NFL Player News

Cook (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday.

Cook unexpectedly departed Thursday's session early, again raising concerns about his health. During a subsequent media session, coach Mike Zimmer told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Cook wasn't limited Thursday, and the running back's listing as a non-participant indicates he required some treatment on his hamstring, at the very least. With this downgrade, Cook's status will be of keen interest as he prepares to gain clearance to play for just the second time since Week 2.

Cook (hamstring) was not limited in practice Thursday, head coach Mike Zimmer told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Cook left practice during the period open to reporters, but apparently it wasn't due to a setback to his hamstring injury. By participating in two full days of practice, it increasingly looks like he could return this week against the Jets after missing three of the last four games.

Cook left the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Cook put in a full session Wednesday, putting himself in line for just his second appearance since Week 2. His early departure Thursday is somewhat worrisome, but the reason won't be confirmed until the Vikings release their injury report and/or coach Mike Zimmer holds a media session.

Breida (shoulder/ankle) was limited at Wednesday's walk-through practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Though coach Kyle Shanahan labeled Breida as "doubtful" early last week, the running back turned the comment on its head, gaining clearance to play Monday at Green Bay while battling a lingering shoulder injury and sprained ankle. Looking spry as ever, Breida led 49ers running backs in carries (14) and offensive snaps (27 of 57), but the real surprise was Raheem Mostert (12 rushes, 23 offensive snaps) overtaking Alfred Morris (no touches on one offensive snap) as the No. 2 back. Breida's health appears to be in a better place than a week ago, but his status should continue to be monitored as the weekend approaches.

Cook (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Although he's missed three of the Vikings' last four games due to a hamstring injury, Cook apparently was "close" to suiting up in last Sunday's eventual win over the Cardinals. Ultimately, the call to hold out Cook came during pregame warmups. With an uncapped practice under his belt, Cook seems to be past the issue and will now prepare in earnest for a Week 7 matchup with the Jets' 17th-ranked run defense (108.7 yards allowed per game).

Coach Kyle Shanahan said the decision to use Mostert rather than Alfred Morris as the top complement to starter Matt Breida in Monday's 33-30 loss to the Packers wasn't necessarily a "permanent" move, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Mostert appears to have gotten the nod over Morris based on the matchup more than anything, but the 26-year-old impressed thoroughly with his touches. Working in tandem with Breida -- who earned 14 carries on 27 offensive snaps -- Mostert used 23 snaps to churn out 87 yards on his 12 rushes. With an upcoming matchup Sunday against the Rams, it remains to be seen if the 49ers will return to their previous one-two punch of Breida and Morris or deploy the most recent version.

Freeman carried the ball nine times for 22 yards during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Rams.

Freeman ended Sunday with a stable-high 25 snaps but finished with a season low in yardage thanks to a Broncos offense that ran the ball on just 28 percent of snaps. The Broncos' young backfield is talented, but early deficits and long third downs have held them in check. Thursday's game against Arizona's 20th-ranked run defense at 4.4 yards per opponent carry could be an elixir.

Walton lost a yard with each of his two carries during Sunday's 28-21 loss to Pittsburgh.

Walton is averaging just a single yard per carry this season and, aside from 28 receiving yards in Week 4, hasn't offered much in the passing game. The Bengals haven't turned to the rookie much despite the absence of Giovani Bernard (knee), who's reportedly nearing a return. His condition is worth monitoring. If Bernard is out, Walton's likely few touches would seem to be more valuable Sunday against a Chiefs defense ranked 31st in the league with 5.4 yards per opponent carry.

Edmonds played four of 58 offensive snaps during Sunday's 27-17 defeat in Minnesota.

Edmonds had a semi-promising start to his rookie campaign, combining for 68 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches over the first two games. However, in four games in the interim, he's mustered 14 yards on 10 carries and hasn't been targeted. With David Johnson handling his usual workhorse role, Edmonds hasn't been afforded much of an opportunity lately to replicate his early-season success.

Williams had six carries for 29 yards and one reception for 10 yards in Monday's victory over the 49ers.

Williams led Packers running backs in snaps Monday with 27 -- Ty Montgomery was on the field for 26 and Aaron Jones 19 -- but he still finished with single-digit touches for the third time in four weeks. The Packers have been content to rotate all three running backs early this season, but Jones has received 32 carries to Williams' 28 since making his season debut in Week 3, and it's possible that ratio could increase further in Jones' direction if the Packers are able to work him into more spots in the offense during the team's Week 7 bye. Even if that turns out not to be the case, expect Williams' current level of production to remain steady as long as all three backs are healthy.