Sunday, December 22, 2024
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Latest updates from NFL training camp: Panthers looking for Bryce Young backup

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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

New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is pleased with what he has seen so far from his defense. He has kept some of what Dan Quinn did for three seasons while adding tweaks to certain responsibilities for players at all three levels.

Zimmer is so pleased that he has not brought out his trademark bite when things don’t go right.

“I hadn’t had to use it much, but I probably got the same bite,” Zimmer said. “But now I’m trying to be very specific about what we want and make sure they understand exactly what we want. The other coaches are doing a really good job. We meet together a decent amount with the whole group because I want them all to know what everybody is doing, where they’re supposed to be and who is doing a good job and who needs to do a better job here and there. I’ve been impressed with this group, I really have. I heard all this stuff when I came here, this and that, but I just go by what I see and what I see has been good.” — Todd Archer

(Last update: Aug. 1)

After a few rough days and practices, quarterback Daniel Jones and the Giants offense got back on track Thursday. Jones connected on a pair of deep balls for touchdowns, one to Malik Nabers and the other to Jalin Hyatt. The problem for Jones had been underthrowing balls deep down field at the start of camp. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka didn’t think it had to do with Jones’ recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee last year. Instead, he attributed it to timing and familiarity.

Still, they were going to keep throwing them. It was almost as if coach Brian Daboll knew it would only be a matter of time. Practice makes perfect. He said before Thursday’s improved performance: “Time on task. Keep working on them. We’ll get ’em!”

They did on this day, leaving a much better taste in the mouths of the team’s offensive players than from earlier this week. — Jordan Raanan

(Last update: Aug. 1)

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)

Washington thought it had its kicking position solved this spring — until Brandon McManus was sued for sexual assault. The Commanders cut him and signed Ramiz Ahmed and, Wednesday, added Riley Patterson to provide competition. Both kickers made all five field goals Thursday — from 28, 33, 38, 48 and 53 yards. Patterson has made 59-of-67 kicks in 39 career games — he was 15-of-17 with Detroit last season. Ahmed has yet to attempt a kick in the NFL.

The Commanders also added receiver Byron Pringle, who will compete for a role as a kick returner (he’s never returned a punt in the NFL) and the fifth or sixth receiver spot. The first four are likely Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown and rookie Luke McCaffrey. Olamide Zaccheaus is another strong possibility. Veteran punt returner Jamison Crowder is vying for one of the last spots as well. — John Keim

(Last update: Aug. 1)

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)

Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader hasn’t participated in team drills during training camp as he continues to recover from a torn quadriceps. Reader, who was placed on the active/PUP list July 2, said that he’s unsure if he’ll be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8.

“I don’t know exactly Week 1 or whatever, but feeling good, feeling better and just really working,” Reader told ESPN. “Every day it’s getting better. It’s not like I’m not doing stuff, so I’m doing drills and doing stuff, but I’m not really too worried about the upper-body strength part, just trying to get the lower body back right now.”

Reader says he’s not putting any pressure on himself although he was signed as a key piece in free agency to help the Lions’ defense.

“I don’t think I’m putting any pressure on myself. The way the guys are playing, I’ll be able to step in and just be a part,” he told ESPN. “Obviously know what I can do so it’s all about sitting back and envisioning. Obviously, you want to push yourself every day and I’m focused on that but pressure on myself is something I don’t really feel. This offense is gonna put up points, and we’re going to be playing a long time, so I’m excited a lot for the back end of the season because I know what I bring.” — Eric Woodyard

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Another day, another receiver shows out. On Thursday, it was second-year pro Dontayvion Wicks following in the steps of Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed with his own big day in practice. Wicks caught five passes during team periods — all from Jordan Love. Four of those went for first downs, including a 26-yard contested catch on a deep ball down the left sideline in the two-minute drill. His fifth and final catch of the day came on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line with four seconds left. Love hit Wicks in the left flat short of the pylon, where cornerback Jaire Alexander shoved him hard and out of bounds to end the drill. Wicks was bothered by the hit and had to be held back from going after Alexander because, as he said after practice, it was not supposed to be a live tackling period.

Last season, Wicks caught 39 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. He said he feels like his chemistry with Love has improved since then.

“Getting on the same page with the quarterback,” Wicks said. “That’s the best thing and just gaining his trust for him to want to throw the ball at all to [me].” — Rob Demovsky

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Receiver Justin Jefferson took what the team called a preplanned rest day Wednesday, sitting out what was the team’s second full-pads practice of the summer.

