NFL Player News

Mixon is expected to take on a bigger role in the Bengals' backfield beginning with their matchup Sunday against the Packers, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

The Bengals' early-season offensive struggles prompted the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Zampese following their Week 2 loss to the Texans, with Bill Lazor assuming those duties in Zampese's stead. One of Lazor's main initiatives as the Bengals' new coordinator will likely be carving out more work for Mixon, who has logged 17 carries to Giovani Bernard's 12 and Jeremy Hill's 12 through the team's first two games. Mixon is only averaging 2.6 yards per carry, but he offers more burst and pass-catching ability than Hill and more strength between the tackles than Bernard, making him the team's most complete back. While Mixon's well-rounded skill set probably won't earn him a three-down role until he yields better results, it appears that the team will at least make a more concerted effort to get the ball in the rookie's hands more frequently at the expense of the veteran holdovers.

West (calf) is active Sunday for the Ravens' Week 3 matchup with the Jaguars in London.

West had been listed as questionable after the calf injury confined him to the sideline for all but one of the Ravens' three practice days this week, but after getting in a full session Friday and testing things out early Sunday without complications, he'll be cleared to take the field. While West may retain his starting designation, it's still expected that he'll cede ample work to Javorius Allen, particularly on passing downs. Alex Collins, who was promoted from the practice squad last week, may also get some touches when West requires a breather.

With DeMarco Murray expected to play, Henry is likely slotted as his backup, so long as Murray's hamstring cooperates.

It's possible Murray has a pregame or in-game setback, or Henry gets going and coach Mike Mularkey plays the hot hand, but given that Murray's been pronounced the clear starter and is likely to suit up, Henry's a risky play, especially against a stout Seahawks front.

West (calf) should suit up Sunday against the Jaguars, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport didn't name his source, but West practiced Friday, so there's a good chance he has a meaningful role. Just keep in mind Javorius Allen has seen significant work both on passing downs and some early ones, and Alex Collins also got into the mix in Week 2 when West was banged up and could also see an increased workload.

Kelley (ribs) is not expected to play Sunday against the Raiders, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Dealing with a rib cartilage injury, Kelley was limited throughout the week of practice after exiting in the second quarter of last week's 27-20 win over the Rams. He had said on Friday that he expected to play and may wear a protective vest, but it sounds like that outlook has changed. While this report doesn't rule him out, he looks too risky for fantasy players who need to set a lineup before the game's Sunday night 8:30 pm ET start time.

Zenner's teammate Dwayne Washington (quadriceps) is expected to miss multiple games, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Zenner will fill in as the No. 3 back, starting with Sunday's game against the Falcons. The role figures to include a portion of the early-down carries and goal-line work, but the Lions have a strong preference for their passing game even when they're close to the opponent's end zone. Zenner won't be of much interest unless Ameer Abdullah also suffers an injury.

With Rob Kelley (ribs) listed as questionable, Perine could take on an expanded role Sunday against the Raiders.

Perine failed to fully capitalize on Kelley's absence in the second half of Sunday's 27-20 win over the Rams, managing just 67 yards on 21 carries. It sounds as though Kelley plans to play through the pain in Week 3, but any limitations could allow the rookie to play a major role on early downs. Chris Thompson is locked in as the passing-down back and thus makes for a safer fantasy option than either of his backfield mates.

The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals set an Oct. 2 date for a hearing in Elliott's case, ESPN.com reports.

The court will hear arguments from the NFL and NFLPA as the league seeks a stay to nullify Elliott's preliminary injunction. The injunction allows Elliott to stay on the field until his appeal comes to a conclusion, which probably wouldn't happen before the end of the season. The NFL wants Elliott to sit while his case plays out in court, and the league's current request to nullify the injunction presumably represents the last tool at its disposable to accomplish that goal. The timing of the upcoming hearing ensures Elliott will be eligible to play Week 3 in Arizona and Week 4 against the Rams. He's looking to bounce back from a career-worst performance from Week 2 against the Broncos.

Head coach Anthony Lynn said Friday that Gordon (knee) is expected to suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Gordon logged limited practices Thursday and Friday due to a sore knee, clouding his potential to play in Week 3. While Lynn seemingly erased any concerns with his comment, his status will receive clarification in advance of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

A late-week addition to the injury report, Gordon managed limited practices Thursday and Friday due to an undisclosed knee injury. Neither Gordon nor head coach Anthony Lynn have touched on the running back's health, so it's unclear if his status is truly in peril this weekend. With the Chargers slated for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, Gordon could be a precarious play Sunday. An absence would push Branden Oliver and Aaron Ekeler into prominent roles out of the backfield.