NFL Player News

The Browns put rookie running back Terrance West on the non-football injury list, reports NFL Network. The reason was not immediately clear. West is slated to compete with Ben Tate for the starting job.

With the Buccaneers drafting running back Charles Sims to pair with Doug Martin, either Bobby Rainey or Mike James "could get caught in a numbers game," reports the Tampa Tribune.

Rainey rushed for 566 yards and five touchdowns last year but averaged 3.8 yards per carry. James ran for 295 yards in nine games, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

Browns coach Mike Pettine told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the "the best competition [in camp] might be Ben Tate and our guy Terrance West from Towson, who I really like." West is a 5-10, 225-pounder who has consistently impressed in offseason drills.

Even if Tate holds off the rookie, West is in line for substantial work.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin will still be the lead runner for the team but is expected to see fewer carries than he did the past two seasons, the Tampa Tribune believes. The Bucs aren't sure who the backup will be between Mike James and Bobby Rainey but the paper thinks rookie Charles Sims will be utilized for his receiving skills. 

Martin averaged 19.9 carries per game as a rookie and 21.2 carries per game last season before getting hurt. 

The 49ers placed six players on the non-football injury list, including second-year running back Marcus Lattimore (knee). Also on the list are receiver Bruce Ellington, center Marcus Martin, fullback Trey Millard, cornerback Keith Reaser and guard Brandon Thomas.

In addition, the team placed nose tackle Ian Williams (ankle) on the PUP list along with linebacker Aaron Lynch (hamstring) and defensive lineman Kaleb Ramsey. 

All the players can come off the list and start practicing at any time.

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce, who had offseason rotator cuff surgery, said he's been fully cleared by doctors, reports the Baltimore Sun. Pierce also said he's lost weight and now weighs 223 pounds.

Pierce could be in for a big early-season workload if Ray Rice is suspended as expected.

Seahawks running back Christine Michael heads into training camp looking to build off an already impressive offseason, reports the Seattle Times.

The report says Michael's play this offseason "did nothing to quell the idea he will get regular carries this season. The only question is how many." Michael is expected to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind Marshawn Lynch.

The Cardinals are expected to use Stepfan Taylor and Jonathan Dwyer in short-yardage situations this season ahead of starter Andre Ellington, but Ellington might not lose all that work, reports ESPN.

Per the report, Ellington "is capable of being a short-yardage workhorse, but I don't see Cardinals coach Bruce Arians using him there all the time. I think Ellington will certainly get the call on a few occasions."

Ellington is already expected to be used on first and second down and play a big role as a receiver. He will get limited work in short-yardage situations, but this report is encouraging.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch mentioned Jordan Todman and Denard Robinson as change-of-pace backs to work behind Toby Gerhart in Jacksonville this season, and he seemed to be leaning toward Todman. 

"Those two guys are truly change-of-pace backs," Fisch said per the Florida Times-Union. "Jordan really intrigues us with his burst, speed and acceleration. ... I'm excited about Denard."

Fisch also mentioned rookie Storm Johnson but seemed to classify him as a backup to Gerhart. 

"Storm is going to run at the same speed as Toby and maybe a hair faster, but he's strong and really compact," Fisch said. "He has incredible vision and lower body strength."

Terrance West has looked like anything but a small school rookie running back through the Browns' offseason practices. According to ClevelandBrowns.com's Vic Carucci, "it wouldn't be the least bit surprising" if West ousted Ben Tate from the starting role to begin the season. Carucci also suggests that West could see a significant amount of work even if Tate starts. 

Tate totaled 911 yards and four touchdowns for the Texans last year but dealt with rib injuries that ultimately cost him the last few games of the season. At Towson last year, West had 2,509 yards rushing last season with a ridiculous 41 touchdowns.