NFL roundup: Expect heavy workload for Zeke in return

Ezekiel Elliott makes his return in Week 16 of the NFL season, and the expectation is he will have no limitations on his workload.

Last season, Ezekiel Elliott led the NFL in rushing as a rookie, and could have been atop the leaderboard in 2017, had it not been for a six-game suspension. Elliott is going to return to action this weekend, as the Cowboys hope to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Despite missing the last six games, the Cowboys are expected to give Elliott his fair share of carries, as there is not going to be any kind of limitations on his workload against the Seahawks.

The New Orleans Saints have a huge matchup against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend, though they will be without one of their key players in the secondary. Safety Kenny Vaccaro has been placed on injured reserve, as he is currently dealing with a groin, and wrist injury. The 26-year old Vaccaro has been in on 60 tackles this season, nabbing three interceptions, and is a big reason why the Saints defense is suddenly one of the best in the NFC.

During the 2016 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams fired head coach Jeff Fisher, only weeks after announcing he had signed an extension. Since his departure, the Rams have become one of the best teams in the NFC, as 31-year old head coach Sean McVay has shown he belongs in his first season at the helm. Fisher would like to return to the sidelines next season, and there will likely be plenty of openings, though there is no telling which teams would actually want a coach who has been quite mediocre since leading the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl way back when.

Back in Week 10, the Seattle Seahawks were taking on the Arizona Cardinals, and star quarterback Russell Wilson took a tough shot to the head. Wilson was not removed from the game, and on Thursday, the team was fined for violation of the league’s concussion protocol. The team has said that they did not intentionally violate the rule, but will have to pay the $100,000 fine, adding insult to a season that is quickly going down the drain in the Northwest. Wilson was directed to be evaluated after the hit, but was not, and did not miss any time.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns, Giants nab QBs

After sitting out this past weekend with a quad injury, Leonard Fournette is expected to resume is stellar rookie season on Sunday. Fournette was not needed in the Jaguars win against the Houston Texans, as they rolled over their division rival with ease. The rookie from LSU practiced for the second straight day on Thursday, and all signs point him being ready to go as the Jags continue their run towards a possible first round bye in the AFC Playoffs.