NFL Player News

Mack (foot/hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

Mack, who missed time after suffering a hamstring injury in the Colts' first preseason contest, made his season debut last week against Washington, starting at running back and recording 10 carries for 34 yards and one reception for two yards. Per the report, Mack was checked out by team trainers at one point during the Week 2 contest, but was able to return. At this stage, it's expect Mack will be available Sunday against the Eagles, but he'll likely have to share work with Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines.

Cook (hamstring) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

After exiting late in Sunday's 29-29 tie with the Packers, Cook said after the game that he was merely dealing with cramps. It's now clear he has an actual injury, though there isn't much detail regarding its severity. A return to limited participation Thursday would put Cook on the right track to suit up Week 3 against the Bills. Should Cook end up missing the contest, however, Latavius Murray would be well positioned for a large workload. For what it's worth, Cook said after Wednesday's session that he plans to take a "day-by-day" approach with the injury, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Rawls didn't practice in full Wednesday after experiencing cramps, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

The Bengals signed Rawls earlier in the day to restore some backfield depth in the wake of injuries to Joe Mixon (knee) and the since-departed Tra Carson (hamstring), but the former Seahawk wasn't able to make it through his first session for the team. Fortunately for Cincinnati, Rawls' setback doesn't sound like anything that will result in him being unavailable Week 3 against the Panthers, but it's uncertain that the 25-year-old will have a meaningful role with his new team right away. Giovani Bernard is expected to handle a heavy workload as the Bengals' lead back Sunday, with either Rawls or rookie Mark Walton slated to enter the contest whenever Bernard requires a breather.

The Cardinals signed Simmons to their practice squad Wednesday, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Simmons spent the preseason with the Giants, but was unable to crack New York's 53-man roster. The 26-year-old tailback will attempt to make more of a splash on Arizona's practice squad and work to earn a special teams or depth role.

Conner is slated to serve as Pittsburgh's lead back Week 3 against the Buccaneers, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Le'Veon Bell still hasn't reported to the Steelers or provided any hint about when he intends to do so, leaving Conner in line for another hefty snap count. Conner was limited to 17 yards on eight carries in Sunday's 42-37 loss to Kansas City, but he made up for it with a five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Conner enters Monday's game in Tampa Bay as the league leader in touches (49), with only Ezekiel Elliott boasting a higher snap share among running backs.

Perine will move up to third on the depth chart after Rob Kelley (toe) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

A healthy inactive for the first two weeks of the season, Perine now finds himself just one Adrian Peterson injury away from a regular role as Washington's lead ballcarrier. That said, it isn't entirely out of the question for Perine to land on the inactive list again for Week 3 against Green Bay, as head coach Jay Gruden may want to add another running back to the roster who might offer more value on special teams. Kelley took four carries for eight yards during his two-game stint as the team's No. 3 running back.

Williams and Ty Montgomery are expected to see the majority of the snaps out of the backfield Sunday against the Redskins after head coach Mike McCarthy said the duo "will be in the first slot" among the team's running backs this week, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

McCarthy's comments are noteworthy after Aaron Jones, the Packers' top runner last season on a per-carry basis, was reinstated to the active roster following a two-game suspension. While Jones still profiles as the Packers' most dynamic backfield threat, it appears both Williams and Montgomery may have endeared themselves to the coaching staff with their skills in pass protection, an aspect that has taken on even greater importance with franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers playing through a bone bruise and sprained MCL in his left knee. It's possible that Jones eventually jumps either or both of his competitors on the depth chart if he can prove to be a more well-rounded back in practices and during any in-game opportunities he receives, but Williams looks primed to act as the team's lead back for at least another week. Williams has out-snapped Montgomery in both contests this season while holding a 31-7 edge in carries, though he has yet to score and is averaging a weak 3.4 yards per tote.

Mixon (knee) revealed Wednesday that his recent procedure addressed a slight meniscus tear, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

On the plus side, the running back indicates that his right knee is already feeling better, and though he's destined to miss Sunday's game against the Panthers, his absence shouldn't be an extended one. While Mixon is sidelined in Week 3, Giovani Bernard is in line to head the Bengals' backfield, per Geoff Hobson of the team's official site. Additionally, look for rookie Mark Walton and new signee Thomas Rawls to be eased into the mix this weekend.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery "will be in the first slot" among the Packers' running-back group, suggesting Jones may handle a limited role Week 3 against the Redskins, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Williams and Montgomery have combined to average a pedestrian 3.8 yards per carry on 38 totes over the first two weeks of the season, but it appears that won't be enough for Jones to immediately climb above either on the depth chart when he returns from suspension Sunday. Though Jones showcased more explosiveness than Williams as a rookie, the latter's skills as a pass protector and early down and short-yardage grinder appear to have earned him favor with McCarthy. Montgomery, meanwhile, has seen only limited touches behind Williams, but has also performed well in protection and offers some upside as a pass catcher out of the backfield. With Aaron Rodgers playing through a knee injury, Williams' and Montgomery's blocking abilities loom even larger than normal, so it appears Jones may need to prove adept in that area before he poaches meaningful snaps from either back.

Barner was cut by the Patriots on Wednesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Barner was released to make room for Cyrus Jones, who will likely replace him as a punt returner, on New England's 53-man roster. Given his return abilities and usefulness as a depth running back, Barner should eventually latch on with a team elsewhere in the league.