NFL Player News

Ekeler, who requested and received permission last month to pursue potential trade options, acknowledged Tuesday in an appearance on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio that he may remain with the Chargers in 2023. "Time will tell, and we'll see what happens after the draft," Ekeler said, regarding his future with the team. "The worst-case scenario right now out of all of it, I'll come back and I'll have to play for the Chargers for a year and bet on myself and then be a free agent next year."

The star running back, who turns 28 in May, is in line to earn $6.25 million in the final season of his four-year, $24.5 million deal with Los Angeles. While Ekeler has stated that he wants to remain with the Chargers, his current trade request stemmed from him being unable to make progress in extension talks with the team, thus prompting him to pivot toward looking for a franchise willing to make a long-term commitment to him.

Cook (shoulder) is making progress in his recovery from a shoulder procedure undergone back in February, a recent in-person checkup confirms, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Cook hopes the procedure will strengthen his shoulder, which has plagued him with recurring injuries dating back to 2019. The 27-year-old running back started all 17 regular-season games for Minnesota in 2022 while protecting the shoulder, and though his recovery from surgery could impact his availability for the start of OTAs, it would be a positive development if his long-term durability sees a boost. The Vikings have reportedly received inquiries about trading Cook, which could make sense considered his upcoming $8 million salary cap hit for the 2023 season.

The Colts are slated to sign Evans, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Evans, who worked out for Indianapolis early Friday morning, has since reportedly received a contract to suit up for the team in 2023. The 24-year-old running back is heading into his fourth year in the NFL and is now in line to play for his third different team following his two-season tenure with the Titans and a one-year stint in Chicago. Evans will presumably compete for a roster spot with Deon Jackson, Jake Funk and Aaron Shampklin behind top backfield options Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss.

The Colts are hosting Evans for a tryout Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Evans, a 2020 third-round pick of the Titans, garnered 64 yards on 13 carries with the Bears last season, but became an unrestricted free agent back in March. Indianapolis already has Zack Moss and Deon Jackson present as depth behind Jonathan Taylor (ankle), but Evans' experience in the kick return game could help his chances of earning an opportunity.

Speaking Monday, Broncos GM George Paton said Williams (knee) is making "great strides" in his rehab, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.

When asked if Williams will be ready for the start of the 2023 season, Paton said, "We won't know that for a while." The reports and quotes surrounding Williams' rehab from multiple torn ligaments in his right knee, including his ACL, have made it clear that Williams' Week 1 status is definitely up in the air. The Broncos signed veteran Samaje Perine to a two-year, $7.5 million deal in the opening week of free agency, and there are expectations the team will add more to its backfield in the draft. Williams' recovery will continue to be monitored closely this summer.

The Broncos signed Jones to a one-year deal Thursday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

With the Broncos, Jones -- who spent time with the Saints and Seahawks last season -- is reunited with coach Sean Payton, who worked with the running back while both were with New Orleans. While Jones was limited to just 10 carries in six games last season, he could potentially carve out a third-string role in Denver behind Javonte Williams (knee) and Samaje Perine.

Elliott, who was released by the Cowboys on March 15, hopes to sign with a new team by the end of next week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

According to Schefter, the running back has narrowed his preferred options down to the Eagles, Jets and Bengals. This past season with Dallas, Elliott recorded a career-low 876 rushing yards on 231 carries, but he did score 12 touchdowns in 15 games. With that in mind, wherever the 27-year-old lands, he should have a chance to make an impact as a pass protector and in short-yardage situations at a minimum for his new team.

Pollard (ankle) signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys on Thursday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Pollard signing his franchise tag sets him up to play out the 2023 season on a one-year, $10.1 million salary, though he and the Cowboys still have until July 17 to negotiate a long-term deal. With Ezekiel Elliott having been released by Dallas, Pollard currently stands as the clear No. 1 running back on the team's depth chart, potentially priming him to build upon the 1,378 scrimmage yards season he logged in 2022. By all accounts, the Cowboys expect Pollard -- who underwent ankle surgery in late January -- to be ready for training camp.

Cook and Nyheim Hines will face competition for reps out of the Buffalo backfield in 2023 after the Bills signed Damien Harris to a one-year contract earlier this week, Maddy Glab of the team's official site reports.

The addition of Harris helps fill the void created by the departure of Devin Singletary, who recently signed a deal with the Texans. As a rookie last season, Cook logged 89 carries for 507 yards and two touchdowns to go along with a 21-180-1 receiving line in 16 games. The 5-foot-11, 213-pound Harris brings added power to Buffalo's backfield mix and can be expected to absorb a decent chunk of the 177 carries vacated by Singletary, especially in early down and short-yardage situations. Even so, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Cook should still have an opportunity to garner more volume in 2023, while Hines (5-foot-8, 198 pounds) continues to work in a change-of-pace role. As things stand, Cook's fantasy upside hinges on how much of Singletary's prior role (which also included 52 targets) he takes on this coming season while working alongside Harris.

Johnson agreed Wednesday with the Jaguars on a one-year contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Johnson is coming off a quiet 2022 campaign with the Browns, but he flashed in limited opportunities back in 2021, when he handled 100 carries for 534 yards and three scores. The 27-year-old could now get a chance to complete for with the likes of JaMycal Hasty and Snoop Conner for complementary work behind No. 1 running back Travis Etienne, making him an interesting end-of-roster flier in dynasty or best-ball formats.