Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Sports

Live updates: Saquon Barkley already impressing with Eagles

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The NFL’s 2024 training camp is in full swing, with all teams reporting. ESPN’s NFL reporters will be found at each location throughout camp and will provide information on position battles, notable appearances from new faces, compelling quotes from coaches and players and updates on injuries and holdout situations.

We will have updates every day of camp to keep you informed on all the latest. Here’s what you need to know from camps across the league:

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JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

What our NFL Nation reporters saw today

NFC EAST

Cowboys rookies and veterans reported Wednesday, July 24. — Todd Archer

Read the Cowboys’ 2024 training camp preview

It is only one day, but already the Giants’ offensive line is filled with questions. Right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, a lingering concern after surgery late last year. So the Giants slid offseason acquisition Jermaine Eluemunor to right tackle for the start of camp, only to see him leave the first practice of the summer because of an injury. Eluemunor was signed to be a starter, either at left guard or right tackle.

By the end of the first practice, the Giants had a starting offensive line of: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Aaron Stinnie, C John Michael Schmitz Jr., RG Jon Runyan, RT Joshua Ezeudu. Perhaps the only positive was the Giants saying Neal was “not far” from returning. — Jordan Raanan

(last update: July 24)

Saquon Barkley‘s first training camp with the Eagles got off to a rousing start. Some of the loudest cheers of the day were reserved for the veteran running back, who left New York for Philadelphia after signing a three-year, $37.75 million in free agency.

“I definitely heard it. There is a little excitement with me being here,” he said. “Since coming to Philly, it’s been nothing but love and a lot of support from everyone within the building, the fans.”

Barkley was a central part of Philadelphia’s offense Wednesday, getting plenty of looks in both the running and receiving game. His combination of speed and power could be felt as he rumbled down the sideline following a swing pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts. — Tim McManus

(last update: July 24)

Rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton was activated off the non-football injury list after he passed his physical Tuesday night. That was faster than even the Commanders expected after he was placed on the list last week with a foot injury when the rookies reported. “I thought it would be later,” coach Dan Quinn said. Newton did work during individual drills — he received a lot of attention from teammates and coaches after each rep, providing tips or pointers — but afterward spent time with trainers on a side field. They want him to work his way back into football shape before putting him into other drills. Newton, a second-round pick, is expected to be a key backup behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. “We’ve got some [time] to make sure he doesn’t miss one step of his development,” Quinn said of Newton. — John Keim

(last update: July 24)

NFC NORTH

Chicago’s defense came away with a successful goal line stand during the two-minute drill after the offense got down to the 6-yard line in the final period. On three straight plays, the defense showed its edge in a “gut check” moment, according to D-coordinator Eric Washington. Rookie defensive end Austin Booker recorded a pressure as Caleb Williams threw a pass to running back Khalil Herbert on second-and-goal that fell incomplete. Back-to-back pass breakups from cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds followed on tosses to Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, respectively. Wide receiver DJ Moore was not on the field for the two-minute drill, while Keenan Allen was given a vet day on Tuesday. But after another solid showing from Williams and the offense four practices in, the Bears’ defense came through in an important moment that showcased its collective conditioning level at the end of practice. — Courtney Cronin

(last update: July 23)

Although it’s the first day of training camp, there’s one goal in mind in Detroit: Super Bowl. Lions players and coaches are confident entering this season after falling one game shy of that mark in the NFC title game last season, and they’re making their intentions clear within the organization, although the franchise is one of four active franchises without a Super Bowl appearance.

Amon-Ra St. Brown said the team’s goal is not just playoffs or the No. 1 seed. “We all want to win the Super Bowl. We know we can win the Super Bowl,” he said Wednesday. “We have the team; we have the coaches. We have everything we need in this building to win a Super Bowl and that’s our goal. That’s our focus and everything we do from here on out moving forward is to get that Super Bowl.” — Eric Woodyard

(last update: July 24)

No one would’ve blamed cornerback Eric Stokes if after Wednesday’s practice he had the video of his two interceptions playing on a loop on his iPad. After everything Stokes has been through in the past two years – missing 22 of a possible 34 games because of myriad injuries — he could use the positive reinforcement.

