Latest updates from NFL training camp: Justin Fields stands out as Russell Wilson returns
The NFL’s 2024 training camp is in full swing. 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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What our NFL Nation reporters saw today
NFC EAST
With Sam Williams out for the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland knows he will get more of an opportunity at defensive end. In Tuesday’s padded practice, Kneeland worked behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons and was with the top group during one-on-one pass rush drills.
Kneeland did not record more than 4.5 sacks in his five seasons at Western Michigan but the Cowboys believed before Williams’ injury that he could be a part of the rotation. Now he will have to be a bigger part.
The Cowboys want to see when Kneeland can do before they look for outside help.
“Now it’s more reps I have to take,” Kneeland said, “so just have to step it up a notch.” — Todd Archer
(Last update: July 30)
The Giants had their first day in pads on Monday. That meant an emphasis on the run game. It was a reminder that running back Devin Singletary is going to carry a massive workload. Behind him, the Giants have 18 career carries from the rest of their running backs. Singletary is their guy and he came to the Giants because of “the opportunity.” His success will largely be contingent on the offensive line, which again holds true for the Giants’ entire offense for the 12th straight year.
New York had Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor at the tackle spots for this practice. That’s because right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) remains on PUP. They had offseason acquisition Jon Runyan at right guard and Aaron Stinnie at left guard. With center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (shoulder) sidelined, they had Austin Schlottmann with the first team. The interior again leaves questions about this unit. — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: July 29)
Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been very solid through the first week of camp. Tuesday’s session — which also marked the first time the Eagles were in full pads — was arguably his strongest. He had multiple battles with A.J. Brown and proved sticky in coverage, including on a red zone rep that forced Jalen Hurts to hold onto the ball. Later, he blanketed receiver Britain Covey near the corner of the end zone for several seconds as Kenny Pickett scrambled, and finished the play with a diving pass breakup.
Mitchell is beginning to see more time with first team at nickel corner. He could make a push for a starting role by summer’s end. — Tim McManus
(Last update: July 30)
The Commanders’ offense had a fun day, making big plays down the field — two courtesy of quarterback Jayden Daniels.
During a drill in which the offense was faced with less than a minute remaining and needing a touchdown, Daniels connected with receiver Jahan Dotson for a 25-yard gain to the 10-yard line. Daniels also dropped a perfect throw to receiver Terry McLaurin down the left sideline for another long gain — McLaurin celebrated with more gusto. And fellow quarterback Marcus Mariota connected with Brycen Tremayne, who made a diving catch inside the 10 for a long gain.
Dotson said these plays were a result of the offense starting to get deeper into the playbook. He also said the offense is “about getting playmakers in space … It’s just the start of it. We’ll look to do that more and more and create explosives for the offense.” — John Keim
(Last update: July 30)
NFC NORTH
Caleb Williams was perfect in the Bears’ sole 7-on-7 period Tuesday, connecting with tight end Gerald Everett, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift and a go-ball touchdown to wideout DJ Moore, which saw the veteran wide receiver chuck up the deuces to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson who trailed him as he crossed into the end zone.
The team periods were much shakier for Williams and the first-team offense, and saw the rookie QB complete only one pass and throw an interception. Williams rebounded in the two-minute drill when he found fellow rookie Rome Odunze for a touchdown and connected with the No. 9 draft pick on a 2-point play to end practice.
“You felt a little lull in there,” coach Matt Eberflus said about the offense’s execution during 11-on-11. “The defense was running pretty hot all day. But we had a little lull in there. We’re making some big plays on offense and we’re not having any passion and playing the game the right way. So, we talked about that with those guys and then they finished right.” — Courtney Cronin
(Last update: July 30)
On the second day of padded practices, the Lions’ defense, playing with more of an edge than Monday, produced some turnovers. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. said he saw on X that the defense had yet to record an interception during team drills, and he became the first to get one after picking off backup QB Hendon Hooker.
“I just remembered to myself so when I got it and I caught it I was like, ‘That’s one,'” he said. “I was doing homework.”
Veteran QB Jared Goff also threw his first interception of training camp, to LB Derrick Barnes, while safety Loren Strickland added another interception off Hooker as competition for spots heats up.
