NFL Player News

Mack (shoulder) didn't participate in the Colts' June minicamp, Andrew Walker of the team's official website reports.

Mack played through a torn labrum for most of his rookie season, then had surgery in the offseason. His absence from OTAs and minicamp was expected, with Colts general manager Chris Ballard saying in early May that the second-year back should be ready for training camp. Mack's availability for the start of camp doesn't seem like a sure thing, and any missed time could help Robert Turbin, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins push for significant roles. Mack is still the favorite for the lead job, but it's a situation that will require close monitoring in the coming months.

Hunt (ankle) agreed to an injury settlement Wednesday and was waived from the Chiefs' injured reserve list.

Hunt didn't earn more than a single carry in any one game last season until Week 17, when starting running back Kareem Hunt sat out to rest up for the playoffs. The third-year back only received four carries in that affair before going down with an undisclosed ankle injury that ultimately prevented him from passing a physical with Kansas City this past May. Now free from IR, Hunt will immediately be available to sign with any team other than the Chiefs should he pass through waivers unclaimed.

Sims will need to compete for a roster spot with the Buccaneers during training camp, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The 2014 third-round pick generated minimal interest as a free agent, ultimately rejoining Tampa Bay on a one-year, $1 million contract that includes only $200,000 guaranteed, per OverTheCap.com. The lack of interest isn't much of a surprise considering Sims is a passing-down specialist who managed just 5.5 yards per target over the past two seasons. The Bucs could turn to Jacquizz Rodgers, Ronald Jones or even undrafted rookie Shaun Wilson to handle passing-down work if they decide Sims isn't worthy of a roster spot.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy expects Williams to be part of a committee backfield, ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reports. "We've got young players that we really like that all played really well, but it's been in short periods of time," McCarthy said. "Ty Montgomery had a run there where he was outstanding. Jamaal has probably been the most available of the three, and Aaron [Jones] has been so impactful when he's been in there."

Williams was the clear leader of the Green Bay backfield in the second half of last season, recording at least 10 carries in each of the final eight games, though he fell shy of four yards per carry in all but one of those contests. While probably the least explosive of the bunch, Williams played all 16 games in his rookie season, avoiding the injury bug that bit both Jones and Montgomery. Each of the three figures to spend time with the first-team offense during training camp, and the battle for playing time may ultimately spill into the regular season. Williams seems to have the edge in durability, but Jones was the most effective rusher (5.5 YPC) last season, and Montgomery has the advantage in experience and pass-catching skill.

Foreman (Achilles) appears unlikely to be a full participant for the start of training camp, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Foreman, who underwent surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon in November of 2017. is encouraged by the results of the rehabilitation work and progress he's made since the surgery, but also understands Achilles' injuries can be difficult to come back from. "They told me when it happened that it will be a long process," Foreman said. "It's been tough. You have your long days and you have your days where you feel like, 'Man, you hear all the statistics about the injury and what might be,' but my faith is really high and so is the trainers and strength and conditioning staff." The Texans feel he'll play this season, but nobody is committing to a timetable.

Gordon said he is working to diversify his route running, ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams reports.

Gordon caught 99 of 140 targets for 895 yards and six TDs in 29 games the past two seasons, with his talent as an open-field runner making up for a subpar catch rate (70.7 percent) for a running back. He did nice work on screen passes and check-downs, but he knows that he needs to become comfortable with a wider array of routes to take another step as a pass catcher. The Chargers surely would appreciate any progress, as they'll need more out of their running backs and wide receivers after losing TE Hunter Henry to a torn ACL. It remains to be seen how passing-down snaps will be divided between Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, all of whom have shown promise in that capacity.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Williams looks much better than he did last season, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. "I think [Williams] has a different mindset - understands a little bit more the standard of the NFL and difference," Shanahan said Tuesday. "Joe's come a long way. I think his body looks a lot better than it did last year. He put on a lot of muscle mass and he took advantage of the year of not playing."

Shanahan reportedly lobbied the San Francisco front office to draft Williams in the fourth round in 2017, perhaps believing the Utah product could push Carlos Hyde for a starting job. Instead, Williams failed to make an impression during the offseason program and training camp, ultimately landing on injured reserve after hurting his ankle in the final week of the preseason. The 24-year-old made a full recovery before the end of his rookie campaign, but the 49ers didn't lift his IR designation and opted to stick with Hyde and undrafted rookie Matt Breida in the backfield. Hyde has since been replaced by Jerick McKinnon, who signed a four-year, $30 million contract that includes $11.7 million guaranteed. Williams may have a chance to compete with Breida for the backup role, but a roster spot isn't guaranteed. The Niners carried special teams ace Raheem Mostert (knee) as their No. 3 back last season, and they also brought in 2017 fifth-round pick Jeremy McNichols to compete for a job.

West signed a contract with the Saints on Wednesday, Herbie Teope of NFL.com reports.

West spent parts of the last three seasons with the Ravens, but saw action in just five contests during the 2017 campaign while tumbling down the depth chart. The Saints will give West an opportunity to prove he still has something left in the tank, and he could provide some added experience in the backfield behind Alvin Kamara while Mark Ingram (suspension) sits out the first four games. How the snaps are divvied out behind Kamara will depend on the performances of West and the team's young stable of reserve backs during training camp.

Elliott may take on a larger pass-catching role to help compensate for the offseason departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Elliott's 74.3 percent career catch rate (58 of 78 targets) is mediocre for a running back, but he owns impressive marks of 10.9 yards per catch and 8.1 per target, thanks to a pair of big plays -- 83 and 72 yards -- that account for 24.5 percent of his receiving output. While unlikely to reach the Le'Veon Bell/David Johnson workload in the passing game, Elliott should draw four or five looks per game as the Cowboys try to replace Bryant and Witten's 220 combined targets. Elliott led the league with 24.2 carries per game last season, and while he only averaged 2.6 catches and 3.8 targets, he typically stayed on the field for passing downs.

Magee signed a contract with the Falcons on Wednesday.

Magee has a history with the Falcons, having signed and been released by the club once already this offseason and another time during the 2017 campaign. He will attempt to win a roster spot in training camp, but will likely be relegated to special-teams work if he cracks the 53-man unit.