Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said the team is confident that LB Vince Williams will be able to take over the starting inside linebacker job after LB Lawrence Timmons signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said there is no timetable for RB Le’Veon Bell (groin) but the team wants him to be 100 percent for the start of the 2017 season.

Footballguys View: The Steelers will wisely take it easy on Bell as he recovers from his groin injury. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t do much in OTAs or minicamp. We’ll have a better feel for his status when training camp begins.

Detroit Lions RB Theo Riddick (wrist) underwent surgery on both of his wrists after the season, according to sources.

Footballguys View: Riddick is expected to be a full participant in organized team activities later this spring. The Lions should select a RB at some point in the 2017 NFL draft, and that player should be more of a full-time player. Riddick should continue as a fine receiving threat and change-of-pace back for the Lions.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (shoulder) will be ready for the season opener ‘without a doubt’, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Newton is set to undergo surgery Thursday, March 30, to repair the partially torn rotator cuff he suffered in Week 14.

Cleveland Browns QB Brock Osweiler will remain a Brown ‘until he’s not’, according to head coach Hue Jackson.

Footballguys View: The Browns may want to deal Osweiler away after just trading for him. No teams have taken them up yet, but that could change as we get closer to the draft. We’d be surprised if Osweiler takes a snap for the Browns.

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles is unlikely to see his fifth-year option for 2018 picked up by May 2 – the deadline to do so – according to the Florida Times Union’s Ryan O’Halloran.

Footballguys View: That would be a bold move for the Jaguars as they don’t really have an option for the future. Bortles saw his game fall off in 2016 after a 35-touchdown performance in 2015. If he shows greater dedication to the game, the Jaguars should see a bounce-back season from him this year.

Virginia S Kelvin Rainey will attend the Houston Texans’ local prospect workout in April, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly.

Lamar RB Kade Harrington will attend the Houston Texans’ local prospect workout in April, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly.

Ohio State RB/WR Curtis Samuel is best suited to play wide receiver in the NFL, according to a college scouting director, but he could also be used on jet sweeps and other plays off motion.

Ohio State RB/WR Curtis Samuel is best suited to play wide receiver in the NFL, according to a college scouting director, but he could also be used on jet sweeps and other plays off motion.