Cowboys’ Elliott smiles for fans, shuns media
OXNARD, CALIF. » Ezekiel Elliott stopped for a few moments to greet military personnel and pose for a few pictures on the opening day of training camp.
Just like that, the star running back of the Dallas Cowboys darted out of a large crowd of reporters and ran toward a fence to sign a few autographs.
Last year’s NFL rushing leader as a rookie isn’t talking to media members because of lingering issues off the field, but Elliott is still hamming it up with adoring fans. And he’s also going through complete workouts a year after a hamstring issue limited his time in camp.
“I’m not even worrying about Zeke because that guy loves football,” said receiver Dez Bryant, who had his share of trouble upon entering the league in 2010.
“I understand it’s more than football. He’s got a great supporting cast and he can’t lose with guys like us around him.”
The NFL has been investigating Elliott for more than a year over a domestic violence complaint that prosecutors in Ohio declined to pursue.
Owner Jerry Jones seems less convinced than he was a few months ago over whether the former Ohio State star will get suspended.
Elliott potentially damaged his standing a week before training camp by getting involved in a bar fight that ended with a 30-year-old man getting punched in the nose, although Elliott’s name didn’t appear in the police report.
Dallas police halted the investigation when the man who was punched couldn’t be reached. Jones has said he doesn’t have any other details on the incident.
Jets claim Whitehead
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » The New York Jets claimed wide receiver-kick returner Lucky Whitehead, two days after the Cowboys cut him following a shoplifting charge in what turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
A man used Whitehead’s identity to steal $40 worth of food and drink from a Virginia convenience store in June. Dallas released him Monday after reports that Whitehead was arrested and subsequently cited for missing a court hearing.
The Jets, desperate for help at receiver, claimed the three-year veteran and waived receiver Devin Street.
Whitehead appeared in 30 games the past two seasons with the Cowboys. He averaged 25.6 yards on 33 kick returns and 6.9 yards on 44 punt returns, and had nine receptions as a reserve receiver.
Panthers’ Davis: CTE study ‘alarming,’ will keep playing
SPARTANBURG, S.C. » Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis called the latest medical report on brain injuries involving former football players “alarming,” and said it’s something NFL players are talking about.
But the 12-year NFL veteran quickly added it won’t keep him — or his two young boys — from playing football.
“I would say that is something we are paying really close attention to as players,” said Davis, one of the hardest hitters in the league and a key to Carolina’s defense. “I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that I didn’t get nervous seeing that stat. That’s an alarming stat.”
Despite the risks, the former AllPro linebacker and Walter Payton Man of the Year still wants to keep playing. In fact, the 34-year-old said Wednesday he is seeking a contract extension from the Panthers in hopes of playing a “few more years.”
Chargers acquire QB Jones
COSTA MESA » The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired quarterback Cardale Jones from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for an undisclosed conditional draft pick.
The clubs announced the trade Wednesday, four days before the Chargers’ first full practice of training camp.