The timing of day off afforded Jefferson a notable stretch of lighter work, as the team practiced Tuesday in shells and largely at walk-through pace. Players are off Thursday and will resume camp Friday.

Jefferson, who turned 25 last month, missed seven games last season because of a torn right hamstring, the most significant injury of his football career. There is no indication that the hamstring is troubling him this summer, but there also isn’t much sense in wearing him down during camp after he signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension. With Jefferson sitting out, the Vikings used Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell in their three-receiver sets. — Kevin Seifert

(Last update: July 31)

NFC SOUTH

The Falcons were running a two-minute drill — first-team offense versus the first-team defense — when quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ reads broke down and he took off running. Cousins got about a 6-yard gain, showing off his wheels despite still rehabbing his torn right Achilles that ended his 2023 season. Cousins felt it was a positive sign that he could run without issue. Atlanta coach Raheem Morris thought otherwise, shouting “blow the whistle, blow the whistle!” Cousins joked that he might have given Morris a “little bit of a heart attack.”

For the day, Cousins was 18-of-27 and after six days of practices, a casual observer would find it hard to believe he’s coming back from a major injury. Cousins said this portion of his rehab where he is simply playing football has been a success. The plan is for him not to play in preseason games, though. — Marc Raimondi

(Last update: July 31)

Carolina is looking for a quarterback. Backup Andy Dalton missed Thursday practice at Clemson with a quad injury and will be out at least two weeks. With the preseason opener a week away, coach Dave Canales is looking to add another quarterback to take reps behind Bryce Young and third-stringer Jack Plummer. Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Tannehill are among the veterans available. Meanwhile, Canales said Young was “good, not great” in a scrimmage that featured a lot of pre-snap penalties and pressure from outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.

“He was ruining things for us a lot.” Canales said of Clowney. Canales also was impressed with DJ Johnson opposite Clowney, calling him “fantastic.” Young did finish strong, completing four of his final six passes, including a 2-yarder to Adam Thielen for a touchdown.

“When he had the protection and the concept was there, he nailed it,” Canales said of Young. — David Newton

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Wide receiver Chris Olave returned to practice after landing on his hip yesterday, and he and cornerback Alontae Taylor put on a show in 1-on-1 drills.

Taylor and Olave went up against each other four times, with Taylor getting the best of Olave the first three times, including a pass breakup on one of the reps. They did two straight reps to end the segment, with Olave catching a slant pass on their final matchup. Taylor said “I’m done” as everyone broke up to move on to the next segment of practice.

It was a feisty day for Olave and the cornerbacks. Olave and Taylor chirped back and forth during 1-on-1s and Olave got into a scuffle with Paulson Adebo twice.

While Taylor had one of his best days of camp, Olave also shined on a deep pass from Derek Carr in 11-on-11 drills where he was wide-open.

Marshon Lattimore, Kendre Miller and Bryan Bresee were among those who did not practice with an injury on Wednesday. — Katherine Terrell

(Last update: July 31)

At the end of practice, during the two-minute drill, the team’s top outside linebacker YaYa Diaby was carted off the field with a left ankle injury, and several teammates knelt to the ground.

“Right now, we’re hopeful that we avoided something very serious,” general manager Jason Licht said after. “So we have more tests this afternoon, but right now there’s some hope that we did.”

The Buccaneers are already without veteran Randy Gregory, who has yet to report while engaged in litigation with both the league and the Denver Broncos. — Jenna Laine

(Last update: Aug. 1)

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 hits to the Rams’ offensive line keep coming after right tackle Rob Havenstein left practice with a foot injury. Head coach Sean McVay said he didn’t have any more updates about the severity of the injury.

“It sounded like he said he got stepped on, but who knows exactly what’s going on,” McVay said after practice.

The Rams are already without left guard Jonah Jackson, who is week-to-week with a left shoulder injury, and left tackle Alaric Jackson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. McVay said Thursday that he expected Jackson to “be back sooner than later.”

“I thought he’s had a really good camp when he’s been out here,” McVay said. “We’ll be a lot better when he does come out here, but we don’t want to rush it either. We’re hopeful that he’ll be ready to go for the Chargers practice [on Sunday]. But like I said, we don’t want to rush it and it’s kind of one of those weird deals, but fortunately it’s not going to be anything we expect to be long term.” — Sarah Barshop

(Last update: Aug. 1)

It’s not even August yet and the 49ers’ depth is already being tested, particularly at the two positions where they have stars working through contract issues: offensive line and wide receiver.

