"Reggie will have a role," Bonamego told the official team website. "Reggie (can return punts) and is willing to do it. That's more situational -- we need one, let's put him back there and let's see if he can make something happen. I had him his first two years in the league in New Orleans and that was the way he was utilized in that role. So, he's back there catching them in practice."
Analysis:"You get that when you're a smaller guy," Hillman said, according to NFL.com. "You can't take the pounding, but I just brush it off. Of course you hear things. I'm not going to sit hear and say I don't hear what they say, but you just got to let it go. Obviously, getting 22 carries in negative 13-degree weather against the Ravens (in the divisional playoffs), they shouldn't have much else to say about that if they're paying attention."
The report says Hillman put on 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and now weighs 200 pounds. He said the Broncos actually want him to drop weight and play in the 190-to-195 range.
Hillman is competing for the starting job with rookie Montee Ball. Knowshon Moreno is also in the mix for playing time now that Willis McGahee has been released.
Analysis:"I know I can play in this league, and I've got some teams that are courting me," Leach said, according to the Daily Reflector. "In the next two weeks, I know where I'll be playing."
Leach has called a return to the Texans, where he earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010, his first choice. He visited with the Dolphins last week. Nearly every team that features a fullback has been connected to Leach at some point in the last week.
"There are a lot of teams out there that want me; about seven teams," Leach said. "Me and my agent are going to take our time and see what's the best fit for me. I'm probably going to play three more years before I hang it up."
Analysis:"He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver," Arians said, courtesy of NFL.com. "He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."
Arians said Mendenhall is "ready to go" after dealing with complications from his torn ACL at the end of 2011, and he considers Mendenhall a three-down running back. That leaves Ryan Williams as the No. 2 running back heading into training camp, and he's expected to be used in a change-of-pace role.
Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor are clearly behind Mendenhall and Williams on the depth chart.
Analysis:According to ESPN, Dunbar had a terrific offseason and appears to have earned the trust of quarterback Tony Romo with his receiving skills. The report says Dunbar can be elusive out of the backfield and give linebackers some trouble. He also has proven to be a willing blocker.
The bad news for Dunbar, however, is Randle has been out all offseason with a thumb injury. When Randle returns in training camp he could reduce Dunbar's role.
Analysis:Ingram on Wilson: "He's in a position to compete to be the guy. He has the talent, has the speed, has a few plays from a year ago underneath his belt. Everything we gauge is kind of like in college with spring ball, but once we put the pads on, we'll see who is physical, who's determined to make plays out there."
Ingram on Brown: "He's been waiting a lifetime around here (to play). We brought him in here because he can catch the ball, he can run, he can do a lot of things and be a complete running back here. And he's definitely a true every down kind of guy because he's got size, speed and quickness."
Ingram wrapped up his comments to ESPN by hinting that the Giants will utilize both backs in a "thunder and lightning-type situation."
Analysis:This year McFadden enters training camp for the Raiders healthy and with dollar signs in his eyes. If he has a sensational year he will land a nice chunk of change from a team probably not called the Raiders because of their salary cap issues. If he doesn't, he could still earn a decent contract but probably will be used in a part-time role elsewhere in the league. McFadden has to know this and should put up a good effort. Helping his case is an Oakland coaching staff that redesigned the offense to his strengths including scrapping the zone-blocking scheme that seemingly baffled McFadden last year.
McFadden's always a risky proposition -- just ask the Fantasy owners who took him the past two seasons -- but a late Round 3/early Round 4 selection might be the right price for a player aiming for a monster showcase season.
Analysis:"The weight's going to come off as I work out," Jones-Drew told the official team website. "All I could do (after surgery) was eat. With this injury, you don't want to break the screws and have to get the surgery over again. I couldn't move."
Finally, Jones-Drew likens this offseason to the one he had before his 2011 season when he came back from microfracture surgery and led the league in rushing. He's especially optimistic because he had only 100 touches last season (86 carries).
Analysis:"We'll see," Gettleman said. "Time will tell."
DeAngelo Williams would likely see a bump in work if Stewart were to miss any time with Mike Tolbert and rookie Kenjon Barner also getting a chance at some carries.
Analysis:"Of course you hear [criticism]," Hillman said about being too small to handle the amount of reps a starting running back gets. "I'm not going to sit here and say I don't hear what they say, but you just got to let it go. Obviously, getting 22 carries in negative-13 degree weather against the Ravens (in the divisional playoffs), they shouldn't have much else to say about that if they're paying attention."
Hillman noted that he's actually younger than Ball and that the coaches would prefer he slim down 5-10 pounds. Perhaps the weight issue is because the team doesn't want him to trade his explosiveness for his bulk.
Analysis:
