NFL Player News

Martin was active in the passing game during Thursday's OTA session, Joe Kania of the team's official site reports.

The 27-year-old, who's recorded a combined 82 receptions over the two seasons in his career where he's played all 16 games, was targeted often in the passing game during Thursday's open session. The development was notable considering that Martin played a distant second receiving option last season out of the backfield to teammate Charles Sims, who hauled in 70 receptions for 561 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the increased usage through the air, Martin's primary usage in the coming season will once again be on the ground, where he amassed 1,402 yards last season. Still, the added dimension of an increased passing game role for Martin would certainly give second-year quarterback Jameis Winston another valuable weapon to work with in 2016.

McFadden split first-team reps with rookie Ezekiel Elliott during this week's OTAs, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

McFadden worked with the ones during the first week of OTAs, but Elliott got his first opportunity with the starters last week when the veteran was away for personal reasons. The Cowboys are making a show of having Elliott earn his spot, but despite McFadden's impressive performance for Dallas last season, he still figures to begin the regular season on the bench or even in another uniform.

Elliott split first-team reps with Darren McFadden during this week's OTAs, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

McFadden worked with the ones during the first week of OTAs, but Elliott got his first opportunity with the starters last week when McFadden was away for personal reasons. The Cowboys are making a show of having Elliott earn his spot, but by Week 1, the fourth overall pick should be the team's primary weapon in the backfield.

Herron signed with the Bills on Thursday, Chris Brown of the team's official site reports.

Herron will join a crowded backfield in Buffalo, as the team currently has six running backs on the roster in a group that is led by LeSean McCoy. A product of Ohio State, Herron is no stranger to the franchise, as the 27-year-old played in four games for the Bills in 2015, carrying the ball 11 times for 37 yards. After getting released in November, Herron finished up the year with the Colts, averaging 3.0 YPC over six games to finish the year. He'll now return to Buffalo to compete for a roster spot as backfield depth.

Magee was signed by the Rams on Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

After joining the league as an undrafted free agent, Magee saw action in just four games with the Ravens last season, notching five yards on two carries. He'll join the Rams as a camp body, but remains a long shot to make the teams' final 53-man roster.

Gordon (knee) took a few snaps at Monday's practice, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Gordon was reportedly more active at the previous week's media-friendly OTA session, but there doesn't seem to be any significance to the minor change in activity level. He's been limited but not absent throughout OTAs and still hopes to receive full clearance for all football activities before the start of training camp in late July, or possibly even for next week's mandatory minicamp. Recovering from January microfracture surgery, Gordon will try to solidify a role as the Chargers' lead runner, with Danny Woodhead presumably locked in as the top man for passing downs.

Oliver (toe) appears to have recovered from last year's season-ending toe injury, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Limited by turf toe, Oliver was placed on injured reserve after Week 8 last season. He'll again be part of a backfield that includes Melvin Gordon (knee) and Danny Woodhead, the former of whom figures to lead the way on early downs while the latter handles most of the passing-down work. Oliver, however, could still have an important job, as he may be the top backup for both roles. Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson recently said that he expects Oliver to be a key part of the offense.

Abdullah (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Abdullah's Week 1 availability is pretty much solidified at this point with the news that he'll be back on the field for the start of training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery in January. Theo Riddick and Stevan Ridley figure to battle throughout the rest of the offseason for touches out of the backfield behind Abdullah, the Lions' expected starter.

Artis-Payne has already lost around 10 pounds in an effort to get in better shape ahead of this season.

Artis-Payne's rookie campaign started slow last year, but with starter Jonathan Stewart out for the Panthers' final three regular season contests, the former fifth-round pick capitalized nicely on his increased snap count. Now as he enters his second season, Artis-Payne is determined to improve his conditioning by losing a few pounds. If all goes well over the summer, Artis-Payne could emerge as the Panthers' No. 2 option at running back behind Stewart this season.

Gordon (knee) participated in some team drills Tuesday but is still not 100 percent, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Building upon individual drills, which had been the extent of his offseason activity to date, Gordon took part in 11-on-11 drills. However, the drills were notable because they were at high speed, putting his recovering left knee to the test as cuts were required. While he has yet to receive full clearance for all football activities, this week's development is a step in the right direction.