NFL Player News

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.

Cowboys rookie rusher Joseph Randle told the Dallas Morning News he's going to get the cast off of his thumb in two weeks and be a full participant in training camp in late July. He also mentioned that he's spending his extra time getting the playbook down, saying it's the biggest difference between playing college ball and pro ball thus far. "Learning the playbook is always first," Randle said. "The plays are a little more complex than my old offense, but I’ll pick up on it. It’ll be good."

Packers running back DuJuan Harris posted on Twitter that doctors found a "fist sized cyst" on his lung next to his heart. He's expected to have it removed. "Should be 110% very soon and back to work," he wrote.

Browns rusher Trent Richardson told reporters Wednesday he will be ready for training camp after missing the team's minicamp this week with a shin injury. He added he was pain free and that no one ever stepped on his right leg. Finally he said his leg hasn't warranted a re-check from doctors since May 30. He did not get an MRI for his latest ailment.

Chiefs rookie running Knile Davis has caught coach Andy Reid's eye. Even though he has virtually no shot at replacing Jamaal Charles as the team's starting running back he has been impressive through OTA workouts and minicamp thus far. "He's getting better," Reid said. "He's a smart kid. It looks like he's playing faster, which normally means he's picking things up and things are becoming a little easier for him. I like the way he's catching the ball. He had the one drop today, and you can't have that. But other than that, he caught the ball well."