“In case anybody was wondering, Ennis had the first pick of camp, so he had a great practice,” his rookie teammate Terrion Arnold said while crashing Rakestraw’s media scrum. “Ennis set the tone today, and they came in bunches, so we had a very productive day.” — Eric Woodyard
(Last update: July 30)
Maybe the Packers don’t have — or need — a No. 1 receiver, but Romeo Doubs sure has made a case so far. He caught a pair of passes on two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander (and beat him on another route) in the one-on-one drill during Tuesday’s practice. Then, in team periods, Doubs caught a pass from Jordan Love on a fade route during a red zone drill, and a 25-yard reception from Love on a deep corner route.
Doubs caught 59 passes for 674 yards and eight touchdowns last year in his second pro season.
“I always want to go against Doubs,” Alexander said after practice. “The dude’s freaking really good. He come in his rookie year not catching a single pass on me. Now we’re going up for 50-50 balls. Dude is really good.” — Rob Demovsky
(Last update: July 30)
At the start of training camp, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell made clear that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy would get some first-team reps — at some point. That didn’t happen in the first week of camp, but O’Connell reiterated Tuesday that the moment is coming.
“You will at some point see J.J. be consistently maybe getting a little bit more ‘one’ reps,” O’Connell said, “but at the same time, I felt like Sam earned the right to take the bulk of those reps early on.”
The Vikings opened camp with Sam Darnold as the clear No. 1 quarterback, and if McCarthy is going to make a run at being the Week 1 starter, it hasn’t begun yet. Asked what would trigger first-team reps for McCarthy, O’Connell indicated that he would like to get the offense relatively comfortable with the scheme first.
“We’re moving along in our install,” he said. “Things are starting to stack, so I think as we kind of get to a place where figure out that sweet spot for J.J.’s comfort, as well as Sam’s trust and understanding in what we’ve coached up to this point, we can start doing that.”
Whether those reps will simply serve as developmental tools for McCarthy, or as part of an active competition, remains to be seen. O’Connell said he believes Darnold will benefit from taking second-team reps on those occasions.
“It will be good for Sam to mix in some of those other huddles,” O’Connell said, “besides just having Justin [Jefferson] and Jordan [Addison] and that offensive line. I want to see him go in an elevate that [second] group as well.” — Kevin Seifert
(Last update: July 30)
NFC SOUTH
Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since before the NFL draft, meaning he addressed for the first time the team selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft despite signing Kirk Cousins in free agency earlier in the offseason.
Blank said he is very sensitive about quarterback succession plans since the Falcons did not have one post-Matt Ryan, which has been a source of suffering for the franchise. Atlanta hasn’t had a winning season since 2017, when Ryan was still in his prime. Blank said the hope is Cousins will be the team’s quarterback for a long time. But he mentioned that Cousins turns 36 this summer and age catches up to everyone. Blank said the Falcons didn’t want to be without a franchise quarterback again, which he equated to the “spin cycle in the washing machine and not being able to get out.” — Marc Raimondi
(Last update: July 30)
Much was made during the offseason about the unselfish chemistry in the running backs room, even from Miles Sanders, who lost the starting job last season to Chuba Hubbard. But apparently Sanders has been paying attention to the media reports about him. After taking a hard shot and keeping his feet during a run on the first day in pads, he let a few reporters within earshot know he’s aware of what’s being said.
Quarterback Bryce Young, for one, loves the intensity he’s seen out of the 27-year-old back.
“Super, super intense,” Young said. “That’s someone who cares a lot. … He has a game-day mentality. He wants to maximize all of his reps. That’s something that will permeate throughout our entire offense.” — David Newton
(Last update: July 30)
The Saints’ second day in pads was just as lively as the first, with the defense winning for the day.
Defensive end Payton Turner and tight end Dallin Holker got into a minor scuffle following a run play, then Turner came right back on the next play to bring the pressure, helping linebacker D’Marco Jackson get a sack. Defensive end Cameron Jordan immediately ran over to congratulate him. Turner also had a pressure earlier in 11-on-11 drills.
It wasn’t the only celebrating Jordan would be doing, as he cheered for defensive end Chase Young, whose snap count increased again on Tuesday. Young, who is working his way back from offseason surgery, flashed several times in practice and had a sack.
“I’ve never seen a guy get off the ball as fast as he has,” linebacker Pete Werner said of Young. Werner also had his moments, coming up the middle on a pressure on a play where Turner shifted inside to defensive tackle.
