Ezekiel Elliott's drive to 'go kick some (butt)' is back on track.
The rookie running back was back on the field at Cowboys practice Monday in Oxnard, California, after missing last week's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams with a hamstring injury. Cowboys trainers had taken things slowly with the fourth-overall pick, hoping to avoid any major issue that could come with worsening a hamstring injury.
In a backfield that also features Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris, Elliott is expected to take the lion's share of the carries and contend for Rookie of the Year. He'll have the benefit of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and with no reason to rush him back, he should be good to go once he does hit the field for Dallas.
Other injury news we're tracking on Monday:
- Rookie defensive tackle and first-round draft pick Sheldon Rankins went down with an undisclosed injury after getting hurt during a goal-line drill in Saints practice Monday. Trainers could be seen examining his lower leg before he was carted off the field.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that that Rankins suffered a broken fibula during Monday's practice. Rapoport adds that Rankins is expected to undergo surgery next week.
- Karlos Williams is ready to roll in Buffalo.
The Bills announced that the second-year running back passed his physical and will participate in Monday's practice. Keep in mind that Williams -- who experienced quite the offseason -- is still facing a four-game ban to start the year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Williams started camp on the team's active/non-football illness list after showing up 20 pounds overweight. The power back acknowledged in June that he tacked on the extra heft while tending to -- and eating with -- his wife during her pregnancy. A noble gesture, unless you're the Bills.
Coach Rex Ryan assured reporters this month that the running back's roster spot was safe, saying: "We're not going to give up on Karlos Williams. I can tell you that."
The Bills got plenty of production out of Williams last season, as the rookie plowed for 517 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on just 93 carries. He isn't likely to match those numbers after the suspension, but Buffalo still has plans for their short-yardage hammer.
Ryan also told reporters on Monday that safety Aaron Williams is in the concussion protocol.
- Browns receiver Josh Gordon has been activated and will begin practicing Monday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Head coach Hue Jackson told reporters Gordon likely won't play Thursday.
- Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs returned to the practice field Monday for the first time since tearing his Achilles last season.
"Darth Sizzle is back," Suggs said in a statement after practice. "It felt great to be back on the field with the team, there is nothing like it. Didn't get to do too much today as I am working my way back. I will speak with the media when I am fully back practicing."
- Panthers tight end Greg Olsenhad back spasms Sunday and was held out of practice Monday as a result.
- Chiefs running back Charcandrick Westhas an elbow injury (mild strain/sprain) and is considered day-to-day. Quarterback Tyler Bray has a chip fracture in his spine.
- The Broncos might have taken a hit to their defensive line depth. The Denver Post reports Vance Walker was carted off the field during Monday's practice with an apparent lower body injury.
- Colts linebacker Sio Moore had a "significant" hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week, coach Chuck Pagano said.
- Giants coach Ben McAdoo told reporters Sterling Shepard was limited Monday because of a groin injury, and tight end Larry Donnell left practice early to get hydrated. McAdoo also said he had a "nice conversation" with Victor Cruz and hopes to get Cruz on the field Wednesday in some capacity.
- Patriots receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who suffered a gruesome elbow injury Thursday, was dressed in full pads and an elbow brace with teammates for the start of practice Monday.
- Bengals rookie tackle Andrew Billingsunderwent knee surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus, a source informed of the injury told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
- Steelers journeyman backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowskihas a hamstring tear, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported.
- Niners QB Thad Lewis tore his ACL in Sunday's game against the Texans and will miss the remainder of the season, according to Rapoport.
- Packers WR Jeff Janis will be out four to six weeks with a fractured right hand. The wideout had screws put in his index finger, per ESPN.