The offensive line woes were extra noticeable Wednesday as the Niners practiced without Trent Williams, who is holding out, as well as guards Spencer Burford, Aaron Banks, Jon Feliciano and Jarrett Kingston. Those absences forced linemen Dominick Puni, Nick Zakelj and Ben Bartch into playing with starters and backups.

Meanwhile at wideout, Brandon Aiyuk is still holding in, but the Niners were also missing Danny Gray, Tay Martin, Jacob Cowing and Jauan Jennings during team drills on Wednesday. Injuries are part of the deal, but it sure would help settle things down to get Williams and Aiyuk back sooner than later. — Nick Wagoner

(Last update: July 31)

Sam Howell has been a bit sharper as of late after a rough start to Seahawks training camp, which included pronounced struggles with timing and accuracy.

His improvement was put to the test on Thursday as he led the No. 1 offense with Geno Smith sidelined, and the results were mixed.

The good included a pair of touchdown passes to DK Metcalf during a red zone period, as well as an over-the-middle throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that set up the winning field goal in an end-of-game simulation.

But Howell’s accuracy remains spotty. He misfired on one throw to Metcalf that Tre Brown intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The defense won the day when Brown, on a tie-breaking final play, broke up a Howell fade ball intended for Metcalf in the end zone.

“Guys stepped in, did a great job, operated the offense, moved the ball, got it out sometimes,” Macdonald said of Howell and No. 3 quarterback PJ Walker, who operated the second team on Thursday. “I think [they] took a couple sacks, but it was a big third-down pressure day sort of thing, so the guys, they saw a pretty good gamut of stuff. Good to see them in and out of the protections and operations and stuff. Looked good. We’ll see on tape and see what we want to go fix moving forward.”

Smith, dealing with hip and knee issues, is undergoing imaging Thursday evening. — Brady Henderson

(Last update: Aug. 1)

AFC EAST

The Bills will be without two of the three main competitors coming into camp for the starting safety job alongside projected starter Taylor Rapp with rookie Cole Bishop (shoulder) joining veteran Mike Edwards (hamstring) with a week-to-week injury. The second-round pick’s injury — suffered Tuesday — has resulted in a significant opportunity for Damar Hamlin with the first-team defense, including in Thursday’s practice when he took all of the reps alongside Rapp. The team has also signed veterans Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess for depth this week.

The safety position was a significant question for this team coming into camp and with the early injuries, that has only grown. Whether Hamlin can earn the job, if the team will wait on an injured player or if another veteran is called upon — such as Micah Hyde, who is contemplating retirement — will be something to watch.

“It’s what it is. Next guy in. That’s why we get paid,” defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said on Thursday. “It’s a lot easier to coach guys that are veterans and have kind of established themselves and have a lot of reps. And Sean [McDermott] said it before that we’re going to take great pride, in really weighing ourselves as coaches on the development of the guys with less repetitions or the opportunity for a backup to come in and play when things like this happens and play at a high level.” — Alaina Getzenberg

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was fired up during the stretching portion of Thursday’s practice and insisted his fellow receivers match his energy — it even drew the attention of coach Mike McDaniel, who walked over to the receivers to hype up Hill.

When asked about it after practice, Hill said Miami’s receivers hadn’t won the coveted orange jersey yet this summer, which signifies the previous day’s practice MVP. He wanted that drought to end; sure enough, the Dolphins’ offense turned in its best day of training camp. Tua Tagovailoa threw multiple long touchdowns to Julian Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and found Waddle in the corner of the end zone on the first play of red zone drills.

We won’t know until Friday’s practice if Hill’s efforts to put a receiver in orange were successful, but at the very least, the on-field product improved. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

(Last update: Aug. 1)

The Patriots drafted Chad Ryland in the fourth round last year in hopes he would be their long-term kicker. But after an inconsistent rookie season when he was 16-of-25 on field goals, Ryland is facing competition this summer from six-year veteran Joey Slye.

In Thursday’s practice, the Patriots finished with each kicker getting four attempts in a full-team drill between 32 and 49 yards. Slye was 3-for-4, with a miss from 39 that was wide left. Ryland was 4-for-4.

