Thursday, September 19, 2024
Sports

Updates from NFL training camp: Panthers leaning toward holding out Bryce Young

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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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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

What our NFL Nation reporters saw today

NFC EAST

For the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee in September, All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs was in full pads.

Diggs was activated off the physically unable to perform list last week, and he has been worked in smartly to keep him progressing without any setbacks. Diggs went through some individual drills before jumping into 7-on-7 work. He was not tested much but gave up one catch in a scramble situation. He nearly had an interception on a short Trey Lance pass to David Durden, showing the burst that has made him one of the better corners in the league. — Todd Archer

(Last update: Aug. 5)

The Giants’ first of two joint practices with the Detroit Lions was at times a Royal Rumble. At one point, quarterback Daniel Jones even jumped into the mix.

“You try to stand up for your guys,” Jones said afterward.

Thankfully, he was quickly pulled away from the skirmish by coaches. The Giants don’t want their starting quarterback, who’s coming off an ACL tear, in that kind of mix. From a bigger picture, New York more than held its own against a Lions team that made the NFC Championship Game last season. At least from an offensive perspective, the Giants probably got the better of Detroit.

This is a far cry from when these same teams met last summer and the Lions dominated. Perhaps most impressive was Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had nine balls thrown in his direction and caught all nine (although it was debatable whether one deep ball was in bounds). He has a chance to be special. — Jordan Raanan

(Last update: Aug. 5)

Former New York Jets offensive lineman Mekhi Becton appears to be making some inroads in the competition for the starting right guard job. Second-year player Tyler Steen got first crack, but an ankle injury sidelined him for several practices, allowing Becton to make a push. He graded out well in the intrateam scrimmage the Eagles held Sunday night, according to coach Nick Sirianni.

“I like the things he can do, but we’re so early in this,” Sirianni said. “We’ve got a lot of football left to play. I don’t want to say, ‘Hey, he’s got to do this to earn this.’ He’s in a competition for his job.”

Becton, the No. 11 pick in the 2020 draft, is attempting to make the transition from tackle to guard. There have been some bumps along the way to go with the highs, including a false start Monday with the offense backed up near the end zone. On the next play, Jordan Davis shot through his side of the interior (it’s not clear whose responsibility Davis was) and tackled Saquon Barkley for a safety. — Tim McManus

(Last update: Aug. 5)

Washington signed defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth to provide more depth during training camp, a nod in part to how the team feels it needs to handle second-round rookie Johnny Newton. He did not practice Sunday (after being limited Friday) as he recovers from May surgery on his left foot. Coach Dan Quinn said it’s a case of “load management” as some days Newton will do more, then taper off the next. Quinn also said they want to limit the wear and tear on defensive tackle Jon Allen, entering his eighth season. Washington might need more help at right tackle as well with starter Andrew Wylie limited again Sunday due to tightness in an unspecified area. A backup, Alex Akingbulu is dealing with an unspecified leg injury as well. That forced the Commanders to use backup guard Mason Brooks as their No. 2 right tackle in practice Sunday. — John Keim

(Last update: Aug. 4)

NFC NORTH

Starting right guard Nate Davis returned to practice Sunday after being sidelined with a strain since July 27. After participating in walk through, stretch and a handful of individual drills, Davis then exited the field and went to the training room, which a team source indicated was by design given he is in a ramp-up period after being sidelined for more than a week. The Bears are expecting the right guard to continue to progress where he’ll be able to get back with the starting O-line soon.

The starting offensive line was in of flux during Sunday’s two-plus hour padded practice. In addition to Davis not being ready for team drills, right tackle Darnell Wright was also sidelined as was left guard Teven Jenkins, who exited practice early with a trainer and did not return. The Bears mixed Ja’Tyre Carter and Jerome Carvin at left guard and had to move Ryan Bates from center to right guard while Coleman Shelton handled snapping duties during a situational period. The offense understandably struggled and did not convert in the two-minute drill, which coach Matt Eberflus made the first-team offensive do over after poor execution on the first try.

The Bears are six days away from their second preseason game at Buffalo on Aug. 10. Eberflus said the health of the team will actor into who plays in those games as it remains to be seen whether rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will make his NFL debut against the Bills if the offensive line continues to be without multiple starters. — Courtney Cronin

(Last update: Aug. 4)

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)

The revolving door at right tackle is about to come to an end. The next time the Packers are on the practice field, Zach Tom will be back at his familiar spot. Tom has not taken a single 11-on-11 rep in training camp while recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. To date, he had been limited to only individual drills. In his absence, the Packers have tried Andre Dillard, Kadeem Telfort and Caleb Jones at that spot.

