NFL Player News

Coach Vance Joseph acknowledged Wednesday that he plans to involve Freeman more heavily in the offensive game plan in the weeks to come, Kyle Frederickson of The Denver Post reports. "I'm looking forward to getting [Freeman] more touches," Joseph said. "He needs more opportunities because he is playing good football."

The Broncos have largely split the backfield duties down the middle this season, with Freeman logging 44 carries to Lindsay's 44 through the first four games. Despite those similar workloads, it was Freeman who was largely a spectator for much of the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to the Chiefs, as his last touch came with 14:16 remaining. Lindsay won't be phased out of the offense while he's averaging 5.9 yards per carry and also making an impact as a pass catcher, but it appears Joseph at least intends to rotate Freeman in more liberally in the games to come, which bodes well for the 22-year-old's rest-of-season outlook.

Bolden (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Bolden seemingly picked up a hamstring injury during Sunday's loss to the Patriots. The running back was on the field for just 18 special teams' snaps and has yet to carry the ball for the Dolphins this season, as he's buried on the depth chart.

Breida (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Breida was wearing a no-contact jersey during the portion of Wednesday's session open to the media, so his limited designation comes as no surprise. He'll aim for an uncapped practice either Thursday or Friday, but even if he doesn't achieve that goal he should be the 49ers' No. 1 back Sunday against the Cardinals. In a Week 4 loss to the Chargers, Breida led all the team's running backs in offensive snaps (38) and touches (12), which far exceeded Alfred Morris' 14 and five, respectively.

Hines should remain a part of the Colts' backfield committee Thursday against the Patriots with teammate Marlon Mack (hamstring) ruled out for the contest.

Robert Turbin's return from a four-game suspension shouldn't have much impact on Hines, considering the Colts primarily used the 28-year-old in goal-line and short-yardage situations the past couple seasons. Hines has emerged as the most valuable member of the Indianapolis backfield, with his skill set making him a nice fit for an extremely pass-heavy offense. He could be in for another large target total Thursday when the Colts go to battle without Mack, T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) and Jack Doyle (hip).

Wilkins should remain a part of the Colts' backfield committee Thursday against the Patriots with teammate Marlon Mack (hamstring) ruled out for the contest.

Wilkins and Nyheim Hines likely will be joined by a third party in Week 5 with Robert Turbin returning from a four-game suspension. The Colts' inability to run the ball with any of their backs has left Hines as the player to own for fantasy purposes. Wilkins has yet to find the end zone or top 64 scrimmage yards in any game this season.

Cook (hamstring) didn't participate at practice Wednesday.

Following an admission Monday that his left hamstring isn't 100 percent, Cook proceeded to work out with the Vikings' strength coach on a side field during Wednesday's session. The team seemingly will take a wait-and-see approach with the running back, who could be on a "pitch count" again Sunday at Philadelphia, assuming he's active. In his return from a one-game absence last Thursday against the Rams, Cook earned 10 carries on his 20 offensive snaps, turning them into 20 yards.

Clement (quadriceps) didn't practice Wednesday, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

Clement was held out of Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Titans after playing through the same injury the previous week when Jay Ajayi wasn't available. Coach Doug Pederson labeled both Clement and Darren Sproles (hamstring) as day-to-day ahead of the Week 5 game against the Vikings.

Mack (hamstring) won't play Thursday against the Patriots, Scott Horner of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Mack was unable to upgrade from limited practice participation on the the short week, so he'll be sidelined for a third straight contest. While Mack has been out, Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines have handled most of the reps at running back, but both could see their snap counts threatened with Robert Turbin returning from a four-game suspension.

Elliott (knee/ankle) said he was a full participant at Wednesday's practice and feels as good as he has all season, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports. "Honestly, this is the best Wednesday practice I've had," Elliott said. "It's the freshest I've felt any Wednesday. I did a good job coming in and making sure I got my treatment so I was ready to go. I'm good."

Elliott came out of Sunday's 26-24 win over the Lions with a couple minor injuries after piling up 240 scrimmage yards and reaching the end zone once across 29 touches. He apparently responded well to treatment the past couple days, leading to an unexpected full practice to kick off the week. Elliott should stay busy Week 5 in Houston, where he'll face a Texans defense that is allowing just 3.5 yards per carry and 94.3 rushing yards per game.

Cook (hamstring) was seen working on a side field at the beginning of Wednesday's practice, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Vikings were deliberate with Cook in his return from a one-game absence last Thursday against the Rams, running him 10 times on his 18 offensive snaps. Cook netted a career-low 20 yards on those touches and also wasn't targeted for the first time in seven professional games. While Cook worked out with the team's strength coach, it remains to be seen if he'll participate in either individual or team drills Wednesday.