NFL Player News

The Colts listed Mack's absence from Wednesday's practice as not injury-related.

Fortunately, Mack was apparently just receiving some rest for the Colts' first practice of the week rather than tending to a setback with the foot issue that limited him in Week 10. Prior to his 12-carry, 29-yard effort against the Jaguars in the Colts' 29-26 victory, Mack's fantasy stock had been on the rise. Mack will now turn his attention to a Titans defense that thwarted the Patriots' run game last weekend, leaving some doubt about his prospects of bouncing back Sunday. In spite of the tough Week 11 matchup, Mack still looks to have a safe floor in light of his undisputed perch atop his Colts' depth chart at running back.

Jones (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

For the first time since Oct. 28, Jones handled some practice reps as he works his way back from a hamstring injury that forced absences Weeks 9 and 10. Prior to returning to practice, the rookie told Jenna Laine of ESPN.com that his hamstring is "feeling really good." While he's taken a step in the right direction, Jones likely has to emerge from the week setback-free before gaining clearance to play Sunday versus the Giants.

Conner (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Per Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com, Conner felt good after Wednesday's practice, but until it's confirmed that the running back has passed through all the stages of the NFL's concussion protocol, he'll continue to carry an injury designation in Week 11. Once officially cleared -- which seems likely barring any unexpected setbacks -- Conner will head the Pittsburgh backfield Sunday against the Jaguars and for the games to follow now that Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) is no longer eligible to play this season.

Freeman (ankle) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, Freeman is back on the field after the Broncos' Week 10 bye. He'll hope to return from a high-ankle sprain for Sunday's road game against the Chargers. Freeman should be a significant part of the offense if he's able to play, though Phillip Lindsay has proven to be the more useful commodity for both real-life and fantasy purposes. The undrafted rookie has produced 5.4 yards per carry and has caught 20 passes in nine games, while Freeman has averaged 4.4 YPC and has hauled in just four passes through seven appearances. An update on the extent of Freeman's practice participation will come forth once the Broncos release their Wednesday injury report.

Mack (foot) wasn't spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Per the report, it's "not uncommon for [Mack] to miss a practice or be limited during the week" before going on to play Sunday. That said, the running back's status now bears monitoring in the coming days. Mack played 34 of the Colts' 56 offensive snaps in Sunday's 29-26 win over the Jaguars, finishing with 12 carries for 29 yards and two receptions for nine yards. Those numbers represented a dip from his recently upward-trending production, but assuming he's available this weekend, Mack will look to turn things around against the Tennessee defense that bottled up the New England ground game in Week 10.

Jones (hamstring) will attempt to practice Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Jones hasn't taken the practice field since suffering a hamstring strain Oct. 28, missing two games in the meantime. Per Laine, Jones said the hamstring is "feeling really good," a sign that he's closing in on a return. Wednesday's practice report will reveal whether the 2018 second-round pick was able to suit up and participate.

Coach Bill O'Brien said Foreman (Achilles) will take part in practice Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for the Texans to activate him from the PUP list, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

As Foreman predicted Monday, the Texans have cleared the running back to embark on the final phase of his recovery from a torn Achilles, which he sustained Nov. 19, 2017. If he eventually makes enough progress to return to the 53-man roster, he'll re-enter a backfield composed of Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue.

Coach Pete Carroll said Penny's workload is in jeopardy with Chris Carson (hip) returning for Thursday's game against the Packers, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. "When everybody's healthy, not everybody's going to get the ball a lot," Carroll said. "That's just the way it goes, so we'll figure that out."

The rookie's Week 10 performance against the Rams -- 12 rushes for 108 yards and a touchdown -- will earn him a consistent role in the Seahawks' offense, but fantasy owners should heed Carroll's words and hinder their expectations. This is still a committee backfield, and Carson eclipsed 100 rushing yards in three of five games before his injury while Mike Davis has developed into a dual-threat back with 11 catches over the last two weeks. There's a lot of talent between the three running backs and no guarantee Penny will take the lead on a weekly basis. However, his upside makes him a worthy flex option in most fantasy settings.

Artis-Payne will serve as Christian McCaffrey's backup following Monday's release of C.J. Anderson, Jelani Scott of Panthers.com reports.

Artis-Payne will move up the depth chart, but considering McCaffrey has been on the field for over 95 percent of Carolina's offensive plays, his backup has hardly featured this season. In fact, coming off his first 1,000-yard season, the veteran Anderson managed just 24 carries in nine games. A fifth-round pick of the Panthers in 2015, Artis-Payne has been inactive for all but two contests this season, so his stock should at least benefit from being consistently available, and his career mark of 4.3 yards per carry suggests he could do well with spare touches.

The Titans released Fowler on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Fowler signed with the Titans in late October, though he was inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The 28-year-old has spent the last three seasons with Tennessee, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he ends up joining the Titans' practice squad.