NFL Player News

Elliott (suspension) isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Colts, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

There's no reason to risk Elliott's health with his spot cemented atop the running back depth chart. Moreover, it doesn't hurt to get Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris additional reps with the first-team offense in the event all or part of Elliott's six-game suspension is upheld. For the time being, Elliott's representatives will prepare for an Aug. 29 hearing in front of arbiter Harold Henderson.

Clement is expected to receive additional snaps Thursday against the Bills due to Wendell Smallwood's (hamstring) absence, Matt Lombardo of NJ.com reports.

With Darren Sproles also sidelined, LeGarrette Blount likely won't log more than a series or two with the first-team offense. Thus, Clement, fellow rookie Donnel Pumphrey and second-year pro Byron Marshall represent the remaining running backs on the roster. In his first preseason action last Thursday at Green Bay, Clement earned the most snaps (28) among Eagles RBs, turning the reps into seven carries for 13 yards and two receptions (on four targets) for 31 yards.

Drake (concussion) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Drake, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, is one of 11 Dolphins who are not suiting up Thursday. Joining the running back on the sideline for the contest will be wideouts Isaiah Ford, Rashawn Scott and Leonte Carroo.

Crossan (undisclosed) reverted back to the Colts' injured reserve after clearing waivers.

The nature of Crossan's injury has yet to be specified, but he's now in line to spend the 2017 season on injured reserve in Indianapolis.

Rawls won't play in Friday's preseason game versus the Vikings due to a "minor" ankle injury, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

On Sunday against the Chargers, Rawls got the nod over Eddie Lacy with the first-team offense, turning two carries into five yards. In the meantime, though, Rawls was held out of the team portion of practice both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. With the ailment revealed, Rawls' lack of activity in all drills will be interesting to watch, especially because Lacy is slated to start Friday.

Barner (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Eric Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Barner missed practice time earlier this week while in the NFL's concussion protocol. With the 28-year-old now back to work, he could even be in line to play in the team's preseason contest Sunday against the Saints if fully cleared for action by that time. Though clearly behind Melvin Gordon and Brandon Oliver in the Chargers' backfield pecking order, Barner is looking to cement a role with the squad as a change-of-pace back/special-teamer.

Mack took the bulk of second-team reps at Wednesday's practice, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

While seemingly destined to open the season third on the depth chart, Mack at least has a chance to get extended run with the second unit while the Colts use Robert Turbin with the starters to avoid overworking 34-year-old Frank Gore. Given Gore's age and Turbin's uninspiring NFL track record, the fourth-round rookie could earn a change-of-pace role, providing some much-needed explosiveness from the Indy backfield. The Colts hope Mack will eventually be Gore's successor in the lead role.

Gillislee (hamstring) didn't travel with the Patriots for joint team practices with the Texans this week, Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald reports.

Gillislee missed the preseason opener and likely will be held out for Saturday's exhibition in Houston. He's been limited or absent from practice for more than a week, while backfield mates Rex Burkhead, James White, Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden all have been healthy. Burkhead represents Gillislee's main competition for the early down work and goal-line carries that LeGarrette Blount handled last season. There's still time for the former Bill to lock down a key role, but all the missed work isn't helping his cause.

Pierce (hamstring) has yet to return to Broncos' practice, Andrew Mason of the Broncos' team website reports.

After spending the majority of 2016 on the injured reserve, Pierce signed a reserve/future contract with the team during the offseason. It is unclear when Pierce suffered the hamstring injury, but it has kept him absent from the first three weeks of training camp. At this point, he figures to have a tough time earning a spot on the final roster.

Rawls didn't take part in the team portion of practice Tuesday or Wednesday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribunereports.

While no injury has been reported, Rawls probably wouldn't be skipping practice if he were completely healthy, as he's a third-year player coming off a disappointing sophomore campaign. He does seem to be ahead of Eddie Lacy in a battle for the starting job, albeit with a three-way timeshare also involving C.J. Prosise the most likely outcome. The Seahawks likely will provide an update Wednesday or Thursday if Rawls is in any danger of missing Friday's preseason game against Minnesota.