NFL Player News

Bolden (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Bolden sat out Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury, but he appears to be progressing in his recovery. The former Patriot stands to take most of his snaps on special teams when healthy, and he's unlikely to see substantial carries behind co-starters Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore.

The Bengals listed Mixon (knee) as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

While Mixon's limited involvement represents no change from his activity Wednesday, the fact that he's merely on the field in any capacity on back-to-back days is an indication he's trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Dolphins approaches. With Mixon seemingly on pace to return from a two-game absence, he could be called upon to handle a large workload right away with change-of-pace back Giovani Bernard's (knee) availability looking dicey for the Week 5 matchup.

Clement (quadriceps) was held out of practice Thursday, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

Clement was a spectator for a second straight session, which he watched without a helmet, per Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer. With no activity yet this week and healthier options available to the offense -- Jay Ajayi and Wendell Smallwood -- Clement may remain sidelined for another game Sunday versus the Vikings. Friday's injury report will peg Clement's chances of taking the field Week 5.

Mixon (knee) was in uniform Thursday and taking part in the Bengals' practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

For the first time since sustaining a meniscus injury in the Week 2 win over the Ravens that required surgery, Mixon took part in practice Wednesday, logging a limited session. It won't be known whether he advanced to full-session work Thursday until after the Bengals release their practice report, but his involvement on back-to-back days nonetheless bodes well for his hopes of returning from a two-game absence. While the Bengals might prefer to ease Mixon into the backfield mix coming off the injury, the 22-year-old could be asked to assume a leading role right away with top backup Giovani Bernard (knee) looking uncertain to play Sunday against the Dolphins.

Coach Vance Joseph acknowledged Wednesday that he plans to involve Freeman more heavily in the offensive game plan in the weeks to come, Kyle Frederickson of The Denver Post reports. "I'm looking forward to getting [Freeman] more touches," Joseph said. "He needs more opportunities because he is playing good football."

The Broncos have largely split the backfield duties down the middle this season, with Freeman logging 44 carries to Lindsay's 44 through the first four games. Despite those similar workloads, it was Freeman who was largely a spectator for much of the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to the Chiefs, as his last touch came with 14:16 remaining. Lindsay won't be phased out of the offense while he's averaging 5.9 yards per carry and also making an impact as a pass catcher, but it appears Joseph at least intends to rotate Freeman in more liberally in the games to come, which bodes well for the 22-year-old's rest-of-season outlook.

Bolden (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Bolden seemingly picked up a hamstring injury during Sunday's loss to the Patriots. The running back was on the field for just 18 special teams' snaps and has yet to carry the ball for the Dolphins this season, as he's buried on the depth chart.

Breida (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Breida was wearing a no-contact jersey during the portion of Wednesday's session open to the media, so his limited designation comes as no surprise. He'll aim for an uncapped practice either Thursday or Friday, but even if he doesn't achieve that goal he should be the 49ers' No. 1 back Sunday against the Cardinals. In a Week 4 loss to the Chargers, Breida led all the team's running backs in offensive snaps (38) and touches (12), which far exceeded Alfred Morris' 14 and five, respectively.

Hines should remain a part of the Colts' backfield committee Thursday against the Patriots with teammate Marlon Mack (hamstring) ruled out for the contest.

Robert Turbin's return from a four-game suspension shouldn't have much impact on Hines, considering the Colts primarily used the 28-year-old in goal-line and short-yardage situations the past couple seasons. Hines has emerged as the most valuable member of the Indianapolis backfield, with his skill set making him a nice fit for an extremely pass-heavy offense. He could be in for another large target total Thursday when the Colts go to battle without Mack, T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) and Jack Doyle (hip).

Wilkins should remain a part of the Colts' backfield committee Thursday against the Patriots with teammate Marlon Mack (hamstring) ruled out for the contest.

Wilkins and Nyheim Hines likely will be joined by a third party in Week 5 with Robert Turbin returning from a four-game suspension. The Colts' inability to run the ball with any of their backs has left Hines as the player to own for fantasy purposes. Wilkins has yet to find the end zone or top 64 scrimmage yards in any game this season.

Cook (hamstring) didn't participate at practice Wednesday.

Following an admission Monday that his left hamstring isn't 100 percent, Cook proceeded to work out with the Vikings' strength coach on a side field during Wednesday's session. The team seemingly will take a wait-and-see approach with the running back, who could be on a "pitch count" again Sunday at Philadelphia, assuming he's active. In his return from a one-game absence last Thursday against the Rams, Cook earned 10 carries on his 20 offensive snaps, turning them into 20 yards.