expected to merely serve as an early-down option alongside his aforementioned backfield mate. Murray will still likely receive most of his touches as an inside runner, but at least he's showing the team he's capable of more at an early stage.

Jones rushed four times for 18 yards and brought in his only target for five yards in the Buccaneers' 30-28 preseason loss to the Steelers on Friday. He also returned one kickoff for 19 yards.

With just five touches Friday, Jones already churned out more production than he did all of last preseason to kick off a disastrous rookie campaign. The second-year back has been lauded all offseason by the coaching staff for his conditioning, attitude and performance, and for at least one night, he proved he was capable of carrying that over into game action. Jones looked crisp and decisive on his runs, and the muscle he added over the last several months was evident in the power he particularly flashed on a couple of his carries. Jones will continue to battle Peyton Barber for the lead-back role in next week's exhibition against the Dolphins.

Perine notched six carries for 13 yards and gathered in one of two passes for one yard during Thursday's preseason loss in Cleveland.

With all of Adrian Peterson (ankle), Derrius Guice and Chris Thompson not taking the field, Perine got the start at running back, but he didn't do much with the opportunity. Granted, Perine reeled off a 14-yard run that was nullified by penalty, but only two of his seven touches went for more than three yards. He likely will get plenty of opportunity this preseason to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster, but his climb to such a role is blocked by the aforementioned trio and 2019 fourth-round pick Bryce Love (knee).

Barnes rushed the ball 10 times for 14 yards in the team's first preseason game against the Eagles. He also added one reception for three yards.

Barnes tied for the team lead in rushing attempts, but failed to produce much with the opportunity. His longest run went for just four yards and he was held for no gain on four occasions. The explosive rookie failed to break free of the Eagles' defense and will have to improve his performance to secure a roster spot heading into the regular season.

Dayes (undisclosed) was placed on New Orleans' IR after clearing waivers Friday, according to the NFL's official transaction log.

Dayes' injury remains unclear. He'll be shut down for the season unless he's released from IR and catches on with another team.