NFL Player News

Martin made a positive impression on Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson during the offseason program, Matt Kawahara of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Hoping to rebound from back-to-back nightmare seasons, Martin joined his hometown team in March on a one-year, $1.475 million contract without any signing bonus, per Spotrac. Martin may have gotten off to a good start during the offseason program, but his contract suggests he could still miss out on the 53-man roster if he fails to impress during training camp and the preseason. Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and undrafted rookie Chris Warren are also competing for backup roles behind incumbent starter Marshawn Lynch.

Bolden (undisclosed) has been placed on the Non-Football Illness list, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

There isn't much information on Bolden's illness. The seventh-year back will have to compete for playing time in a crowded backfield that features several newcomers, including the likes of first-round pick Sony Michel and offseason addition Jeremy Hill.

Williams (shoulder) has received full clearance for training camp, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports. "Williams, who we signed and was coming off surgery, is doing great," said Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Rick Burkholder. "He did everything today [Monday]."

After Jay Ajayi was dealt to Philadelphia in the middle of last season, Williams split backfield reps with Kenyan Drake in Miami for four games, averaging 4.4 YPC, hauling in 12 of 15 passes and scoring one touchdown. However, Williams sustained a dislocated shoulder Week 12 and missed the rest of the campaign. The development allowed Drake to feature as a No. 1 back, and his performance was enough for the Dolphins to move on from Williams. In his new climes, Williams will compete with fellow Chiefs running backs Spencer Ware (knee), Charcandrick West and Kerwynn Williams for the backup job to workhorse Kareem Hunt (hamstring).

General manager Chris Ballard indicated Friday that Mack (shoulder) has received full medical clearance, and the running back will be ready for the start of training camp, Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Mack, who was unavailable for the Colts' offseason workout program, is bouncing back from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum that he played through for most of his rookie season. Now healthy, Mack will open training camp as the team's No. 1 running back, though he'll need to fend off rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins in order to remain atop the depth chart. Robert Turbin is also around, but he's suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Mixon is down to 218 pounds, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website reports.

Mixon weighed 226 pounds at last year's combine, but he reported to rookie minicamp at 238 and played most of his rookie season around 230. A report from April had him around 225, and he apparently wants to take it a step further, even if that means sacrificing some power. In addition to the obvious benefits in terms of speed and acceleration, the second-year back may find that a slimmer physique helps him gain separation running routes. Perhaps more important than his own development, Mixon stands to benefit if the Bengals' offseason moves to upgrade their woeful offensive line end up being successful. In addition to trading for left tackle Cordy Glenn and drafting center Billy Price in the first round, Cincinnati hired offensive line coach Frank Pollack, who spent the last three seasons in Dallas. Giovani Bernard will still be involved in some capacity, but the Bengals seem intent on having Mixon handle the lead role.

Vereen agreed to a contract Wednesday with the Saints, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Saints have been looking at veteran running backs ever since the announcement of Mark Ingram's four-game suspension, previously showing interest in the likes of DeMarco Murray and Jamaal Charles. The team ultimately settled on Terrance West and now Vereen, a pass-catching specialist who averaged just 3.6 yards on 45 carries and 5.8 yards on 44 receptions for the Giants last season. The Saints likely will give Alvin Kamara more work on early downs while Ingram serves his suspension, potentially opening up a few snaps for Vereen in obvious passing situations. The 29-year-old will first need to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, as he'll compete with West, Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds and Jonathan Williams for what likely will be two or three jobs.

Oliver may set up a workout with the Bills, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Currently an unrestricted free agent, the University of Buffalo product spent the past four years with the Chargers after earning a roster spot as an undrafted rookie in 2014. He made seven starts his first season and piled up 853 scrimmage yards in 14 games, but he's spent most of the past three years either rehabbing from injuries or buried on the depth chart. Oliver did finish last season healthy, serving as the Chargers' No. 2 back while Austin Ekeler missed Weeks 16 and 17 with a hand injury. The 27-year-old will need to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster if he ends up signing with the Bills.

Washington is expected to compete with Ameer Abdullah and Zach Zenner for the Lions' No. 4 running back job during training camp, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website reports.

With LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick all considered to be locks, the Lions seem to have three running backs fighting for one roster spot. Abdullah has the advantage in terms of draft status and backfield experience, but Washington has the best size and speed combination and Zenner is most likely to contribute on special teams coverage units. A 2016 seventh-round pick, Washington has gained just 309 yards on 110 career carries (2.8 average) and 76 yards on 12 receptions.

Jones was suspended two games Tuesday for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

On Oct. 1 of last year, the rookie running back was pulled over for speeding, and the ensuing traffic stop brought with it charges of driving without a valid license and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system. The latter allegation stemmed from the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Despite wrapping up his legal woes with a plea deal March 1, Jones was a prime candidate to earn a suspension for running afoul. While Jones takes a seat Weeks 1 and 2 of the upcoming campaign, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery will highlight the Packers backfield off the bat.

Jones focused on adding muscle to his lower body during the offseason, Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com reports. "I'm bigger all around," Jones said. "That's something that's going to help me in pass protection and that's something I want to get better at."

Jones easily led Packers running backs last season with 5.5 yards per carry, but MCL injuries in both knees limited him to just 23 touches in six games after a Week 8 bye. He seems to have recovered in time for full participation throughout the offseason, so the Packers will enter training camp with Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery all healthy. In addition to helping him in pass protection, Jones believes the added strength will improve his durability and make him tougher to tackle. He'll battle Williams and Montgomery throughout August for the lead role in Green Bay's backfield, with the battle potentially stretching into the regular season the way it did in 2017.