NFL Player News

Conner will remain the Steelers' starting running back for at least two more games, at which point Le'Veon Bell (contract) dispute) is expected to report to the team, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Bell has stayed away from the Steelers as his franchise tag remains unsigned, but there appears to be a deadline for the running back to return to the team's facility. Once he does, there's little doubt the ground game will revolve around Bell, who has typically left little more than scraps for his backups. For the next two games, though, Conner will lead the backfield, which has so far equated to 81 touches through four contests.

McNichols had two carries for four yards and played two snaps on offense in Sunday's loss to Houston.

It was surprising that he played at all after being promoted from the practice squad Friday. He got some playing time in due to Marlon Mack's absence due to a hamstring injury. However, McNichols likely won't be needed next week with Robert Turbin set to return from his season-opening suspension.

Wilkins had eight carries for 16 yards in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to Houston.

The Indianapolis rushing attack struggled as the team averaged just 2.4 yards per carry. Wilkins had the most carries of any running back and started with Marlon Mack (hamstring) out, but didn't do much with the opportunity. Wilkins' window to earn the bulk of carries may have closed with Robert Turbin set to return Thursday at New England after serving a four-game suspension. Mack could also be ready to return Week 5, and rookie Nyheim Hines had two touchdown receptions out of the backfield against Houston, further hindering Wilkins' outlook.

Mack (hamstring) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated injury report.

As he was a week ago, Mack was limited, but the Colts didn't actually hold a formal practice session Monday. His hamstring continues to nag him, and with a short week to prepare for a Thursday night visit to New England, his availability remains up in the air. If he's absent for a fourth time in five games, the Colts will rely on Nyheim Hines and -- to a lesser extent -- Jordan Wilkins to fuel the ground game.

Elliott dealt with knee bursitis and ankle soreness during Sunday's 26-24 win over Detroit, but coach Jason Garrett expects the running back to be fine this week, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott didn't seem too bothered by the pair of minor injuries Sunday, piling up 152 yards on 25 carries along with 88 yards and a touchdown on four catches while playing through the final drive of the game. He may show up on the Week 5 injury report, but it doesn't sound like the Cowboys are worried about his availability for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that he isn't sure if Mixon (knee) will return Week 5 against Miami, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon was ruled out Friday for Sunday's eventual 37-36 win over the Falcons, but he did take part in an on-field workout prior to the game. With Giovani Bernard (undisclosed) coming out of the contest a bit banged up, the Bengals could be more inclined to bring Mixon back Week 5. Mixon's Sept. 15 arthroscopic procedure came with an estimated recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks.

Patterson caught three of his five targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-7 win over the Dolphins. He also ran once for 11 yards.

The 27-year-old wideout was on the field for 41 of the team's 81 snaps on offense Sunday, but the looming return of Julian Edelman from a four-game suspension figures to cut into Patterson's opportunities to steadily contribute in the offense moving forward. He should, however, continue to see kick return work and remains capable of breaking off the occasional big play when the Patriots find creative ways to get the ball into Patterson's hands.

Gillislee gained six yards on two carries and caught one pass for nine yards in Sunday's win against the Giants.

It was another underwhelming performance for Gillislee, who played just five snaps. With the Saints on bye in Week 5 and Mark Ingram set to return in Week 6, Gillislee probably does not need to be rostered in most formats.

Barner logged three carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 38-7 win over the Dolphins.

While serving as the Patriots' No. 3 running back Sunday, Barner was on the field for 10 of the team's 81 snaps on offense. He's clearly behind top back Sony Michel and pass-catching ace James White in the team's backfield pecking order, a reality that limits Barner's fantasy utility.

Drake played fewer snaps than Frank Gore in Sunday's 38-7 loss to the Patriots, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Drake was limited to four touches for 16 yards on a 46 percent snap share, while Gore picked up 57 yards and a score from 13 touches on a 51 percent share. This didn't appear to represent a changing of roles, but rather an unfortunate result of the Dolphins getting blown out. Gore did most of his damage on Miami's final drive after Brock Osweiler replaced Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Regardless, Drake's level of involvement has been a persistent issue, with the third-year back now averaging just 8.3 carries and 2.5 catches per game. The Dolphins will head to Cincinnati in Week 5 to face a struggling Bengals defense.