NFL Player News

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.

An investigation into a domestic violence allegation recently directed at Elliott by a former girlfriend is underway, ESPN.com reports.

The running back, who was drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in April, has not been arrested or charged with a crime stemming from an alleged incident last Friday. When asked if the allegation might affect Elliott's status for the start of training camp, coach Jason Garrett replied, "we don't anticipate that." Per the ESPN report, there is no timetable for a resolution of the investigation into the allegation, which Elliott has "adamantly denied" per the Cowboys' official site.

Taliaferro (undisclosed) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports.

While not starting training camp on the PUP list, Taliaferro is unavailable for the first full-squad practice. The 2014 fourth-round draft pick is likely just dealing with a minor injury, but he may already have an uphill battle to earn a roster spot, as Justin Forsett, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon are all considered locks. Taliaferro reportedly even worked behind Terrance West throughout much of the offseason program.

McFadden (elbow) is on track to be ready for Week 1 after receiving good news from a recent bone scan, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reports.

McFadden had surgery in mid-June on his fractured elbow, with the recovery timeline estimated at 2-3 months. He should still be considered questionable for the start of the season and will presumably miss the majority of training camp. McFadden figures to start camp on the Non-Football Injury list, as he broke his elbow in a unfortunate off-field accident this summer, trying to prevent his cell phone from falling off a counter.