NFL Player News

Gordon (knee) participated in team drills during minicamp, but isn't expected back at full strength until training camp, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Recovering from January knee surgery, Gordon was observed taking handoffs and catching passes during San Diego's first day of minicamp. The increased level of activity suggests the running back's recovery is progressing well, and barring any setbacks, he should be ready to go for training camp.

McFadden underwent surgery on a fractured elbow Tuesday, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

McFadden participated in OTAs while dealing with elbow pain all last week, but an X-ray revealed that the issue is actually a fracture, which means he won't participate in this week's minicamp. Given that the injury required surgery, it's quite possible McFadden's absence will extend into training camp, though he is expected to return at some point before camp ends, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. This could help Ezekiel Elliott's bid to secure the lead role, and it might also assist Alfred Morris' effort to land a key backup job. McFadden has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, but his likely absence for part of training camp could make it tougher to find a partner if the Cowboys are indeed interested in trading him.

Ellington is expected to have a role within the Cardinals' crowded backfield in 2016, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports. "We'll definitely get him in there," head coach Bruce Arians said. "How many touches he gets is going to depend on how all three of them are playing."

Ellington followed up a game-breaking rookie season in 2013 with a dud as the Cardinals' lead RB in the next campaign. Injuries certainly played a role, but the Cardinals were proactive with the offseason additions of David Johnson in the 2015 NFL Draft and Chris Johnson in the middle of training camp. Despite these moves, Ellington entered the year as the No. 1 back, only to sustain a PCL injury in Week 1 that thrust the Johnsons into larger roles. Chris Johnson was highly effective as the starter for the ensuing 10 contests, but maladies to both the elder Johnson and Ellington in Week 12 paved the way for David Johnson's late-season explosion. Due to the performance, David has been deemed worthy of "bell cow" status by Arians heading into training camp, while the re-signing of Chris provides insurance for the corps. As a result, Darren Urban of the team's official site has speculated that Ellington will serve "more as a receiver than straight runner," which is likely the best use of his skill set due to the injury-prone label levied upon him since his time at Clemson.

Martin was active in the passing game during Thursday's OTA session, Joe Kania of the team's official site reports.

The 27-year-old, who's recorded a combined 82 receptions over the two seasons in his career where he's played all 16 games, was targeted often in the passing game during Thursday's open session. The development was notable considering that Martin played a distant second receiving option last season out of the backfield to teammate Charles Sims, who hauled in 70 receptions for 561 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the increased usage through the air, Martin's primary usage in the coming season will once again be on the ground, where he amassed 1,402 yards last season. Still, the added dimension of an increased passing game role for Martin would certainly give second-year quarterback Jameis Winston another valuable weapon to work with in 2016.

McFadden split first-team reps with rookie Ezekiel Elliott during this week's OTAs, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

McFadden worked with the ones during the first week of OTAs, but Elliott got his first opportunity with the starters last week when the veteran was away for personal reasons. The Cowboys are making a show of having Elliott earn his spot, but despite McFadden's impressive performance for Dallas last season, he still figures to begin the regular season on the bench or even in another uniform.

Elliott split first-team reps with Darren McFadden during this week's OTAs, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

McFadden worked with the ones during the first week of OTAs, but Elliott got his first opportunity with the starters last week when McFadden was away for personal reasons. The Cowboys are making a show of having Elliott earn his spot, but by Week 1, the fourth overall pick should be the team's primary weapon in the backfield.

Herron signed with the Bills on Thursday, Chris Brown of the team's official site reports.

Herron will join a crowded backfield in Buffalo, as the team currently has six running backs on the roster in a group that is led by LeSean McCoy. A product of Ohio State, Herron is no stranger to the franchise, as the 27-year-old played in four games for the Bills in 2015, carrying the ball 11 times for 37 yards. After getting released in November, Herron finished up the year with the Colts, averaging 3.0 YPC over six games to finish the year. He'll now return to Buffalo to compete for a roster spot as backfield depth.

Magee was signed by the Rams on Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

After joining the league as an undrafted free agent, Magee saw action in just four games with the Ravens last season, notching five yards on two carries. He'll join the Rams as a camp body, but remains a long shot to make the teams' final 53-man roster.

Gordon (knee) took a few snaps at Monday's practice, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Gordon was reportedly more active at the previous week's media-friendly OTA session, but there doesn't seem to be any significance to the minor change in activity level. He's been limited but not absent throughout OTAs and still hopes to receive full clearance for all football activities before the start of training camp in late July, or possibly even for next week's mandatory minicamp. Recovering from January microfracture surgery, Gordon will try to solidify a role as the Chargers' lead runner, with Danny Woodhead presumably locked in as the top man for passing downs.

Oliver (toe) appears to have recovered from last year's season-ending toe injury, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Limited by turf toe, Oliver was placed on injured reserve after Week 8 last season. He'll again be part of a backfield that includes Melvin Gordon (knee) and Danny Woodhead, the former of whom figures to lead the way on early downs while the latter handles most of the passing-down work. Oliver, however, could still have an important job, as he may be the top backup for both roles. Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson recently said that he expects Oliver to be a key part of the offense.