Team news: Dallas Cowboys | Page 60

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expects running back Ezekiel Elliott to return lighter—and not just in his wallet. While the front office and coaching staff can’t have contact with Elliott, the Cowboys approved of his plan to leave the country and get in even better shape.

Elliott spent at least part of his six-game suspension in Cabo, Mexico. He can return to the team facility next week and play in the Christmas Eve game against the Seahawks.

Before parting ways, Elliott and the team wanted him to focus on getting in better shape, and the team felt he was playing heavier than last year.

Wide receiver Chris Hogan returned to action after missing four games with a right shoulder injury, and that had a trickle-down effect on the New England Patriots' depth chart.

"It was good to be back out there with the guys, and be playing," said Hogan. "I missed being out there with them."

Hogan went right back to his role as a top-2 receiver alongside Brandin Cooks, which pushed Phillip Dorsett down the depth chart. Dorsett didn't play an offensive snap, joining backup quarterback Brian Hoyer as the only players on the 46-man roster to not play.

The bad news was Hogan was targeted five times and had one catch for one yard in the game. Those numbers should obviously improve, but without showing fantasy production, Hogan remains risky for lineups especially during fantasy playoffs. He played on 55 snaps, second only at WR to Brandin Cooks' 60.

Chris Hogan made his way to South Florida with the Patriots on Sunday. And not to watch.

Tom Brady and the Patriots offense have gone without Hogan since he injured his shoulder late in a Week 8 win over the Chargers. It's unclear how much he'll play, but after four practices this week in Foxboro, he's going to give it a go Monday night against the Dolphins.

Related players: Phillip Dorsett, Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola

Hogan appears to be a risky fantasy play, though. Obviously we'll know his official status about an hour or so before the game starts, but it looks like he's going to go. Hogan could also give the offense a huge boost with TE Rob Gronkowski suspended. His return potentially hurts the snap count for Dorsett who had taken over the WR2 spot at least in terms of snap counts.