NFL Player News

Rodgers is a better option than Jeremy Langford as a pass-catcher, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.

Dickerson mentions that the coaching staff trusts Rodgers, and that Langford doesn't catch the ball well enough to finish with 36 receptions. Although Langford is expected to still get the first crack to replace Matt Forte. Rodgers saw time early in the first preseason game, so the coaches are clearly considering him as a legitimate option. That said, this training camp battle has yet to be decided, though the next two preseason games could go a long way toward finding a resolution.

Elliott (hamstring) donned pads for Tuesday's practice, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Elliott participated in Monday's walkthrough, but was limited during individual work and didn't go through the team's padded practice. On Tuesday, however, Elliott was back in pads, although it remains to be seen what kind of restrictions were put on the 21-year-old rookie. The Cowboys will likely ease him back into action, but considering he's officially back in pads, it appears Elliott isn't far off from being 100 percent healthy.

Hillman (back) is rotating behind both starter C.J. Anderson and rookie Devontae Booker, the Broncos' official site reports.

When the Broncos signed Anderson to a long-term deal and drafted Booker, the presumption was that Hillman would be lightning to Anderson's thunder while Booker waited in the wings. Now Hillman finds himself battling Booker and undrafted free agent Kapri Bibbs for a role on the team, according to head coach Gary Kubiak. Bibbs, who saw more touches than any other back in the preseason opener, offers a younger, cheaper option as compared to Hillman, who would count just $500,000 against the cap if cut. The fact that a Hillman v. Bibbs scenario is playing out in camp shows just how far last year's team leader in rushing has fallen out of favor.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio suggested he wants Murray to get even more work this season, CSN Bay Area reports. "I want to have more rushes. I don't want [Murray] to have less," Del Rio said. "If anything, maybe a little more, but I want him to be more productive."

Murray ranked fourth in the NFL with 307 touches (266 carries) last season after tallying just 99 through his first two years in the league. The Raiders did add fifth-rounder DeAndre Washington, but with the cupboard otherwise bare at running back, Murray has a real shot to surpass last season's workload if he stays healthy. He also hopes to be much more efficient, as he averaged just 4.0 yards per carry and 5.7 yards per reception (4.4 YPT) last year playing in an offense that was often one-dimensional. Following the offseason addition of OL Kelechi Osemele, the Raiders should have one of the better run-blocking lines in the NFL.

Pierce (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve, Seth Walder of the New York Daily News reports.

Pierce may end up getting released with an injury settlement, as he was merely a fringe roster candidate before injuring his hamstring early in camp. The 2012 third-round pick also has an upcoming two-game suspension, which made him even less likely to earn a spot on the final roster. The Jets are replacing Pierce with Antone Smith, who will compete with Dominique Williams (concussion), Lache Seastrunk, Romar Morris and Terry Williams for what will likely be just one roster spot.

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.