NFL Player News

Sims, who returned to practice Monday after being sidelined since last week with an ankle injury, looked fully healthy during the session, the team's official site reports.

The third-year back was encouragingly smooth during his return Monday, seemingly unaffected by the ankle injury that he sustained when the Bucs were forced to practice at Tropicana Field a week ago due to weather concerns. Sims ran without hesitation and looked particularly smooth in the passing game, especially when running routes in one-on-one drills. Apparently back to full health, Sims appears on track to make his preseason debut against the Jaguars on Saturday barring any setbacks.

Drake (hamstring) did not practice Monday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Although he still hasn't practiced since Aug. 5, Drake was spotted running on the side at Sunday's session, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The rookie probably won't be ready for Friday's preseason game against Dallas, but he could conceivably return for the final two exhibition contests. If Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi both stay healthy, Drake will have a tough time getting on the field early in the season.

Elliott (hamstring) may return to team drills at practice as soon as Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

Elliott participated in Monday's walkthrough but was otherwise limited to individual work, missing an eighth consecutive padded practice. If the streak of absences ends Tuesday, the rookie could conceivably make his NFL debut in Friday's exhibition against the Dolphins. Regardless, Elliott should make it back for at least the final two preseason games, which would give him plenty of time to prepare for Week 1.

Ellington will likely serve as a change-of-pace complement to David Johnson, the Cardinals' official website reports

A starting-caliber running back when at his best, Ellington has been plagued by injuries throughout much of his career, but he's enjoyed a healthy offseason and training camp this time around. The Cardinals want to carve out roles for both him and Chris Johnson, but with David Johnson locked in as the lead back, it's unclear how many opportunities will be left for his teammates.

Rawls (ankle) participated in team drills Monday for the first time this season, ESPN reports.

Rawls had been building his workload since returning for individual drills last week, and now has graduated to joining his teammates on the field to start this week. After breaking his ankle back in December, the Seahawks have exercised caution with their expected starting running back, so he'll almost certainly still sit out Thursday's upcoming preseason game. That being said, Rawls is trending in the right direction to return to game action relatively soon, which is definitely a good development for the Seahawks and fantasy owners alike.

Elliot worked with the Cowboys' first-team offense during Monday's walkthrough, indicating he could return to team drills in practice later in the day, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Elliot sat out the Cowboys' preseason opener Saturday while nursing a hamstring ailment, but had been increasing his individual workload in the build-up to that game. Now, Dallas' No. 1 draft pick is back on the field with the starting offense to begin this week, suggesting he could return to full practice participation soon. That could come as early as Monday afternoon's session, so expect an update on his situation shortly.

Sims (ankle) returned to practice Monday, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims had been sidelined since he tweaked an ankle during practice last week, causing him to miss the Buccaneers' preseason opener. With the injury behind him now, Sims should jump right back into Tampa Bay's running back rotation ahead of Saturday's next exhibition contest against the Jaguars.

Patterson (shoulder) did not play in Friday's preseason game, but returned to practice Sunday without any limitations, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Patterson took a hard fall in the first practice of training camp and missed about a week of practice. He's missed a scrimmage and the team's first preseason game, but the injury isn't thought to be a worry for the start of the regular season. Patterson will try to win a regular role in the offense in training camp, but he more likely will see almost all his action as a kick returner.

Oliver ran the ball three times for 19 yards in the Chargers' preseason loss to the Titans.

Oliver did manage to bust open a 12-yard run, but that was about all for the 25-year-old who, like a handful of other key players, didn't play much in the opening preseason game. Oliver, who missed eight games with a turf toe injury last season, still figures to be the primary backup for Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead, so long as he can stay healthy, but competition is present in the form of undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow, who finished Saturday's contest with 60 rushing yards on 16 carries.

Hunt gained 13 yards on seven carries and scored on a 9-yard touchdown reception in Sunday's preseason opening win over San Francisco.

Hunt is in the mix for the third or fourth spots on the depth chart, competing with Jonathan Grimes, 2016 fourth-round pick Tyler Ervin and 2015 seventh-round pick Kenny Hillard. Ervin, in particular, is his biggest competitor. They both have a similar style -- quick and elusive.