Remains sidelined

Bernard (knee) did not practice Thursday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Bernard is thus trending toward being sidelined for a third straight contest, a scenario that could be confirmed as soon as Friday's final injury report. If that's the case, Joe Mixon will once again head the Bengals' backfield in Week 7, with Mark Walton on hand to work in a reserve role.

Not with main group at practice

Bernard (knee) was spotted working out with the Bengals' rehab group at Thursday's practice, Fletcher Page of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Unless Bernard sees involvement with the Bengals' healthy players during the portion of practice closed to the media, he'll likely go down as a non-participant for the second straight day. At this point, it appears likely that Bernard will miss a third consecutive game Sunday against the Chiefs, putting Mark Walton in line to serve as the top understudy to lead back Joe Mixon.

Remains sidelined

Bernard (knee/toe) didn't practice Wednesday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: Hobson relayed in his report that "It looks like another week without" Bernard, with the running back having yet to demonstrate much notable progress in his recovery from a sprained MCL. If Bernard is in fact sidelined for a third straight contest, Joe Mixon would continue to handle the overwhelming share of carries out of the backfield while Mark Walton slots in as the top backup.

Ruled out this week

Bernard (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: Offering some hope that Bernard might return as soon as next week is that he was spotted working on a side field at Friday's practice. In Week 6, however, Joe Mixon is once again slated to head the Bengals backfield, with Mark Walton on hand to work in a reserve role.

Working on side field Friday

Bernard (knee) was spotted working on a side field at Friday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Bernard was unable to take part in the Bengals' first two practices of the week, and it appears unlikely he will get in any work Friday. The Bengals will reveal whether or not he has any chance to get back on the field Sunday when they release their final injury report of the week.

Absent from practice again

Bernard (knee) wasn't present for the portion of Thursday's practice that was available to the media, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Bernard is expected to go down as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day, further validating the notion that he's a long shot to play Sunday against the Steelers. If Bernard is in fact sidelined for a second straight game, Joe Mixon would be in store for a hefty workload out of the backfield. Rookie Mark Walton would be on hand as Mixon's lone backup.

Misses practice to start week

Bernard (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coach Marvin Lewis said he isn't ready to rule Bernard out for Week 6, though the typical recovery timeline for an MCL sprain suggests the running back isn't likely to play. Lewis did mention that Bernard needs to practice again before he's cleared to play, so fantasy owners should have a better idea about his outlook by Friday. The Bengals' decision to release Thomas Rawls on Tuesday does hint that the team expects Bernard to return fairly soon, even if he's not quite ready for Sunday's game…read more

Not ruled out for Week 6

Coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that he isn't ready to rule Bernard (knee) out for the Bengals' Week 6 game against the Steelers, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Lewis did acknowledge with regard to both Bernard and receiver John Ross (groin) that "you have to practice to play." At this stage, it seems unlikely that Bernard will be able to practice as anything more than a limited participant this week, so a second consecutive absence looks to be in order for the 26-year-old. That said, Bernard's MCL issue doesn't look to be a long-term concern, as the Bengals' decision to release fellow running back Thomas Rawls on Tuesday suggests the team may expect…read more

Expected to miss 2-4 weeks

Bernard (knee) is dealing with a sprained MCL and is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: The Bengals had already ruled Bernard out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins earlier in the day, but it appears a lengthier absence may now be in store for the 26-year-old. On a more fortunate note for Cincinnati, Bernard's absence arrives just as Joe Mixon returns from a knee injury of his own. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, it's possible that Mixon might be eased back into the mix Sunday against the Dolphins, which suggests that backup Mark Walton should get a share of…read more

Ruled out this week

Bernard (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Bernard's absence coincides with the return to the mix of Joe Mixon (knee) and sets the stage for rookie Mark Walton to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 back in Week 5.

Working on side Friday

Bernard (knee) worked on the side during the media-access portion of Friday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Bernard sat out the first two days of practice this week, and it's looking like he's trending toward another absence Friday. That seemingly leaves Bernard as a long shot to play this week, but the Bengals will reveal whether or not he has any chance to play in Week 5 when they release their final injury report of the week following Friday's practice.

Not practicing Thursday

Bernard (knee) wasn't in uniform Thursday and isn't expected to participate in the Bengals' practice session, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Though Bernard has acted as the Bengals' lead back the past two weeks with Joe Mixon (knee) sidelined, it appears the latter is the healthier of the two at this juncture. While Bernard was limited Thursday to working out on the side field with the Bengals' other injured players, Mixon was practicing with the main group for the second straight day, according to Terrell. With Mixon trending toward playing Week 5 against the Dolphins, Bernard's fantasy value will take a hit regardless, but it now…read more

Dealing with knee issue

Bernard didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: The status of Bernard, who missed the tail end of the Week 4 win over the Falcons, is thus cloud heading into Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins. Fortunately for the Bengals, No. 1 back Joe Mixon (knee) was able to participate in Wednesday's session and seems to be trending toward a return after sitting out the past two games.

Not spotted at practice Wednesday

Bernard (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Bernard suffered an unspecified injury near the end of the Bengals' Week 4 win over the Falcons. The Bengals will release their first practice report of the week later Wednesday, which should clarify the nature of Bernard's issue. The report will also clarify the extent of backfield mate Joe Mixon's (knee) participation in Wednesday's session. Mixon is believed to be trending toward a return to action Sunday against the Dolphins, which would probably translate to a lessened role for Bernard.

Unavailable on final drive

Bernard was unavailable on the Bengals' game-winning drive against the Falcons on Sunday due to an undisclosed injury, Jay Morrison of The Athletic Cincinnati reports.

Analysis: While Joe Mixon is likely returning Week 5 against the Dolphins, Bernard still probably would have played a significant role on third downs, but this injury might alter that status in the short term.

Scores twice as fill-in starter

Bernard rushed 15 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns while catching all four of his targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 37-36 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Bernard was once again effective while filling in for the injured Joe Mixon (knee). He found paydirt from 10 yards out late in the first quarter and again on a one-yard run late in the second. While Bernard has performed admirably as Cincinnati's feature back over the past two weeks, his role will shrink significantly if Mixon returns as expected against the Dolphins in Week 5.

Good to go this week

Bernard (thigh) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Joe Mixon (knee) officially ruled out for the contest, Bernard is once again in line to head the Bengals' backfield this weekend. While filling in for Mixon in Week 3, Bernard was on the field for 57 of the Bengals' 65 snaps on offense, en route to handling all 12 of the team's running back carries for 61 yards and a TD, to go along with five catches for 25 yards. Meanwhile, backup Mark Walton was on the field for seven snaps, but was not credited with a carry. While it's possible that…read more

Limited again Thursday

Bernard (thigh) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: With back-to-back limited showings in practice, Bernard doesn't seem as healthy as a week ago, when he followed a limited practice Wednesday with a full session Thursday. So long as he upgrades to a full workload at Friday's practice, Bernard's status for the Week 4 matchup won't be much of a question mark. If Bernard is cleared to suit up, he'll likely be in store for another sizable workload with No. 1 back Joe Mixon (knee) trending toward an inactive status for the second straight week.

Listed as limited with thigh injury

Bernard was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to a thigh injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: It's no surprise to see Bernard a bit banged up after he received 12 carries and nine targets while handling a 88-percent snap share in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Panthers. He should be headed for a similarly large workload in Week 4 if the Bengals are again without Joe Mixon (knee), who seems to be making progress but nonetheless was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice. Bernard draws a Week 4 road matchup with an Atlanta defense that's surrendered 167 scrimmage yards per game…read more

Solid effort as fill-in starter

Bernard rushed 12 times for 61 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 25 yards on nine targets in Sunday's 31-21 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Bernard dominated the backfield touches with Joe Mixon (knee) out, as the only other Cincinnati carry was recorded by wide receiver Tyler Boyd. While Bernard moved the pile to cap his team's first drive with a one-yard touchdown, he wasn't as involved in the receiving game as his excellent pass-catching reputation would suggest. If Mixon's unable to suit up next week in Atlanta, Bernard would again have the team's running back snaps mostly to himself.

