NFL Player News

Pollard may be in line for a more limited role than initially anticipated Sunday against the Giants with top back Ezekiel Elliott expected to handle a "normal" workload, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Pollard's fantasy value took a major hit when Elliott inked a six-year, $90 million contract extension earlier this week, but the rookie was still expected to have a fairly prominent role in the Cowboys' Week 1 game plan since the veteran missed all of training camp and the preseason while holding out. Earlier reports suggested that Elliott would likely only be in line for around 20-to-25 snaps, but the Cowboys have seemingly been satisfied enough with his fitness after three practices to loosen the reins. Assuming Elliott does in fact handle his usual three-down duties for the Cowboys, Pollard may only be in line for a handful of touches as a change-of-pace back, which probably won't translate to enough volume to make the Memphis product a viable lineup option in most fantasy formats.

Elliott is expecting to handle a "normal" workload Sunday in the Cowboys' game against the Giants, a source tells Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.

Despite missing all of training camp and the preseason before agreeing to a six-year, $90 million contract extension Wednesday, Elliott apparently feels as though his conditioning is up to par after logging three practices. Though prior reports suggested that the star running back would be in store for a limited slate of around 20-to-25 plays in Week 1, the Cowboys appear willing to loosen the reins on Elliott if he looks to be in good form early in the contest. If Elliott does in fact handle a normal workload -- which equated to about 25 touches per game in 2018 -- he would represent one of the higher-end Week 1 fantasy options at running back. It would also result in fewer snaps for rookie Tony Pollard, who had been poised to claim an every-down role for Dallas before Elliott put pen to paper on the new deal.

At this stage, Gordon -- who is looking for a new contract -- plans to report back to the Chargers "in the window that spans from Week 6 through Week 8," Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.

The report notes that Gordon must return to the team by Week 10 in order to have this season count toward his free agency next year and he plans to do so. Heading into Week 1, however, there's been no reported progress toward the running back inking a new deal, so the Chargers will move forward for the time being with a backfield led by Austin Ekeler, with Justin Jackson also in the mix for touches.

Elliott was added to the Cowboys' 53-man roster Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This should come as no surprise considering the Cowboys gave every indication their star running back would be available for Week 1. How much playing time Elliott receives is another question entirely, as Jane Slater of NFL Network reported earlier in the week the 24-year-old would get approximately 20-to-25 snaps despite executive vice president Stephen Jones suggesting Elliott "came in in really good shape." Regardless, the 2016 first-round-pick figures to have some sort of role Sunday against the Giants.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Previous reports noted that Williams could be a week or two away from returning to action, which leaves Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine to head the Bengals backfield Week 1, at a minimum.

McKinnon (knee) had surgery Tuesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

McKinnon hasn't provided details on the surgery, apart from stating that it doesn't directly involve the torn ACL and damaged meniscus that wiped out his 2018 campaign. He'll now miss another full season on injured reserve, but he hopes to make it back next offseason and stick around with the 49ers. Doing so likely would involve a pay cut from his scheduled $6.5 million base salary for 2020.

Mack's main personal goals for the season are to stay healthy and reach 1,000 yards rushing, Jim Ayello of The Indianapolis Star reports. "I'll keep it brutally honest," Mack said. "I want to stay healthy. That's the big one. My health is my future. Stay healthy and just going out there and get over 1,000 yards this year and help this team win.

He shouldn't have too much trouble with the second goal if he achieves the first, considering he averaged 16.3 carries for 75.7 yards in 12 regular-season games last year, later adding a 33-194-1 rushing line in two playoff appearances. Touchdowns may be harder to come by with Andrew Luck retired, but rushing volume won't be an issue if the Colts stay competitive. Mack will open his season with a Sunday road matchup against the Chargers.

Williams (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Williams was held out of practice all week while recovering from a broken rib he suffered in the team's second preseason game, so his absence doesn't come as much of a surprise. Jordan Wilkins (ankle) is considered questionable and would be the No. 3 back for the Colts if active for Week 1.

Though listed as full practice participant Friday, Wilkins (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

The fact that he practiced fully Friday suggests that Wilkins has a decent shot to play this weekend, but at this stage he's not really a fantasy option, given that he works behind both Indy starter Marlon Mack and top change-of-pace back Nyheim Hines.

Singletary is an option in the return game for Week 1 with teammate Andre Roberts already being ruled out. "We've got some options there," coach Sean McDermott told the Bills' official site. "Whether it's (Robert) Foster, Devin Singletary, (Isaiah) McKenzie, (Micah) Hyde. We've got some guys who have some experience there."

Singletary may have the best moves of all those candidates, but the Bills may also be hesitant to put a rookie back there, one that didn't have a return in the preseason -- or since his freshman year in college, for that matter. He remains a true wild-card upside play until the offense sorts itself, as the Bills say they're rolling out a committee to start between Singletary, Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon. Singletary has by far the most upside of the three backs, so if he can get past the inexperience issue and prove he can block, he could be seeing a meaningful number of carries quickly.