NFL Player News

The Eagles are still waiting for Mathews (neck) to be able to pass a physical before they release him, Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com reports.

The Eagles don't want to release Mathews with a failed physical designation, which likely would require a significant injury settlement, given his $4 million base salary. Mathews also has some incentive to hurry things along, as he'll have a better chance of making an impact this season if he finds a new team before the start of training camp. The Eagles seem content to move forward with LeGarrette Blount, Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey in the backfield.

Asiata's chances of making the final roster will depend on the health of the running backs ahead of him on the Lions' depth chart, Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press reports.

Signed in late May to add veteran depth to a relatively young Detroit backfield, Asiata is a jack of all trades but a master of none. He's capable -- but not proficient -- in nearly all of the responsibilities that belong to a modern day NFL running back, including pass protection, catching balls out of the backfield, and toting the rock. However, he's buried under Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick (wrist), Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington on the depth chart. There's a chance Detriot keeps five running backs on the 53-man roster in 2017 since it let go of fullback Michael Burton this offseason, but as it stands, Asiata looks to be competing with fellow reserve Mike James to claim the potential No. 5 RB job.

Williams, who was recently found not guilty of DWI, will not be disciplined by the NFL for potentially violating the substance abuse policy, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Williams' innocence bodes well for his chances of securing the No. 2 role at running back behind LeSean McCoy throughout training camp. Fellow depth rushers Joe Banyard, Cedric O'Neal and Jordan Johnson have combined for 23 career carries in the NFL, so it'll be Williams' job to lose with little competition behind him at this point.

Teammate Latavius Murray (ankle) acknowledged that Cook has the early upper hand by means of his participation in the Vikings' offseason program, NFL.com's Kevin Patra reports. "Dalvin's already been through the [organized team activities], he's already been through the offseason," said Murray. "So, he has that up on me. But also, looking at it as, hey, I'm the vet, I have time in this league, I've done some good things in this league. So I have a lot to bring to the table."

Murray had surgery shortly after signing with the Vikings in March and is still expected to be ready for the start of training camp after missing the entire offseason program. His injury wasn't necessarily a factor in Minnesota's decision to trade up to No. 41 overall for Cook, as the team likely values Murray in large part for his strong track record as a goal-line runner and pass blocker, whereas the rookie offers far more upside as a potential lead runner. Coach Mike Zimmer said there will be an open competition in the backfield, and while holdover Jerick McKinnon may retain some kind of role, Murray and Cook figure to duke it out for the lead job in what likely will be a committee of sorts.

Murray (ankle) acknowledged that Dalvin Cook got a head start by participating in the Vikings' offseason program, but the 27-year-old still believes he will beat out the rookie for the Week 1 starting job, NFL.com's Kevin Patra reports.

Murray signed a three-year, $15 million contract in March and underwent surgery to address bone spurs shortly thereafter. He's expected back for the start of training camp, but that didn't stop Minnesota from trading up to No. 41 overall to draft Cook, who subsequently split work with Jerick McKinnon in OTAs. Coach Mike Zimmer said the team will have an open competition in the backfield, but it would be a major surprise if McKinnon is a serious candidate for the lead job after he produced 3.4 yards per carry last season. Murray averaged only 4.0 yards per carry and 5.2 yards per target as the lead back in Oakland the past two seasons, but he did convert 13 of his 24 carries inside the 5-yard line into touchdowns while also earning a reputation as a strong pass blocker. Cook has far more potential as a pure runner, but the Vikings should still find a use for the 230-pound Murray in what's shaping up as a likely committee.

McFadden seems to have the No. 2 running back job locked down, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Despite losing nearly all of last season to an elbow injury, McFadden worked ahead of Alfred Morris -- who may be released before Week 1 -- during the Cowboys' offseason program. Ezekiel Elliott figures to handle a heavy workload in a three-down role, and while McFadden probably won't get many touches unless his young teammate is injured, the 29-year-old should at least have value as a handcuff. McFadden might even jump right into a similar three-down role in the event of an Elliott injury.

Crossan will compete for a reserve spot on the Colts' 53-man roster, Kevin Bowen of the Colts' official site reports.

The undrafted free agent racked up 5,189 all-purpose yards and 36 touchdowns during his college days at New Hampshire. He has experience on special teams, which is likely where he'll need to excel if he hopes to lock down a spot on the roster this fall.

Mack (undisclosed) did not participate in June minicamp, Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star reports.

While there's no indication the injury is significant, it isn't ideal for a rookie to miss any time during the offseason program. Mack still figures to be ready for training camp, where he'll compete with 27-year-old Robert Turbin and 2016 UDFA Josh Ferguson for backup work behind 34-year-old Frank Gore. The fourth-round rookie is the only one of the bunch with any real upside as a runner, but Turbin's combination of size, experience and pass-blocking ability makes him the favorite to earn the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. There could be room for three players to contribute each week, as the Colts seemingly hope to ease Gore's workload in what could be his final season.

During portions of practice in last week's minicamp, Kamara split off and worked with the receivers instead of the running backs, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Kamara has impressed during minicamp and OTAs, and the Saints were thrilled to land the Tennessee product with the 67th pick in this year's draft, viewing him as a pass-catching "joker" back in the mold of Darren Sproles and Reggie Bush. In fact, the Saints appear to even be considering lining Kamara up at receiver at times in order to get him on the field as much as possible. With both Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems unlikely that the rookie will receive many carries, but Kamara should slide into a pass-catching role in the Saints' high-powered offense, which makes him an interesting sleeper in PPR leagues.

Rawls is expected to receive a decent workload during the preseason, and should see a comparable amount of carries to Eddie Lacy (ankle) during the regular season, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Rawls is coming off an injury-plagued first two seasons in the league, as he's missed 10 of 32 possible games in his career thus far. Although Rawls dealt with leg and shoulder problems last year, he approaches training camp with a clean bill of health. That should allow him to see a fair chunk of exhibition action, but the Seahawks are also expected to be careful in order to preserve him for the regular season. At that point, Rawls and Lacy figure to share the bulk of Seattle's ball-carrying duties, unless one player gets the hot hand and garners an increased workload. With C.J. Prosise around as well, Rawls certainly faces competition for touches, but he'll be keen to capitalize on his opportunities now that he's healthy again.