NFL Player News

Barner (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Barner played through his ankle injury Week 2 versus Philadelphia, and he could do the same Week 3 if he's limited again Friday. If Barner is able to go, he'll slide into his usual role as Atlanta's top return man versus the Colts on Sunday.

Coach Freddie Kitchens said Thursday that he's hopeful to find ways to get Chubb more touches in future games, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.

Kitchens wouldn't elaborate on how he might consider heightening Chubb's role on offense, though the coach did leave the door open for the running back to poach more third-down work from backups Dontrell Hillard and D'Ernest Johnson. Operating behind a suspect offensive line, Chubb has rumbled for 3.9 yards per carry and one touchdown to go with seven receptions for 46 yards while playing 65.5 percent of the Browns' offensive snaps through two weeks. With a tough opponent in the Rams on the docket Sunday, managing Chubb's workload may be a lesser concern than the prior two weeks as the 1-1 Browns look to keep up with the undefeated Ravens in the AFC North.

Conner (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Conner, who injured his knee against the Seahawks this past Sunday, began the practice week with an absence, but his return to full participation Thursday puts him on track to head the Steelers' backfield this weekend against the 49ers. With QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) out for the rest of the season, going forward the team figures to lean heavily on Conner, as well as wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, the team's top two playmakers in an offense that now features Mason Rudolph as its starting signal caller.

Williams was limited at Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Williams wasn't included on the Packers' first Week 3 injury report, so he may have picked up the issue Thursday. No matter how it happened, his ability to fit in some reps is somewhat encouraging. Ultimately, Friday's injury report will be telling for Williams' availability Sunday against the Broncos. If cleared, he's expected to spell Aaron Jones, per usual, out of the Packers' backfield.

Williams (ribs) logged a full participation in Friday's practice.

Williams was forced to miss Sunday's contest against Tennessee with a rib issue after being limited in practice last Thursday and Friday. Now healthy, the 25-year-old will return to his depth role in the Colts' backfield behind Marlon Mack (calf) and Nyheim Hines.

Jacobs (groin/hip) was limited at practice again Thursday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

As the report notes, Jacobs also "took to social media (Thursday) to say he had lost 10 pounds" due to an illness. After playing through a groin injury in Week 2, having felt under the weather of late and now being listed with a hip issue, Jacobs could well be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings. That said, we still expect the rookie back to suit up this weekend. We'll let you know if that outlook changes, however, based on his Friday practice participation.

Mack (calf) did not practice Thursday.

Per Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star, Mack did make an appearance on the practice field Thursday, but he didn't have his helmet with him at that time and ultimately was deemed a non-participant. What Mack does Friday will therefore be critical with regard to his Week 3 availability. If he's limited or out Sunday against the Falcons, added touches would be available for Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines.

Clement (shoulder) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Clement's right shoulder injury would likely keep him sidelined for 1-to-2 weeks, but the Eagles have yet to officially rule him out for Sunday's game against the Lions. That said, Clement's lack of practice participation Wednesday and Thursday suggests that he'll likely trending toward an inactive status in Week 3. The 24-year-old has mainly handled a special teams role through the Eagles' first two games, logging just three offensive snaps between the contests.

Mack (calf) did not appear to be practicing Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Mack was listed as non-participant in what was described as an up-tempo walk-through Wednesday, so it's not especially surprising that he's not an active participant in the team's regular practice session Thursday. What's he's able to do Friday will therefore be telling with regard to his Week 3 status, though Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star noted Wednesday that Mack is downplaying his calf injury.

Williams (knee) won't practice Thursday, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Meanwhile, fellow running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) is in line to get some work in Thursday, presumably giving him a better shot to play in Sunday's game against the Ravens. If Williams is unable to rally in time to suit up this weekend, additional backfield snaps would be available for Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams.