NFL Player News

Browns running back Trent Richardson is expected to be ready for the start of training camp despite dealing with a shin injury all offseason, reports CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora. 

La Canfora writes that "despite reports he would miss all of August recovering from injuries, I'm told there is every expectation that he will be taking reps when camp opens."

Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said he's liked what he's seen from rookie Cordarrelle Patterson in the meeting rooms while learning the team's offense but that the learning process itself is still going on. It's something Patterson must accelerate if he wants to be a factor in 2013.

Musgrave told the media Wednesday Patterson must "get more familiar with the system and play faster. Less thinking, more reacting."

Patterson was one of the Vikings' three first-round picks in April's draft. According to ESPN, Patterson has looked very impressive during the spring practices and has set himself up to start gaining separation from defensive backs. 

Chris Johnson sounded satisfied with the improved run game the Titans have implemented this offseason. Speaking after the final day of minicamp practice, Johnson gave his personal seal of approval to the team's changes in the ground game. 

"I'm encouraged by (the progress)," Johnson said per the official team website. "Each day we're getting better and better, but we've still got to wait until we get pads on to see how it turns out. ... You just see everybody working hard and trying to prove a point, trying to get back to that old Titans team we were when we teams know we're fixing to run the ball and we still go out and do it."

Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar had a terrific offseason and could still finish as the primary backup to DeMarco Murray this fall reports ESPN. It's been presumed that Joseph Randle would land the gig but Randle's been sidelined following a pair of thumb surgeries while Dunbar has earned the trust of Tony Romo thanks to his pass blocking skills and hands out of the backfield. 

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman is out to prove he can be the starter in Denver this season. He knows people knock him because of his size and see him better suited to be just a change-of-pace back.

"You get that when you're a smaller guy," Hillman said, according to NFL.com. "You can't take the pounding, but I just brush it off. Of course you hear things. I'm not going to sit hear and say I don't hear what they say, but you just got to let it go. Obviously, getting 22 carries in negative 13-degree weather against the Ravens (in the divisional playoffs), they shouldn't have much else to say about that if they're paying attention."

The report says Hillman put on 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and now weighs 200 pounds. He said the Broncos actually want him to drop weight and play in the 190-to-195 range.

Hillman is competing for the starting job with rookie Montee Ball. Knowshon Moreno is also in the mix for playing time now that Willis McGahee has been released.

Vikings receiver Joe Webb, who played quarterback for his first three seasons in Minnesota, said he has taken rookie receiver Cordarrelle Patterson under his wing in a mentoring role.

"I've been helping Cordarrelle out a lot, especially with the offense," Webb said, according to 1500ESPN.com. "Keeping him updated on what defenses like to do against certain routes."

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians made it clear Wednesday that Rashard Mendenhall is the starting running back heading into training camp. Arians said on the NFL Network that "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

"He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver," Arians said, courtesy of NFL.com. "He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

Arians said Mendenhall is "ready to go" after dealing with complications from his torn ACL at the end of 2011, and he considers Mendenhall a three-down running back. That leaves Ryan Williams as the No. 2 running back heading into training camp, and he's expected to be used in a change-of-pace role.

Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor are clearly behind Mendenhall and Williams on the depth chart.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to use rookie Joseph Randle as the No. 2 running back behind DeMarco Murray, but Lance Dunbar could carve out a role for himself.

According to ESPN, Dunbar had a terrific offseason and appears to have earned the trust of quarterback Tony Romo with his receiving skills. The report says Dunbar can be elusive out of the backfield and give linebackers some trouble. He also has proven to be a willing blocker.

The bad news for Dunbar, however, is Randle has been out all offseason with a thumb injury. When Randle returns in training camp he could reduce Dunbar's role.

Every year we find reasons to like Darren McFadden and every year he finds a way to disappoint us. In 2011 he totaled five touchdowns and over 750 yards in seven games before messing up his foot. In 2012 he managed to stay healthy for 12 games (tied for the second-most in his career) but sported the worst rushing average of his career and scored a total of three times. 

This year McFadden enters training camp for the Raiders healthy and with dollar signs in his eyes. If he has a sensational year he will land a nice chunk of change from a team probably not called the Raiders because of their salary cap issues. If he doesn't, he could still earn a decent contract but probably will be used in a part-time role elsewhere in the league. McFadden has to know this and should put up a good effort. Helping his case is an Oakland coaching staff that redesigned the offense to his strengths including scrapping the zone-blocking scheme that seemingly baffled McFadden last year. 

McFadden's always a risky proposition -- just ask the Fantasy owners who took him the past two seasons -- but a late Round 3/early Round 4 selection might be the right price for a player aiming for a monster showcase season. 

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told the Charlotte Observer that he's not sure if running back Jonathan Stewart will be ready for the start of training camp. Stewart has already missed all of the OTA and minicamp practices after offseason surgery on his ankles. 

"We'll see," Gettleman said. "Time will tell."

DeAngelo Williams would likely see a bump in work if Stewart were to miss any time with Mike Tolbert and rookie Kenjon Barner also getting a chance at some carries.