NFL Player News

Mixon (concussion) remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and isn't taking part in practice Wednesday, Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Though Owczarski reported prior to the session that Mixon was present for the start of practice and looked to be progressing, the running back's lack of involvement doesn't offer much reassurance that he'll be ready to return from a one-game absence. With the Bengals due to practice again Thursday and Friday, Mixon will have a couple more chances to improve his outlook heading into Sunday's game against the Vikings, but regardless of his participation level in those sessions, he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before being removed from the protocol. If Mixon is sidelined for a second straight game, Giovani Bernard would be in store for another sizable workload as the Bengals' feature back.

Mixon remains in the concussion protocol Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports, but he appears to be making progress, according to Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

With Mixon still in the concussion protocol, it shouldn't be a surprise if he sits out practice Wednesday. In any event, if the report that he's progressing is true, it bodes well for Mixon's chances of getting back on the field Sunday against the Vikings. Mixon still has several days to clear the protocol, but he will ultimately have to do so in order to play in Week 15.

The Seahawks signed Fowler to their practice squad Tuesday, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Fowler made the Titans' 53-man roster out of training camp as the team's sole fullback, but after his usage declined in recent weeks, Tennessee decided to cut him a few days ago. The Seahawks apparently see some potential in Fowler as a lead blocker and could look to bring him aboard their roster if head coach Pete Carroll cites a need for a fullback over the team's final three regular-season contests. Tre Madden (calf), who had served as Seattle's only fullback earlier in the campaign, was placed on injured reserve in early November and was never replaced.

Conner ran for six yards on two carries during Sunday's 39-38 win over Baltimore.

Conner maintains his No. 2 role in Pittsburgh's offense, but the disparity is considerable. Le'Veon Bell racked up 80 snaps to Conner's seven on Sunday. As a consequence, the rookie isn't as valued as most No. 2 backs in the league. He's tallied five touches just once this season and hasn't topped 20 total yards in a game since Week 4.

Abdullah (neck) was listed as a full practice participant on the Lions' injury report Tuesday.

With his neck injury behind him, Abdullah can focus on getting back in the good graces of head coach Jim Caldwell, who has included the running back among the inactives the past two games. Prior to the absence, Abdullah was averaging a career-worst 3.4 YPC, so the Lions rolled with Theo Riddick and Tion Green at running back. It remains to be seen if Abdullah will do enough this week to regain his perch at the top of the depth chart in time for Saturday's contest.

Ekeler carried the ball four times for 49 yards but did not catch any of his three targets in the 30-13 win over the Redskins on Sunday.

Most of Ekeler's yardage came from a 33-yard run to end the second quarter as the Chargers raced out to a commanding lead early. It likely speaks to the undrafted rookie's place within the offense that the Chargers opted to use Andre Williams almost exclusively in the fourth quarter as they iced away the win, choosing to keep Ekeler healthy instead of trotting him out on the field with the game well in hand. The 22-year-old should continue to operate as the No. 2 back for the foreseeable future.

Drake rushed 25 times for 114 yards and caught five of six targets for 79 yards in Monday night's 27-20 win over the Patriots.

Drake dominated for the second straight week against an accomplished defense. Last Sunday, he ripped off 120 rushing yards and a score versus the Broncos, and he totaled nearly 200 offensive yards at the hands of the reigning champs. The second-year pro is emerging as a dynamic every-down tailback, as he led the Dolphins in receiving Monday while also picking up a number of blocks in pass protection. With a rush of at least 30 yards in four of six games since Jay Ajayi was shipped out of town, Drake also possesses big-play ability. Overall, Drake is peaking as the fantasy season enters its most important stretch, making him a hot commodity as Miami heads north to Buffalo this Sunday.

Clement carried the ball six times for 24 yards and caught one of three pass attempts for 28 additional yards in Sunday's 43-35 defeat of the Rams.

The seven total touches were the rookie's most since Week 9. His 27 snaps came just one shy of his career high, while LeGarrette Blount saw just 15. Nevertheless, the Wisconsin product's role in the Eagles offense is the least valuable among the running back trio. He is not a recommended option Week 15 against the Giants.

Oliver should reclaim his role as the Chargers' No. 3 running back after Andre Williams sustained a broken wrist in Sunday's win over the Redskins, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Oliver has been a healthy scratch of late after recovering from the hamstring injury, since Williams provides more value on special teams. The veteran running back is likely to be active as the team's third running back going forward, but barring an injury to Melvin Gordon or Austin Ekeler, a significant offensive role should not be expected.

Daniels rushed twice for 12 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Chargers.

Daniels saw his first NFL action Sunday after Byron Marshall sustained a hamstring injury early in the contest. If Marshall continues to miss time, Daniels will be in line to be the No. 2 back on depth chart behind Samaje Perine against the Cardinals on Sunday.