NFL Player News

Jones (shoulder) practiced in pads Wednesday, Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports.

As a Monday night participant in Week 1, the Redskins won't be revealing Jones' activity level until Thursday, but ditching his no-contact jersey from Monday's session is certainly a step in the right direction. Even so, Chris Thompson (shoulder) is expected to snipe passing-down reps from Jones this season, and undrafted rookie Rob Kelley could be in the mix as well after an impressive preseason.

Drake is getting a look as a return man with DeVante Parker (hamstring) questionable to play Sunday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

This could be the best and maybe only way Drake can contribute to the Dolphins and fantasy teams in the early going this season. With Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi ahead of him on the running back depth chart, carries will be few and far between, but the return game could be one way to get the ball into the hands of this explosive back.

Per the Columbus prosecutor's office, no charges against Elliott will be filed stemming from reports of alleged domestic violence incidents in July, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

"After reviewing the totality of the evidence, the City Attorney's Office, Prosecutor Division is declining to approve criminal charges in this matter for any of the five alleged incidents. This is primarily due to conflicting and inconsistent information across all incidents resulting in concern regarding the sufficiency of the evidence to support the filing of criminal charges," a release from the prosecutor's office noted Tuesday. The report indicates that the NFL is is still investigating the matter, which leaves open the possibility that Elliott could still face league discipline. The No. 4 overall pick in April's NFL Draft is listed as the Cowboys' top running back in advance of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Giants.

Kelley is listed as the No. 3 back on Washington's initial regular-season depth chart.

Kelley, an undrafted rookie free agent, found his way onto Washington's 53-man roster, beating out Mack Brown for the No. 3 spot in the backfield. With both Matt Jones (shoulder) and Chris Thompson (shoulder) nursing injuries this week, it's possible that Kelley could see the field in Week 1's tilt with the Steelers on Monday night.

Michael is listed ahead of Thomas Rawls on the initial depth chart for Week 1 against Miami, ESPN's Sheil Kapadia reports.

With Rawls bouncing back from major ankle surgery, Michael made the most of his increased opportunity during the preseason, running for 157 yards on 24 carries (6.5 YPC). The Seahawks do want Rawls to be involved from the outset, but he may be eased back into the mix with a limited workload. While that doesn't necessarily mean Michael will get the start, it's at least a serious possibility. The two running backs figure to vie for touches early in the season, with rookie C.J. Prosise potentially entering the fray for passing downs. Rawls is still the favorite to solidify himself as the long-term starter, but Michael could perhaps change that thinking if he comes out of the gate strong while his teammate struggles.

Rawls is listed behind Christine Michael on the initial depth chart for Week 1 against Miami, ESPN's Sheil Kapadia reports.

The Seahawks have reiterated that Rawls is expected to play and get some carries, but with Michael coming off a fantastic preseason, the team may opt to ease Rawls back into the mix. Per usual, head coach Pete Carroll has sent mixed signals with his comments, leaving open the possibility that either Rawls or Michael could lead the backfield in Week 1. Further complicating the matter, rookie C.J. Prosise may have a role on passing downs. Rawls still has obvious upside as the likely long-term starter in a run-oriented offense, but he may need to reprove his health and skill over the first few weeks of the season.

Pead (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday and will not play in Sunday's Week 1 contest, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Pead has not practiced in over a week due to an uncooperative hamstring. Listed as fourth on the Dolphins' official team depth chart, the 26-year-old was not expected to get much run in Sunday's affair anyhow. Barring any setbacks, Pead could be available for Week 2 action.

Head coach Pete Carroll wants Rawls (ankle) to "carry the ball quite a bit" in Sunday's game against Miami, SportsRadio KJR's Curtis Crabtree reports.

Prior to the final preseason game, Carroll said he had no doubt Rawls would be ready for Week 1. The second-year running back then took two carries for seven yards Thursday in Oakland, making his first and last appearance of the preseason. While seemingly still on track to start, Rawls does figure to cede some of the rushing workload to Christine Michael, with C.J. Prosise potentially getting some snaps on passing downs.

Atkinson may be tasked with returning kicks, ESPN.com reports.

With the release of kickoff return candidates Taylor Gabriel, Justin Gilbert and Raheem Mostert, the Browns are in need of a return man and that just may be Atkinson. The 23-year-old ran back seven kicks for 134 yards in 2014 as a Raider and had an 81-yard return for a touchdown in the preseason.

Harris signed with the 49ers on Monday.

Harris was with the 49ers since last season but was cut as the team trimmed down to 53 players. To make room for Harris, San Francisco moved 2016 third-round pick Will Redmond to IR, and it appears the only reason Harris was cut was to avoid having to waive Redmond. Look for Harris to be the teams No. 4 option in the backfield, behind Carlos Hyde, Shaun Draughn, and Mike Davis.