Friday, November 22, 2024
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Latest updates from NFL training camp: Micah Parsons has most active practice yet

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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

Micah Parsons‘ elbow soreness did not seem to be an issue Saturday. The linebacker did not do one-on-one pass rush drills but was a menace in team drills, working mostly on the line of scrimmage.

It was his most active practice of training camp and was similar to last year, when he wrecked a number of practices for the offense. He had at least three would-be sacks, including one where he was unblocked because of the look the defense gave the offensive line. He was in quarterback Dak Prescott‘s face a lot.

How happy was Parsons? He urged on the crowd to cheer before a few plays. After he playfully wrestled with cornerback Trevon Diggs, lifting him over his shoulders and ”slamming” him to the ground before getting the crowd to count to three for the pin. — Todd Archer

(Last update: Aug. 3)

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)

Though Washington coach Dan Quinn does not want to name Jayden Daniels the starting quarterback just yet, the rookie has quietly started to take all or most of the first-team snaps the past two days. The Commanders still want to see how he progresses but he has impressed teammates by how he has not only recognized leverages in coverage, but also how he has then adjusted.

During practice Friday, Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin on another back-shoulder throw in which McLaurin made a one-handed grab. The two have started to develop a good rhythm; Daniels has also connected often with tight end Zach Ertz. With two joint practice sessions as well as two preseason games in the next two weeks Washington will get a stronger feel for where Daniels is in his growth. But there has been no reason to doubt that, so far, the Commanders like where he’s headed. — John Keim

(Last update: Aug. 2)

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)

Friday’s practice was run in a scrimmage format, including officials, as coach Dan Campbell wanted to see players compete in a more formal setting. During the action, the offense executed some slick plays, which included WR Amon-Ra St. Brown pitching the ball to RB Jahmyr Gibbs and QB Jared Goff being targeted for a pass. Gibbs would score a couple of touchdowns in front of the fans in attendance. Kicker Jake Bates struggled, though, missing seven field goals and extra points combined.

Following practice, Aidan Hutchinson spent time with 13-year-old Max Robertson, who has Down syndrome, as part of his Hutch’s Heroes program, where he connects with children with disabilities. Hutchinson posed for photos and signed autographs as they danced and hit “The Griddy” together. Robertson, who lives in Plymouth, Michigan, was joined by his parents, Scott and Kristi, as well as his 9-year-old sister, Zoe.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Hutchinson told ESPN. “…Very inspiring.” — Eric Woodyard

(Last update: Aug. 2)

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)

Rookie defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez got some run with the first-team defense Friday, in part because starter Jonathan Bullard was taking a veteran’s rest day. But Rodriguez, a seventh-round pick from Texas A&M-Commerce, has also caught the eye of defensive coordinator Brian Flores early in camp.

“I think he’s done a lot of good things,” Flores said Saturday. “I think he’s picked up the playbook quickly. I think he’s full of energy. I think he’s got some athletic ability. It’s still early, but we’re trying to put him in as many situations as possible to see what roles might fit him best. We’re really doing that for everybody, but the young guys especially. It’s their first training camp. You don’t really know from a capacity standpoint how much they can handle early on. So you start with a small role and then try to build on that.”

Bullard, Harrison Phillips and free agent signee Jerry Tillery had previously gotten most of the first-team defensive line reps during camp, with veterans Jonah Williams and Jaquelin Roy working with the second team. Rodriguez’s recent work isn’t necessarily a sign that he’s shot past them on the depth chart, but the interest from coaches is real. — Kevin Seifert

(Last update: Aug. 3)

NFC SOUTH

Things ramped up for the Falcons physically for the first time Friday night in an open practice in front of fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That can certainly be seen as a positive given that pads went on earlier this week. But there were some perilous moments for a team that has been incredibly lucky when it comes to injuries thus far.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins got knocked down when the second-team pass rush pushed back the offensive line into him on one play. Cousins was fine. He completed the pass to tight end Kyle Pitts and got right back up. But that has to make Atlanta coaches hold their collective breath, considering Cousins is coming back from a torn Achilles.

