NFL Player News

Walton is active for Sunday's game against the Saints, but he's expected to see reduced involvement on offense with Giovani Bernard (knee) returning from a four-game absence, Fletcher Page of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Walton had functioned as the Bengals' clear backup running back with one of Bernard or Joe Mixon missing each of the last six games, but that role didn't bear much fruit. Over that span, Walton managed just 24 yards on 13 carries and hauled in five receptions for 41 yards. Though he'll continue to dress Sunday, Walton's snap count on offense will likely sink into the single digits, with the rookie instead expected to see most of his action on special teams.

With Sony Michel (knee) back in action, Patterson is in line to resume his normal reserve wideout/return duties Sunday against the Titans.

The versatile wideout helped fill in for Michel out of the New England backfield over the last couple of weeks, but as long as Michel avoids any in-game setbacks, Patterson's workload will dip in Week 10. Patterson remains dangerous in the return game and capable of breaking off the occasional big play when the coaching staff finds ways to get the ball into his hands, but he's a fantasy roll of the dice in his standard role, which he'll return to Sunday.

Fowler (coach's decision) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots, John Glennon of The Athletic reports.

Fowler is a healthy scratch for a second straight week, while the Titans roll with the backfield trio of Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis and David Fluellen.

The Steelers are optimistic that Conner will clear the NFL's concussion protocol and suit up in the team's next game Nov. 18 against the Jaguars, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Conner sustained a head injury in Thursday's 52-21 win over the Panthers, during which he piled up 65 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and reeled in his lone target for eight yards. The lengthier turnaround between games should prove beneficial for Conner in his recovery from the concussion, as he'll have nine days to pass the five-step protocol rather than the typical six. Assuming he endures no setbacks and gains clearance to play, Conner should reprise his usual three-down duties for the Steelers, with the second-year back seemingly on track to hold that role for the remainder of the season. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Le'Veon Bell is unlikely to report to the Steelers by Tuesday's deadline, which would leave Pittsburgh's former lead back ineligible to play at any point in 2018.

Patterson (neck) does not carry a Week 10 injury designation in advance of Sunday's game against the Titans.

After being limited Wednesday and Thursday, both Patterson and Julian Edelman (ankle) were removed from the team's injury report Friday. The Patriots thus list six players as questionable this week (a modest total by their standards) in a game that will feature a coaching matchup between Bill Belichick and one of his former players, Mike Vrabel. With Patterson's availability in no doubt, the versatile wideout's Week 10 fantasy prospects now hinge on the status of RB Sony Michel (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. If Michel ends up being made inactive, Patterson would once again be a candidate to see added snaps out of the Patriots backfield, while James White would maintain his high volume change-of-pace/pass-catching duties.

Mack (foot) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing fully Friday.

Since returning to action Week 6 following a hamstring issue, Mack has seen his workload and production increase in each of the Colts' three contests since then. This weekend, he'll look to build off his 25-carry/132-yard/two-TD effort against the Raiders in Week 8. He'll do so while facing a Jacksonville squad that has dropped four straight games and is allowing an average of 123.3 yards on the ground to date.

Clement (illness) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest versus the Cowboys.

Clement was absent from Thursday's session due to an illness, but the ailment subsided enough for him to practice in full to wrap up Week 10 prep. On the heels of the Eagles' bye week, it'll be interesting to see the breakdown of backfield reps. While Wendell Smallwood has acted as the lead running back for much of the season, Clement has been the preferred handcuff, when healthy. However, in the Eagles' last game Oct. 28, Clement was surpassed by Josh Adams in terms of snaps on offense -- 13 versus 18 -- behind Smallwood's 31 (of 62).

Jones II (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Redskins, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Jones has yet to practice since straining his hamstring Oct. 28, forcing back-to-back absences so far. During the rookie running back's first DNP this past Sunday at Carolina, Peyton Barber led the Buccaneers backfield, per usual, but Jacquizz Rodgers was just behind him in terms of offensive snap count (35 versus 26).

Martin (hip) doesn't have an injury status for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Martin started the week with a pair of limited practices and never seemed to be in much danger of missing the game. Workload is his real concern on an Oakland team that's been struggling to keep games competitive. The Chargers have given up 4.4 yards per carry, but their success on the other side of the ball has sometimes forced opponents to abandon the run, including a 26-10 win over the Raiders in Week 5 when Marshawn Lynch (groin) was limited to nine carries.

Clement (illness) took part in Friday's practice, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Clement sat out Thursday's session due to his ailment, but it appears he only needed the lone day off to feel better. It remains to be seen if he will be listed on the Eagles' final injury report of the week, but even if he is, he figures to be available for Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys.