NFL Player News

McKinnon's surgically repaired knee has responded well to strenuous workouts, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

After missing the past two seasons with knee injuries, McKinnon agreed to reduce his 2020 base salary from $6.5 million to $910,000. The new number gives him a much better shot to stick on the 53-man roster, though he will face some competition from Jeff Wilson and undrafted rookies JaMycal Hasty and Salvon Ahmed. Meanwhile, presumed lead back Raheem Mostert has submitted a trade request, apparently frustrated with a lack of progress toward his desired pay raise. The 49ers also have Tevin Coleman in the backfield, while Matt Breida was traded to Miami in April. The team should be able to work things out with Mostert, but if not, McKinnon could open training camp in the second spot on the depth chart.

Cooks' agent, Zac Hiller, refuted a report indicating that Cook told running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu he was planning to report to training camp Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Saturday has been a mess of miscommunication between Cook and the team through the media, which started with coach Mike Zimmer saying in the morning that Cook told him he would be reporting to camp Tuesday, which Hiller refuted later in the day. Another report indicated Cook relayed said information to Polamalu instead of Zimmer, which Hiller also says did not happen. Cook previously indicated he would hold out until he receives a "reasonable" extension, but Saturday's back and forth has been an unexpected curveball with training camp on the horizon. We'll find out Tuesday if Cook plans to follow through on the holdout.

Cook told running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu he plans to report to training camp Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Coach Mike Zimmer said earlier Saturday that Cook told him he would report to camp on time, but Cook's agent, Zac Hiller, refuted that information from Zimmer later in the day. The 25-year-old apparently had a similar conversation with his position coach, who then talked to Zimmer. Cook previously said he wouldn't report until he receives a "reasonable" extension, but the holdout penalties under the new CBA are much harsher than the previous agreement. Regardless of Saturday's "he said, he said" situation, things should receive some clarity soon with the Vikings only a couple days from the start of camp.

Cook's agent, Zac Hiller, said that Cook did not tell head coach Mike Zimmer that he would report to training camp Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Zimmer told the Minnesota media earlier Saturday that Cook told him he would not hold out and would report on time when Minnesota's training camp beings Tuesday. Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, in which he would play under a $1.3 million salary if not extended, Cook previously said he would hold out until he receives a "reasonable" extension. We'll have to see if Cook reports Tuesday or if he plans to hold out.

Cook told Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer that he will report for the start of training camp Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, in which he would play under a $1.3 million salary if not extended, Cook previously said he would hold out until he receives a "reasonable" extension. It's not clear if he received a contract offer or had a change of heart. Either way, it looks far more likely he'll be on a regular schedule for Week 1.

Jones likely will enter Week 1 as a starter, according to ESPN.com's Jenna Laine.

Rookie third-round pick Ke'Shawn Vaughn should still be in the mix for carries, but his shot at the lead role right out of the gate took a big hit after the NFL canceled offseason programs and preseason games. Jones has been preparing for the possibility of a much larger workload in his third NFL season, focusing on his pass-catching skills and bulking up to around 225 pounds. While he should have the initial advantage, Jones could lose ground in a hurry if he fails to impress early in the season. There's also a chance the Tampa backfield fails to provide a reliable fantasy producer altogether, especially if either Dare Ogunbowale or Raymond Calais steals a large chunk of the receiving work.

Coach Sean McVay mentioned Akers, Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson (ankle) and John Kelly as options to take carries in 2020, per The Helliepod podcast.

When asked about his backfield, McVay pointed to the division-rival 49ers as a possible blueprint, noting how Kyle Shanahan assembled a top-notch rushing attack without using any one player as a bellcow. Shanahan's approach is a stark contrast from what we've seen in Los Angeles, where Todd Gurley just ripped off four straight seasons with a snap share of 73.9 percent or higher in his active games. As a rookie second-round pick, Akers is the upside play for fantasy managers, but he'll first need to earn his snaps with a strong showing in training camp. Brown has the advantage of three years' experience in McVay's system, while Henderson is probably the fastest of the bunch and might also prove to be the best receiving weapon. It was a bit surprising to hear McVay mention Kelly, who has played just eight games through two pro seasons and was demoted to the practice squad at one point last fall.

Sean McVay mentioned Kelly as one of four running backs on the Rams' roster who can be viewed as a "starting-caliber" player, per The Helliepod podcast.

The other three are veteran Malcolm Brown, 2019 third-round pick Darrell Henderson (ankle) and rookie second-round pick Cam Akers. McVay's comment aside, that leaves Kelly as the forgotten man of the group as a 2018 sixth-round pick who has played just 53 offensive snaps in eight NFL games, bouncing between the inactive list, the practice squad and a backup role. There aren't many fantasy formats where Kelly will warrant a draft pick, but he could emerge as a player to watch if the other running backs in Los Angeles struggle to stay healthy and productive.

Mostert recently spoke to a high-ranking member of the 49ers organization, hoping to work out his contract situation, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Entering the second season of a three-year, $8.65 million contract, Mostert approached the 49ers earlier this offseason in search of a pay raise or extension. Unhappy with the course of negotiations, the 28-year-old running back requested a trade a couple weeks ago. It appears he's still open to staying in San Francisco, but it isn't clear if Mostert will report for the start of training camp without a new contract in hand. A trade or holdout might benefit Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson, or possibly even undrafted rookies JaMycal Hasty and Salvon Ahmed. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan has an impressive track record assembling productive rushing attacks without the benefit of a star running back.

Henry agreed Wednesday with the Titans on a four-year deal worth $50 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Henry's new deal with Tennessee includes $25.5 million guaranteed and comes on the heels of the organization inking quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a long-term pact earlier this offseason. With that, Henry, who was the NFL's leading rusher in 2019 with 1,540 yards, will continue to head the Titans' backfield and remains a top option at his position in both real-life and fantasy terms. The Titans invested a third-round pick this spring into Darrynton Evans, who is slated to serve as a change-of-pace option behind the newly extended Henry.