Holdouts, & Company

We’re just moments from the start of the 2019 regular season, and numerous key players either have yet to join their respective teams, will miss time due to suspension or will miss time because of injury.

Here’s a rundown of each category:

Holdout players

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

Elliott has two years remaining on his rookie contract but feels he’s earned an extension and likely doesn’t want to be in the situation Le’Veon Bell was in with the Pittsburgh Steelers: franchised two years in a row, metaphorically run into the ground with no longer-term security, and then released into free agency potentially as damaged or at least overused goods.

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones has expressed confidence that a deal would get done with Elliott, but both he and his son Stephen have taken a couple of unnecessary shots at Elliott and agent Rocky Arceneaux. The offer on the table for Elliott would make him the second-highest paid running back in the league behind Todd Gurley, but he’s pushing to be highest paid. There was progress over the weekend,  but as of Monday morning a deal hadn’t been completed.

RB Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers

Gordon is headed into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, the option year. Similar to Elliott, he’s likely not a fan of the idea of playing without the security of a long-term deal when he’s averaged between 19 and 22 touches per game over the last three seasons.

But unlike Elliott, Gordon and his agent made it clear from the outset: pay me fairly or trade me to someone who will. Thus far, neither has happened. And the Chargers said they won’t be negotiating any more this season, complicating the situation.

OT Trent Williams, Washington

Williams’ situation is unique: He’s under contract and is among the highest-paid players at his position. According to reports, the veteran tackle hasn’t reported to Washington over his general mistrust of the organization and discomfort with the team’s medical staff, whom he feels mishandled a lump he found on his head last year. (Williams has since had the growth removed, and it was found to be benign.) Recent reports said Williams won’t play for Washington again “period,” citing sources close to the Pro Bowler.

Despite team president Bruce Allen’s insistence that Williams will play for Washington again and Washington not wanting to trade him, it will be interesting to see how – or if – this is resolved.

Suspended players

Cleveland WR Antonio Callaway, four games (substance abuse)

A fourth-round pick last year due to other off-field questions, Callaway showed that teams were right to wonder if he was worth taking a gamble on. On August 9, the Browns announced that Callaway will miss the first four games of the season for violating the league’s policy on substances of abuse. Along with a statement from Callaway that he’s “taken steps to make myself better,” general manager John Dorsey expressed disappointment in the 22-year-old.

Kansas City CB Mo Claiborne, four games (substance abuse)

Clairborne was a free agent for months, and many wondered why, since he’s been a solid corner with Dallas and the Jets. Then came the answer: He was facing a four-game suspension for substance abuse. But the Kansas City Chiefs signed Claiborne in August, content to wait to see how he can help their team.

Jets TE Chris Herndon, four games (substance abuse)

Herndon’s suspension is tied to a June 2018 arrest for driving under the influence – he crashed into a 76-year-old man and flipped his SUV. Neither man was seriously injured, but one witness said Herndon was driving 100 miles per hour. After a promising rookie season, Herndon’s second season will have a delayed start.