NFL Player News

Jones (knee) carried four times for eight yards and failed to bring in his only target during Friday's 13-12 preseason win over the Browns.

Jones dealt with some soreness and swelling in his knee throughout the week, but he shrugged off the issue for this dress rehearsal of sorts. Although he wasn't overly effective, Jones notably mixed in with Peyton Barber throughout the team's opening three drives and outproduced his teammate. It appears the two backs will continue to share the workload during the regular season, with neither player likely to feature much, if any, during Thursday's exhibition finale against Dallas.

Cook is warming up prior to Saturday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

The Vikings listed a number of players not expected to play Saturday and the third-year tailback wasn't one of them, so it seems likely Cook will get at least some playing time Saturday. How much remains to be seen, and it's possible the 2017 first-round pick could be removed earlier than the rest of his first-string teammates, who are expected to play at least a quarter during the preseason affair.

Ellington rushed six times for 21 yards and brought in his sole target for 11 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-12 preseason win over the Browns on Friday.

Ellington and his primary competition for the third running back job, Dare Ogunbowale, saw almost equal opportunity in the contest, with the latter outpacing Ellington by a carry, a rushing yard and a reception apiece. Ellington did provide another solid accounting of himself in the contest and appears to still be in relatively good shape for a roster spot, assuming the team keeps at least four running backs.

Ogunbowale rushed seven times for 22 yards and brought in two of four targets for 19 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-12 preseason win over the Browns on Friday.

Ogunbowale paced the Buccaneers in carries and rushing yardage, just edging his primary competition for the third running back job, Andre Ellington, in both. The third-year back once again struggled with efficiency on the ground, but it's worth noting he had a pivotal role in the game-winning 16-play drive and also had a seven-yard gain during that series wiped out by a holding penalty. Tellingly, coach Bruce Arians entrusted him with three straight carries from just outside the Browns' 10-yard line as the clock wound down, with Ogunbowale gaining eight yards on those touches. The solid preseason play of both Ogunbowale and Ellington, as well as the latter's prior experience in Arians' offense, could ultimately lead to both backs sticking on the final 53.

Mixon sat out Thursday's preseason loss to the Giants, just as he had the week before, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports. "We just didn't really feel the need to give him any touches," Taylor said of Mixon. "What's one or two touches going to help him two weeks from now? So we just made the decision to keep him out. He's fully healthy and went through warmups with no issues."

Mixon will likely sit out the preseason finale against the Colts along with the rest of the Bengals' first-team offense. The offensive line has really struggled to run-block in the preseason - Bengals backs had 12 carries for 21 yards with the first-team offensive line on Thursday. However, it's an open question whether that's also a function of Mixon not playing.

Ollison rushed for 42 yards on 12 attempts and fumbled once during Thursday's 19-7 preseason loss to Washington.

Ollison had double the offensive touches of any other Falcons back and tied Derrius Guice for most at the position for either squad. He coughed up the rock on Atlanta's second-to-last offensive drive of the night, but teammate Olamide Zaccheaus tracked down Redskins defensive back Ashton Lampkin and stripped the ball out to force a touchback and retain possession for Atlanta. Despite the blunder, Ollison has been impressive throughout preseason play by leading Falcons backs in rushing for three straight games.

Jones is taking part in pregame warmups for Friday's preseason matchup with the Browns, ESPN's Jenna Laine reports.

Jones hyperextended his knee in the team's previous preseason contest, but he appears healthy enough to give it a go in this one. Considering he's battling Peyton Barber for the starting running back job, Jones' reps in this one could have a major impact on his role come the regular season.

Chubb won't suit up in Friday's preseason tilt against Tampa Bay, ESPN's Josina Anderson reports.

Cleveland's coaching staff clearly feels Chubb doesn't need any preseason reps despite entering just his second NFL season, so he's getting the same treatment as a number of star running backs around the league and will sit out the exhibition slate entirely.

Executive VP Stephen Jones expressed Friday that he is confident Elliott and the Cowboys will agree to terms on a new contract prior to Week 1, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com.

While appearing on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Friday, Jones was asked about Elliott's status, and he noted that "things happen real quick" in contract negotiations. "Sometimes in hours," Jones added. While Jones expressed optimism a deal would get reached, he also added, "I don't think we're close because there's not a lot of activity." As such, it seems both sides have a number in mind at the moment, but neither is willing to budge. All in all, Jones' comments indicate it shouldn't take long to come to an agreement once one side is willing to give a little, but for now, the impasse continues, and Elliott's availability for Week 1 hangs in the balance.

Ford had six carries for 11 yards and one reception for eight yards in Thursday's preseason loss to the Raiders.

Ford finished third among Packers running backs that suited up in both touches and carries, which essentially slots him fifth on the depth chart heading into next week's preseason finale.