Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott 'has to earn' RB1 job

May 30, 2016

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott figures to have a prominent role right away, but he’s also entering a veteran running back room that includes free-agent signing Alfred Morris and returning starter Darren McFadden. If he’s going to be a featured back as a rookie, “Zeke has to earn it,” running backs coach Gary Brown said.

In other words, expect a healthy competition.

“I think that’s the best thing for our team and for those guys going forward,” Brown said.

That’s just fine with Elliott, who says competition “keeps you on your toes and make sure you’re getting that work done.”

Fantasy Impact:

It's doubtful that the Cowboys drafted Elliott #4 overall to let him sit behind Darren McFadden and/or Alfred Morris as a rookie. As long as he doesn't fall on his face, he should be the workhorse, with McFadden and Morris sprinkling in as change-of-pace backs.

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Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.