Also Friday night, safety DeMarcco Hellams crushed wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III on a Cousins completion, jarring the ball loose. Wide receiver Drake London and running back Tyler Allgeier took umbrage. McCloud was fine, but that might have been a bit too violent for this juncture of the preseason. — Marc Raimondi

(Last update: Aug. 2)

The Panthers continue to be hit hard by injuries at tight end, opening the door for fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders to play a bigger role. Ian Thomas didn’t practice Saturday because of a calf injury and coach Dave Canales said the 2018 fourth-round pick, who had looked strong in camp, is in danger of missing the opener. Tommy Tremble (hamstring) is out at least one more week with a calf injury and Stephen Sullivan (quadriceps) was recently placed on injured reserve.

Those are huge losses for Canales’ offense, in which multiple TE-sets play a big role. With only three healthy players, Canales said the Panthers are looking for help at the position but he likes the progression of Sanders, who ended Thursday’s intrasquad scrimmage with a big catch.

“It has pushed him right up with that first group,” Canales said of the extra reps for Sanders. — David Newton

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Quarterback Derek Carr was sharp in 11-on-11 drills despite not having wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who was out with a hamstring issue. Carr’s best throw of the day was a deep pass to Chris Olave for a touchdown despite pressure from both Isaiah Foskey and Payton Turner. In the next set of 11-on-11 drills, Carr had another deep completion to Olave and then followed that with a touchdown pass to running back Alvin Kamara. He also kept the ball himself in a red zone situation and ran in for a touchdown before emphatically throwing the ball into the other field in celebration.

The Saints were also missing cornerback Marshon Lattimore, linebacker Demario Davis and running back Kendre Miller, among others. Defensive end Cameron Jordan had a rest day, while defensive tackle Bryan Bresee returned to full participation. — Katherine Terrell

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Bucs starting cornerback Jamel Dean notched his second interception this week off quarterback Baker Mayfield. Dean said he has been trying to catch 50 passes a day with the Jugs machine as interceptions have been a key point of emphasis. Coach Todd Bowles said after practice, “Whatever he’s doing, he needs to keep doing it.” Dean joked of Bowles, “He gives me crap all of the time. It’s never good enough. It’s hard to make the guy proud, man.” — Jenna Laine

(Last update: Aug. 2)

NFC WEST

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray put on a clinic Friday, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy in 11-on-11. On one play during a two-minute drive, Murray hit rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with a pass that only he could get to in the middle of two defenders, who, as Harrison got down, collided, forcing a third defender to enter the play. On another play, Murray hit wide receiver Greg Dortch, who had a defender draped all over him, with a pass that only Dortch could get to. Later, Murray, scrambling, put a pass low enough for Michael Wilson to make a play at the sideline, although the closest official ruled him out of bounds. Murray’s arm strength and his ability to throw at various angles has been recognized for years but an underrated part of his game has long been his accuracy, which has been on display all camp. — Josh Weinfuss

(Last update: Aug. 2)

The Rams wrapped up training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Saturday and will hold a joint practice at the Los Angeles Chargers‘ facility on Sunday. But while the Rams were planning to move to their new facility in Woodland Hills next week, they are pivoting and going back to their previous facility at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.

“The most important thing was making sure that when we do move into Woodland Hills, our players have everything that they need so that it doesn’t take away from our preparation,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said.

The plan is for the move to happen when the team travels to Houston in two and half weeks for their joint practice and preseason game with the Texans. The Rams will also hold a joint practice with the Cowboys in Oxnard, California, as well as a second joint practice with the Chargers. — Sarah Barshop

(Last update: Aug. 3)

One of the big questions facing the 49ers is how they will replace Arik Armstead on the interior of the defensive line. The team traded for Maliek Collins and signed Jordan Elliott and Yetur Gross-Matos in hopes that they could adequately do the job. While all have had their moments in this camp, Saturday belonged to Elliott, who repeatedly gave the Niners’ offensive line fits. Elliott had multiple sacks in team drills and had an impressive showing in one-on-one pass-rush drills.

“Elliott is so explosive, he’s so powerful and he’s got some movement too,” defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said.

Collins is the favorite to start inside next to Javon Hargrave but Elliott looks like he will have a prominent role this season. — Nick Wagoner

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Byron Murphy II has started to make his presence felt at Seahawks practice now that shoulder pads are on and contact is allowed.

The rookie defensive tackle chosen No. 16 overall in April’s draft has been one of the two most consistently impressive players in the one-on-one pass-rush drill, along with left tackle Charles Cross. Murphy has been displaying the ability to dominate blockers with strength or with quickness, and he did that again Saturday. In his first rep, Murphy overpowered an undrafted rookie with a bull rush, then used a fast get-off to blow past him on the next rep.

“He’s the guy that we thought he was,” coach Mike Macdonald said. “Again, let’s not crown him yet, but he’s on the way. He’s a force in there and I think the guys see it. I’m pleased with his effort. The guy brings it every day. Again, he’s a rookie. There’s things that we want to attack, but he’s a savvy football player, he knows what he’s doing out there, he’s not lost, he plays fast, plays rugged. So I think the future is bright for Mr. Murphy.” — Brady Henderson

(Last update: Aug. 3)

AFC EAST

The Bills held the team’s annual practice at the stadium and it started with quarterback Josh Allen continuing his tradition of wearing a unique Bills helmet, this time a black one with a red buffalo on it.

With running back Ty Johnson sidelined by a hamstring injury, rookie Ray Davis has stood out, including a big run toward the beginning of practice, but he did lose the ball at the end of the play. Davis has overall taken advantage of the extra opportunity with Johnson hurt. The defense, even with depth at safety remaining a concern, again had a nice practice. Nickel corner Taron Johnson made a play and picked off Allen when wide receiver Curtis Samuel failed to come down with a ball. The Bills are continuing to try a variety of wide receivers with the first-team offense, including Tyrell Shavers and KJ Hamler, and the battle for that final receiver spot will continue to be one to watch.

Both Von Miller and Matt Milano did not take part in team drills during the night practice. Offensive lineman La’el Collins did not participate as he is dealing with a knee injury and is day-to-day. Fifth-round pick Edefuan Ulofoshio left practice early with an injury. — Alaina Getzenberg

(Last update: Aug. 2)

After Saturday’s practice, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa commented on the wobbly nature of the high-top table he stood at during his news conference. I joked with him that, after he inked a $212 million extension last week, I knew someone who could afford to get it fixed. Tagovailoa took the joke in stride and said, “So do I — where’s Tyreek?”

The comment was more foreshadowing than anyone in attendance knew at the time, as Tyreek Hill was on the precipice of agreeing to a restructured contract worth $90 million over the next three years. No new years were added to Hill’s original deal with Miami, but the increase in fully guaranteed money (now $104.6 million over the total length of the original contract) is the most for a wide receiver in NFL history.

Hill has publicly stated his desire for an upgraded contract this offseason but insisted he didn’t want to be traded or do anything that hampered Miami’s financial flexibility. So he gets a record amount of guaranteed money, while the Dolphins keep their star happy without resetting the market — a win-win.

The Dolphins now have the core of their league-leading passing attack locked in for the foreseeable future, with Hill, Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle each inking extensions this offseason. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo had said early in training camp that the defense is almost always ahead of the offense. Before Saturday’s practice, he acknowledged he might have been guilty of a false start.

“I kind of spoke too soon,” Mayo said. “The offense, the last couple days, they’ve done well. I challenged our defense on that.”

The D seemed to answer Mayo’s challenge Saturday, intercepting two passes (safety Jaylinn Hawkins and cornerback Alex Austin) and raising its level of play from the prior two days. The offense still made its share of plays — tight end Hunter Henry and receiver K.J. Osborn were two top performers — but this was mostly a day the D answered back. — Mike Reiss

(Last update: Aug. 3)

It took eight practices, but the Jets finally got their starting offensive line on the field at the same time — a rare circumstance for this team. Right tackle Morgan Moses, who underwent pectoral surgery after the season, made his debut and took most of the starting reps, making the line whole.

Some perspective: A year ago, the starting five wasn’t together until Week 1, which will go down in infamy because of Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles injury on the fourth snap. The lack of cohesion up front was painfully obvious.

This time, the line should be able to develop chemistry in the coming weeks, although there will be limitations. Moses, left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker have pitch counts, meaning their reps will be monitored. Still, it’s better than nothing.

