NFL Player News

Ogunbowale is making a case to serve as Tampa Bay's third-down back, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Seemingly ahead of Andre Ellington for the third spot on the depth chart, Ogunbowale is making a decent case for a Week 1 role. The Buccaneers notably used him in the no-huddle offense during their third preseason game, giving the 25-year-old a full drive next to Jameis Winston in the backfield. Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones still are expected to take most of the carries, but Ogunbowale could get a shot at more work throughout the season.

Elliott will need to end his holdout before next Wednesday's practice to have a real chance of featuring in the Cowboys' offense for Week 1, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Dallas will begin preparing for the Giants in earnest on Wednesday, and while Zeke may be keeping himself in great shape during his self-imposed exile in Cabo San Lucas, if he's not with the team to be integrated into the game plan, it's hard to imagine him seeing much action in the opener even if he walks back through the door at the last minute. Impressive rookie Tony Pollard and veteran Alfred Morris figure to handle the backfield workload as long as Elliott is holding out.

Jones is on track for a role Week 1 against the 49ers, but Peyton Barber is more likely to get the start, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Jones hasn't done much to build his case this preseason, averaging 3.3 yards on 10 carries while continuing to struggle in pass protection. A minor knee injury didn't help, with the second-year pro bothered by swelling and soreness last week. Coach Bruce Arians may take the hot-hand approach between Barber and Jones, with the potential for a third player -- Dare Ogunbowale or Andre Ellington -- to also get involved. The Bucs notably used Ogunbowale for their two-minute drill with the first-team offense in the third week of the preseason.

Wilds signed a one-year contract with San Francisco on Tuesday.

This will be the second time the 26-year-old has signed with the 49ers, after he was signed Aug. 11 and waived 10 days later. Wilds still faces long odds to make the roster, considering he will be added to a running back depth chart that features six other players.

Ozigbo (undisclosed) played 15 snaps on special teams during Saturday's preseason win over the Jets, Herbie Teope of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Ozigbo shed his undisclosed injury in time to suit up for New Orleans' third exhibition match and impressed on special teams. The undrafted rookie out of Nebraska is competing for a depth role on the 53-man roster, and his affinity for special teams could increase his chances of sticking.

Mostert (quadriceps) is fully healthy and has added nearly 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Mostert is competing for a spot on the 53-man roster in San Francisco's crowded running back room. News of Jerick McKinnon (knee) suffering a setback in his recovery could increase Mostert's chances of sticking around, though he'd remain behind Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida on the depth chart. It remains to be seen whether he'll suit up for Thursday's preseason-finale against the Chargers.

Gordon is included in ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams' projection of the Chargers' 53-man roster heading into the season.

Though Williams doesn't go into detail about that optimistic take regarding Gordon's status, it's worth noting that the writer "expects Gordon to end his holdout in time to be on the Week 1 roster." In contrast, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggested a week ago that Gordon's holdout could continue into the season. Given the mixed reports along with the fact that there's been nothing concrete regarding a potential resolution regarding his contract situation, Gordon still carries a "buyer beware" label into fantasy drafts and auctions.

General manager John Lynch said that McKinnon (knee) suffered a setback in Tuesday's practice, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lynch also noted that McKinnon's return to practice Tuesday was "not encouraging." Coach Kyle Shanahan previously indicated that McKinnon had a chance to suit up for the Week 1 matchup with the Buccaneers, but the running back's availability for the season opener is now trending in the wrong direction. McKinnon has had a bumpy recovery while working his way back from a right ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2018 season and looks to be behind both Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida in the backfield pecking order.

Williams signed a contract with the Lions on Wednesday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Williams spent time with the Chiefs and Colts earlier this offseason, and now replaces Zach Zenner on Detroit's 90-man roster. The undrafted rookie out of Washington State could have limited time to prove himself with the Lions, with Thursday's preseason finale against the Browns fast approaching.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday in his radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan Dallas that he isn't too worried about having Elliott (contract dispute) available for the start of the regular season. "We've got a marathon here," Jones said. "We want Zeke when we get to the playoffs. We want Zeke when we're in the dog days of the season."

Executive vice president Stephen Jones sang a different tune last week, saying he was confident in the team reaching an agreement with Elliott before the Sept. 8 season opener against the Giants. A strong preseason from rookie running back Tony Pollard may allow the Cowboys to be a bit more patient, but they would still be far better off with Elliott in the September lineup. The idea of keeping Elliott fresh for December and January would have more validity if Dallas was one of the Super Bowl favorites. That said, the two sides both appear to be holding their respective ground, with recent reports suggesting Elliott turned down an offer that would have made him the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL. His availability for the Week 1 matchup with the Giants shouldn't be assumed.