“It’s tough on the O-line right now,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said.

And it has been tough for Tom to watch, especially during Saturday night’s practice inside Lambeau Field in front of 60,887 for the team’s annual Family Night.

“Tonight was probably the toughest practice to miss, just not being out there,” Tom said after the practice. “It will be nice to get back out there next week.”

LaFleur also said tight end Tucker Kraft, who suffered a similar torn pectoral this offseason, will return to individual drills next week. — Rob Demovsky

(Last update: Aug. 3)

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

Running back Bijan Robinson left practice early Monday and went into the workout room for circuits on the battle ropes and bike. The Falcons have not commented, though it doesn’t appear Robinson is dealing with any kind of injury at this stage and the team might just be managing his workload. When asked if all the RBs will play in the team’s preseason game Friday against the Miami Dolphins, running backs coach Michael Pitre said that would be a good question for coach Raheem Morris, who did not speak with the media Monday.

In Robinson’s absence, running back Tyler Allgeier got the majority of the first-team rushes in practice, followed by Carlos Washington Jr., who seems to have emerged in a battle for the third running back role with Avery Williams and rookie Jase McClellan. Defensive linemen Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams joined Robinson in the workout room on the bike, though Smith-Williams later returned to the sidelines. — Marc Raimondi

(Last update: Aug. 5)

It doesn’t sound like quarterback Bryce Young will play much, if at all, in Thursday’s preseason opener at New England. Coach Dave Canales said Monday that he has gone back and forth on whether to let Young play in any preseason games. He’s already down backup quarterback Andy Dalton (hamstring) and doesn’t want to risk losing Young. Rookie Jack Plummer has gotten a ton of reps with Dalton out and Jake Luton was signed Monday with an eye on getting him ready for Thursday. The benefit of playing Young is giving him time with new center Austin Corbett and his new receivers. But first-round pick Xavier Legette (foot) won’t play against the Patriots, and it doesn’t make sense to risk veteran receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. Young played some last preseason, but last year was his “first at everything,” so the reps probably were needed for the 2023 No. 1 pick. — David Newton

(Last update: Aug. 5)

Quarterback Jake Haener missed practice to have a procedure related to his skin cancer, so Derek Carr and rookie Spencer Rattler split all the reps. The Saints were back in pads and did extensive two-minute drill work again. Carr led the offense down the field in a two-minute end-of-game situation that ended with a Blake Grupe field goal. Rattler had four straight pass attempts to tight ends in the same situation, connecting on three of them, to also set up for a field goal attempt, but Grupe’s kick went off the upright.

“A lot of good situations came up today,” coach Dennis Allen said.

The specific situation the Saints worked on was an end-of-game scenario where they were down two points.

“We’re trying to create some stressful situations on both sides of the ball. I thought we operated in those situations … pretty well,” Allen said.

Injuries: Alvin Kamara had a rest day. Payton Turner returned from a toe injury. Kendre Miller, Rashid Shaheed, Marshon Lattimore, Nick Saldiveri, Bub Means, Paulson Adebo and Pete Werner were among those out with injuries. — Katherine Terrell

(Last update: Aug. 5)

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

Running back James Conner put on a show for the fans at the Cardinals’ annual red and white practice. In 11-on-11, without tackling, he had hard run after hard run, showcasing a variety of inside and outside moves. He didn’t seem to miss a beat running behind an interior of an offensive line that has been reshaped all week after center Hjalte Froholdt went down with a left leg injury Tuesday. Since then, Arizona has used both Evan Brown and Jon Gaines II at center and Elijah Wilkinson, Isaiah Adams and Gaines at left guard. — Josh Weinfuss

(Last update: Aug. 3)

The Rams held their first joint practice of training camp Sunday, the first of two times they’ll practice against the Chargers this month. The offense struggled at times against the Chargers’ defense, and coach Sean McVay said the team has “way higher standards” than what it showed on that side of the ball.

A big part of those struggles, though, came because the Rams are missing three starters on their offensive line, as right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle) and left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) are all considered week-to-week with their injuries.