Through seven practices in those full-team field goal drills, Ryland is 12-of-13 and Slye is 10-of-13. — Mike Reiss

(Last update: Aug. 1)

The Jets focused entirely on the red zone, and it was a winning day for the offense. In fact, out of 16 plays inside the 20, Aaron Rodgers threw six touchdowns. Some perspective: Zach Wilson had six red zone touchdown passes for the entire 2023 season.

After practice, Rodgers gushed about running back Breece Hall, who was on the receiving end of two touchdowns. (Wide receiver Garrett Wilson had three.)

“It says a lot when your bell-cow running back is No. 1 in the progression on red zone routes,” Rodgers said.

Hall was the receiving leader among running backs last season with 76 receptions. Rodgers admitted he was surprised by Hall’s receiving ability, saying his “scouting report” on Hall didn’t highlight that particular skill. Now, Rodgers said, Hall is “a legitimate three-down back.” — Rich Cimini

(Last update: July 31)

AFC NORTH

After the Ravens’ hottest practice of camp, coach John Harbaugh reaffirmed that Justice Hill will have a major role as the backup running back to Derrick Henry.

Hill, a 2019 fourth-round pick, is coming off a season in which he set career highs with 597 yards from scrimmage (387 rushing and 206 receiving) and four total touchdowns. After the season, both Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta referred to Hill as one of the team’s most underrated players. With Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins leaving for the Chargers in free agency, Hill should get more opportunities.

“The evolution of Justice is this guy has become a starting back in the NFL,” Harbaugh said. “If you watch him play, he’s a high-caliber running back. He’s going to give us a little different style than Derrick Henry. I think he’s going to play a lot and do it his way.”

With the heat index reaching 99 degrees, Harbaugh ended the late afternoon practice about 10 minutes early, and he had Baltimore hold its special teams practice in its indoor facility.

“Hot and crisp, that’s a good combination for fried chicken and this practice,” Harbaugh said. — Jamison Hensley

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Bengals second-year receiver Andrei Iosivas had a strong day. He had a touchdown catch in a red zone drill toward the end of Thursday’s practice. But perhaps more importantly, he earned high praise from quarterback Joe Burrow afterward.

“Andrei’s going to have a big year,” Burrow said. “I’m really excited about [how] he’s coming along. Wherever he ends up playing, whether it’s inside or outside, he’s able to do it all.”

Iosivas is vying to be the starting slot receiver this season. That kind of comment from Burrow speaks volumes about what Iosivas can bring to the offense. — Ben Baby

(Last update: Aug. 1)

Running back D’Onta Foreman is doing “better,” coach Kevin Stefanski said, after Foreman took a blow to the head that resulted in neck pain and led to him being immobilized and transported to a medical center for further evaluation.

Foreman rejoined the Browns late Thursday after X-rays and CT scans returned negative.

Foreman did not participate in the team’s final practice at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and Stefanski did not provide a timeline for Foreman’s return to the field.

Meanwhile, quarterback Deshaun Watson had a scheduled off day to rest his throwing shoulder. Watson, who is returning from season-ending surgery, threw in the team’s first six training camp practices. Watson will throw on Sunday, Stefanski said.

And wide receiver Elijah Moore left practice early to be evaluated for a concussion.

The Browns are off Saturday and will hold their first practice at their facility in Berea, Ohio, on Sunday. — Daniel Oyefusi

(Last update: Aug. 2)

As a rookie, tight end Darnell Washington was used primarily as a blocker and had just 10 total targets, but it looks like that’s going to change in Arthur Smith’s offense. Smith, who has heavily utilized two-tight end sets with previous teams, has gone to Washington early and often in Steelers camp, including on the first “seven shots” play of Thursday’s practice. Quarterback Justin Fields connected with Washington in the end zone for a score, his first of the drill during this year’s camp.

“I’m just giving them the confidence to call it, call the plays, call the shots,” Washington said.

Washington is one of several Steelers tight ends Smith appears to be heavily utilizing in his scheme. Not only does Smith have Pat Freiermuth, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and Connor Heyward, but the team also signed former Falcons tight end MyCole Pruitt.

“It’s been fun when you can play with multiple tight ends,” said Smith, adding that the versatility of the tight ends can lend itself to more two-tight end sets. “Guys that can do a lot, especially on these early downs. It’s been a good camp for those guys.” — Brooke Pryor

(Last update: Aug. 1)

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, the offense had a two-minute drill session that started at its 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)

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has rebounded nicely after a rough first week of camp. In the past three days Lawrence has completed 42 of 52 passes with eight touchdowns and no interceptions in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.

