NFL Player News

The Contra Costa Times reports that Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray remains sidelined during minicamp with a sore foot. Murray, a sixth-round pick from Central Florida, is competing with Rashad Jennings to be the No. 2 running back in Oakland behind Darren McFadden.

Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday that the running back job is wide open as four guys compete. He added that whoever can pass protect will have a leg-up in getting reps. "Daryl (Richardson) and Isaiah (Pead), Zac Stacy is a guy that’s doing great. Terrance Ganaway’s a guy that we like," Schottenheimer said. "You need multiple backs in this league. We’re going to try to play to their strengths. With ‘Jack’ (Steven Jackson) last year, it was a little bit different. It was harder to do the committee because every time you took him out, you knew you were missing his leadership and his toughness. This year I think we've got nice pieces to try to blend in and differently attack people."

In what is an encouraging step for both backs, the Broncos official team website cited both Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman as improved pass protectors in the backfield. They had already shown an ability to run effectively but protecting Peyton Manning is the top priority for the running back in Denver -- and the key to getting on the field. "I keep narrowing down my mistakes in practice. Today I had no mistakes, just a bad position on a block," Ball said Tuesday. "But other than that I did pretty good today and I can see that it’s all starting to come along."

Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday that the running back job is wide open as four guys compete. He added that whoever can pass protect will have a leg-up in getting reps. "Daryl (Richardson) and Isaiah (Pead), Zac Stacy is a guy that’s doing great. Terrance Ganaway’s a guy that we like," Schottenheimer said. "You need multiple backs in this league. We’re going to try to play to their strengths. With ‘Jack’ (Steven Jackson) last year, it was a little bit different. It was harder to do the committee because every time you took him out, you knew you were missing his leadership and his toughness. This year I think we've got nice pieces to try to blend in and differently attack people."

Patriots backup running back Brandon Bolden is no longer wearing a walking boot. He had missed the Patriots' OTA workouts with what was believed to be an ankle sprain.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer says on- and off-the-record conversations suggest running back Trent Richardson will indeed be ready for the start of Browns training camp on July 25. Richardson is expected to start a running program for his strained muscle behind his right shin, something he wouldn't do if there was concern about a stress fracture. It is possible Richardson will get his legs checked out by noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews before camp and if there's still some concern could sit out the first week of camp.

The Washington Post reports that Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is glad running back Roy Helu is back at practice, and he hopes Helu can make an impact this season. Helu, who has been out with an ailing toe, will compete for playing time with Evan Royster, Keiland Williams and rookies Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison behind starter Alfred Morris. “Helu brings a lot to the table,” Shanahan said. “I’m glad he’s feeling good. He has practiced the last couple of days. He has looked good in practice. … It’s fun to have him out there. Hopefully he keeps on getting better and better, but anytime you have a guy that weighs [215] pounds, he’s under that 4.5-[second], 40 [yard dash range], has receiving skills and the opportunity to make a big play, it’s good to have him back and a chance to compete.”

ESPN reports that Browns running back Trent Richardson’s lower leg muscle pull was the No. 1 disappointment of minicamp. But the report says the time to worry about it is when he misses a preseason game, not in June. Richardson has vowed to be ready for training camp.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher addressed the one-game suspension Isaiah Pead received from the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy and didn't back away from saying he would still prepare to be a key contributor to the team. "We were aware of it for quite some time,'' Fisher said, noting his reps will not sink because of the incident. "This was an incident that took place last summer. We dealt with it at that point, knowing that the league was probably going to follow up. We're disappointed, but with so much time between the incident and where he's at now, I believe it's behind him. Obviously, he has to suffer the consequences and miss the game, but I'm pleased with how he's bounced back and with his professional approach to being a member of this team this year."

The Washington Post reports Thursday that for the first time during OTA workouts that Redskins running back Roy Helu has been able to practice. He has been dealing with the same toe injury that sidelined him last season.