NFL Player News

Coach Matt LaFleur said he's confident Dillon can step up if Aaron Jones (calf) isn't able to play in Sunday's game against Houston, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jamaal Williams has seen far more work than Dillon this year, but it is possible the Packers could lean on the rookie as their lead ballcarrier, with Williams then handling more of the receiving work. Of course, we still need to see how things play out with Jones, who appears to be headed for a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Williams would be the safer fantasy play in the event of a Jones absence, but Dillon would also offer some upside.

Jones suffered a mild calf strain during Thursday's practice, potentially setting up a game-time decision Sunday in Houston, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Jones still wants to play in Sunday's game, but the final decision also figures to involve the team's medical staff, and it could depend on how the running back looks/feels during a pregame workout. If Jones isn't able to play, Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon will handle backfield work for the Packers.

Barkley is scheduled to undergo surgery next Thursday to repair the torn ACL in his right knee, Andrea Kremer of NFL Network reports.

Though Barkley suffered the season-ending injury back on Sept. 20, he's delayed surgery more than a month while recovering from a less severe MCL strain in the same knee. With his MCL having now healed, Barkley should be at lower risk for any complications with his ACL reconstruction, leaving both the Giants and his doctors hopeful that he'll be ready to go for the start of training camp next year. Since Barkley went down with the knee injury, the Giants have leaned on Devonta Freeman as their main option in the backfield, but he's managed only 3.2 yards per carry across 54 totes through five outings.

Jones is absent from Friday's practice, Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jones hasn't been listed on the injury report this week, so his absence comes as a surprise. It's possible he's feeling ill or missing practice for personal reasons, but the Packers haven't provided an update yet.

Perine could handle third-down snaps versus the Browns on Sunday with Joe Mixon (foot) having been ruled out, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Giovani Bernard stands to handle the bulk of backfield work with Mixon out, but Perine appears on track to potentially play a change-of-pace role. He's suited up for every game this season but has only handled one carry while primary contributing on special teams. Trayveon Williams could also be active, but he hasn't yet handled a carry in his NFL career.

Williams is expected to be active against the Browns on Sunday with Joe Mixon (foot) ruled out, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Williams has been a healthy scratch through the first six games of the season, but the Bengals now finally have a need to call upon the 2019 sixth-round pick's talents. Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine both appear to be operating ahead of Williams in the Bengals' backfield pecking order, however. The second-year pro is still looking to log his first NFL carry.

The Bengals ruled Mixon (foot) out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon was unable to practice this week after exiting the Bengals' Week 6 loss to the Colts with the foot injury. Giovani Bernard should enter Sunday's game as the Bengals' lead back, with Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams set to work behind him.

Mixon (foot) is sitting out the early portion of Friday's practice, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 24-year-old appears to be sitting out his third straight practice as his status for Sunday's game against the Browns is in doubt. The release of the official injury report later in the day should provide a better idea of his availability, but Mixon is likely to be considered questionable, at best. Giovani Bernard would be in line for a heavier workload should Mixon be unable to play.

Scott rushed 12 times for 46 yards and brought in three of five targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' 22-21 win over the Giants on Thursday night.

With Miles Sanders (knee) out of action, Scott had an opportunity to take on lead-back duties versus a team that he racked up three rushing touchdowns against in Week 17. On this occasion, Scott found the end zone only once and did so through the air, and he did so at the most critical time possible. The 25-year-old reeled in a perfectly thrown but contested 18-yard pass down the right sideline with 40 seconds left with what turned out to be a game-winning touchdown. If Sanders isn't available to return for a Week 8 battle against the Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 1, it appears Scott is certainly the prime candidate to helm the backfield once again in what would be a very favorable matchup.

Wilson (calf) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Before he was deemed inactive this past Sunday against the Rams, Wilson didn't practice Thursday or Friday due to his calf issue. He's been able to get in some reps in both sessions so far this week, with one remaining before the 49ers likely will give him a designation for Sunday's game at New England. If he's active, he'll join Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty in a backfield without Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Tevin Coleman (knee).