NFL Player News

Prosch signed a three-year contract extension with the Texans on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The durable Prosch, who has played in all but one game in three seasons with the Texans, is primarily a lead blocker and special teams contributor. As a fantasy asset, there's not much there. Prosch has 10 rushing attempts and six targets over 47 games played.

The NFL Players Association filed a temporary restraining order Thursday, calling for the Texas courts to block any suspension for Elliott upheld by arbitrator Harold Henderson, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

A three-day appeal hearing for Elliott's six-game suspension concluded Thursday. A report from multiple media sources later reported that Kia Roberts, director of investigations for the NFL, recommended no suspension for Elliott after her investigation and noted that her recommendations weren't included in the NFL's 160-page report on the matter. As a result, the NFLPA believes it has a strong case to overturn Elliott's six-game ban, and it looks like this matter may be headed for the courts. It's unclear when Henderson will issue a ruling, though Schefter previously reported the arbitrator is facing pressure to render a ruling by Monday. The lawsuit raises the possibility that Elliott's suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy may be blocked, perhaps allowing him to play in the season opener Sept. 10 against the Giants. However, expect many legal twists in the next week before there's more clarity on any suspension for the running back.

NFL director of investigations Kia Roberts recommended Thursday during Elliott's appeal hearing that the running back receive no suspension after he was previously handed a six-game ban Aug. 11 for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott's appeal took three days and more than 25 hours to complete, and it's unclear when a decision will be rendered. Adam Schefter of ESPN previously reported that Harold Henderson, the appeals officer in the Elliott hearing, "is under pressure to have a decision by Monday." The Star-Telegram's report that Roberts' recommendations weren't included in the NFL's 160-page report on the matter would appear to increase the chances that the suspension will be reduced or challenged in court. However, the bottom line is the league is awaiting Henderson's ruling, and it's uncertain how he views the situation. The Cowboys will hope to gain more clarity on the length of Elliott's suspension early next week.

McNichols gained 36 yards on 10 carries and failed to haul in his lone target in Thursday's preseason finale against Washington.

Believed to be on the roster bubble, McNichols didn't do much to help his own cause, mustering a long run of only seven yards. The good news for the fifth-round rookie is that Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough also had quiet nights. The Bucs may try to sneak McNichols onto the practice squad.

Draughn (concussion) had 14 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown and hauled in both of his targets for 25 yards in Thursday's preseason finale against New England.

While it was a strong showing from Draughn, it may be a case of too little too late, as he missed all of training camp while recovering from ankle surgery and then suffered a concussion last week. Draughn did at least prove his health in Thursday's game, but he still worked behind Orleans Darkwa, who is a clear favorite for the No. 3 job.

Artis-Payne had eight carries for 51 yards in Thursday's preseason finale against Pittsburgh.

Artis-Payne finishes his impressive preseason with 28 carries for 180 yards (6.4 average) and three touchdowns, having thoroughly outplayed Fozzy Whittaker. It's still possible Whittaker enters Week 1 with the No. 3 spot on the depth chart at running back, as Artis-Payne's lack of pass-catching skills is problematic for a reserve back. The Panthers might consider keeping both players, with Artis-Payne essentially serving as Jonathan Stewart's backup while Whittaker serves as Christian McCaffrey's main understudy.

Green notched eight carries for 63 yards and four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason finale against Buffalo.

The undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati is hoping the Lions keep five running backs, as Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner (undisclosed) are all seemingly locks to make the roster. Despite his impressive showing in Thursday's exhibition, Green seems more likely to land on the Lions' practice squad.

Jones handled eight carries for 48 yards and caught one pass for a one-yard score in Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams.

Jones worked behind fellow rookie Jamaal Williams, who received the start at running back but gained only 31 yards on 11 carries. Williams has been second in the backfield pecking order all summer, but his extensive usage and lack of production in Thursday's exhibition provides reason to question the security of his spot on the depth chart. Jones could make a push for backup work if Williams struggles in relief of Ty Montgomery early in the season.

Dayes hurt his neck in Thursday's preseason matchup with the Bears and is questionable to return.

The 2017 seventh-round pick out of North Carolina State is the presumed No. 3 running back in Cleveland. If he does return, expect him to see limited snaps as a precautionary measure.

Williams picked up 10 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason finale against Detroit.

Williams received the start and was busy throughout the first quarter before eventually giving way to Joe Banyard, who finished with 14 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. While Banyard may have played his way onto the roster with a strong preseason, Mike Tolbert is the bigger threat to Williams' backup duties, with the former Panther representing a proven asset on passing downs and in short-yardage spots.