NFL Player News

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.

Mostert (quadriceps) was in uniform at Tuesday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Mostert is currently on the bubble for the team's final 53-man roster. With Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon (knee) locked in ahead of him on the depth chart, he will have to get the nod over Jeff Wilson and Austin Walter, while also hoping the team opts to go with four running backs in order to make the cut. Thus, his presence at practice is a positive sign. However, his status for Thursday's exhibition finale against the Chargers remains uncertain.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that there's a possibility that McKinnon (knee) could be available for Week 1 against Tampa Bay, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Mckinnon returned to practice Tuesday and got even better news, signaling that he could be ready in time for the start of the regular season. McKinnon continues to work back from a torn right ACL he suffered before the 2018 season and could see his workload ramp up as the season draws closer. The veteran would share the backfield with Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida should he be healthy enough to play.

McKinnon (knee) returned to practice Tuesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Per the report, this marks McKinnon's first time out there since a "two-practice cameo (a) couple weeks ago." As McKinnon works his way back from the torn right ACL he suffered last September, it seems unlikely he'll be handed much of a role out of the gate this season. With that in mind, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida figure to handle the bulk of the 49ers' backfield duties come Week 1.

The Lions will release Zenner, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The running back should catch on elsewhere soon, with Houston coming to mind as a possibility. With Zenner no longer in the mix, the Lions' backfield is now headed by Kerryon Johnson and C.J. Anderson, with Ty Johnson and Mark Thompson next in line for reps.

Williams (foot) was available to practice Monday, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports.

Williams previously had already been declared ready for Thursday's preseason finale, so this isn't a shocking development. He might begin the year behind Rodney Anderson on the depth chart if he doesn't return to practice soon.

Snell (groin) said Tuesday that he's "100 percent" healthy, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

Snell noted that he feels healthy enough to handle a full workload. The rookie fourth-round pick missed some time due to a groin injury suffered Aug. 17 and now appears back to full capacity. He's working to carve out a role behind James Conner and Jaylen Samuels in Pittsburgh's running back room.

Harris (undisclosed) returned to practice Tuesday, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Harris, who didn't practice either Sunday or Monday, was dinged up in this past Thursday's preseason win over the Panthers, but his return to work Tuesday solidifies previous reports that his injury was minor. Harris is part of a deep New England backfield that also features starter Sony Michel, change-of-pace ace James White and the versatile Rex Burkhead. Even in that crowded context, Harris has earned a place on the fantasy sleeper radar, given the 2019 third-rounder's between-the-tackles running ability, as well as Michel's history of knee woes.

Henry (calf) indicated Tuesday that he'll be fine for the Titans' season opener, John Glennon of The Athletic reports.

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Henry is thus in line to head the Titans' ground attack in 2019, with Dion Lewis slated to reprise his role as the team's top change-of-pace option. Given the seeming clarity of his role, and the lack of proven options behind that duo, Henry possesses a solid fantasy floor heading into the coming season.

Thomas (suspension) reached an injury settlement with the Jaguars on Monday, Phillip Heilman of The Athletic reports.

Thomas signed on with the Jaguars at the beginning of training camp after being let go by the Vikings earlier in the offseason. The second-year running back is also facing a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.