NFL Player News

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.

Abdullah (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Abdullah's Week 1 availability is pretty much solidified at this point with the news that he'll be back on the field for the start of training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery in January. Theo Riddick and Stevan Ridley figure to battle throughout the rest of the offseason for touches out of the backfield behind Abdullah, the Lions' expected starter.

Artis-Payne has already lost around 10 pounds in an effort to get in better shape ahead of this season.

Artis-Payne's rookie campaign started slow last year, but with starter Jonathan Stewart out for the Panthers' final three regular season contests, the former fifth-round pick capitalized nicely on his increased snap count. Now as he enters his second season, Artis-Payne is determined to improve his conditioning by losing a few pounds. If all goes well over the summer, Artis-Payne could emerge as the Panthers' No. 2 option at running back behind Stewart this season.

Gordon (knee) participated in some team drills Tuesday but is still not 100 percent, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Building upon individual drills, which had been the extent of his offseason activity to date, Gordon took part in 11-on-11 drills. However, the drills were notable because they were at high speed, putting his recovering left knee to the test as cuts were required. While he has yet to receive full clearance for all football activities, this week's development is a step in the right direction.

McFadden could become a trade candidate by the end of the summer, ESPN.com reports.

The Cowboys probably wouldn't be comfortable trading McFadden at the moment, as receiving specialist Lance Dunbar (knee) is no lock to be ready for Week 1 and Alfred Morris isn't a real option for passing downs. However, the Cowboys might ultimately be comfortable with a backfield comprised of Ezekiel Elliott, Morris and Dunbar if the latter is indeed available by the beginning of the season. It's unclear if a trade would help or hurt McFadden's fantasy stock, as the top backup job in Dallas could make him a valuable handcuff for Elliott owners. All of this, of course, assumes that Elliott will put together a competent camp and claim the lead role, as expected. If the No. 4 overall selection appears surprisingly out of his element, McFadden won't be going anywhere.

West figures to compete with Trent Richardson and Lorenzo Taliaferro for what might only be one roster spot, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The competition may not even have a roster spot at the end of the line, as the Ravens typically carried just three running backs in recent seasons and it seems Justin Forsett, Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon are all locks for the final roster. Injuries might take a toll by the time the regular season rolls around, but it otherwise appears West will face an uphill battle even though he's reportedly in much better shape than in the past. The same is true of Richardson, who's been sidelined at OTAs with a hamstring injury after losing approximately 20 pounds since training camp last year.

Although Rawls (ankle) is expected to "ease into training camp," head coach Pete Carroll is of the belief that the running back will be ready for the regular season, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

In yet another optimistic comment from one of the Seahawks' luminaries, Rawls appears on pace to complete his recovery from a season-ending broken ankle in time for Week 1. Ultimately, his health will be tested during the preseason slate, but if his rehab is at all delayed, reserve running backs Christine Michael and C.J. Prosise appear poised to receive ample reps in advance of the season.