NFL Player News

Zenner and recent signee C.J. Anderson figure to compete for carries behind Kerryon Johnson, ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reports.

The Lions also have Theo Riddick in a crowded backfield, though the pass-catching specialist might be traded or released before Week 1 to free up $3.7 million in cap space. Johnson is the only one of the bunch signed beyond 2019, and he already proved his merit as a lead back with 5.4 yards per carry and 32 catches in 10 games during his rookie season. Zenner's wealth of experience on special teams could allow him to stick on the 53-man roster even if he lands fourth on the depth chart at running back.

The Jaguars signed Cunningham to a contract Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

In the first year under the direction of coach Matt Nagy, Cunningham's touch count in Chicago decreased from 29 in 2017 to 12 last season. The presence of Jordan Howard (58 percent of the offensive snaps) and Tarik Cohen (46 percent) limited Cunningham's usage as the latter managed just 6.5 percent of those snaps. With the move to Jacksonville, Cunningham currently is no better than third on the RB depth chart behind Leonard Fournette and recent signee Alfred Blue. Cunningham may well be competing with 2018 seventh-rounder Dave Williams and veteran Thomas Rawls for one roster spot, assuming the Jaguars don't make another addition at the position in free agency or the draft.

Anderson promised he will be in better shape for 2019 with the Lions, Marlowe Atler of The Detroit Free Press reports.

Anderson admits he played at around 235 pounds late last season with the Rams, but the extra weight didn't prevent him from piling up 488 rushing yards and four touchdowns in five games (including playoffs). He did slow down during the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, averaging just 2.9 yards on 23 carries. Signed to a one-year contract Monday, the 28-year-old likely will return to his listed weight of 225 pounds in preparation for a full season in the Detroit backfield alongside Kerryon Johnson, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner. While Johnson is a clear favorite to handle the lead role, coach Matt Patricia has left no doubt about his preference for using a committee. There's been some chatter that Riddick could be released to clear out $3.7 million in cap space and leave more snaps for Johnson/Anderson.

Anderson signed a one-year contract with the Lions on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Anderson began the 2018 season in Carolina, where he rushed for only 104 yards in nine games before he was released. His stock quickly rose once the Rams signed him in December as a replacement for Malcolm Brown (clavicle). With Todd Gurley tending to a knee injury, Anderson took 43 carries for 299 yards (7.0 YPC) and two touchdowns in two regular-season games, and 46 carries for 189 yards (4.1 YPC) and two touchdowns in three playoff games. The exact terms of Anderson's deal with the Lions haven't been disclosed, but he'll get a chance to produce in 2019 and hit free agency once again next offseason. The Lions likely intend to take a committee approach to the backfield, with Kerryon Johnson leading the way while Anderson, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner compete for snaps. There is some chance Riddick could be released in a move that would clear out $3.7 million in 2019 cap space (per overthecap.com).

Cunningham will visit the Jaguars this week, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

Cunningham played 212 snaps on offense and 478 on special teams in 29 games for Chicago over the past two seasons, though he did get some work on passing downs in 2017 (20 receptions). Jacksonville represents the best-case scenario for his next landing spot, as the team has minimal backfield depth behind Leonard Fournette. With Carlos Hyde joining the Chiefs and both T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant (foot) still unsigned, the Jaguars are badly in need of a No. 2 running back -- preferably one that could replace Fournette in passing situations.

Clement (knee) still figures to have a role after the Eagles traded for fellow running back Jordan Howard, Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

A pleasant surprise as a rookie and a considerable disappointment in his sophomore campaign, Clement is now recovering from a December knee injury, with the Eagles declining to provide any details. His health may have played a role in the decision to acquire Howard, but it's more likely the team simply jumped at the opportunity to acquire a proven lead runner in exchange for a late-round pick. If healthy, Clement likely offers enough versatility to keep his roster spot safe, with potential to handle passing downs and/or spell Howard on early downs. The recent transaction is worse news for Josh Adams, whose strengths largely seem to overlap with Howard's. The Eagles also have Wendell Smallwood and could add another running back in the upcoming draft.

Artis-Payne has re-signed with the Panthers on a one-year contract, Bryan Strickland of the team's official site reports.

As the depth chart stands, Artis-Payne returns to a Panthers roster that still has little depth behind starter Christian McCaffrey. While it's possible Carolina adds a running back in next month's draft, Artis-Payne should operate as the clear No. 2 over Elijah Hood (knee) and Reggie Bonnafon when the Panthers' offseason workouts begin April 15.

The Colts have a "bullish stance" on Mack (hip) as a featured running back, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

While coach Frank Reich said Tuesday that he still considers the Colts' running-back situation as a "by-committee" approach, according to Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site, Mack is clearly the leader of the pack after an eye-opening sophomore season in which he totaled 10 touchdowns and topped 5.1 yards per carry in seven of 12 contests. It's possible the Colts could add a tailback in next month's draft but it seems unlikely they would invest significant capital in a backfield that already has a solid duo of Mack and receiving specialist Nyheim Hines on rookie deals.

Foreman has embraced a demanding offseason regimen that includes a healthy diet and regular boxing workouts, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports.

Foreman predictably failed to make a dent in 2018 as he worked his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in November of his rookie season. He did get a few snaps in Houston's lone playoff game, setting the stage for a healthy offseason and presumably a larger role in 2019. Foreman reportedly has slimmed down from his listed weight of 235 pounds, emphasizing agility and conditioning rather than relying on power and straight-line speed. He figures to enter training camp as the No. 2 running back behind Lamar Miller, who is still viewed as the starter by Texans GM Brian Gaine. It could easily turn into a competitive situation if Foreman's hard work this offseason pays off.

GM John Lynch said McKinnon (knee) will stay with the 49ers through April 1, when his 2019 base salary ($3.7 million) becomes guaranteed, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The signing of Tevin Coleman led to speculation, but Lynch confirmed McKinnon is still part of the plan for 2019. Of course, the 49ers would be foolish not to listen if another organization were to approach them with a serious trade offer for McKinnon or Matt Breida (ankle). The current alignment points to four running backs on the 53-man roster, as the aforementioned trio is joined by special teams ace Raheem Mostert, who recently signed a three-year contract. McKinnon, Breida and Coleman are all viable candidates for the starting job, though the former needs to complete his rehab from the torn ACL he suffered Sept. 1. Multiple reports this offseason have suggested McKinnon is ahead of schedule and should be ready for the start of training camp.