NFL Player News

Barner was on the field for seven of a possible 76 snaps on offense in Monday night's 25-6 win over the Bills, en route to carrying twice for four yards.

Though top back Sony Michel (knee) was inactive Monday, Barner's role was limited, as wideout Cordarrelle Patterson led the team with 10 carries (for 38 yards) in the contest and James White handled his normal pass-catching duties out of the New England backfield. Michel was listed as a limited practice participant Saturday, which suggests that he has a chance to play in Week 9. In any case, Barner is not a high-percentage fantasy option.

Patterson rushed 10 times for 38 yards and was not targeted in Monday night's 25-6 win over the Bills.

Patterson surprisingly led New England in carries in the wake of top running back Sony Michel (knee) being sidelined. While the wideout was able to rip off a run of 22 yards, his other totes didn't yield much territory. Additionally, he didn't feature in the passing game, where James White again saw double-digit looks out of the backfield. Depending on Michel's status going forward, it'll be interesting to see if the elusive Patterson continues to line up as a runner or returns to receiver.

Walton had one catch for 10 yards and two carries for seven yards in the Bengals' Week 8 win over the Bucs.

Walton's catch helped keep a drive alive - he turned a third-and-13 into a fourth-and-3, which the Bengals subsequently converted and later turned into a touchdown. But he only saw 10 snaps on offense, down from 14 the week before.

Anderson rushed five times for 20 yards in Sunday's 36-21 win over the Ravens.

Anderson's workload was his highest since Week 1. In fact, it marked the first time he was handed any carries since Week 5. While he's done well in his limited opportunities, averaging an even 5.0 yards per carry, Anderson's small share still severely restricts his value.

Gordon (hamstring) is a candidate to return for Sunday's game at Seattle, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports. "The week off really helped Melvin," coach Anthony Lynn said. "He ran well last week. He's going to do some things this week, and we'll see where he's at. But hamstrings can be tricky, so you don't want to rush those."

Gordon was held out of the Chargers' last contest on Oct. 21 (a 20-19 victory against the Titans in London) after he was unable to get through a pregame warmup. With a bye week to improve the health of his hamstring, he'll tackle Week 9 prep with the intent to play Sunday. As Lynn mentioned, hamstring injuries can linger, so Gordon's status is one to watch as the week continues. Another absence would allow Austin Ekeler to remain in the starting lineup.

Mostert (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' estimated injury report Monday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Prior to Sunday's 12-snap showing in Arizona, Mostert racked up 29 touches for 174 yards from scrimmage in the previous three games. Perhaps the ankle injury was to blame, but he worked with Alfred Morris (11 offensive snaps) behind starter Matt Breida (31) in Week 8. With a short week to prepare for a Thursday night Bay Area battle versus the Raiders, Mostert could be relegated to a fringe role yet again if the issue is serious.

Breida (ankle) was listed as limited on the 49ers' estimated injury report Monday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Despite an expectation that he wouldn't play a full allotment of snaps Sunday at Arizona, Breida led the backfield with 31 (of 66) snaps on offense, versus 12 for Raheem Mostert and 11 for Alfred Morris. Breida proceeded to receive all of his work on the ground for a third consecutive game, tallying 42 yards on a season-high 16 carries. The 49ers are facing a short week with a Thursday night matchup against the Raiders looming, but Breida's listing indicates he's in line for yet another appearance. Elsewhere in the backfield, Mostert was listed as a non-participant due to an ankle injury, so Breida may not have as much competition for reps Week 9.

Jones suffered a strained hamstring during Sunday's game against the Bengals and is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The good news is that Jones avoided an injury of the season-ending variety, but the second-round rookie nonetheless will have his professional development stunted while he gets his hamstring back in order. Look for Peyton Barber to continue to operate as the clear lead back in the meantime, with Jacquizz Rodgers and Shaun Wilson around to help carry the load.

Cook, who missed his fourth consecutive game Sunday, said his hamstring is "feeling great," but he's wary of a setback, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "[Rest] definitely helped me, but that's the tricky thing about these things," Cook said. "They feel good, but you go out there, overextend and do something stupid; set you back."

It's not clear if Cook will return to practice this week as the Vikings may elect to sit him out until Week 11 after Minnesota's bye. At least it sounds like he's making progress and hasn't had a setback.

Wilkins had two carries for 14 yards in Sunday's win at Oakland.

Wilkins is the clear No. 3 running back after Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines as he played just three snaps on offense. He could move back to the bench after the bye if Robert Turbin is able to return from a shoulder injury.