For his part, Moses, 33, said he experienced “pregame jitters” before his first practice, adding that Smith calmed him down. Asked what it’s like working with Rodgers, Moses said, “He makes our IQs rise.” — Rich Cimini

(Last update: Aug. 2)

AFC NORTH

The highlight of the Ravens’ situational intrasquad scrimmage was the connection between quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Rashod Bateman. Jackson completed four passes to Bateman for 61 yards.

There have been times over the past three years when Jackson and Bateman have had miscommunications. But on the final practice of Week 2 of camp, Bateman was able to get deep for a 24-yard pass and then made a contested 24-yard grab over the middle to convert a third-and-12.

In five drives, Jackson finished 10-of-16 (62.5%) for 108 yards, delivering some big plays but struggled to finish off drives. The only touchdown for the first-team offense was a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews.

After the fourth drive stalled on an incomplete pass to running back Justice Hill, Jackson took off his helmet and angrily threw it down while standing in the middle of the field. The NFL officials, who are visiting camp, threw a flag on Jackson. — Jamison Hensley

(Last update: Aug. 3)

On Thursday, Joe Burrow said he wanted his deep ball to be better. On Friday, Burrow threw two pretty good ones. Toward the end of practice, Burrow found WR Charlie Jones down the right sideline on a go ball. Jones withstood contact from rookie cornerback Josh Newton and made the grab. Then, Burrow found Shedrick Jackson on a scramble drill for another deep ball. Pushing the ball downfield is something the Bengals need to improve on after last season. When Burrow was at his healthiest, he was 24th in the league last year in air yards per attempt, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Cincinnati knows it has to create more opportunities for explosive passing plays. — Ben Baby

(Last update: Aug. 2)

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)

Rookie undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. continued his strong training camp with a pick-six during team drills on Saturday. It was easily one of the best defensive plays of camp. As he blitzed Justin Fields, Bishop adjusted to jump the route on a screen pass and snagged the ball for what would’ve been a sure-thing score in a game.

“When I get my hands on the ball, I try to make the most of it and go right back to defense and try to make another play,” Bishop said. “You know what I mean? So I want to get it into the end zone, so whenever I touch it, just get it, a one-man-job type deal.”

Bishop’s interception was part of a strong practice for the defense. Thomas Graham Jr. also intercepted Kyle Allen during “seven shots” for the defensive back’s second interception of camp. And the Steelers defense soundly won the padless “seven shots” drill 5-2 after being blanked 7-0 the night before during the team’s annual Friday Night Lights practice.

“He’s a guy that’s eager to learn,” safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said of Bishop. “He’s not a guy that you got to chase down to get extra work in, extra film in. … He’s trying to get better any way that he can. And when you see a guy like that, there’s the type of guy that I like to play with.” — Brooke Pryor

(Last update: Aug. 3)

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)

Rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu dominated at times in practice, a workout that was highlighted by a clutch sack on Anthony Richardson in a 2-minute period and another near-sack that forced an intentional grounding.

Latu has been steadily making his bid for extensive playing time on the Colts’ veteran defensive line with consistently impactful performances throughout camp. On Friday, he had an earlier play where he corralled Richardson on a read-option play as the quarterback attempted to get outside.

Latu’s presence is forcing Richardson to think twice on run plays.

“You can’t just pull the ball expecting to get outside as easily as it should be,” Richardson said. “He’s a great player, great young player and he keeps me honest.” — Stephen Holder

(Last update: Aug. 2)

New Jaguars returner Devin Duvernay is enthusiastic about the NFL’s new kickoff rules but didn’t take too much from seeing them play out live for the first time in Thursday night’s Hall of Fame game.

“It’s going to be a learning curve for everybody just trying to get used to it,” Duvernay said after Saturday’s practice at EverBank Stadium. “It’s definitely something we’ll play around with. But I’m excited about it.

“More opportunity means more times to make plays, and who can argue with that?”

Duvernay, who made two Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro once during his four seasons with Baltimore, said getting through the initial clump of players is the key to making those plays.

“Everyone’s on the same level, which is different,” said Duvernay, who averages 24.8 yards and has two TDs on 73 career kickoff returns. “The last kickoff, everyone’s on different levels, people doing different things, spacing the field out.

