NFL Player News

Elliott and the Cowboys are reportedly working with "a sense of urgency" to finalize a new contract in the next 24 hours, ESPN.com reports.

Though things are still fluid with regard to this situation, such a scenario would enable Elliott to practice Wednesday and presumably have enough preparation to play in Sunday's season opener against the Giants.

Williams will start at running back for the Chiefs on Sunday against the Jaguars, ESPN's Adam Teicher reports.

Confirmation of his status as the team's Week 1 starter is worth noting in the context of the Chiefs' recent addition of LeSean McCoy, who played four seasons for coach Andy Reid while the two were in Philadelphia. Per the report, McCoy is expected to be available this weekend, and rookie Darwin Thompson also should factor in, but out of the gate, Williams is in line to head the team's backfield. Whether he maintains his hold on the top job will hinge on both his early season results and how quickly McCoy gets up to speed with the Kansas City offense. From there, more of a time-share or "hot hand" approach could be forthcoming.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated Tuesday that there's been some progress made in the team's contract talks with Elliott, while noting that he was "hopeful" to have the running back available for Sunday's season opener, ESPN.com reports.

The report also confirms that Elliott is traveling to Dallas in order to be present to sign on the dotted line if a deal transpires. Previous reports indicated that there were some things to iron out on that front, but it looks like things could heat up in the coming hours.

Newsome joined the Chargers' practice squad Sunday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Troymaine Pope ultimately locked himself into the No. 3 role behind Justin Jackson and Austin Ekeler, but it's possible Newsome could find his way onto the roster should Melvin Gordon eventually get traded.

Elliott is flying back to the Dallas area, though obstacles remain in discussions for a contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Elliott has been in Cabo San Lucas throughout most of his holdout, briefly returning to the United States at one point in mid-August. His presence in Dallas might hint at the possibility of a Week 1 appearance, but it doesn't mean he's softening his contract demands. Barring a quick deal, Tony Pollard is set to lead the Dallas backfield Sunday against the Giants, with Alfred Morris next up in a reserve role. Given his excellent conditioning and ample experience in the Dallas offense, Elliott theoretically could be cleared to play in a game without logging much time on the practice field.

Higdon was signed to the Houston's practice squad.

Higdon was the Texans' top ball carrier in terms of attempts during the preseason, but Lamar Miller's injury created a need to add more proven backs to the mix. Hence, the Texans will ride Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde as their top two backs with Buddy Howell and Taiwan Jones filling out the depth chart.

Marshall has signed on with the Chiefs' practice squad.

Marshall faces a crowded path to any carries this season behind four backs who could all contribute in some fashion this season.

Hills (undisclosed) reached an injury settlement with the Cardinals on Monday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The undrafted free agent signed on with the Cardinals in the spring but suffered an undisclosed at some point during training camp. The back will shift his focus to making a full recovery before attempting to sign on with a new team.

The Cowboys and Elliott are getting closer on the guaranteed money on a new contract, but the average annual salary remains a work in progress, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Elliott likely is seeking something in the ballpark of Todd Gurley's $45 million in guarantees and a salary in excess of $13 million per year. Considering there has been progress in recent days on an amended deal, this situation continues to hold intrigue for the Cowboys' Week 1 backfield. While Elliott remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, rookie Tony Pollard will serve as the No. 1 RB. That is, until (or if) the 2016 and 2018 NFL rushing champ is back on the 53-man roster.

Barner was one of three players fielding punts for the Falcons during Monday's practice session, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Barner was banged up for a stretch of preseason play with an undisclosed injury and had to sit out two of Atlanta's five exhibition games as a result. He had three return opportunities in total, putting up 38 yards on two kickoff returns and nine yards on his lone punt return chance during the exhibition slate. Justin Hardy had a solid 2018 for the Falcons with 7.7 yards per punt return (17th in NFL), but Barner was better than Atlanta's primary kick returner in putting up 24.4 yards per return for Carolina, compared to Marvin Hall's average of 23.7 on 26 attempts.