A couple of players got new contracts Tuesday, but one notable player is still negotiating his new deal, though there's growing optimism an agreement could be reached soon.
On the other hand, another player could be coming to terms with his undisclosed absence as the regular season approaches.
Three things that matter
Cowboys close in on Zeke after financial pie shrinks again
Dallas decided to lock up La'el Collins with a five-year contract extension that will keep him on the team for the next six seasons, but that leaves less money for the Cowboys to work with when it comes to the anticipated deals for Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.
Still, it's been reported that Elliott and his agent are flying to Dallas after training in Mexico as a "sense of urgency to finalize a deal in the next 24 hours" sinks in. It's rumored the two sides are "very close" to an agreement that would end the running back's holdout ahead of the Cowboys' regular-season opener Sunday against the Giants.
Redskins could get Trent Williams back sooner than expected
The saga involving the offensive tackle appears to have taken a turn for the better, as retired defensive back and former Redskins teammate DeAngelo Hall said on the "Hail to the Podcast" that Williams could return "sooner rather than later." Hall's comments come after he previously said there was "zero chance" Williams would show up for Week 1.
Williams has been away from the team since the start of training camp, though it's not exactly clear what it will take for him to return. It's been reported he had problems with how the team handled his medical situation and that money could be the best way to patch things up. We'll see if Williams actually makes an appearance.
Steelers may need to start former AAF player against Patriots
With Sean Davis still sidelined with an ankle injury, the team could be left with no choice but to start former Alliance of American Football player Kameron Kelly against Tom Brady and company.
“We’ll see,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Davis’ health while speaking to reporters. “I like what I’ve seen from Kam Kelly. I have a great deal of confidence in him.”
It's certainly not ideal. Then again, Pittsburgh is used to playing New England later in the season.
Two things that don't matter
Colts finalize extension with Jacoby Brissett
With Andrew Luck gone, Indianapolis went all in on its newest starting quarterback by signing him to a contract extension. While terms weren't disclosed, it was reported the deal is worth $30 million over two years with $20 million guaranteed.
Luck dealt with a calf injury throughout the offseason before ultimately deciding to retire last month, allowing Brissett extra time to get in reps with the starters. We'll see if the deal pays off this week.
Bengals extend Giovani Bernard two more years
The running back reportedly got a raise from $3.4 million to $5.9 million this season and the deal also includes a $600,000 bonus due in March. Bernard took on a lesser role last season as Joe Mixon developed and took over as the primary running back but was still productive as he appeared in 12 games while dealing with a knee injury.
He has averaged 4.2 yards per carry as well as 8.6 yards per reception over his six-year career.
One video you have to see
Brett Favre ventured back into enemy territory at Soldier Field as he discussed the longtime rivalry between Chicago and Green Bay with Bill Swerski's Superfans from Saturday Night Live.
Looking forward to Thursday Night Football! Enjoy... https://t.co/zNsKs9VNnl
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 3, 2019
Tuesday's tweet of the day
Betty White, the 97-year-old actress, promoted Thursday's Bears-Packers showdown in celebration of the NFL's 100th anniversary.
100 years of NFL football.#WeReady... and so is @BettyMWhite 💯 #NFL100 pic.twitter.com/HyLgQ2KbvJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 3, 2019