Sports News Roundup: WADA completes RUSADA audit but still no access to lab; Suns F Warren fined $15K for inappropriate language

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Reports: Saints release WR Marshall

The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Brandon Marshall, according to multiple reports Wednesday, exactly a month after signing him and without the veteran suiting up for a game. Marshall, 34, was signed Nov. 12 after the Saints lost veteran Dez Bryant to a torn Achilles before he could suit up for the team. Marshall was inactive for all four games before Wednesday's release.

Cowboys RB Elliott wants rushing title and more

Dallas Cowboys: Running back Ezekiel Elliott wants to win his second rushing title in three seasons. "I would say that's important to me. Yeah, it would be cool," he told the Dallas Morning News. There's just something he wants more. "But I want to go out here and win ballgames. I want to make a run deep into the playoffs," he said. "I want to have an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl, so I mean, I'm just going to keep working and whatever happens, happens. You've got to let things like that handle themselves and things will work out.'' Elliott is the NFL's rushing leader with 1,262 yards. Following him is Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams, who has gained 1,203 yards. New York Giants: The 2018 season still has three games remaining, but mock draft season already has begun. Todd McShay of ESPN released his first version on Wednesday, and it showed the Giants taking Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins with their first-round pick. Haskins hasn't declared for the draft yet, but this is why McShay thinks he makes sense for the Giants. "The more I watch this kid, the more I think he's a legitimate first-round talent," McShay wrote. "The Eli Manning era is nearing an end in New York, and Haskins addresses Big Blue's most glaring need. You have to feel pretty good about an offense featuring Haskins, Odell Beckham Jr .and Saquon Barkley."

Suns F Warren fined $15K for inappropriate language

Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren was fined $15,000 for directing inappropriate language at an official, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe announced Wednesday. Warren used the language after being ejected during Monday's 123-119 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Bears determined to send Green Bay packing

Chicago Bears: Even with the Packers on the losing end of five of their last seven games, the Bears can't temper their excitement over the potential to clinch the NFC North at Soldier Field. Chicago must win, or the Vikings lose, for the Bears to clinch the division title for the first time since 2010. A win would bounce the Packers from the playoff picture. "It would mean a lot," rookie wide receiver Anthony Miller said. "It's something that this city hasn't seen for a while and we're just bringing that back, bringing that winning mentality back, and the train is not going to stop rolling." Detroit Lions: Running back Zach Zenner -- out of football one month ago -- looked even more productive to offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter upon review of the Sunday game film from Detroit's win over the Arizona Cardinals. Zenner had 12 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown and will get another long look this Sunday. "He's a really unique individual -- mentally, psychologically, the guys as smart as they come. As prepared as they come, and works as hard as anybody I've ever been around. Takes notes, takes care of his body," Cooter said. "Glad to see him take advantage of his opportunity. Zach did a nice job of, 'hey, go in there and get a few carries and see what you can do with them.'"

Reports: Tigers, SS Mercer agree to one-year deal

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with shortstop Jordy Mercer on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. Detroit was pursuing a shortstop to replace free agent Jose Iglesias.

Reports: Morton agrees to two-year deal with Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal with free agent right-hander Charlie Morton, according to multiple reports. The Rays aren't expected to formally announce the deal until Morton passes a physical. The deal includes an option for 2021.

Kisner: College teammates hated Patrick Reed

The line of fire toward unpopular Masters champion Patrick Reed continues to percolate. Fellow PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner weighed in about Reed in a story by Golf Digest that touches on how Reed's college teammates at Georgia and Augusta State felt about him.

Favre: 'Never say never' to coaching Packers

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre offered suggestions as to who he thinks should fill the head coach position for his former team, including current Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, but he's keeping himself out of the mix. For now. "Never say never," Favre told TMZ Sports this week. "It's definitely interesting, but believe me, that's not going to happen. How can you not be intrigued by that? They would never offer, but even if they would, that's ... I'm not ready for that and neither are they."

Doping: WADA completes RUSADA audit but still no access to lab

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Wednesday it had completed an audit of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as required following the tainted body's conditional reinstatement. Over two days a three-person WADA delegation inspected the premises, processes and practices of RUSADA and will file a report highlighting any issues.

Colts LB Leonard enjoying historic rookie campaign

Houston Texans: The end of a nine-game winning streak doesn't feel good to the Texans, and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney wants to make sure one setback doesn't turn into a two-game skid when Houston visits the New York Jets on Saturday. "For sure. Trying to get back on that winning streak," Clowney told reporters. "This is a big week for us. Coming off a loss, we have to bounce back. We need this game for the division, for everything. All these games are important, so we have to go up there and take care of business." Safety Tyrann Mathieu said the players don't need to hear anything from outsiders. "I don't think anybody is a bigger critic (than we are)," Mathieu told reporters. "We always point the finger at each other. We're going to hold each other accountable. At the end of the day, nobody's expectations are higher than ours." Indianapolis Colts: Rookie weak-side linebacker Darius Leonard is enjoying a monumental season and has a league-high 135 tackles through his first 12 NFL games (he missed Week 5 with an ankle injury). The rookie record for tackles is held by former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (174 in 2007) so Leonard needs to average 13.3 stops over the final three games to surpass him. The second-round choice from South Carolina State has exceeded all expectations, and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus feels Leonard can only get better. "He's been able to handle a lot of things and also be able to execute at a high rate," Eberflus told reporters of Leonard. "So we are excited where he is and he just needs to keep getting the looks and just keep playing faster and faster and faster, and more physical and just making more plays. That's what he's there for."

(With inputs from Reuters)