Running Back Notes: Eagles, Packers, Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Falcons, Colts, Bills

Free agents:

• Jason La Canfora reports that free agent RB Willis McGahee is currently in “great shape” and could find interest if an injury occurs.

McGahee, 31, has found no interest on the open market since he was cut loose by the Broncos back in June. He was better than many expected in recent years, but has dealt with some concerning injuries. We’ll see if interest picks up in the coming weeks.

Bills

• Bills OC Nathaniel Hackett mentioned that their plan is to give C.J. Spiller the football “until he throws up.”

“It’s real simple,” Hackett said, via the Buffalo News. “We’re going to give him the ball until he throws up. So he’s either got to tap out or throw up on the field. Let’s just put it that way.”

Spiller figures to be in line for a huge 2013 season. The Bills have yet to clarify what Fred Jackson‘s role will be, but Spiller’s skill set should ensure that he will receive plenty of touches this year.

Colts

• Ahmad Bradshaw expects to return to practice in about a week, according to Craig Kelly of Colts.com.

Bradshaw, 27, is currently on the team’s active/PUP list. The Colts also have Vick Ballard competing for the starting job, but many expect Bradshaw to win the job in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see how the Colts split carries in their backfield this season.

Eagles

• Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer mentions that the idea of Chris Polk beating out Bryce Brown for Eagles’ No. 2 running back job is not “as crazy as it sounds.”

Polk went undrafted last year, but has had a very good camp thus far while Brown has struggled with dropped passes and fumbles. This is clearly a situation to watch in the coming weeks.

Falcons

• The Falcons reportedly have Steven Jackson positioned “all over the line of scrimmage” during their training camp practices to get him in one-on-one situations with opposing linebackers.

“It reminds me of my younger years in St. Louis when I was used more as a receiver out of the backfield,” Jackson said, via AtlantaFalcons.com. “It allows me to use more tools in the shed that I have and possess.“

It will be fascinating to see how Jackson works with an already potent offensive attack in Atlanta. As long as he can stay healthy, he should put up very good numbers in 2013.

Jaguars

• Maurice Jones-Drew mentioned that there’s “no pain” in his surgically-repaired foot, per Gene Frenette.

Jones-Drew added that he’s “back to normal again” and is cutting great without any swelling.

Jones-Drew is entering the final year of contract, so he really has a lot to play for this season. He’s clearly Jacksonville’s best running back, but it will be interesting to see how many carries they are willing to give him during the preseason. Backup running game Justin Forsett has missed time due to a sprained toe.

Jets

• Chris Ivory expects to “definitely be full speed” by next Tuesday, according to the New York Daily News

“I probably won’t play this Friday, but definitely next week, Monday or Tuesday,” said Ivory. “(By) Tuesday, I’ll definitely be full speed.”

Ivory has been dealing with another hamstring injury, which is actually a bit concerning given that he has dealt with numerous hamstring related injuries in his brief career. The Jets have high hopes that Ivory can be a featured back from them.

Packers

• According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Eddie Lacy has emerged as the favorite to be the Packers’ starting running back this season.

“He’s going to be their starting running back, based on the way he’s played in camp,” Demovsky said on SportsCenter Wednesday, via Rotoworld.

It’s worth noting that Lacy missed Wednesday’s practice due to a hamstring injury, but team has already mentioned that this is not a major concern for him moving forward. Lacy has looked very good during training camp and certainly brings a new element to the Packers offense. For that reason alone, it would be hard to imagine Green Bay not giving him a bunch of opportunities this season.

Rams

• HC Jeff Fisher told reporters that he expects Daryl Richardson to be the Rams’ starting running back, via the Rams’ Twitter account.

Richardson has been competing with Isaiah Pead and rookie Zac Stacy during training camp, but he did put together a fairly impressive season while seeing a limited number of carries.

Saints

• Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com believes Mark Ingram will end up being the “focal point of the running game” for the Saints this season.

Yasinskas adds that Ingram didn’t get a lot of opportunities the past few seasons and believes “this is the year those opportunities come.”

New Orleans listed Pierre Thomas as their starting running back on their initial depth chart, but it’s hard to put a lot of stock in that given how early into preseason it is. While a good amount of buzz building in favor Ingram, there’s at least a chance he could be in line for a breakout season.