NFL Player News

Gordon (knee) participated in Saturday's practice, and his recovery appears to be on track, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Gordon indicated that he feels as explosive as he did prior to injuring his knee. He rushed for 641 yards in his rookie season for the Chargers, but failed to reach the end zone. He will try to solidify his role as the Chargers' lead running back during training camp as he competes with Danny Woodhead.

The shoulder injury that Patterson suffered during Friday's practice is believed to be minor, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reports.

Patterson injured his shoulder in a an attempt to make a leaping grab in practice. Fortunately, all signs indicate the injury is not anything serious, so he should not be sidelined long.

Patterson left Friday's practice with an apparent shoulder or collarbone injury, The Star Tribune reports.

Patterson fell hard on his left shoulder after making a leaping grab over a teammate. The wideout was down on the field for a few minutes, but coach Mike Zimmer said after practice that he doesn't think the injury is serious. It still won't be surprising if Patterson has X-rays on his shoulder/collarbone area.

Sims turned in a strong all-around practice Friday, Joe Kania of the team's official site reports.

The Bucs' change-of-pace back extraordinaire excelled on both the ground and through the air Friday, flashing the diverse skill set that led to his breakout campaign in 2015. Sims totaled 1,090 yards from scrimmage last season while tying for the team lead with four touchdown receptions, and looks like he's ready to build on that success in the early going of training camp. Kania reports that the third-year back looked sharp running the ball and was also heavily involved in the passing game during Friday's session. Notably, head coach Dirk Koetter mentioned the West Virginia product as one of several candidates for the open kickoff return job after practice as well. While Doug Martin certainly figures to be the bell-cow back on most weeks this coming season, Sims has already demonstrated an ability to carry a significant load when necessary.

McCain (undisclosed) will start training camp on the the PUP list, Omar Kelly and Chris Perkins of the Sun-Sentinel report.

Williams could be caught in a roster crunch as he is one of six running backs in camp and the team will likely only keep four, maybe five. With Jay Ajayi, Arian Foster and Kenyan Drake all but assured of a roster spot, that leaves Williams battling with Daniel Thomas and Isiah Pead for one of the last spots. It would behoove Williams to get back on the practice field as soon as possible.

Helu (hip) has been released by the Raiders, CSN California reports.

Helu underwent surgery on both his hips this offseason, which followed an unproductive nine-game 2015 season with the Raiders. After missing Oakland's entire offseason program and landing on the PUP list ahead of training camp, Helu has now been cut loose by the club. While Helu looks for work elsewhere, the Raiders' top three running back positions look increasingly likely to be occupied by starter Latavius Murray, rookie DeAndre Washington and returner Taiwan Jones.

Mathews (ankle) is expected to return next week, according to Eagles coach Doug Pederson, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mathews was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury List on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury during a training session last week, but the issue appears to be minor, as he's not expected to miss much of training camp. Veteran Darren Sproles, who inked a contract extension Friday, figures to compete with Mathews throughout the preseason for the top spot on the depth chart, while Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner could see additional reps if Mathews' health remains a concern.

Rawls' (ankle) status is in question for the Seahawks first day of camp on Saturday, Seahawks reporter John Boyle reports.

Rawls said in early July that he expected to be fully healthy entering training camp, but, with camp just a few days away, general manager John Schneider said that Rawls isn't likely to practice on Saturday, the first day of Seahawks camp. Despite not currently being at 100 percent, Rawls status for the regular season is not in question and he'll be the team's starting running back after playing well in relief of Marshawn Lynch last season.

Lions head coach Jim Caldwell was evasive when asked if Abdullah (shoulder) is 100 percent healthy, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Caldwell's lack of response doesn't necessarily mean anything, as Abdullah is still expected to be ready for the start of training camp Friday. The second-year pro is a clear favorite to earn the lead-back role, despite missing the Lions' entire offseason program after having surgery in January to repair a torn labrum. Abdullah finished his rookie year on a high note, even successfully playing through the aforementioned injury in his final two games.

Taliaferro (foot) was placed on the PUP list Thursday.

Absent for the start of training camp after reportedly enjoying a healthy offseason, the 2014 fourth-round draft pick is apparently now dealing with yet another foot injury. Taliaferro's first two professional seasons were both cut short by foot/ankle injuries, and he'll likely need to fight for a roster spot this time around.