But the 2021 first-round pick said he wanted to watch two other plays: a pass interference on a deep ball and a mistake in coverage on a third down.

“That’s going to be one of my main focuses coming into the next practice,” Stokes said.

The Packers have given Stokes every chance to get his starting job back at the cornerback spot opposite Jaire Alexander. So far, he has worked ahead of Carrington Valentine, who played extensively in Stokes’ spot last year as a rookie.

“Man, it’s good to see, especially where he came from with his injuries and all that,” defensive tackle Kenny Clark said of Stokes’ return to form. “And he got a pick today — two picks. It’s good to see him getting back to himself.” — Rob Demovsky

(last update: July 24)

Safety Lewis Cine arrived at his third Vikings training camp with his eyes wide open. Cine, the Vikings’ first-round pick (No. 32 overall) in 2022, finished last season buried on the depth chart and understands that his roster spot is in jeopardy.

“This [camp] is huge for me on a personal note,” Cine said Wednesday as the Vikings took the field for the first time this summer. “I think I’ve really got to show out and really ball out and prove why I should be here and why I deserve to be playing in the NFL.”

Cine suffered a traumatic compound fracture of his left leg in just his third NFL game and missed the remainder of his rookie season. Once he was cleared to practice in spring 2023, he struggled to adapt to new defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme. He spent the season as a part-time special teams player and was inactive for 10 games. In two seasons, he has played only 10 defensive snaps.

The Vikings have brought back all of the safeties who played ahead of him last season, and while his base salary of $1.7 million is fully guaranteed, he knows that alone won’t ensure a roster spot.

“Just because you got drafted in the first round, that doesn’t mean you’re just handed anything,” he said. “You’ve got to understand that these are jobs. It’s unfortunate that I broke my leg [in 2022], but that’s long behind me.

“I’ve got the opportunity to learn the defense and not be rushed where something bad could happen. Now I have to use this opportunity to show that I haven’t lost a step. I’m still the same Lew that you drafted.” — Kevin Seifert

(last update: July 24)

NFC SOUTH

Safety Jessie Bates III was one of two Falcons players to speak with the media Wednesday morning on a quiet arrival day in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Bates said he has been reading more than ever, specifically about leadership and personal development. Not only is he one of the best safeties in the NFL, but Bates will be depended upon as a leader this season of Atlanta’s defense and beyond. His favorite book so far? “The Twin Thieves: How Great Leaders Build Great Teams,” which was recommended by assistant head coach Jerry Gray. “I need to make sure I’m a great leader,” Bates said. Bates also got one-on-one time watching film with new quarterback Kirk Cousins during OTAs, the first time he said he has ever sat with a quarterback in that context. Practice for the Falcons begins Thursday. — Marc Raimondi

(last update: July 24)

Midway through the first practice of camp quarterback Bryce Young dropped back on a play-action pass, avoided a rusher and connected with wide receiver Diontae Johnson running an out pattern. The footwork, timing and quick release new coach Dave Canales emphasized during offseason workouts were there for Young. It was a good early sign that the top pick of the 2023 draft in this new offense could bounce back from a disastrous rookie season. If he does, Johnson will be a big part of it because of his ability to get separation, something Carolina receivers struggled to do a year ago. Canales noted later that Young and Johnson talk a lot even when they aren’t taking snaps. “Just learning the mover,” he said. “Diontae’s a special mover.” Cornerback Jaycee Horn agreed, saying Johnson is a tough cover period. — David Newton

(last update: July 24)

Saints coach Dennis Allen didn’t hold back when asked about running back Kendre Miller, who left the first day of practice with a hamstring issue. “That’s a player that’s going to have to figure out how to stay healthy. It’s hard to make the team when you’re in the training room all the time,” Allen said. Miller missed nine games last season because of hamstring and ankle issues. Outside of departures by Miller and OL Justin Herron, the team had a mostly healthy first day of camp, with Chris Olave and Chase Young both participating despite beginning camp on the non-football injury list and the physically unable to perform list, respectively. Young, who is recovering from an offseason neck procedure, has been making progress to returning fully to the field, but has not participated in any 11-on-11 drills as a Saint this year. “I think that’s the first time he’s hit anything probably since the season last year,” Allen said of Young. — Katherine Terrell

(Last update: July 24)

Bucs rookies reported Sunday, July 21, and veterans reported Monday, July 22. — Jenna Laine

Read the Buccaneers’ 2024 training camp preview

NFC WEST

Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, a feat he accomplished in just 13 games, Cardinals running back James Conner said he feels the best he has after Arizona’s first training camp practice on Wednesday. That, he believes, will help him take a strong run at another 1,000-yard season.

“The goal is to win, but I know that if I stay healthy and do what I do, that’s definitely the floor,” Conner said. “I’ve always believed in my talent. So, I’m confident I think we’re gonna hit that again for sure.”

Conner, 29, knows his age will be a factor in how he and his goals are viewed. But Conner pointed out that he’s gone from 32 carries as a rookie to 208 last year. However, Conner has been injured in six of his seven seasons, and missed time in 2020 with COVID-19.

“I know we’ll do good things this year,” Conner said.” — Josh Weinfuss

(Last update: July 24)

Rams second-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner did not practice on Tuesday due to a groin strain he suffered while training during the summer. Turner, who led NFL rookies with 9 sacks last season, took part in the walkthrough earlier in the day, but wasn’t in uniform for the Rams’ evening practice. Rams head coach Sean McVay said there will be no injury designation for Turner, but that Los Angeles is “going to be smart with him.”

Although only in his second season, Turner is expected to be an even more important part of the Rams defense in 2024 as Los Angeles attempts to replace the production of defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who retired during the offseason. — Sarah Barshop

(Last update: July 24)

Just one practice into training camp, the 49ers running back competition already saw a bit of a shakeup. Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo departed in the middle of practice with what coach Kyle Shanahan said was a hamstring injury. Guerendo battled hamstring issues at Louisville and if those problems persist, it could open the door for another rookie back to make an impression. Undrafted rookie Cody Schrader made a habit of overcoming the odds through a decorated college career. With Guerendo out and star Christian McCaffrey taking a limited workload to preserve him for the season, Schrader could have a chance to make a case for a roster spot in the coming days and weeks. — Nick Wagoner

(last update: July 24)

Mike Macdonald doesn’t have to deal with any contract drama as he begins his first training camp as the Seahawks’ head coach, with all 90 players accounted for during the first practice on Wednesday. But there is some significant injury-related uncertainty. Right tackle Abraham Lucas remains on the physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2023 and required offseason surgery. Lucas is running full speed, per Macdonald, but the head coach said there’s no clear timetable for his return, and he didn’t sound optimistic that it would happen any time soon.

“I think it would be fair to say that we were hoping it would go a little faster up to this point,” Macdonald said. Lucas was arguably the Seahawks’ best offensive lineman as a rookie in 2022, and his return to full health represents the best chance for that group to improve after a poor 2023 season. — Brady Henderson

(last update: July 24)

AFC EAST

The Bills held the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday and all 91 players were on the field and participating. A variety of players dealt with injuries during the team’s offseason program and missed time, so for the Bills to start things off in camp with a healthy roster is a step in a positive direction. That included linebacker Matt Milano, who participated in team drills for the first time since his season-ending right leg injury last year. However, he will be among a group that will be managed, in terms of participation, throughout camp. “[Milano] attacked everything with his rehab,” general manager Brandon Beane said. “… This was probably as good as we could have hoped that he would be starting camp. And we got to manage, and we got to be smart.”

Wide receiver Chase Claypool did come down from trying to catch a pass in the end zone limping with an injury to his right foot area, but after practice, he was moving around and catching passes without the limp. — Alaina Getzenberg

(last update: July 24)

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would not participate in 11-on-11 drills during today’s practice, amidst ongoing negotiations on his contract extension. Technically, the quarterback did participate, taking two snaps and handing the ball to a running back both times. His teammates say that despite being on the sideline during team drills, Tagovailoa was vocal and active as a leader, and engaged in the day’s practice. Until an agreement is reached on an extension, Tagovailoa’s practice workload is expected to remain limited. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

(last update: July 24)

There was one play that produced an audible roar from the crowd on the first day of Patriots training camp: a Drake Maye 45-yard bomb down the right sideline that WR Jalen Reagor reached out to snare with one hand.

