NFL Player News

Kelley will get some carries in Thursday's preseason finale against Tampa Bay, but Mack Brown will handle most of the workload, Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports.

With Keith Marshall (elbow) out for approximately three weeks and a candidate to be stashed on injured reserve, the undrafted Kelley has locked up his spot as the No. 3 running back. The remaining question is whether lead back Matt Jones (shoulder) will be healthy for Week 1, as his absence could leave Kelley with a significant role on the ground. Passing-down back Chris Thompson (knee/shoulder) doesn't seem to be in any real danger of missing the opener, and Washington may still take a look at the free-agent scrap heap. Mack Brown is still looking at difficult roster odds.

Elliott does not expect to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Texans, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

If there were any argument for Elliott to play, it would be the Cowboys' desire to get him more snaps alongside Dak Prescott, who is expected to start at quarterback for at least the first few weeks of the season. While the absence of Tony Romo (back) could be problematic for the entire Dallas offense, it may lead to a scenario in which Elliott's workload is somehow even larger than previously expected. The rookie figures to start his career with a three-down role, playing in an offense that gave DeMarco Murray nearly 400 carries in 2014. Granted, the Cowboys could look to mix in Alfred Morris, with Lance Dunbar (knee) and Darren McFadden (elbow) potentially having limited roles once they're healthy. Elliott impressed in his lone preseason appearance, gaining 49 yards on seven carries against a tough Seattle defense.

Murray played only seven snaps in Saturday's preseason game against the Titans.

Murray hardly played Saturday, but still touched the ball four times, rushing twice for no yards and catching two passes (on three targets) for 19 yards. His lack of snaps was purely so the Raiders could get better looks at rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, who are both vying to be his primary backup this season. While both Washington and Richard impressed in extended action, Murray's starting spot is nothing to worry about going into the regular season.

Ellington posted three carries for 25 yards, three receptions (on six targets) for 20 yards, four kick returns of 73 yards, and one punt return for three yards during Sunday's preseason loss in Houston.

Ellington received the bulk of his snaps in the first half, indicating that head coach Bruce Arians is committed to using him regularly this season. On the other hand, Ellington resides behind David Johnson and Chris Johnson among the Cardinals' backfield options, meaning his snaps may be contained to strict passing downs and as the No. 1 return option. Barring an injury to one of the Johnsons, Ellington may be hard-pressed to sustain much viability in his fourth professional campaign.

Johnson notched seven carries for 24 yards during Sunday's preseason loss at Houston.

The Cardinals' ground game was dominated by David Johnson on the first two possessions, but the veteran Johnson and Andre Ellington shared the load for the next three, getting work with both Carson Palmer and his backup Drew Stanton. While Chris Johnson ripped off a 13-yard run at one point, he otherwise didn't surpass four yards on any other rush and wasn't targeted in the passing game. If his usage in the preseason is any indication, his touch count will hover about five per game in 2016 behind the bell cow that is David Johnson.

McFadden (elbow) has yet to resume practicing as of Sunday, the Cowboys' official site reports.

With no practice reps under his belt and one preseason contest to go, McFadden is on pace to enter the regular season sans game action, which cannot be simulated in drills. At this stage, he would only be a complementary runner anyway due to Ezekiel Elliott's appearance in last Thursday's exhibition and Alfred Morris' competent play this preseason, but McFadden still has no timeline for a return from breaking his elbow in the offseason.

Jones (shoulder) was off to the side at Monday's practice, Brian McNally of 106.7 The Fan reports.

Already ruled out for the final two preseason games, Jones has been limited to side work at practice since he injured his shoulder Aug. 19. He was diagnosed with a second-degree sprain of the AC joint, leaving his Week 1 status in some question. Washington also has issues further down the depth chart, with seventh-round rookie Keith Marshall (elbow) out for up to three weeks. Undrafted rookie Rob Kelley and passing-down specialist Chris Thompson (shoulder/knee) may have to lead the backfield in Week 1, though it's also possible Washington could add a veteran free agent in the coming days. Jones said he's making good progress and expects to be ready for the start of the season.

Draughn (ribs/back) wore a blue jersey at Sunday's practice to signal that he's exempt from being hit, The Sacramento Bee reports.

Draughn hasn't played in either of the 49ers' past two preseason games due to a rib injury he suffered during a practice scrimmage with the Broncos. While that condition requires the protection associated with a blue practice jersey, starting running back Carlos Hyde's concussion suffered Friday against Green Bay makes protecting Draughn's health even more important. At the moment, Draughn projects as the Niners' No. 2 running back, so if Hyde is unavailable, he represents the team's next option at the position, where the alternatives don't appear too attractive. It's also worth noting that Draughn was involved with returning punts during Sunday's session.

Fowler carried once for two yards while playing 15 snaps in Saturday's preseason win over the Raiders.

Fowler received some competition in camp from Sam Bergen, but seems to have solidified his role as the Titans fullback after playing 15 snaps in the regular season dress rehearsal compared to Bergen's three. The 2015 fourth-rounder out of Alabama brings some extra skill at the position, but is usually overlooked in favor of more traditional weapons.

Grimes didn't get any touches in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

Fourth-round rookie Tyler Ervin, also a capable pass-catcher, had two carries for 13 yards and one reception for 20 yards, even getting some snaps with the first-team offense. If Ervin has indeed passed Grimes as the top backup for passing downs, it would appear Grimes is merely competing with Akeem Hunt and Kenny Hilliard for the possibility of one roster spot.