NFL Player News

With Mark Ingram likely facing a four-game suspension to begin the season, Williams may be in line for an expanded role behind Alvin Kamara in the early going.

Kamara should assume an even larger share of the backfield snaps while Ingram is out of the mix, but Williams could also be a beneficiary if he impresses the coaching staff this offseason. Before signing with the Saints last November, Williams spent nearly the entire 2017 season on the Broncos' practice squad, despite gained 94 yards on 27 carries as a rookie with the Bills in 2016. Williams is expected to battle for depth-chart positioning with fellow incumbent running backs Daniel Lasco and Trey Edmunds, as well as rookie Boston Scott, who was drafted by the Saints in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The team could also elect to bring in additional veteran help this offseason.

Jones agreed to a contract Wednesday with the Eagles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones struggled to find a role with the Colts last season behind the likes of Frank Gore and Marlon Mack, suiting up for only five games after opening the campaign on the practice squad. The 2015 third-round pick finished 2018 with only five carries for 14 yards before getting cut loose shortly after the NFL draft. The Eagles quickly picked Jones up after the Colts released him, but it seems like he'll be a long shot to make the Super Bowl champions' 53-man roster this fall.

Hunt (ankle) failed his physical and has been waived by the Chiefs, Pete Sweeney of 610 Sports Radio reports.

Hunt departed Week 17 last season after suffering an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve the next week as a result. It appears his ankle hasn't healed enough at this point and the offseason additions of Damien Williams (shoulder), Kerwynn Williams and Darrel Williams makes it easier for the team to let him go. Hunt saw just 51 offensive snaps for the Chiefs last season but could find a home as a special teams contributor elsewhere if his ankle passes the test.

Hood was claimed off waivers Tuesday by the Panthers, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Hood was originally selected by the Raiders in the 7th round of last year's draft, but he spent majority of his rookie season on the team's practice squad and was waived by Oakland on Monday. The Panthers are pretty secure with their depth at running back, especially considering they signed veteran tailback C.J. Anderson on Monday, so he could be in line for another year on a practice squad.

Kamara should lead the Saints' backfield to begin the season following a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicating Mark Ingram has been suspended for four weeks.

Kamara averaged only 7.5 carries per game during his rookie campaign, but that may increase substantially early in the 2018 season with Ingram out of the picture. Coach Sean Payton generally prefers to split the backfield duties, so it won't be surprising if Trey Edmunds, Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams or Daniel Lasco (neck) sees a jump in snaps as well. With Ingram's contract expiring after 2018, we may get an early glimpse at the future of the Saints' backfield.

West is visiting the Eagles on Tuesday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Following a career-best 2016 season in which West ran for 774 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, he went on to appear in just five games for the Ravens in 2017 and carried the ball 39 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles likely are satisfied with their stable of running backs, but they could view West as potential insurance for an injury.

Barner is visiting the Bills on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Barner spent the past three seasons in Philadelphia, where he had 71 carries and 19 catches in 36 regular-season games. The majority of his 2017 touches came in the return game, which likely would be his ticket to earning a roster spot in Buffalo, though the might also get a shot to compete with Travaris Cadet for a small pass-catching role.

The Panthers' signing of C.J. Anderson suggests they weren't comfortable entering the season with Artis-Payne as their top between-the-tackles runner, Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

A 2015 fifth-round pick, Artis-Payne has taken 99 carries for 422 yards (4.3 average) and four touchdowns in 23 career games, getting most of his playing time when Jonathan Stewart was injured. The Panthers' decision not to draft a running back suggested the 25-year-old would replace Stewart, but the team then signed Anderson on Monday to fill the role. Artis-Payne now figures to compete with Fozzy Whittaker for the No. 3 job behind Anderson and Christian McCaffrey.

Hood was waived by the Raiders on Monday.

A seventh-round pick of the Raiders in 2017, Hood ended up seeing action in just one game as a rookie, as he spent the bulk of the season on the practice squad. Hood was always considered a long shot to make Oakland's roster ahead of the upcoming season, and the fact that he's being cut so early in the offseason doesn't bode well for his chances of making a roster elsewhere.

Anderson signed with the Panthers on Monday, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The fit makes a lot of sense, as the Panthers otherwise would've been counting on Cameron Artis-Payne to replace Jonathan Stewart (Giants) as the power complement to Christian McCaffrey. Anderson was released by Denver just under a month ago to save cap space, despite reaching 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career last season. He should form an effective duo with McCaffrey, whose fantasy outlook takes a hit with this signing.