“It gives us excitement,” RB Rhamondre Stevenson said, noting that Reagor had another big catch in the practice as he looks to distinguish himself in a crowded WR room. “Perfect throw.”

Maye then capped off his first NFL training camp practice by signing autographs, fittingly picking a fan with a University of North Carolina jersey as his first. — Mike Reiss

(last update: July 24)

Remember Allen Lazard, the Jets’ $44 million wide receiver? He disappeared last season, benched because of poor performance — only 23 catches and one touchdown. Well, he’s back.

Lazard was one of the standouts in the Jets’ first practice, making two nifty catches on passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One good practice doesn’t equate to a full comeback, but it should do wonders for his confidence. Privately, some in the organization felt he suffered from a confidence problem last season, his first in New York after signing a big free agent deal.

Lazard is getting a lot of run with the starters because Mike Williams (knee) is on the PUP list. Williams probably won’t return until late in training camp, so this is Lazard’s chance to make a move. His name has come up in trade rumors, but his salary ($10 million guaranteed) makes a trade almost impossible. If he keeps playing well, the trade talk will die. — Rich Cimini

(last update: July 24)

AFC NORTH

Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return didn’t slow down a red-hot Ravens defense. With the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player back after missing the first three days of camp with an illness, the Baltimore defense recorded six interceptions.

Ravens safety Marcus Williams had a pick-six on Josh Johnson’s first pass of team drills. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey recorded two interceptions, including a pick of Jackson. The day ended with Jalyn Armour-Davis picking off Johnson in the end zone on a red zone drill.

“It was a good day,” said Chris Hewitt, the Ravens’ assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. “We have a lot of talented guys back there. We got an attitude. We got speed. We got guys who are pit bulls. We got it all.”

Through four days of camp, five of the Ravens’ top six defensive backs have made interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. — Jamison Hensley

(last update: July 24)

Bengals rookies reported Saturday, July 20, and veterans reported Tuesday, July 23. — Ben Baby

Read the Bengals’ 2024 training camp preview

Browns rookies reported Monday, July 22, and veterans reported Tuesday, July 23. — Daniel Oyefusi

Read the Browns’ 2024 training camp preview

Steelers ILB Elandon Roberts reported to training camp in Latrobe wearing a pair of black Dickies overalls, a black cowboy hat he purchased at the rodeo and a pair of Timberland work boots. That’s because, he said, as a Texas native, putting on overalls and a cowboy hat signals it’s time to go to work. Entering his second season with the Steelers, Roberts said he was excited to return to Latrobe and for the physicality of Mike Tomlin’s training camp — the perfect tone-setter for the defensive attitude this season.

“My mentality is always being a physical player but not being overly physical,” Roberts said. “I think our defensive as a whole mentality is, ‘I mean you can dip your toe in the water if you want.'” — Brooke Pryor

(last update: July 24)

AFC SOUTH

Texans rookies and veterans reported Wednesday, July 23. — DJ Bien-Aime

Read the Texans’ 2024 training camp preview

Colts rookies and veterans reported Wednesday, July 24. — Stephen Holder

Read the Colts’ 2024 training camp preview

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen and cornerback Tyson Campbell all have new contracts. With that comes added pressure to perform at a high level and make the Jaguars a consistent AFC title contender.

Rightfully so, Lawrence said.

“The expectations are high and they should be around here and especially when [owner Shad Khan] is putting his money, his time, all these things behind it and backing it and really putting a lot into it,” Lawrence said after a light practice on the first day of camp. “He has high expectations for us. We have high expectations for ourselves and we expect to win and [the] time’s now. We’ve been lingering around a little bit [the] last couple of years, but this is our opportunity. We need to take advantage of it.”

The Jaguars made a late-season surge to win the AFC South in 2022 but missed the playoffs in 2023, and now they find themselves in the shadow of the Houston Texans, who won the division and are considered to be the team to beat again in 2024.

“It’s always fun being on this side of it, where you want to prove everybody wrong, and you have a lot of people doubting you and maybe there’s not as many expectations from the outside,” Lawrence said. “It doesn’t really matter the end of the day. You’ve still got to go perform. What goes on in this building and what we do out here getting ready for the season, and really the attitude or mindset that we have moving forward, that’s really what matters.