Upgrades to full practice

Bernard (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Though Bernard's knee injury limited his activity Wednesday, the issue was never viewed as a serious threat to sideline him Week 3 against the Panthers. With a full practice now under his belt, Bernard should be ready to handle a heavy workload as the team's starting running back Sunday with Joe Mixon (knee) unavailable for the contest. Neither of the two backup options on the roster, Mark Walton and Thomas Rawls, represent serious threats to poach significant snaps from Bernard while Mixon is…read more

Limited at practice Wednesday

Bernard was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: Assuming the issue that limited him is minor, Bernard is slated to head the Bengals' backfield Sunday against the Panthers, given that Joe Mixon (knee) has already been ruled out. Rookie Mark Walton and newcomer Thomas Rawls are behind Bernard on the depth chart, but neither player looks to be in line for ample work on offense.

Added opportunities on tap due to Mixon injury

Bernard is in line for added work in the next two weeks, with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that Bernard's teammate, Joe Mixon, is slated to have his knee scoped.

Analysis: Bernard merits an immediate pickup by those looking for short-term running back help and could end up being a nice DFS value play for Week 3 against Carolina. He piled up 208 rushing yards, 133 receiving yards (16 catches) and two TDs in a span of three games when Mixon was injured last December.

More action Week 2

Bernard was more active Week 2 than he was in the first week of the season, carrying the ball six times for 27 yards while hauling in four catches for 15 yards, on seven targets.

Analysis: Joe Mixon was nursing a sore knee and had to miss a couple of series. Plus, it appeared that the Bengals made more of an effort to keep Bernard involved. Mixon should be good to play Week 3, so this is the likely cap on Bernard's workload when Mixon is available.

Just two touches in Week 1

Bernard lost two yards on his lone carry and caught his only target for 11 yards in Sunday's 34-23, Week 1 win over the Colts.

Analysis: Bernard was a non-factor while Joe Mixon turned 17 carries and seven targets into 149 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. What's most concerning about Bernard's lack of touches is that Cincinnati trailed into the fourth quarter, so there was no lack of the passing situations in which Bernard usually thrives.

Sees limited preseason snaps

Bernard was used sparingly in the preseason, as he finished with nine carries for 28 yards (3.1 YPC), while second-year lead back Joe Mixon was even less efficient with a 1.8 YPC average on 13 attempts.

Analysis: With improvements to the offensive line and a full offseason to adjust to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's system, the expectation is that the Bengals' running game will get rolling with the start of the regular season and the subsequent increased reps for both backs. Bernard might be on the field often in passing situations, with the chance of taking on a larger role in the running game if Mixon fails to take a step forward following a disappointing rookie campaign.

Bengals offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is excited to use Bernard and Joe Mixon in the backfield, the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Mixon is headed for the lead role and a majority of carries, but Bernard shouldn't have much competition for backup work with fourth-round rookie Mark Walton replacing Jeremy Hill (Patriots). The plan could change if Mixon gets off to a slow start, considering he averaged just 3.5 yards on 178 carries last season, while Bernard averaged 4.4 on 105 totes. Both backs were effective as pass catchers, with Mixon hauling in 30 of 34 targets for 287 yards and Bernard bringing in 43 of 60 for 389…read more

Bernard had 10 carries for 52 yards along with six receptions for 18 yards in the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Ravens in Week 17.

Analysis: With Joe Mixon back in action, Bernard had to relinquish a considerable number of snaps early in the contest, but he took over on passing downs, especially late in the game. The division of labor was a potentially good preview of how he and Mixon will operate together next season. After being a forgotten asset early on, Bernard rallied to have a productive final five weeks of the season. He ended with 458 yards on the ground with two touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also enjoyed…read more

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.