NFL Player News

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.

McFadden could become a trade candidate by the end of the summer, ESPN.com reports.

The Cowboys probably wouldn't be comfortable trading McFadden at the moment, as receiving specialist Lance Dunbar (knee) is no lock to be ready for Week 1 and Alfred Morris isn't a real option for passing downs. However, the Cowboys might ultimately be comfortable with a backfield comprised of Ezekiel Elliott, Morris and Dunbar if the latter is indeed available by the beginning of the season. It's unclear if a trade would help or hurt McFadden's fantasy stock, as the top backup job in Dallas could make him a valuable handcuff for Elliott owners. All of this, of course, assumes that Elliott will put together a competent camp and claim the lead role, as expected. If the No. 4 overall selection appears surprisingly out of his element, McFadden won't be going anywhere.

West figures to compete with Trent Richardson and Lorenzo Taliaferro for what might only be one roster spot, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The competition may not even have a roster spot at the end of the line, as the Ravens typically carried just three running backs in recent seasons and it seems Justin Forsett, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon are all locks for the final roster. Injuries might take a toll by the time the regular season rolls around, but it otherwise appears West will face an uphill battle even though he's reportedly in much better shape than in the past. The same is true of Richardson, who's been sidelined at OTAs with a hamstring injury after losing approximately 20 pounds since training camp last year.

Although Rawls (ankle) is expected to "ease into training camp," head coach Pete Carroll is of the belief that the running back will be ready for the regular season, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

In yet another optimistic comment from one of the Seahawks' luminaries, Rawls appears on pace to complete his recovery from a season-ending broken ankle in time for Week 1. Ultimately, his health will be tested during the preseason slate, but if his rehab is at all delayed, reserve running backs Christine Michael and C.J. Prosise appear poised to receive ample reps in advance of the season.

Richardson hurt his hamstring during the Ravens' offseason program last week.

Among the latest teams to hold its first OTA on Thursday, the Ravens were bound to reveal the news due to Richardson's lack of participation in front of assembled media. In his attempted NFL comeback, any reps missed puts him behind the eight ball, though plenty of time remains to continue making an impression on the fourth organization of his career. Helping his cause is a more toned physique, as he's whittled down his weight to 218 pounds from its reported maximum of 240 pounds, but a reserve gig is likely the best he can expect in a backfield led by Justin Forsett (arm) and Javorius Allen.

Abdullah underwent shoulder surgery in January to repair a torn labrum and could miss the remainder of the offseason as he continues to rehab, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Abdullah is coming off a rookie campaign with the Lions in which he led the team in rushing yards with 597 on 143 carries, while he played the final two games of the season with an injured shoulder that would eventually require surgery. The team has elected to proceed cautiously during their potential starting running back's rehab until training camp, but he appears to be ahead of schedule. Abdullah's Week 1 status isn't currently in doubt, while Theo Riddick, Stevan Ridley, Zach Zenner (chest), and incoming rookie Dwayne Washington should see additional opportunities this offseason with Abdullah sidelined.

Anderson currently weighs just over 220 pounds, after reporting to OTAs at 240 pounds last season, ESPN reports.

The stocky running back started slow in 2015, only to become the most effective part of Denver's offense by the playoffs. A lighter, quicker Anderson could bode well for a faster start, but he'll also be facing stiffer competition than last season. Last year's leading rusher, Ronnie Hillman, returns, and fourth-round pick Devontae Booker's skill set appears tailor-made for Denver's one-cut scheme. Anderson should see more consistent production in 2016, is almost certain to share plenty of carries.

Gordon (knee) is participating in individual drills at the start of OTAs, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Ahead of schedule in his recovery from January microfracture surgery, Gordon may be limited during OTAs, but he hopes to be a full participant at June minicamp. He's a clear favorite to handle most of the early-down workload, but both Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver represent serious competition for snaps and touches. The San Diego offense operated best last season when it abandoned the run and used Woodhead over Gordon. This may have partially been due to questionable running by the rookie, but a slew of injuries on the offensive line was likely the bigger factor. Improved health up front would at least give Gordon the opportunity to break out, though he still needs to prove that he brings more than straight-line speed to the table.

Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson expects Oliver (turf toe) to have a big role in 2016, the Chargers' official website reports.

Oliver, a 2014 UDFA, seems to have made a full recovery from the toe injury that landed him on IR after eight games. Melvin Gordon (knee) and Danny Woodhead figure to get most of the snaps, but Oliver could also mix in. His roster spot appears secure, and he might eventually challenge for a leading role if Gordon isn't up to the task. It's also worth noting that Gordon is still recovering from January microfracture surgery, though he is expected to be ready for training camp.