NFL Player News

Sims (ankle) won't play in Thursday's preseason game at Philadelphia.

Sims received treatment on his ankle in the aftermath of Monday's practice and subsequently sat out Tuesday. Rather than introduce risk into the equation, he'll remain out of the RB rotation in the exhibition opener, thereby handing Mike James, Storm Johnson, and the rest of the reserves a bit more work out of the backfield.

McFadden (elbow) remains a ways off from a potential return to the field, Rob Phillips of DallasCowboys.com reports. According to coach Jason Garrett, "We don't anticipate him playing real soon, but he's working hard."

McFadden is without a timetable for a return to practice, making it questionable if he'll even participate in any of the Cowboys' preseason games. He'll continue to go through rest and rehabilitation while listed on the team's NFI list, but once healthy, he'll have to fend off Alfred Morris for the rights to be the backup of current projected starter, Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring).

Elliott is slated to work on the side during Wednesday's practice, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

In a pre-practice media session, head coach Jason Garrett relayed the news and added that Elliott is "making progress" through his hamstring concern. The fourth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft hasn't practiced in more than a week, which makes Elliott an unlikely candidate to suit up for Saturday's preseason game in Los Angeles. In his absence, Alfred Morris has received most of the first-team reps due to continued DNPs from Darren McFadden (elbow) and Lance Dunbar (knee).

Gray was signed by the Falcons on Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Gray spent three seasons with the Chiefs after getting picked in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. He hasn't made much of a fantasy impact throughout his career but figures to supply the Falcons with another body in the backfield with third-string rusher Terron Ward (ankle) sidelined.

Draughn is the unquestioned No. 2 back in San Francisco, according to the Mercury News.

Draughn showed enough as a dual-threat (263 rushing yards, 175 receiving yards) filling in for an injured Carlos Hyde for six games last season to earn the right to be his primary backup out of camp. He may see 5-to-10 touches serving as a backup but could have deep league value should Hyde fall to injury again.

Gordon (knee) has looked decisive in training camp and appears to be building momentum heading into the team's first preseason game on Saturday, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The team has not suggested how much Gordon will play in Saturday's contest against the Titans, but considering the second-year pro had microfracture knee surgery just eight months ago, the team will likely ease him back onto the field throughout the preseason. Still, the fact that Gordon has been able to put together a positive training camp thus far should be comforting for fantasy owners, as the former Wisconsin tailback seems to have firm command on the starting job.

McKinnon (back) returned to practice Tuesday and could have a large role in Thursday's preseason opener, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Adrian Peterson likely won't play Thursday as he's been typically rested in the preseason. It's not clear if McKinnon will play since he's been limited in practice with a sore back. Still, it sounds like McKinnon will get some extended time this preseason as the Vikings look to give him a larger role in the passing game and perhaps anoint him the team's third-down back.

Elliott (hamstring) is doubtful for Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

He hasn't practiced in about a week, and the Cowboys don't want to take any chances with the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, so Elliott seems set to miss his first opportunity for game action in a Dallas uniform. Alfred Morris will likely start Saturday in his place, but expect sixth-round pick Darius Jackson to see significant snaps as well.

Henry scored a pair of touchdowns in an impressive scrimmage performance, the Titans' official site reports.

Henry's play earned rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike, with everyone from Brian Orakpo to Mike Mularkey singing the rookie's praises. The second-rounder out of Alabama would see a major boost in value if his powerful running style earns him a chunk of the goal-line work alongside veteran DeMarco Murray. As expected, those two have completely separated themselves from the rest of the pack in the Titans backfield.

Rawls (ankle) participated in a 15-minute side session at Tuesday's practice, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com reports.

During the brief workout, Rawls settled into his running back stance and performed sprints from 10-to-40 yards. As he eases into action, he'll ramp up his activity level, but Rawls himself relayed to Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR that he's merely "day-to-day" after this first bout of work in training camp. In the end, Rawls' progress through the final stages of his recovery from a broken ankle will determine when he's cleared for a game, whether it occurs in the preseason or regular season.