NFL Player News

Gordon (knee) is participating in individual drills at the start of OTAs, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Ahead of schedule in his recovery from January microfracture surgery, Gordon may be limited during OTAs, but he hopes to be a full participant at June minicamp. He's a clear favorite to handle most of the early-down workload, but both Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver represent serious competition for snaps and touches. The San Diego offense operated best last season when it abandoned the run and used Woodhead over Gordon. This may have partially been due to questionable running by the rookie, but a slew of injuries on the offensive line was likely the bigger factor. Improved health up front would at least give Gordon the opportunity to break out, though he still needs to prove that he brings more than straight-line speed to the table.

Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson expects Oliver (turf toe) to have a big role in 2016, the Chargers' official website reports.

Oliver, a 2014 UDFA, seems to have made a full recovery from the toe injury that landed him on IR after eight games. Melvin Gordon (knee) and Danny Woodhead figure to get most of the snaps, but Oliver could also mix in. His roster spot appears secure, and he might eventually challenge for a leading role if Gordon isn't up to the task. It's also worth noting that Gordon is still recovering from January microfracture surgery, though he is expected to be ready for training camp.

Elliott, the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $24.9 million contract with the Cowboys on Wednesday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

As is the case for all first-round selections, Elliott's contract includes a fifth-year team option. He's expected to step right in as the lead back behind an elite offensive line, potentially handling a heavy three-down workload from the get-go. Given his combination of talent and ideal team context, Elliott may be an immediate fantasy star. Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar (knee) could also get some work in the Dallas backfield.

Taliaferro will likely have to compete for a roster spot, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

With Justin Forsett, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon all considered roster locks, Taliaferro may end up competing with Trent Richardson, Terrence West and others for what will likely be just one roster (or practice squad) spot. Of course, there's always a chance injuries could take a toll on Baltimore's running back depth during training camp and the preseason. The 230-pound Taliaferro might be the most powerful runner on the roster, but he's been plagued by injuries since the Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He seems to have made a full recovery from the foot injury that landed him on IR last last season.

Despite having microfracture surgery Jan. 5, Gordon (knee) is targeting a full return by June minicamp, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Microfracture surgery often requires an extended absence with possible complications, but Gordon's procedure reportedly wasn't too invasive. He's already taking part in some offseason workouts, and he said he has no doubt that he'll be a full participant at the start of training camp. Assuming no setbacks, Gordon has a clear path to the lead-back role in San Diego, following a rookie season in which he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry behind an injury-ravaged offensive line. Danny Woodhead also figures to have a significant role, particularly in obvious passing situations.

Gordon says he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from January knee surgery and expects to be ready for training camp, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Gordon had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, but has taken part in the Chargers' offseason workouts thus far. While that suggests Gordon's recovery has gone well, he confirmed that notion Monday, adding that he isn't worried about being ready once training camp rolls around. After a disappointing rookie season, a healthy Gordon will aim to make a more meaningful impact in 2016, when San Diego's recent signing of offensive lineman Matt Slauson should help clear more lanes in the running game.

Magee was released by the Ravens on Friday, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Magee was an undrafted free agent in 2015 and played just 23 snaps for the Ravens in his rookie campaign. His release is relatively unsurprising given that he was buried on the team's depth chart and unlikely to see much, if any, time in 2016. Without Magee, Baltimore is left with five running backs currently under contract.

Pierce (calf) has been suspended for the first two games of the 2016 NFL campaign, ESPN reports.

There is no official word on the reasoning behind Pierce's suspension, but it may have to do with a DUI arrest from last March. The free-agent running back was claimed off of waivers by Jacksonville only a day after his arrest, but ultimately only gained 11 yards on six carries in 2015. At this point, given his lack of production last season, his injury problems and his off-the-field issues, Pierce will face an uphill battle as he looks for work this coming season.

Coach Pete Carroll strongly suggested that Rawls (ankle) is expected to be the Seahawks' primary runner, ESPN.com reports. "I think the message of who we are and what we're about has been Thomas," said Carroll.

The Seahawks selected three running backs in the 2016 NFL Draft, including C.J. Prosise (third round) and Alex Collins (fifth). The former fits in as a pass-catching complement to Rawls, whereas the latter will probably just provide depth. The real challenge for Rawls will be recovering from the broken ankle he suffered in Week 14, as he should otherwise have a clear path to the lead-back role. Seahawks GM John Schneider said in mid-April that Rawls should be ready by Week 1.

Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay said Jones (hip/groin) has the traits that teams look for in an every-down running back, the Redskins' official website reports.

This almost goes without saying, as the Redskins did very little to address the running back position after losing Alfred Morris to the rival Cowboys. Chris Thompson (shoulder) still figures to be in the mix for passing downs, but it appears Jones will have a clear path to the feature-back role. He was shaky as a rookie, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry while fumbling five times (four lost) on 163 touches (19 catches). However, he did rip off a few long gains, and he was one of the standouts from the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Both Jones and Thompson figure to be healthy for the start of training camp.