When asked what he is looking to see from the team at this point in training camp, McVay said, “consistent improvement.”

“Patience isn’t something that I’m very familiar with, as you know,” McVay joked, “but I think there’s an understanding of ‘Let’s keep building,’ especially if you’ve got some guys that are getting reps for the first time based on some people that we do have out.”

The Rams were also without wide receiver Puka Nacua for part of practice after he got up slowly during a team drill. McVay said he didn’t have an update on the second-year receiver, who had his right knee wrapped in ice for a portion of practice. — Sarah Barshop

(Last update: Aug. 4)

After a couple of rough practices last week in which he threw seven interceptions over two days, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy was again under the microscope for those who remain skeptical about him as a franchise signal-caller set to cash in next offseason. On Sunday, Purdy discussed his mindset when it comes to practice picks, emphasizing his past stance that he doesn’t like to throw them but that this is also the time to try things that he might not do in games. “I take pride in protecting the ball for our offense and our team, so obviously I’m mad when I’m not completing the ball to our guys and it’s going to the defense,” Purdy said. “I’m hard on myself and the coaches are, too … But with that, now is the time to be trying out some stuff in terms of throwing some windows and some tight coverages and whatnot. I’ve still got to grow, I’ve still got to be better. I’m hard on myself, but now is the time to do it.” — Nick Wagoner

(Last update: Aug. 4)

Quarterback Geno Smith made his return to action Monday after missing the past four practices while he underwent testing on knee and hip injuries.

The Seahawks got their QB1 back. Could they soon get a new center as well?

The team has remained interested in veteran Connor Williams, who made a free agent visit to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center at the start of training camp. The 27-year-old Williams, who’s coming off a torn ACL he suffered Dec. 11 with the Dolphins, passed his physical with Seattle, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

On Monday, agent Drew Rosenhaus told 560 WQAM sports radio in Miami that he’s negotiating with the Seahawks — among other teams — and that Williams could sign somewhere soon.

“He is healthy. He absolutely is,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s in negotiations with the Seahawks, and there’s a few other teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Connor signs within the next 48 to 72 hours. It’s a wonderful development for Connor, who had a heartbreaking injury in the Titans’ Monday night game. He was on his way to a Pro Bowl season and a lucrative contract extension. Tore his ACL and this guy fought so hard. We weren’t even sure if he was going to play this year, and now he’s going to be ready to play in the first game of the season. It’s probably, in my career, without a doubt one of the greatest comebacks I’ve ever seen.” — Brady Henderson

(Last update: Aug. 5)

AFC EAST

Monday’s practice featured some of the team’s most extensive 11-on-11 work through camp thus far, and tensions were felt with a skirmish breaking out after defensive tackle DeShawn Williams hit wide receiver and returner Andy Isabella at the end of a play.

Isabella was later carted off the field, but he later was walking with a sleeve on his leg. His injury could impact the team’s returner competition with Daequan Hardy, who intercepted quarterback Shane Buechele as he dealt with pressure Monday, and KJ Hamler, who was notably heavily targeted during practice, fighting for that role and a roster spot.

Overall, the day was won by the defense as the offense dealt with pressure and miscommunications, but the unit ended on a positive note with a nice catch from tight end Dalton Kincaid with safety Taylor Rapp in coverage on a throw from Josh Allen. — Alaina Getzenberg

(Last update: Aug. 5)

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)

Left tackle Tyron Smith missed Monday’s practice with “tightness” in a “lower extremity,” according to coach Robert Saleh. Smith, 33, is expected to practice Tuesday, Saleh added.

On the surface, this is not a big deal, but we’re talking about an eight-time Pro Bowl player with a history of durability issues. He’s also supposed to be quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ blindside protector.

“We just want to take a little extra precaution with him,” Saleh said.

The injury apparently occurred Friday. On Saturday, Smith didn’t participate in the intrasquad scrimmage in what was termed a “rest” day. Because of his injury history (37 missed games in the past four years), he’s on a maintenance program that allows for occasional rest days. The team was off Sunday, giving Smith three straight days to recover.

The upside is that first-round pick Olu Fashanu, projected as Smith’s backup, has been getting extra reps with the starters. — Rich Cimini

(Last update: Aug. 5)

AFC NORTH

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman appeared to injure his midsection on the play of the day for the Ravens. Toward the end of practice, he outjumped two defenders in the end zone to catch a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson, but he hurt himself after he fell hard to the ground.