On the injury front, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, running back Kendre Miller and offensive tackle Nick Saldiveri did not practice on Tuesday. — Katherine Terrell
(Last update: July 30)
The Bucs’ pass defense stood out Sunday, with both starting cornerbacks — Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum — notching interceptions. Dean’s came on a tipped Baker Mayfield pass by inside linebacker Lavonte David, and McCollum’s was on a deep ball. More interceptions have been a point of emphasis for this group. As coach Todd Bowles joked, “I liked their ability to make plays. We got to get Dean drug tested ’cause he usually doesn’t catch it. We’re going to see if he’s been on that stuff or not. But other than that, they’re concentrating more and understanding where their help is, they came back in good shape, they’re kind of talking to each other after every play about what they see and the communication’s been good.” — Jenna Laine
(Last update: July 28)
This is the kind of humor players are quite used to hearing from Todd Bowles but it doesn’t often make it to the podium. On Jamel Dean’s interception, he joked, “We gotta get Dean drug tested cuz he usually doesn’t catch it. We’re gonna see if he’s been on that stuff or not…” pic.twitter.com/OzlSSEys5K
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) July 28, 2024
NFC WEST
Tuesday was the Greg Dortch Show at Cardinals’ training camp.
The speedy wide receiver showcased a different side of his game in 11-on-11 drills. Instead of using his quickness to take the top off defenses, Dortch used it to get a step inside of defensive backs throughout practice. He had three impressive catches on quality throws from quarterback Kyler Murray. One was for a touchdown in red zone 11-on-11, another was a difficult catch in traffic and a third was a modified version of 7-on-7.
At 5-foot-7, Dortch is the shortest receiver on the roster, but his ability to make difficult catches, catch pretty much everything thrown his way and utilize his speed has him in the mix to be a starting receiver for the Cardinals. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last update: July 30)
The Rams gave quarterback Matthew Stafford a rest day on Monday, coach Sean McVay said. It was the Rams’ first training camp practice in pads. McVay said Stafford will be in pads for practice on Tuesday.
“This was part of the plan all along to give Matthew this day off,” McVay said afterward. “There’s nothing wrong with him. He’s good. This’ll be the only day that we’ll approach [it] like that.
“It was really more about just the amount of throws that he would get in a week’s time, and so it kind of worked out well to coincide with the day that we were going to be a lot heavier run emphasis.”
McVay said backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett “both did a really good job” taking the extra reps in practice with Stafford not participating. McVay praised Garoppolo’s command, saying, “You can see he’s played a lot of football.”
“I thought Stetson, he had some really good reps, some things where we can be a little bit cleaner,” McVay said. “But what you do see from Stetson is the athleticism, the ability, if we lose contain up front, he can break it and make plays with his legs.” — Sarah Barshop
(Last update: July 29)
Tuesday’s practice was the longest and most arduous of camp for the Niners in their second day of pads. It was also a roller coaster for QB Brock Purdy. Purdy, who started out hot, hitting his first seven passes, including a perfect deep ball to WR Deebo Samuel for a would-be touchdown. He closed with interceptions on four his final five pass attempts, including a late throw for Samuel on an out that CB Deommodore Lenoir grabbed for a would-be pick-six.
But with both the good and the bad, Purdy appeared unfazed. QB coach Brian Griese challenged him this offseason to grow into a bigger leadership role, and his teammates have noted that in the spring and the early days of camp.
“He’s a super competitive guy and he expects a lot of himself,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said after practice. “But he always seems to handle those things well. He’s not throwing a temper tantrum or anything like that, but he’s still hard on himself and generally stays pretty positive.” — Nick Wagoner
(Last update: July 30)
Mike Macdonald is much more stern than his predecessor Pete Carroll, but the Seahawks’ new head coach also has a lighter side.
As a fun reward for strong performances in training camp, Macdonald is handing out championship belts — and not the cheap knockoffs found at a costume store. They’re custom-made pieces and look like something a boxer would hoist after winning a title fight.
“They’re like legitimate belts,” Macdonald said. “They’re kind of heavy. They’re pretty sweet looking. I think the guys get excited about it. It means something to carry that thing around the building for a day or two …”
Safety Julian Love earned a belt Monday after his second interception in five practices. With the offense bouncing back and Charles Cross continuing his strong start to camp, the third-year left tackle got the honors Tuesday.
Cross has been a solid starter since Seattle drafted him ninth overall in 2022, ranking 39th among tackles in ESPN’s pass block win rate as a rookie and 33rd last year. If his performance in the one-on-one pass-rush drill is any indication — he’s gotten the better Uchenna Nwosu, Seattle’s top edge player, both days — then he appears poised to take a leap in Year 3.
“Charles is getting a lot better,” Nwosu said. “… He’s getting a lot stronger. His feet have gotten better. Everything has gotten better, his discipline, his eye level, his finishing … He’s developing into an All-Pro left tackle and I can’t wait to see what he does for us on the field this year.” — Brady Henderson
(Last update: July 30)
AFC EAST
As the Bills work to determine the future at wide receiver in the wake of significant changes this offseason, 2023 undrafted free agent Tyrell Shavers has emerged as someone to watch in the first full week of camp. Shavers, at 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds, has received plenty of reps with the first-team offense, notably quarterback Josh Allen, and is showing his versatility by lining up in different positions. In his quest to make the 53-man roster, Shavers is also someone who can contribute on special teams, and coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady have noted his consistency. — Alaina Getzenberg
(Last update: July 30)
Another day, another standout performance for the Dolphins’ defense. A lot has been said about what this team’s front seven will look like under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, but Miami’s secondary has popped during the first week of training camp.
Cornerback Kader Kohou had multiple pass breakups Tuesday and Storm Duck got his hands on the ball as well. Veteran safety Jordan Poyer was everywhere on the field during team drills, making sure no play ended without delivering some sort of thud with his shoulder pads. He also picked off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to cap off his day.
Things have not looked so cohesive with the Dolphins’ offense, however, specifically with the center-quarterback exchanges. Aaron Brewer, Jack Driscoll and Andrew Meyer each botched snaps, with a few of them launching over the heads of quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson. This is an issue we’ve seen at Dolphins camp over the past few seasons.
Beyond the exchange, Tuesday was plagued by dropped passes, missed throws and missed blocks. Defenses are usually ahead of offenses at this point in the season, and the Dolphins are no different right now. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last update: July 30)
Dolphins S Elijah Campbell credited the veterans in the team’s secondary for allowing chemistry to build quickly.
Also shouted out “old man Po” Jordan Poyer – who he says “looks 22” out there and is “flying around” pic.twitter.com/QUdl0aZ71i
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) July 30, 2024
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo provided his team a one-play challenge near the end of Tuesday’s practice.
The ball was placed deep inside the red zone. One snap. Loser drops for 10 pushups.
Rookie QB Drake Maye attempted to hit rookie WR Javon Baker on a fade in the right-hand corner of the end zone, but fourth-year CB Shaun Wade knocked it away. The defense erupted. The offense hit the deck for 10 pushups.
“It’s a fun competition,” second-year CB Alex Austin said. “Training camp days are long, hard, sweaty. So doing little things like that keeps the energy going. When the defense wins, it’s even better.” — Mike Reiss
(Last update: July 30)
The story this week is how the Aaron Rodgers-led offense has struggled. There are two sides to every story: How about some love for the defense, which has frustrated the future Hall of Fame quarterback?
The defense delivered a big stop at the end of Tuesday’s practice. In a game-like situation, with 52 seconds on the clock, Rodgers — down by three points — went to his hurry-up and marched upfield. But once he got across midfield, the drive was snuffed out with three straight incomplete passes.
This shouldn’t come as a major surprise. After all, the Jets finished No. 3 in defense last season and their unit includes star players at each level. Players already are talking about ascending to No. 1.
“To be a great defense, an elite defense, a historic defense, you have to take the ball away,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “Ultimately, that changes game and wins games and wins championships.”
The Jets made 27 takeaways last season, tied for eighth. In six camp practices, they’ve intercepted Rodgers only once. — Rich Cimini
(Last update: July 30)
AFC NORTH
Ravens tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely shined on a day when Baltimore’s wide receiver group was depleted.
With the offense backed up to its own end zone, Andrews caught a laser throw from Lamar Jackson to convert a third down and then made a diving catch for 15 yards. In a red zone drill, Likely pulled in a 7-yard touchdown against All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton.
Last season, Andrews had six touchdown receptions in the first 11 weeks before suffering an ankle injury. With Andrews sidelined, Likely totaled five touchdown catches in the last five games of the regular season.
This year, will Baltimore look to get Andrews and Likely on the field at the same time?
“Obviously, you try to get your best playmakers on the field, and they’re two of them,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said after Tuesday’s practice. “Those two guys are unique weapons. So, we got to do a great job of being creative and getting them on the field. We love both of them.”
