NFL Player News

Doug Martin fans should expect the Bucs' third-year running back to stay on the field and in on the touches for the running backs just as much as before he got hurt. ESPN believes Martin will still be "the main ball carrier" for the Buccaneers, even if coach Lovie Smith says his team will use a rotation. Per the report, Mike James and Bobby Rainey will get worked in, but they'll only take enough work to keep Martin fresh compared to when Martin did almost everything with Greg Schiano as head coach. 

Over 22 career games Martin has 507 touches, or 23.05 per game. Knowing Smith's wishes to run the ball, it wouldn't be surprising to see Martin get that kind of work in weeks where the Bucs aren't getting blown out. There's no doubt he remains appealing as a Top 15 Fantasy running back worth a second-round pick. 

Free agent running back Chris Johnson would be a great change of pace to Montee Ball, but the Broncos don't have the money to meet Johnson's contract demands, reports the Denver Post. In addition, the paper can't see Johnson accepting a No. 2 role in the backfield.

The Titans cut Johnson last week.

Former Titans running back Chris Johnson was traveling Tuesday, but not to find a new team. He tweeted that it was for personal reasons.

Johnson, who was cut Friday, has no visits scheduled as of now.

The Falcons aren't expected to make a play for running back Chris Johnson, reports Fox Sports. Atlanta, which signed two defensive backs Tuesday, had a bigger need in the secondary, the report said.

The Titans released Johnson on Friday.

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who's working out with his teammates, said he has full range of motion in his surgically-repaired shoulder, according to Pewter Report. Martin called new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford "an offensive genius" and said he's looking forward to being pushed by fellow backs Mike James and Bobby Rainey.

The Jets "really like" the idea of a backfield featuring running backs Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson, reports the New York Daily News. Ivory would provide the power, Johnson the speed.

Tennessee cut Johnson on Friday, and the Jets are expected to pursue him. No visit, however, has been scheduled.

Ivory led the Jets last season with 833 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Despite a report that Titans coaches didn't like Chris Johnson's laid-back attitude, the Jets have no concerns about the running back's work ethic, reports the New York Daily News. Johnson officially became a free agent at 4 p.m. ET, with the Jets expected to be one of his primary suitors.

Tennessee released Johnson on Friday.

Running back Chris Johnson has become "more of a singles hitter, but that doesn't mean he can't help a team in need at running back -- if the price is right (two-year deal for $6 million maybe?)," reports CBS Sports Senior NFL Columnist Pete Prisco.

After watching tape of Johnson with the Titans last season, Prisco concluded Johnson's "acceleration isn't what it used to be." His longest runs were 30, 24 and 23 yards. Still, Prisco noted Johnson has gone over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his six seasons and "at 28 he has good football left in his body."

Cut last Friday, Johnson is expected to sign with a new team this week.

All signs point to Colts running back Vick Ballard being ready for training camp, reports ESPN.com. Ballard tore his ACL in Week 2 last season, making a cut in practice.

The website says Ballard won't necessarily be the No. 3 back behind Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw, noting Richardson flopped last year and Bradshaw (neck) needs to prove he can stay healthy.

Ballard ran for 814 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2012.

Former Titans running back Chris Johnson didn't have a bad attitude and rarely missed practice. But at times, "Johnson rubbed team officials wrong because of what they felt was a questionable work ethic and laid-back approach," reports The Tennessean. "Let's put it this way: he wasn't the first guy in the meeting room. The team is trying to create a different culture."

Tennessee released Johnson on Friday. Reports indicate he'll sign with another team this week.