NFL Player News

Williams opened the offseason program working as Washington's No. 3 running back, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.

Williams has a real shot to keep the role heading into Week 1, but it wouldn't necessarily make him third in line for touches on offense. He's an experienced special teamer, which means the 29-year-old might technically be active over fellow RBs Chris Rodriguez and Jaret Patterson on gamedays even if one or both of the young backs is ahead of Williams in the pecking order for carries. All are behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson, the returning top two in a Washington backfield that could be reevaluated under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Cook (shoulder) is unlikely to be on the Vikings roster by the start of the new campaign, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Typically situations like this aren't discussed with such absolute language, so Seifert suggesting "all that remains is for the Vikings to formalize Cook's exit, a denouement that seems likely if not completely certain" is worth noting. Cook has a cap hit of nearly $14 million for 2023, and the Vikings already traded productive pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, who had a similar cap figure. The soon-to-be 28-year-old back has been the subject of trade rumors for months, although given no such trade has materialized it's unclear how many teams remain interested. The Vikings re-signed long-time backup Alexander Mattison to a two-year, $6.5 million deal this offseason, and the fifth-year pro figures to step in as the starter if Cook is traded or released.

Taylor (ankle) isn't participating at Friday's practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old relayed in April that the arthroscopic debridement surgery he underwent on his right ankle in January was a "perfect success," but he's apparently not yet ready to practice. Taylor missed the final three games of the season due to the ankle injury, and the Colts are likely to remain cautious with his offseason work. He's expected to be fully healthy for the start of training camp.

Smith was waived by the Seahawks on Thursday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Smith signed with Seattle on May 13 as an undrafted free agent after a four-year collegiate career at Louisiana-Lafayette, but he will now look for another opportunity elsewhere. The running back not only handled backfield duties with the Ragin' Cajuns, but he also operated as a kick returner, compiling 1,409 yards and two scores on 60 returns over his last three seasons. Due to Smith's dynamic skill set, he has a chance to find another squad in the near future.

Pollard (ankle) said Thursday he's ahead of schedule in his recovery and plans to be ready for the start of training camp, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 26-year-old was participating in reduced-tempo OTA practices last week and appears to be progressing well in his recovery after he underwent tightrope surgery on a high-ankle sprain and broken fibula in his left leg back in January. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Pollard also said he's "not really limited at this point," and the tailback is poised to lead Dallas' backfield in 2023 following the release of Ezekiel Elliott, who remains a free agent.

Hagans was waived by the Colts on Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Hagans signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent May 5, but he will now be looking for a new opportunity. The running back rushed for 1,012 yards with Virginia State last season and will likely find another suitor in the near future. The transaction opened a roster spot for defensive lineman Genard Avery.

Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Montgomery (undisclosed) won't practice but isn't dealing with anything serious, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Montgomery departed from OTAs last week due to an undisclosed injury, and while a timetable for his return remains uncertain it doesn't look like the Lions are overly concerned. Heading into his age-26 season, Montgomery looks poised to handle a key role as a rusher for Detroit, though rookie first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs should also see a fair share of carries while potentially commanding most of the backfield receiving work.

The Broncos waived Patrick on Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Patrick signed with the Broncos in mid-May, but despite practicing well, he'll cede his spot on the offseason roster to tight end Tommy Hudson. Since going undrafted out of Florida State in 2019, Patrick has spent time with the Broncos, Bengals, 49ers, Panthers and Ravens, but his most recent professional action came in the XFL this spring. He totaled 115 carries for 443 yards during his time with the San Antonio Brahmas.

The Saints signed Bargas on Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Bargas joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and appeared in two games across two seasons, registering 12 total snaps. The 26-year-old fullback joined the Bears last August after being let go by Minnesota but didn't last long and spent the entire 2022 campaign as a free agent.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday that he's "very optimistic" about the chances of Hall (knee) being on the field Week 1, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Saleh affirmed that Hall's rehab from a left ACL tear is continuing on track, per Eric Allen of the Jets' official site, noting that the running looks powerful and has already hit over 22 miles per hour via GPS monitor. Though Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports that Hall isn't expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the 2022 second-round pick could still be available for the beginning of the regular season as long as he can avoid any setbacks. Of course, Hall might be eased into action even if he avoids missing any games. In that case, Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and Israel Abanikanda could all see increased opportunities out of the backfield.