Injuries have hit Baltimore’s wide receiver group. The Ravens were without Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker and Deonte Harty on Tuesday. — Jamison Hensley
(Last update: July 30)
Tight end Erick All Jr. — a fourth-round pick out of Iowa — made his debut in team drills and had a nice catch over the middle Tuesday. All is recovering from a torn ACL that ended his lone season with the Hawkeyes after transferring from Michigan — where he spent four years — ahead of the 2023 campaign.
If he can earn the trust of the coaching staff and play well, he will give the Bengals another depth player in that group behind veterans Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample. Wide receiver Jermaine Burton also made a leaping, twisting grab during a red zone drill. He is still in a crowded group vying for the WR3 spot but flashed his potential Tuesday. — Ben Baby
(Last update: July 30)
A heavy thunderstorm delayed the Browns’ scheduled morning practice Tuesday but by mid-afternoon, the sun was out for the hottest — and most spirited — training camp session to date.
The Browns’ first-team offense and defense went back-and-forth dominating team drills. The defense forced a bevy of incompletions from quarterback Deshaun Watson in a pair of 7-on-7 sessions before the offense responded with an efficient outing in 11-on-11s, as Watson found multiple receivers for chunk gains. Watson then threw three consecutive short touchdowns in red zone 7-on-7 drills before the defense returned to keep the offense out of the end zone in the final session.
The highlight of the afternoon, though, was a 50-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jameis Winston to wide receiver Matt Landers, who tracked the ball in the sun. The Browns are off Wednesday and return to practice in pads Thursday. — Daniel Oyefusi
(Last update: July 30)
Russell Wilson is back — kind of. The Steelers quarterback participated in team drills for the first time since injuring his calf Wednesday night. Wilson took only two 11-on-11 reps, each for handoffs, but he completed all six pass attempts in 7-on-7 — including a deep shot to tight end Connor Heyward.
“It’d be nice if it was the game,” Heyward said, “but great job of Russ seeing me and just trying to play without the ball and extending the play. He threw one of his moon balls that everybody knows.”
Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Fields had a standout practice, leading the first-team offense to scoring on four of five possessions in the team’s “seven shots” drill and completing every pass attempt in team periods. Fields’ highlight of the day came on a back-shoulder throw to George Pickens in the end zone that the wide receiver hauled in with one hand to score.
“One-on-one like that in the end zone, you got to give the best receiver on the team a chance to make a play,” Fields said. “… 50/50 balls with George isn’t really 50/50. He’s going to come down with the ball most of the time.” — Brooke Pryor
(Last update: July 30)
AFC SOUTH
The Texans’ offense had a solid day. The unit flashed moments of what they could be with moderate gains through the air and ground. To end practice, they had a two-minute drill session that started at their own 25. Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 8-of-10 passes and got the team inside the 10 with three seconds left but couldn’t punch it in. But overall, the unit marched down the field in that drill. This came after the offense sputtered for a third team period. So, to finish the day with some effectiveness is a good end to a solid day. — DJ Bien-Aime
(Last update: July 30)
There’s no early indication of who is ahead in the Colts’ battle for No. 3 wide receiver, with Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell continuing to split reps with the first-team offense and capitalizing on opportunities with noteworthy plays.
While some separation could be created between the players later on, the Colts are proceeding for now as if both wideouts will play a considerable role in the offense in 2024.
“I love the competing part. That’s what I love,” receivers coach Reggie Wayne said. “But I’m curious. I’m trying to figure out how it’ll go. But they’re both going to get action. So, I’m not tripping on that. I just want to see these boys compete and come in ready to play, and we’ll see where the chips fall.” — Stephen Holder
(Last update: July 30)
One of the standouts in the first padded practice was defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who is returning from a season in which he was limited because of a severe back infection that cost him nine games. Hamilton won both reps against starting center Mitch Morse in OL vs. DL one-on-ones, and he also beat starting LG Ezra Cleveland in a rep.
The Jaguars had signed Hamilton, a third-round pick in 2020, to a three-year extension in April 2023 and he was having an impressive training camp before suffering a spinal abscess during joint practices with the Detroit Lions. That eventually turned into an infection that had him on IV antibiotics for more than a month. He eventually returned and had 12 tackles in eight games last season, but he never looked like the player he was in 2022 (2.5 sacks, 56 tackles, forced fumble). But he does now.