Lawrence threw six TD passes on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday. He had just one incompletion in 17 pass attempts on Tuesday and just three incompletions in 14 attempts on Wednesday.

The entire Jaguars offense — not just Lawrence — struggled in the first four days of practice, especially in the red zone. The offense committed six turnovers inside the 20 in the first two days of camp, which included a pair of end zone interceptions by Lawrence. — Michael DiRocco

(Last update: July 31)

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

Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged Thursday what has been seen on the practice field for much of the week. That, at least for the moment, the three-man competition for the starting quarterback job that was the hallmark of the team’s offseason program, is down to two — Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix. Zach Wilson was skipped in the rotation to work the starting offense earlier this week as Stidham and Nix have traded looks. Stidham has worked with the starters the most this week, including Thursday’s practice.

“It’s not etched in stone, we talk about it at the beginning of the week,” Payton said. “It’s hard to rotate three with the first group … We’ll see how Saturday goes … not going to be a scrimmage, but it’s going to be like three phases, like move the ball. Sunday we’ll map out a plan [for the quarterbacks] leading up to [the Aug. 11 preseason opener in] Indianapolis.”

Payton also announced that tackle Quinn Bailey will have surgery in the coming days to repair a right ankle injury suffered during Wednesday’s practice. Bailey was taken from practice by ambulance after the team’s medical staff had put an air cast on Bailey’s right leg. He suffered a dislocated ankle as well as a fractured fibula and will have surgery to repair the damage from the dislocation next week.

“[There is] probably a good chance they just leave the fibula and let it heal. The main injury is the ankle. Very quickly he’ll be in the building rehabbing and that will be good.”

Bailey was a key reserve in the offensive line — Payton called him “lineman six” — and played as an extra tight end in some of the bigger personnel groupings. Second-year tackle Alex Palczewski got some additional work with the second-team offense Thursday in the wake of Bailey’s injury. — Jeff Legwold

(Last update: Aug. 1)

The Chiefs are giving a long look to Deneric Prince in practice as they search for running back depth to go along with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Prince has consistently worked as the second back into the lineup in most drills, behind Pacheco but ahead of Edwards-Helaire. Prince, if he makes the team, could win playing time as a third-down back.

Kansas City’s third-down back from the past couple of seasons, Jerick McKinnon, is unsigned and not in camp. Prince is high on the list of young players offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is eager to see when the Chiefs begin the preseason. “[Pass] protection is going to be critical,” Nagy said. Prince joined the Chiefs last year as an undrafted free agent and spent all of the season on the practice squad. — Adam Teicher

(Last update: Aug. 1)

With the Raiders off on Thursday, three-time first-team All-Pro receiver Davante Adams is expected to return to Las Vegas for the birth of his son. And Adams put an exclamation point on his Costa Mesa stay on Wednesday in 7-on-7 drills, going up high and over Jack Jones to “Moss” the cornerback down the right sideline on a pretty ball thrown by quarterback Aidan O’Connell.

Adams, the subject of so many trade rumors this offseason, especially to the Jets, said earlier in camp he was “in a really good place right now [with the Raiders]. I’m really happy to be out here with the guys.”

Still, as Las Vegas’ QB battle between O’Connell and Gardner Minshew has not seen anyone take a firm lead, Adams has looked frustrated at times with the proclivity of off-target balls thrown his way thus far. Especially wayward targets that would have led to big hits on the receiver. — Paul Gutierrez

(Last update: July 31)

The defense dominated in the Chargers’ first practice without Justin Herbert, and Joey Bosa looked like the best player on the field. In 1-on-1 drills against tackle Rashawn Salter, Bosa easily dominated his teammate and got multiple pressures in team periods.

“I thought Joey Bosa had an incredible day,” Harbaugh said.

Behind Bosa in the secondary, the cornerbacks were active again. For the second day in a row, practice ended with an interception. This time, rookie Tarheeb Still intercepted Max Duggan, who was late and off target on a throw to second-year wide receiver Derius Davis. Still returned the pick for a score. Cornerback Kristian Fulton also had an interception today, but officials blew the play dead after OLB Bud Dupree jumped offsides. Fulton approached reporters afterward and said, “Make sure y’all report that.”

“Tarheeb made a nice play on that,” Harbaugh said. “It was a really good day for the defense.” — Kris Rhim

(Last update: Aug. 1)


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