Could be headed for lead role Sunday

While Joe Mixon (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Ravens if he incurs no setbacks during pregame warmups, Bernard appears positioned to see the bulk of the carries during the contest, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Marginalized in the Cincinnati offense for much of the season, Bernard has come on strong over the Bengals' last four games while Mixon has been limited to just 24 snaps during that span due to a concussion and the ankle issue. Mixon was able to practice on a limited basis this week and plans to go through pregame warmups, but since it sounds like he's not quite 100 percent, the Bengals seem inclined to err on the side of caution and limit his workload. That leaves Bernard with unfettered…read more

Likely in line for lead role Sunday

Bernard is expected to act as the Bengals' lead back Sunday against the Ravens with Joe Mixon (ankle) not expected to play, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Marginalized in the Cincinnati offense for much of the season, Bernard has come on strong over the Bengals' last four games while Mixon has been limited to just 24 snaps during that span due to a concussion and the ankle issue. Mixon was able to practice on a limited basis this week and plans to go through pregame warmups, but since it sounds like he's not quite 100 percent, the Bengals seem inclined to err on the side of caution and hold him out. That leaves Bernard with unfettered access to…read more

Bernard (ankle) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens after practicing fully Friday.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Joe Mixon (ankle) is listed as questionable for the game after practicing in a limited fashion the last two days. If Mixon is able to suit up Sunday, Bernard, who logged 168 yards from scrimmage in Week 16, would move back into a time-share, but either way, he should see enough touches to merit Week 17 fantasy consideration, more so if Mixon is held out.

Limited at practice Thursday

Bernard (ankle) was listed as a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Analysis: The limited showing Thursday implies that Bernard's ankle issue isn't a major concern, but the running back may need to practice fully Friday to avoid an injury designation heading into the weekend. More significant than Bernard's health is that of backfield mate Joe Mixon (ankle), who was also limited Thursday. If Mixon is unable to suit up in the season finale against the Ravens, Bernard, who tallied 168 yards from scrimmage in the Week 16 win over Detroit, would have the lead-back duties all…read more

Bernard was limited at practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Though Bernard's reps were managed carefully during the Bengals' first practice of the week, he still saw more involvement than his main competition in the backfield, Joe Mixon (ankle), who didn't participate in any capacity. The health of both runners is worth monitoring throughout the week, but if Mixon is unable to play in the season finale Sunday against the Ravens, Bernard would act as the team's undisputed lead back. Bernard submitted his best outing of the season in the Week 16 upset win…read more

Bernard carried 23 times for 116 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's game against the Lions. He also caught seven passes for an additional 52 yards in the 26-17 win.

Analysis: Thrust into a larger role after Joe Mixon (ankle) left due to injury, Bernard responded with a career-high 168 yards from scrimmage. He helped the offense churn out first downs with tough runs and was rewarded with a 12-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. With nothing to play for, it possible that Mixon will be held out of next week's game against the Ravens, meaning Bernard could have another chance to shine, albeit in a difficult matchup.

Bernard will revert to a reserve role Sunday against the Lions due to Joe Mixon's (concussion) return to action.

Analysis: Bernard took the reins of the rushing attack during Mixon's two-game absence, turning 25 carries into 92 yards and one touchdown. In addition to the contribution on the ground, Bernard chipped in nine receptions (on 13 targets) for 81 more yards. With Mixon's concussion behind him, Bernard likely will revert to his workload prior to Week 13, a span in which he averaged 4.8 touches and 30.9 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring two TDs in 11 contests.

Bernard rushed 14 times for 30 yards and a touchdown while turning five targets into three catches for 13 yards in Sunday's 34-7 loss at Minnesota.

Analysis: Bernard's garbage-time, two-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter rescued his fantasy day in what was otherwise an embarrassing performance for Cincinnati's offense on the whole. The shifty veteran's been a strong late-season find as the starter in Joe Mixon's (concussion) absence, but the rushing touchdown was his first of the season. Bernard has two receiving scores this year as well.

