NFL Player News

Walton is expected to remain the Bengals' top backup running back Sunday against the Dolphins with Joe Mixon (knee) returning from a two-game absence and Giovani Bernard (knee) likely to be sidelined for 2-to-4 weeks, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

While Mixon was out, Bernard stepped in as the Bengals' lead back, leaving Walton to handle the No. 2 role. Bernard essentially served as a three-down workhorse in both of those contests, as Walton only garnered seven touches (five carries, two receptions) while seeing the field for only 35 of a possible 138 offensive snaps (25 percent). Mixon should ultimately dominate the snaps much like Bernard had, but coach Marvin Lewis suggested that Mixon would be eased back into the mix after his conditioning dipped while he was sidelined with the injury. With that in mind, Walton might take on a slightly more expanded workload Sunday than he had in either of the previous two games, though probably not a large enough role for him to be a usable fantasy option in most settings.

Though Mixon (knee) has been cleared to play Sunday against the Dolphins, coach Marvin Lewis said the 22-year-old could be eased into the backfield mix in his return from a two-game absence, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

After requiring a scope of his right knee Sept. 15, Mixon proved his health by practicing Wednesday through Friday, concluding his preparations for Sunday with a full participation in the final session of the week. While it appears all is sound with his knee, Mixon's conditioning took a hit while he rehabbed the injury, so Lewis may not be eager to hand the second-year back a massive workload right away. Unfortunately for the Bengals, change-of-pace option Giovani Bernard (knee) won't be available to relieve Mixon after sustaining an MCL sprain that will likely sideline him for 2-to-4 weeks, so it appears rookie Mark Walton will handle the top backup role against Miami.

Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said Thursday that he's eager to get Conner more involved in the ground game, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports. "I probably just need to do a better job heating him up," Fichtner said, referring to giving Conner more carries. "It's just like quarterbacks, too. You get into a rhythm. And all good running backs, they need that rhythm."

After handling 31 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 tie with the Browns, Conner has been limited to a combined 32 totes over the past three games, which have yielded just 97 yards (3.0 per carry) and one score. Game flow contributed to Conner's single-digit carry loads in Weeks 2 and 4, but Sunday's home game against Atlanta could prove more favorable for the 23-year-old. Conner and the Steelers, who enter the weekend as a slight favorite in the contest, will take aim at a Falcons defense that has yielded 5.0 yards per carry (29th in the NFL) and six rushing touchdowns (second-most in league). Conner's prospects could be boosted even further after the Falcons already ruled out run-stuffing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (ankle) for the game.

Mixon (knee) practiced fully Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon's return to the mix couldn't come at a better time with Giovani Bernard (knee) having been ruled out for Week 5 after filling in for Mixon as the starter the past two games. With his health in order, Mixon is thus poised to head the Bengals' backfield this weekend, with Mark Walton on hand to serve in a backup capacity.

Cook (hamstring) was limited to rehab work at Friday's practice, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's unclear if Cook will be listed as a non-participant or a limited participant, but he's expected to get a "questionable" designation either way, with his status for Sunday's game against the Eagles potentially coming down to a game-time decision. Another update will be available later Friday when the Vikings release their final injury report of the week.

Clement (quad) wasn't present for the start of Friday's practice, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

Coach Doug Pederson said Clement would return to practice, but it now seems the second-year running back is absent for a third straight day. With Darren Sproles (hamstring) also missing from Friday's session, the Eagles appear to be headed for another week featuring Wendell Smallwood working behind Jay Ajayi in the backfield.

Foreman is on track in his recovery from offseason Achilles surgery, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.

Foreman remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but has apparently avoided any recent setbacks with his left Achilles' tendon. Dougherty relays that the soonest the 22-year-old would be able to return is early November, so Alfred Blue looks poised to continue serving as the No. 2 running back behind Lamar Miller for at least a few more weeks.

Clement (quad) will practice Friday and the Eagles will make a call on his Week 5 status after the session concludes, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

Clement didn't practice either Wednesday or Thursday, but he's at least slated to see at least some work Friday. Per head coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles' final injury report of the week will reveal whether or not Clement has a chance to take the field Sunday against the Vikings.

Hines rushed 15 times for 45 yards and brought in seven of nine targets for 45 yards in the Colts' 38-24 loss to the Patriots on Thursday.

Hines served as the lead back for the Colts on the night, with fellow rookie Jordan Wilkins playing a complementary role. Hines' passing game involvement was especially encouraging and made up for his lackluster production on the ground. Both the 21-year-old's rushing attempts and rushing yardage were career highs, and he now has 21 receptions and pair of receiving touchdowns over the last three contests as well. Hines could see another expanded role if Marlon Mack (hamstring) remains out for a Week 6 battle against the Jets.

The Patriots have released Barner, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The move frees up a roster spot for on the Patriots' 53-man roster for returning wideout Julian Edelman. With Barner not available, the team's only active running backs Thursday against the Colts will be Sony Michel and James White.