“I’m looking forward to it.” — Michael DiRocco

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is starting to come into form as a presence on the interior. Sweat took significant reps next to Jeffery Simmons and had an impact during team period. He used his quick feet along with a swim move to get past center Lloyd Cushenberry III and put pressure on quarterback Will Levis. Sweat shot into the backfield on the next play and forced Levis to throw what was supposed to be a screen pass into the dirt.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said he’s pushing Sweat to get extra conditioning by having him consistently run to the ball even if it’s on the opposite side of the field. The conditioning is showing, as Sweat is playing five to six consecutive snaps at a time. Sweat also stood out in a one-on-one pass-rushing period by using his bull rush. It has been a good week for Sweat, highlighted by purchasing a new house for his mother. — Turron Davenport

(Last update: Aug. 3)

AFC WEST

Coach Sean Payton tried to structure Saturday’s practice as close to a game situation as possible, including red zone and third-down situations to go with a full allotment of special teams. He even had the “get back” coach attempting to move players off the sideline.

“[There were] a lot of good things and a lot of things to clean up,” Payton said.

The Broncos largely escaped the affair injury free save for cornerback Levi Wallace, who is competing with Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis for the starting cornerback job opposite of Pat Surtain II. Wallace suffered a hamstring injury early on in the workout and did not participate in the bulk of the team drills. Wallace, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, was scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam after practice.

“We’ll know the significance of it [later Saturday],” Payton said.

Moss and Mathis got most of the work with the starters following Wallace’s injury — Surtain was held out of most of the drills as a rest day. — Jeff Legwold

(Last update: Aug. 3)

Wanya Morris, one of two candidates for the starting left tackle job, left practice early with a shoulder injury. If he’s out for any extended period, the injury would change the dynamics of his position battle with rookie Kingsley Suamataia. A second-round draft pick, Suamataia was getting most of the snaps with the first team. Morris, meanwhile, worked at guard before his injury as the Chiefs prepare him to play other positions in case he’s needed as a backup.

“He’s working hard number one on the things that we’re trying to teach him,” coach Andy Reid said of Suamataia. “There’s a lot of new things that he’s learning and he’s playing aggressively and getting better every day. He’s not taking steps back, which is important.”

Suamataia is working only at left tackle and Reid said the Chiefs have no plans to look at him at other positions. — Adam Teicher

(Last update: Aug. 2)

Gardner Minshew has seemingly taken a small, but noticeable, lead in the Raiders’ QB competition against Aidan O’Connell — even as the two continue to split reps with the first-team offense at a 50/50 clip.

“Gardner had a really good practice the other day,” said coach Antonio Pierce. “He made some really good throws, good control, good in operation. I thought Aidan made some plays; there was some drop series as well. But I don’t want to get caught in an emotional game. That’s like a roller coaster ride. We’re look at the body of work.”

As such, Pierce maintained he has no “date or timestamp” on announcing a starter. “But we’re looking to build on back-to-back days,” Pierce said.

Minshew’s prettiest pass of camp came on a rollout to the right, where he extended the play and found rookie tight end Brock Bowers in stride, streaking across the middle. O’Connell, meanwhile, had a pretty, long TD pass to Alex Bachman on Friday. — Paul Gutierrez

(Last update: Aug. 2)

Life without Justin Herbert has been difficult for the offense but has made things easy for this defense. On Friday, practice ended with an interception for the third day in a row, and Chargers quarterbacks threw three picks, the most in a day so far in camp. The first pick came on an Easton Stick pass that was intercepted by CB Kristian Fulton, who is having a great camp.

The next was by linebacker Nick Niemann, who secured his first interception of camp off of a Max Duggan pass that was deflected by rookie CB Cam Hart. The final pick came from LB Troy Dye, intercepting Stick to end practice. On each interception, the defense ran to the end zone and celebrated with fans.

It wasn’t all bad for the offense; RB J.K. Dobbins was explosive and broke two long runs, and WR Ladd McConkey had a nice one-handed catch in 1-on-1 drills, but the defense already had the upper hand in camp. Without Herbert, its dominance has accelerated. — Kris Rhim

(Last update: Aug. 2)


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