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When the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys take the field on Sunday afternoon, one of the big storylines in the game will be which running backs are in uniform for the game.
The Green Bay Packers, who are one of the least-productive rushing offenses in the NFL at present, face major injury concerns to their top two backs. Rookie backup Jamaal Williams is almost certainly out with a knee sprain, but starter Ty Montgomery still claims to be a potential participant on Sunday depending on his injury.
If neither one can suit up, that will likely leave the Packers with the rookie duo of Aaron Jones and Devante Mays in the backfield, with a bit of Aaron Ripkowski sprinkled in.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, are dealing with the continuing legal case around Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension. Elliott’s team was back in court on Monday, making arguments against the NFL’s appeal of a court order that prevents the suspension from going into effect immediately. The appeals court should give more clarity to the issue later today, and a decision in the league’s favor might keep Zeke out for Sunday’s game.
Check out those items and much more in today’s curds.
Packers RB Ty Montgomery confirms he has multiple broken ribs | Packers Wire
Montgomery was frustrated about his injury on the opening drive of last Thursday's contest because, as, he says, "I thought I was about to have a monster game." On Monday, he confirmed that he does indeed have some broken ribs, but that he still has a chance to play on Sunday against the Cowboys.
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Jones takes advantage of first carries - ESPN
Jones could be called upon as the Packers' featured running back this coming Sunday as well, depending on Montgomery's status.
Federal appeals panel hears arguments in Zeke case - NFL.com
The NFL is trying to get Ezekiel Elliott's suspension back on, citing "irreparable harm" to the league if it does not take effect immediately. The court should rule on this case Tuesday, and if they side with the NFL, the Cowboys' running back could be out for Sunday's game.
Blake Martinez brings 'warrior mentality' to Packers' defense | Packers.com
Martinez has earned his starter's role this season through hard work, film study, and good play. So far, he has been on the field for over 70% of the team's defensive snaps, a huge uptick from his playing time a year ago.
Five things we've learned through Week 4 | Packersnews.com
The Packers have never averaged less than 97 rushing yards per game under Mike McCarthy, but they're at just 75 so far this season. Meanwhile, the defense is down to seventh in the league in passing yards allowed, making the drop from a top-ten run defense to 18th an acceptable swing.
Washington vs. Chiefs: 10 moments that defined Kansas City’s 29-20 win - SBNation.com
It was a big night for Travis Kelce, Kirk Cousins, and Kareem Hunt, but Alex Smith is finally putting up some impressive numbers -- and impressive throws for the eye.