Should be lead back again Sunday

Bernard is expected to serve as the Bengals' lead back in Sunday's game against the Vikings with Joe Mixon (concussion) ruled out, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While Mixon sat out last week's loss to the Bears and missed most of the Bengals' loss to the Steelers in Week 13 with the head injury, Bernard has seen a steep uptick in snaps and touches and has made the most of the extra work. In those contests, he's gained 139 yards on 24 carries while adding eight receptions for 87 yards, though he failed to find the end zone in either game. The matchup against the Vikings' stout run defense isn't a favorable one for Bernard, but because neither of his…read more

Bernard (knee) practiced fully Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: The knee injury Bernard picked up in the Week 14 loss to the Bears was never considered significant, especially after the running back amassed 130 total yards in the contest and wasn't forced to depart early due to the issue. With Joe Mixon (concussion) sitting out last week and exiting early in the game before, Bernard has thrived while taking on increased volume out of the backfield, but his run as the Bengals' lead back could soon come to an end. Mixon is listed as questionable for the Week…read more

Bernard (knee) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Though he's failed to practice fully this week, Bernard's knee issue doesn't seem like anything that seriously threatens his availability for Sunday's contest against the Vikings. Of more concern to Bernard's fantasy outlook is the potential return of Joe Mixon, who remains in the concussion protocol but was able to put in a limited practice Thursday. If Mixon is cleared of the protocol before the weekend, he would likely draw the start at running back for the Bengals in Week 15, limiting…read more

Bernard (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Bernard should be available for Sunday's road game against the Vikings, but his Week 15 fantasy upside largely hinges on the status of fellow running back Joe Mixon, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday.

Bernard rushed 11 times for 62 yards and caught six of eight pass attempts for 68 yards in Sunday's 33-7 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: As expected, Bernard was indeed the workhorse back with Joe Mixon out due to a concussion. The 26-year-old saw all but two of the Bengals' carries and was their No. 2 option in terms of targets. He'll be in line for a similar role in Week 15 at Minnesota if Mixon is out again, although it ought to be a much tougher contest. The Vikings have allowed the second fewest rushing yards per game this season.

In line for Week 14 start

Bernard is expected to start at running back Sunday against the Bears with teammate Joe Mixon (concussion) ruled out for the contest, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With special-teams contributor Brian Hill representing the only healthy running back on the roster, Bernard should be in store for workhorse duties out of the backfield, an assignment that should make him an attractive and affordable DFS option and a popular pickup in season-long formats. Following Mixon's early departure in Monday's 23-20 loss to the Steelers, Bernard shined while taking on his largest workload of the season, logging 77 yards on 13 carries and adding two receptions for 19…read more

Bernard rushed 13 times for 77 yards and caught two of three targets for 19 yards in Monday night's 23-20 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Bernard saw his workload expanded after Joe Mixon was forced out with a concussion during the first half. With recently signed rookie Brian Hill the only other active running back on the Bengals roster, Bernard was given the entirety of the backfield touches after Mixon's departure, resulting in season highs in rushing attempts and yards. Mixon will need to clear concussion protocol in order to play this Sunday against the Bears, but Bernard's strong showing should earn him some extra looks…read more

Bernard rushed for 12 yards on three carries and added a 15-yard catch during Sunday's 30-16 win over Cleveland.

Analysis: Once Jeremy Hill was placed on injured reserve, there was a presumption that Bernard might see a few of those spare touches. Instead, they've all gone to rookie Joe Mixon and then some. Bernard has seen 4.3 touches per game in the four contests since Hill went down as compared to 5.1 touches per game with Hill available. Mixon, meanwhile, has seen his touches increase from 14.6 per game with Hill to 18.5 in his absence. With Mixon coming off his best statistical game as a pro, things are more…read more

Bernard caught all five of his targets for 38 yards and added two carries for 10 yards during Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: The meager seven touches represented Bernard's highest total since Week 2, and the 48 yards were Bernard's third highest total of the year. The season-ending injury to Jeremy Hill might free up a few more opportunities, but Cincinnati still seems content to ride rookie Joe Mixon more often than not. Bernard's niche remains as a change-of-pace back and pass catcher out of the backfield. Neither role likely warrants much fantasy attention in the Bengals' offense until further notice.