NFL Player News

49ers general manager Trent Baalke said he does not plan to trade disgruntled running back LaMichael James, reports the Sacramento Bee. Baalke added he believes James is working out in Texas, and not with the team, due to the recent birth of his child.

Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said running back Doug Martin, who's coming off shoulder surgery, has "taken every rep we've asked him to" at the team's voluntary minicamp, reports the Tampa Tribune.

“To finally see him on the football field, he’s compact and he runs downhill an awful lot, but the wiggle that he has, he can make people miss in the open field,’’ Smith said. “And he’s a happy guy. I like being around him. He takes coaching well."

Colts running back Trent Richardson knew he would answer dozens of questions about his disappointing 2013. He proved he was prepared on Wednesday. Richardson told the Indianapolis Star that after reviewing his own film he realized he was "trying to hit the home run" instead of playing patiently.

"When I (missed) the cuts and the holes, I said, 'Dang, how the heck did I miss that?'" Richardson said. "'How in the world did I miss that?' That's second nature. You never miss a cut. You get as much yards as you can get at every opportunity."

Richardson did feel like defenses were ganging up on him, "tacking 10 (defenders) in the box, nine in the box." But he's focused as ever about proving he can still play at a high level. 

"I want everybody to be on the edge of their seats," he said.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin tore his labrum Week 7 and underwent surgery, ending his 2013 season. New coach Lovie Smith said Martin is showing no ill effects.

"Did he have an injury last year? It doesn't look like it right now," Smith told the Tampa Tribune.

Despite averaging 3.0 yards per carry last season, Colts running back Trent Richardson insists his confidence hasn't wavered. “As far as confidence, man, I can’t wait," he said, per Pro Football Talk.

"There’s a lot that I want to do. I’ve been playing football my whole life. I never thought it would become a struggle for me. I look back at it and I say, ‘Hey, you’re still the guy, you’re still the Trent Richardson you’ve always been. Just keep your mindset right.’”

49ers running back LaMichael James was not present for the start of the team's offseason workouts, more evidence he's unhappy with his situation with the team. The Niners have rumored to be interested in trading James. 

Comcast Sportsnet says James is training in Texas, far from the Niners' camp in Northern California. Because he's not with the team James is forfeiting a $50,000 bonus.

Cardinals running back Ryan Williams has apparently been working hard this offseason on regaining his form. Williams didn't play at all in 2013 and was listed as inactive every week after injuries sidelined him in 2011 and most of 2012. 

"3 yrs ago i was told that i wouldnt be able to run like i use to," Williams tweeted. "[M]y squad will tell u, since last summer...i've been runnin better. Blessed!!...To still be doin it like i do it!! In due time...itll show!!"

The Cardinals have spoken highly of Williams this offseason and seem open to giving him a chance to earn a roster spot. 

New Jets running back Chris Johnson could be limited with his offseason work, reports ESPN.

Johnson had arthroscopic surgery this offseason for a torn meniscus and has some arthritis in his right knee. He passed the team physical when he signed with the Jets, but coach Rex Ryan said Monday that Johnson will be among several players limited in the offseason program.

When he does get on the field, several of his teammates are excited to see what he can do.

"The first thing that comes to mind is speed and home-run hitter," quarterback Geno Smith said. "I don't know how many times he's broken runs for 50, 60 yards, but it seems like he does almost every week. He brings another explosive dimension into our running-back room."

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that second-year running back Knile Davis did not need surgery following the broken fibula he suffered in the playoff loss to the Colts, reports the Kansas City Star.

Reid said Davis is "healed" and "doing everything" at offseason workouts. Davis had 70 carries for 242 yards and four touchdowns and 11 catches for 75 yards as the primary backup to Jamaal Charles last year.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday that new running back Chris Johnson isn't coming into the season with any guarantees about his workload, reports the New York Daily News.

"Nothing was ever promised (like), 'You're going to get X amount of carries,'" Ryan said. "No role determined for really anyone."

Johnson is expected to split playing time with Chris Ivory this season.