Ezekiel Elliott's latest injury will likely result in a few alterations to the Dallas Cowboys' offensive gameplan.
During an appearance on Good Morning Football, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport detailed the ailment plaguing the star running back, noting that Elliott's workload could be lightened in an attempt to manage his availability.
"This knee injury, a bone bruise in his knee, is something that's going to linger all season unless they step in and basically take Zeke off the field," Rapoport said Friday. "It seems like it's something that he's going to play with. He's not going to be himself, he's not going to be 100% but he is going to play. That is the plan."
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy later expressed some worry regarding Elliott's health while speaking with reporters.
"I am concerned," he said, per USA Today. "He's a warrior and was fighting to get back there in every time. ... Zeke's running style is ferocious. He gives a pounding and takes some hits. We need to evaluate."
After getting hurt in Dallas' Week 11 loss to the Kansas City, Elliott said Wednesday that he "can play through" the injury despite dealing with some soreness. He went on to log nine carries for 25 yards and a touchdown, and six receptions for 24 yards in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Raiders.
With Zeke's health again surrounded by question marks, Tony Pollard -- fresh off a sensational Week 12 effort -- figures to be in line for more touches and an increased role entering a Week 13 clash with the Saints next Thursday.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee) and linebacker Devin White (quad) are questionable for Sunday versus the Colts. Guard Ali Marpet (oblique) is doubtful. Wideout Antonio Brown (ankle) is out for the fifth game in a row. Wide receiver Mike Evans does not have a game status designation.
- Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller suffered a strained IT band in his knee, Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Waller exited Thursday's win early with the injury.
- Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (calf) and offensive tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) are expected to be activated off injured reserve and play Sunday against the Ravens, per coach Kevin Stefanski. Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) is listed as questionable.
- New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) is questionable for Week 12. Receiver Sterling Shepard (quad) has been ruled out while WR Kadarius Toney (quad) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (ankle) are listed as doubtful.
- Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur reiterated quarterback Aaron Rodgers (toe) will play Sunday versus the Rams despite not practicing this week. Running back Aaron Jones (knee) and receiver Allen Lazard (shoulder) are listed as questionable. Cornerback Kevin King (hip/knee) is doubtful.
- Baltimore Ravens receiver Marquise Brown (thigh) and defensive linemen Calais Campbell (concussion) and Brandon Williams (NIR-rest/shoulder) are questionable for Sunday's game versus the Browns.
- The Minnesota Vikings placed defensive end Everson Griffen on the reserve/non-football illness list. The news comes two days after police and mental health professionals responded to a 911 call made by Griffen from his home, which ended peacefully. Minnesota also activated safety Josh Metellus from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- New York Jets receiver Corey Davis (groin), linebacker C.J. Mosley (shoulder) and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers (hip) and Foley Fatukasi (foot) are expected to play Sunday, per coach Robert Saleh. Davis and Fatukasi were DNPs Thurs. after being limited the previous day while Mosley was limited both days. All players mentioned are officially questionable while running back Michael Carter II (ankle) has been ruled out.
- Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White suffered a torn ACL on Thursday versus the Saints and will miss the remainder of the season, per Rapoport.
- Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy confirmed quarterback Justin Fields is dealing with cracked ribs. Nagy did not provide an update on Fields' return timeline or the status of inebacker Roquan Smith, who exited Thursday's game against the Lions with a hamstring injury. The team placed offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift, who left yesterday's game early with a shoulder injury, is considered day-to-day, Rapoport reported.
- San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (rib/finger) is listed as questionable for Sunday versus the Vikings.
- The Atlanta Falcons listed running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) and linebacker Deion Jones (shoulder) as questionable.
- Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (chest) has been ruled out for Sunday versus the Patriots. The Titans placed tight end Austin Fort on the practice squad/COVID-19 list.
- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play Sunday against the Giants. Running back Jordan Howard (knee) has been ruled out.
- Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (neck) and offensive tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) are doubtful for Week 12.
- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (foot) is questionable for Sunday. Tight end Eric Ebron (knee) is out.
- Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (concussion) will miss Week 12.
- The New England Patriots listed running back Damien Harris (neck), tight ends Hunter Henry (neck) and Jonnu Smith (shoulder), offensive tackle Trent Brown (calf) and linebacker Dont'a Hightower (ankle) among questionable players.
- Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams (groin) was upgraded to a full participant in Friday's practice while offensive lineman Brandon Shell (shoulder) and Damien Lewis (elbow) sat out.
- Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Shaquill Griffin will miss Week 12 with a concussion.
Roster moves
- The Washington Football Team released center Tyler Gauthier.
- The New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Niles Scott to the practice squad.
- The Tennessee Titans signed quarterback DeShone Kizer to the practice squad.
