NFL Player News

Conner is closer to starting Sunday's game at Cleveland with Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) still away from the Steelers as of Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Conner has 68 offensive snaps to his name as a professional, dashing for 144 yards on 32 carries (4.5 per) in his rookie season in 2017. However, the Steelers are confident he can get the job done as long as Bell isn't at the team facility. On the other hand, Conner still has to contend with rookie Jaylen Samuels and veteran Steven Ridley, which could impact his ceiling.

Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener against the 49ers, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Despite suffering an ankle injury in the Vikings' final preseason game, Thomas made the 53-man roster, but the injury is still serious enough to keep the running back sidelined for Week 1. However, with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray leading the way in the backfield for Minnesota, Thomas' absence will have a minimal impact Sunday.

Gillislee may get some competition in the backfield before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

With Gillislee and Alvin Kamara left as the only running backs on the 53-man roster, there's been some speculation about the former Patriot handling a sizable chunk of the rushing workload Week 1. It's still a possibility, but there's also some chance the Saints promote Boston Scott or Jonathan Williams from the practice squad before Sunday to serve as the No. 2 back against Tampa Bay.

Clement rushed for 26 yards on five carries in Thursday's 18-12 win over the Falcons.

Clement rushed four times for just two yards until his 21-yard fourth-quarter burst converted a key third down and set up the game-winning touchdown two plays later. The Wisconsin product saw 10 fewer touches than Jay Ajayi and had as many rushes as Darren Sproles, although the latter saw seven targets in the passing game as well. As such, Clement remains the third-best option in Philadelphia's backfield when the team hosts Tampa Bay in Week 2.

Mack (hamstring) is listed as questionable on the official injury report for Sunday's game against the Bengals. He was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday.

Mack returned to practice Thursday for the first time since hurting his hamstring in the first preseason game. It would seem unlikely he'll play a major role this Sunday or even be active, but he did do more in practice this week than most expected. If Mack is sidelined this weekend, Jordan Wilkins, Christine Michael and Nyheim Hines would serve as the team's backfield options Week 1. Of that group, Wilkins would be the presumed starter, but the division of touches in the backfield is still uncertain.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he wants to use all of his running backs during Sunday's game in Denver, but he also said he won't force touches in Penny's direction, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports. "We don't necessarily have, 'OK, gotta get this guy so many carries, gotta get this guy so many touches'," Schottenheimer said. "We'll just kind of see how the flow of the game goes."

Penny's availability no longer seems to be in question after he logged full practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday, but the concerns regarding his Week 1 workload are still very real. With Chris Carson likely serving as the lead runner and C.J. Prosise helping out in passing situations, it's hard to see how Penny fits in as anything more than a change-of-pace option on early downs. Of course, the outlook for Week 2 and beyond could change in a hurry if the rookie outplays Carson during Sunday's game.

Mack (hamstring) took part in Friday's practice, according to Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site.

There has been pessimism regarding Mack's Week 1 availability up to this point, but he was able to get some work in the Colts' last two practice sessions this week, so he will at least have a chance to play in the season opener. The Colts' final injury report of the week will reveal if the Colts make a final call Friday, or leave the door open for him to play Sunday.

The Saints released Vereen (undisclosed) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Thursday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The reason for Vereen's placement on IR on Aug. 31 was never revealed, but the running back will recover away from the team for an unknown amount of time. Once the terms of the settlement are up, he'll be eligible to re-sign with the Saints. Before then, though, he can join another organization.

Scott has signed with the Saints' practice squad Thursday after being waived by the team, Joel A. Erickson of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

New Orleans' addition of Mike Gillislee made Scott an odd man out on the team's depth chart, and after Scott was not picked up by another organization, he'll join the team's practice squad. At 5-foot-6, 203-pounds Scott could conceivably earn a role on special teams in the future, and even contribute as a returner.

Sims is working out for the Texans on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports.

After being waived by the Buccaneers a week ago, Sims is now looking to catch on with the Texans. With D'Onta Foreman (Achilles) confined to the PUP list for the first six games of the regular season, Houston lacks reliable running back depth behind starter Lamar Miller and change-of-pace back Alfred Blue. It's conceivable that Sims, who logged 110 receptions over the last three seasons, could earn a depth role due to his pass-catching abilities.