NFL Player News

Murray (ankle) sat out Wednesday's OTAs, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Murray, who underwent ankle surgery in March, is still in the recovery process and may be held out until training camp. His absence will give Dalvin Cook and Jerick McKinnon a head start on the competition for starting duties at running back, but after serving as Oakland's workhorse the last two years, Murray could quickly reestablish himself as the top option on the depth chart once he shows that he's healthy.

Elliott (head), who didn't suffer any significant injuries after being involved in a car accident Sunday, is being held out of OTAs for a second straight day, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Elliott came away unscathed from what sounds like a minor accident over the past weekend, but the Cowboys will continue to proceed cautiously with the second-year rusher. He'll be the clear-cut No. 1 option out of Dallas' backfield upon his return, but Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris and Jahad Thomas could see additional reps in practice with Elliott sidelined in the short term.

Broncos coach Vance Joseph said he expects Anderson to be part of a two- or three-headed backfield, Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post reports.

The Broncos signed Jamaal Charles (knee) to a modest one-year contract and drafted De'Angelo Henderson in the sixth round with the hope of adding some explosiveness in the backfield without sacrificing significant financial resources. The offseason moves hint at some degree of confidence in Anderson and Devontae Booker, both of whom struggled last year behind a lousy offensive line. Perhaps more important than the additions at running back, Denver signed former Cowboys guard Ronald Leary and drafted offensive tackle Garett Bolles at No. 20 overall. The team also replaced former offensive coordinator Rick Dennison with the more pass-happy Mike McCoy, but limitations at quarterback suggest the team will still aim for a balanced approach. While tentatively expected to regain the lead role, Anderson will need to fend off competition for touches by proving he's regained burst that was missing in his injury-shortened 2016 campaign. He only had one carry of 20-plus yards prior to suffering a season-ending torn meniscus in Week 7, though it's worth noting that Booker didn't have a single carry of 20-plus yards all year on 174 attempts.

Martin (suspension) is taking the majority of first-team reps in the early stages of OTAs, Roy Cummings of WFLA-TV reports.

Oft-mentioned as a potential cap casualty just one season after signing a five-year, $35.75 million contract, Martin is doing his best to earn another shot in Tampa. He completed a treatment program at the beginning of the offseason, and general manager Jason Licht recently said the 28-year-old is back to top physical condition. While suspended for the first three games of the season, Martin has put himself on track to regain lead status in Tampa Bay's backfield beginning in Week 4. It's still possible Martin could be released if there are any setbacks between OTAs and the start of the season, as the Bucs have insurance in the form of Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and rookie fifth-rounder Jeremy McNichols (shoulder). Rodgers is getting most of the second-team reps at OTAs, with Sims handling the third-team looks.

Jones won't attend the Redskins' OTAs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones, who appeared in just seven games during the 2016 season, doesn't appear to be part of Washington's backfield plans moving forward, and his decision to sit out OTAs likely reflects his dissatisfaction with his standing in the organization. Rookie Samaje Perine is expected to challenge Rob Kelley (knee) for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart at running back this offseason, while Chris Thompson figures to see work on third downs. This leaves Jones as the odd man out, so it could be only a matter of time before he's potentially dealt elsewhere, if not released.

Foreman did not participate in Tuesday's OTA due to an undisclosed injury, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Foreman's current issue may potentially stem from coach Bill O'Brien saying last week that the rookie running back needs to do some work to get into ideal football shape. At the Scouting Combine, he checked in 16 pounds lighter than his listed weight as a collegiate senior in order to improve his measurables, but he may have lost a bit of strength in the process of slimming down. Upon his return to the practice field, he'll compete with Alfred Blue for the No. 2 spot behind Lamar Miller.

Sims (pectoral) participated in the Buccaneers' OTAs on Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Sims, whose 2016 campaign was shortened to just seven games due to an assortment of injuries, will face competition from multiple weapons out of the backfield in Tampa Bay. Doug Martin could once again be the first-team back when he returns from his suspension after the first three weeks of the season, while rookie Jeremy McNichols (shoulder) may cut into Sims' role as a pass catcher. The extremely crowded backfield also includes Jacquizz Rodgers, who lost weight throughout the offseason and added quickness as a result.

Vereen (triceps) is healthy after twice tearing his triceps last season, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports.

Vereen originally hurt his triceps in Week 3 and missed the ensuing nine games while in recovery. However, he may have rushed back too soon, as the veteran scat back aggravated the same muscle in Week 14 and subsequently required season-ending corrective surgery. Thankfully for Vereen, the Giants didn't bring in any legitimate threats to his gig as the third-down back this offseason, leaving him a clearly defined role on offense in advance of the 2017 campaign.

Watson signed a contract with the Steelers on Thursday.

In one game with the Eagles last season, Watson had 28 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries. He'll look to catch on as a depth running back and special teams player with Pittsburgh in 2017.

Rodgers has lost about six pounds throughout the offseason and has added quickness as a result, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Rodgers has been praised by running backs coach Tim Spencer heading into the Buccaneers' OTAs for his work ethic during the offseason. An increased level of athleticism and confidence bodes well for Rodgers' chances at seeing additional touches early in the season while Doug Martin serves his three-game suspension, with Charles Sims (pectoral) and rookie Jeremy McNichols (shoulder) also factoring into the mix. Rodgers is already a versatile weapon out of the backfield, while a slight reduction in weight figures to boost his agility.