“He’s healthy. He’s strong,” coach Doug Pederson said. “He’s doing some really good things out there. … It’s good to see him back to where he was pre-back injury.” — Michael DiRocco
(Last update: July 30)
The Titans’ secondary had the upper hand in the first fully padded practice Tuesday. Veteran safety Jamal Adams was given the day off as part of what Titans coach Brian Callahan called a “management program.” Starting cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (veteran day off) and Chidobe Awuzie (calf) also didn’t practice.
Rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. took advantage of the reps and stood out in coverage with multiple pass breakups during one-on-ones. Veteran cornerbacks Tre Avery, Tay Gowan and Caleb Farley had good days as well. Second-year safety Matthew Jackson picked off quarterback Will Levis twice during the team period.
“Everything went well as far as homing in on the details,” Jackson said. “Once you’re in the right place, good things come.” — Turron Davenport
(Last update: July 30)
AFC WEST
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix got the majority of work with the team’s starters in Monday’s practice — it was Nix’ turn in the three-man rotation the Broncos have used behind center thus far in training camp — and it might have been his rockiest practice.
Some of the issues in the team’s first fully padded practice included snap count problems in team drills, and Nix didn’t show the comfort level he had in recent days as the team continued to repeat the installation process with the offense.
After practice, coach Sean Payton acknowledged it was not the smoothest day but was quick to add, “I don’t think it’s significant. I think it’s something that’s easily cleaned up.”
Jarrett Stidham, who worked with the second-team offense for much of the day, moved the offense the best of the three quarterbacks. Zach Wilson is expected to get the work with the starters Tuesday as Payton said the team will again be in full pads. — Jeff Legwold
(Last updated: July 29)
Former Stanford coach David Shaw, whom the Broncos hired in June as a senior personnel executive, was at Monday’s practice, and Payton said Shaw’s main focus will be “more of a front office position — in the [player] evaluation.”
“There’s a number of things that he can help us with,” Payton said. “He’s extremely smart, and he’s a close friend, a good addition for us.”
Shaw and Payton were on the Eagles’ coaching staff together in 1997. — Jeff Legwold
(Last update: July 29)
All-Pro guard Joe Thuney practiced for the first time at training camp after tearing a pectoral muscle in last season’s playoff win over the Bills. Thuney worked only in the installation period and went to the sideline when the Chiefs worked against the defense, but it was a start.
“Whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great,” center Creed Humphrey said. “He’s done it all in the league. He’s played in all the big games and he sees everything so well, and that’s what makes him one of if not the best guard in the league. So being able to have him back, it’s going to be huge.”
The Chiefs used a combination of different players, including rookies Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson, at left guard in Thuney’s absence. — Adam Teicher
(Last update: July 29)
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce’s take on the “status quo” QB competition between second-year returner Aidan O’Connell and vagabond veteran Gardner Minshew?
“Somebody,” Pierce said, “has to just separate from the other.”
On Tuesday, in the Raiders’ first padded practice of training camp, neither took a step forward. In fact, both seemingly took a step back, what with so many off-target throws with a live rush coming at them. Each QB had a pass at what has been more regularly called a “hospital ball” to receiver Davante Adams, for its potential to get him hurt — much to Adams’ chagrin.
O’Connell has the bigger arm and he completed a deep ball to Jakobi Meyers down the left sideline. Meanwhile, Minshew, whose scrambling ability allows him to extend plays, did just that in finding rookie tight end Brock Bowers in a tight window across the middle with a pass rusher in his face as Bowers bounced off nickel cornerback Nate Hobbs. — Paul Gutierrez
(Last update: July 30)
In June, outside linebacker Joey Bosa told reporters he was impressed by the Chargers’ first-round pick, offensive tackle Joe Alt, and excited to “lay a helmet on his chin” and see how Alt “holds up.” That process has started in earnest this week as the Chargers began their second day in pads on Tuesday.
Alt and Bosa have had multiple matchups, with each dominating the other on different reps, though coach Jim Harbaugh said after day one that Bosa had the upper hand, which was expected because of his experience.
“Joe’s got his mind in the exact right spot,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of his young tackle. “He is humble, hungry, and he’s a talented guy that’s just going to keep getting better because of his work ethic. We’re two days into it with pads on and whatnot and he’s doing a great job. We expect big things out of Joe, no reason to believe otherwise.” — Kris Rhim
(Last update: July 30)
