NFL Player News

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.

Coach Marvin Lewis hinted that he expects Mixon (knee) to return for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website reports "The sun is up," Lewis said Wednesday. "It's a bright sunny day out there. Joe has worked hard."

Mixon relayed the same expectation earlier Wednesday, saying he would "for sure" make it back for Week 5 after missing the past two games. He didn't record any level of practice participation last week, but he did take part in an on-field workout prior to Sunday's 37-36 win over the Falcons. Working his way back from Sept. 15 arthroscopic surgery, Mixon seems to be on track for a return to practice in some capacity Wednesday or Thursday. Another update will be available later Wednesday when the Bengals release their initial injury report for Week 5.

Grant should have a significant role in the Jacksonville offense with Leonard Fournette (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday's game in Kansas City, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Grant has been limited to 99 yards on 21 touches through the first four weeks of the season, including 10 carries and seven catches while Fournette was sidelined for Weeks 2 and 3. T.J. Yeldon likely will get the start at running back in Week 5 and handle most of the playing time, but it's possible there will be enough production to go around against a Kansas City defense that has surrendered six touchdowns and 201.5 scrimmage yards per game to running backs through four weeks.

Coach Doug Pederson labeled Clement (quad) as day-to-day during Wednesday's media session, Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic reports.

Pederson's comments didn't offer much clarity regarding Clement's status for Wednesday's practice, but it's likely that he'll open the week as either a limited or non-participant while he continues to manage the quad injury that sidelined him for the Week 4 loss to the Titans. Clement's absence was cushioned by the return of Jay Ajayi, who stepped back into the lead role and picked up 70 yards on 15 carries while playing 41 of 78 offensive snaps. With Clement and Darren Sproles (hamstring) out last weekend, Wendell Smallwood assumed No. 2 duties, logging 36 offensive snaps of his own but earning only eight touches (five carries, three receptions).

Mixon (knee) hasn't received clearance for the Bengals' Week 5 matchup with the Dolphins but said Wednesday that he would "for sure" play in the contest, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

While it can be taken as a positive that Mixon is optimistic about playing this weekend, he'll first need to prove his health by returning to the practice field. Since undergoing an arthroscopic procedure Sept. 15 to address a slight meniscus tear in his right knee, Mixon has yet to progress beyond working out on a side field. The Bengals will release their first practice report of Week 5 later Wednesday, which will offer a better gauge of where Mixon stands in his recovery.

Coach Jason Garrett said he expects Elliott (knee/ankle) to "do something" during Wednesday's practice, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

It remains to be seen whether Elliott's activity will result in him being listed as a full, limited or non-participant on the team's practice report, but the fact that he's in uniform for the Cowboys' first session of the week is a positive sign. Team owner Jerry Jones noted a day ago that while Elliott is "banged up," the Cowboys are optimistic the running back will be available for Sunday's game in Houston. While playing through knee bursitis and ankle soreness in the Week 4 win over the Lions, Elliott delivered his best outing of the season, logging 240 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 29 touches (25 carries, four receptions).

Edmonds ran the ball three times for a single yard during Sunday's 20-17

Edmonds has seen his touches and yardage decrease each week since his eight-touch, 48-yard season debut. The Cardinals' offense has improved but still ranks near the bottom of the league. All the while, Edmonds has seen his role in the offense decrease. The Cardinals next take on a middle-of-the-road 49ers run defense, but Edmonds hasn't shown nearly enough to pay him much attention.

Murray rushed for two yards on two carries and added 16 yards on two carries during Thursday's 38-31 loss to the Rams.

Last season, Minnesota ran the ball 47.5 percent of this time. Through the first quarter of this season, they've been giving new quarterback Kirk Cousins a workout, running the ball just 26.5 percent of the time. That has given the backs fewer opportunities and they haven't made much of them as neither Murray nor starter Dalvin Cook has 100 yards for the season yet. Murray has some ability as a receiver in the Vikings' pass-heavier approach, but given the fact that Cook is also a catching threat, Murray's abilities in the passing game are unlikely to get him the extra touches necessary to make him a viable fantasy option.