“But I will say it is fun kind of being the overlooked team and you do kind of enjoy that and you want to prove people wrong.” — Michael Di Rocco

(last update: July 24)

Titans coach Brian Callahan said yesterday that rookie T’Vondre Sweat is “ready to roll” for training camp. Sweat proved Callahan right as he was a full participant in the first on-field workouts of training camp after missing all of OTAs/minicamp. Sweat worked his way through individual period with the defensive linemen and was part of a rotation with fellow former Longhorn Keondre Coburn. The opportunity to work alongside Jeffery Simmons is something Sweat relishes, but he knows it will be an adjustment. “The biggest difference is like when you go from high school and to college is the speed of the game,” Sweat said. “I’ll just come out here every day and compete.” Sweat was also the recipient of trash talk from veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins before plays during the team’s period of practice. — Turron Davenport

(last update: July 24)

AFC WEST

The team’s quarterback competition will camouflage much of anything else going on with the depth chart decisions, but after the first practice of training camp Wednesday, Broncos coach Sean Payton was quick to praise running back Javonte Williams‘ weight loss as well as the return to the field for tight end Greg Dulcich.

“I thought Javonte looked real sharp,” Payton said. “… And it was good to see Dulcich back out there and him moving around.”

Payton had big plans for Dulcich last season, but the tight end played 32 snaps all season because of hamstring injuries. Wednesday was the first time Dulcich had practiced with the team since he left during the Week 6 loss to the Chiefs. He did not participate in OTAs or minicamp. — Jeff Legwold

(last update: July 24)

The Chiefs may be looking for one of their younger receivers to claim a roster spot after Justin Watson left practice early with a foot injury. The candidate early in training camp is Nikko Remigio, who had a busy practice session after Watson’s departure. He caught several passes, including one on an intermediate route from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Remigio joined the Chiefs last year as an undrafted rookie but didn’t play during the season. He will need to excel on special teams, and the Chiefs are looking at him as a potential kickoff returner. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Remigio would need to continue to make plays once the Chiefs put on pads for practice for the first time at training camp later in the week. “He’s going to get opportunities,” Nagy said. “What’s he going to do with it?” Watson left practice in a motorized cart after catching a pass. He was second among Chiefs wide receivers last season in catches (27) and yards (460). — Adam Teicher

(last update: July 24)

Aidan O’Connell took first-team reps Wednesday as Las Vegas’ QB camp battle between the second-year returner and vagabond veteran Gardner Minshew began in earnest. “Support of my teammates means a lot to me,” O’Connell said. “But at the same time, I’ve got to go earn it every day. … It truly is, every day, a “what have you done for me lately” kind of business, and so it’s important to come out here every day with the mentality that I’ve got to earn it.” Minshew, meanwhile, wore “shell” shoulder pads in practice, presumably to get a better feel while throwing the football. Coach Antonio Pierce said he had no timeline on announcing a starter. “Dude, my senior year at Washington State, every single game [the depth chart] was ‘Gardner Minshew or Trey Tinsley or Anthony Gordon,'” Minshew laughed. “So, it is what it is. If you’re out there, it’s going to be a heck of a time and we’re just going to try to put our best foot forward and lead the team best we can.”

(last update: July 24)

The most notable play from the opening day of training camp came on an interception from rookie cornerback Cam Hart. Quarterback Easton Stick targeted rookie receiver Jaylen Johnson, and Hart snagged the ball from the air as teammates ran after him celebrating.

Hart’s interception reflected a dominant day for the defensive backs, which included multiple Asante Samuel Jr. Pass breakups and a Tony Jefferson interception. However, coach Jim Harbaugh said the defensive backs had a bit too much energy at times and were given tempo violations for going faster than the agreed practice tempo.

“They were feeling the juice,” Harbaugh said. “They looked really good. Asante looked really good; Kristian [Fulton] looked really good; Cam looked really good. A bunch of the guys look really good, but I just don’t want to over-compliment that because for a few more [practices] we’re still on the runway.” — Kris Rhim

(last update: July 24)


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