NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys’ recently signed RB Alfred Morris said he’s ready to be the team’s featured back if Ezekiel Elliott holds out for a new contract. 

“I’m always ready. Any back will say that. … Any of us could be featured. I’m definitely confident in myself. I still have it. I feel better now than I did my rookie year,” said Morris, via Jon Machota.

Morris said the Cowboys did not promise him a spot on their 53-man roster when signing him. 

“That doesn’t matter. I’m going to do what I have to do. I’m always going to show up and give my best. Whatever they do on the back end, that’s up to them. That’s not my business,” said Morris, via Jon Machota.

Cowboys executive Stephen Jones indicated Elliott’s situation did play a role in Morris’ signing. Dallas gave the veteran runner $1.3 million on a one-year deal. 

“We were going to look at something no matter what, but probably not as much,” said Jones, via David Moore.

• Cowboys G Zack Martin said he’s still working his way back from a sore back: “We’ll give it some time to calm down a little bit and hopefully be back sooner than later.” (Rob Phillips)
• Cowboys LB Sean Lee said he’s also progressing from a minor knee injury: “It’s something that’s manageable and I can work through and hopefully get back soon. … I’m sure I’ll be out here at some point pretty soon.” (Machota)

Giants

• According to Ian Rapoport, it’s “very clear” Giants QB Eli Manning will continue as the starter and the competition with first-round QB Daniel Jones “doesn’t seem” close right now. 
• Although the Giants feel Jones has been better than expected as a rookie, Rapoport says they are intent on starting Manning and are confident Jones “will be ready” when called upon. 
• The Giants brought in CB DeJuan Neal for a workout on Saturday. (Aaron Wilson)

Redskins

Redskins HC Jay Gruden says he’s seen flashes from all three of his options for starting quarterback, including Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins and Colt McCoy, but he needs to see more consistency from all of them. 

“Colt has the most experience, but hasn’t played a whole lot,” Gruden said via ESPN’s John Keim. “He’s never worked with the starting team a whole lot. We have to get him more reps. Case has the reps but not experience in system & Dwayne’s a rookie. All have shown flashes; all flashes of we have to get better.”

• NBC Sports’ JP Finlay writes that it’s become a two-man competition between McCoy and Keenum for the starting job, as it’s clear Haskins isn’t ready yet. 
• The Redskins listed McCoy as the starter for their first preseason game against the Browns. 
• Redskins DT Caleb Brantley hurt his foot in what Gruden called a mild Lisfranc sprain. First-round DE Montez Sweat also remains sidelined. (Keim)
• Redskins CB Adonis Alexander will miss at least two weeks with a right quadriceps injury. (Stephen Whyno)