NFL Player News

Cook (hamstring) participated in practice Wednesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Donning helmet and pads, Cook was working with the rest of the Vikings' running backs in the team's first practice of the week, per Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The news suggests Cook will be at least a limited participant, which will be clarified when the Vikings release their initial Week 9 injury report later in the day. While any activity from Cook is encouraging, he admitted to Krammer on Monday that the prospect of a setback with his hamstring continues to weigh on his mind. With a Week 10 bye incoming, Cook is a candidate to miss a fifth consecutive game Sunday against the Lions with an eye toward the second half of the season.

Freeman (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Freeman is less than two weeks removed from suffering a high-ankle sprain in a Thursday night game against the Cardinals. Another absence in Week 9 would leave more work for Phillip Lindsay and Devontae Booker, both of whom were productive in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Chiefs. The Broncos will host the Texans this weekend.

Jones is expected to miss 1-to-2 weeks due to a hamstring injury, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Jones was knocked out of the Bucs' Week 8 loss at Cincinnati with what was eventually termed a hamstring strain. Unfortunately for the rookie, he's now slated to take a seat just as he was beginning to gain regular involvement on offense. Expect Peyton Barber to continue acting as the primary running back in Week 9 against the Panthers, with Jacquizz Rodgers also earning the occasional touch. The Bucs' lone other healthy back, undrafted rookie Shaun Wilson, could also see a minor uptick in opportunity while Jones is sidelined.

Coach Bill O'Brien said the Texans will "more than likely" wait until "after the [Week 10] bye" before clearing Foreman (Achilles) to practice, Deepi Sidhu of the team's official site reports.

In essence, the Texans are waiting until the last possible moment to see if Foreman can return from the torn left Achilles' tendon, which he sustained Nov. 19, 2017. Once he takes part in drills, Foreman will open a 21-day window to be activated from the PUP list. If he returns this season, it'll be interesting to see how he fits into a backfield currently led by Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue.

Conner is once again expected to serve as Pittsburgh's lead back Sunday in Baltimore after Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) failed to report to the team Wednesday for its first practice of Week 9, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

There was some thought that Bell might rejoin the Steelers this week after he stayed put in Pittsburgh following Tuesday's trade deadline, but it appears the 26-year-old's prolonged holdout will extend through at least one more game. Given that Bell can still become a free agent this offseason if he reports to the team prior to Week 11, there's a good chance he'll also remain away from the team for its Thursday night game against the Panthers in Week 10. Conner has taken full advantage of Bell's absence through Pittsburgh's first seven contests, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and hauling in 31 receptions while reaching the end zone nine times. That exceptional production could be enough for Conner to keep the top backfield job even once Bell returns, especially with the Steelers seemingly on course to part ways with the disgruntled three-time Pro Bowler after the season.

Mostert (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com report.

Mostert progressed from a non-participant Monday, but the 49ers have yet to go through a traditional practice session during the short week of preparation. The 26-year-old saw only 12 offensive snaps Sunday before suffering the ankle injury, and Wednesday's practice session should provide a better idea of his availability for Thursday's matchup against the Raiders.

Breida (ankle) was listed as a limited participant at Tuesday's walkthrough, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Breida has been limited through the first two practices of the week, although both sessions have been walkthroughs due to the short week of preparation for Thursday's game against the Raiders. The 23-year-old was expected to be limited heading into Sunday's game against the Cardinals but still received 16 carries and generally appeared no worse for wear. Breida appears on track to be ready for Thursday's Bay Area matchup.

Edmonds took two carries for nine yards and corralled one of two passes for 12 yards during Sunday's 18-15 victory against the 49ers.

After going five games without a catch, Edmonds has been involved as a receiver the last two weeks, helping him post exactly 21 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back contests. In the wake of working under a new offensive coordinator, his touch count didn't waver from its typical handful, so the rookie running back isn't much more than a David Johnson handcuff at the moment.

Barner was on the field for seven of a possible 76 snaps on offense in Monday night's 25-6 win over the Bills, en route to carrying twice for four yards.

Though top back Sony Michel (knee) was inactive Monday, Barner's role was limited, as wideout Cordarrelle Patterson led the team with 10 carries (for 38 yards) in the contest and James White handled his normal pass-catching duties out of the New England backfield. Michel was listed as a limited practice participant Saturday, which suggests that he has a chance to play in Week 9. In any case, Barner is not a high-percentage fantasy option.

Patterson rushed 10 times for 38 yards and was not targeted in Monday night's 25-6 win over the Bills.

Patterson surprisingly led New England in carries in the wake of top running back Sony Michel (knee) being sidelined. While the wideout was able to rip off a run of 22 yards, his other totes didn't yield much territory. Additionally, he didn't feature in the passing game, where James White again saw double-digit looks out of the backfield. Depending on Michel's status going forward, it'll be interesting to see if the elusive Patterson continues to line up as a runner or returns to receiver.