After taking a while to get to his feet, Bateman walked to the sideline holding the left side of his ribs and didn’t return to take another snap. An injury to Bateman’s midsection sidelined him for one practice last week. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he wasn’t given any update on Bateman after practice.

Bateman was having a strong training camp for the Ravens. He had four catches for 61 yards in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.

“Bate’s going to be explosive this year,” Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington said after Monday’s practice. “He’s going to make a lot of plays for us, for sure.”

Bateman, a 2021 first-round pick, has struggled to stay healthy. He has missed a total of 18 games over the past three seasons. — Jamison Hensley

(Last update: Aug. 5)

The defense had a strong day punctuated by team drills at the end of Sunday’s practice. The first-team offense was stopped twice and rookie safety Daijahn Anthony, a seventh-round pick, tallied another camp interception. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s group was aggressive and talkative throughout the day, with safety Vonn Bell doing his best to work with special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons, who served as the line judge on drills. It was arguably the best the defense has looked so far in camp. — Ben Baby

(Last update: Aug. 4)

Wide receiver Elijah Moore missed practice Sunday after being placed in concussion protocol but is progressing — as he returned to practice in a limited capacity Monday. Moore took part in individual drills during the padded practice but watched during any drills that involved contact, including 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.

With Moore back at practice, the Browns are close to fielding their top-three receiving corps of Moore, Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy for the first time in training camp. Jeudy, who was sidelined for the start of camp because of an injury, participated in team drills for the first time Sunday. He took part in individual drills Monday but was held out of team drills. — Daniel Oyefusi

(Last update: Aug. 5)

For the first time in 10 practices, Russell Wilson threw a pass during a live, 11-on-11 team period.

The quarterback, who injured his calf over a week ago, had previously only entered team periods to hand the ball off, and it appeared that’s what he was supposed to do for this rep, too.

Instead, Wilson, who was working with the third team at the end of the period, appeared to change the play at the line of scrimmage, calling out to his teammates. And rather than hand the ball off, Wilson threw a checkdown pass to wide receiver Duece Watts for a short gain. Coach Mike Tomlin, though, said after practice his quarterback didn’t audible the play, and Wilson wasn’t available for interviews.

Wilson’s participation has slowly ramped up over the past six days, with the quarterback continuing to throw during individual warmups and during the 7-on-7 period. During a 2-on-2 period Sunday, Wilson was intercepted for the first time as he underthrew wide receiver Jaray Jenkins. Safety Nathan Meadors made a play on it and snagged the pass away. In subsequent reps, Wilson found a wide open George Pickens for a score, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Jacob Copeland. Wilson has also gone in for a handful of handoffs, including the first rep of the opening team period at the team’s Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

The Steelers have Monday off after six consecutive days of practice, and when asked how much he expected Wilson to ramp up after the rest day, Tomlin was coy.

“See you next week,” he said. — Brooke Pryor

(Last update: Aug. 4)

AFC SOUTH

The Texans’ offense controlled practice for the first time in training camp. Quarterback C.J. Stroud made excellent throws outside the numbers — both inside and outside of structure. Stroud connected with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell on out-breaking routes perfectly. This outing showed a glimpse of why there’s so much hype around the offense. The defense didn’t just roll over, though. The unit had a couple of plays where it netted a sack, and newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair was able to intercept Stroud. — DJ Bien-Aime

(Last update: Aug.5)

The Colts continue to tinker with their safeties, still searching for an acceptable lineup on the back end of their defense.

Veteran starter Julian Blackmon is the mainstay and has turned in a dazzling performance in training camp. But major questions remain around third-year player Nick Cross and journeyman veteran Ronnie Harrison. As for where things stand, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said coaches will make a decision “as soon as someone consistently steps up” on Monday. He added, “I don’t think we’re anywhere close right now.”

Cross had an impressive interception in Monday’s practice but that comes after a slow start to camp. Meanwhile, the Colts might be in the mix for veteran free agent Justin Simmons, who remains on the market and is believed to be nearing a decision on where to sign. — Stephen Holder

(Last update: Aug. 5)

All that wide receiver Gabe Davis could see was cornerback Montaric Brown flying over him. He didn’t feel bad about it either, since Brown was the reason he was on his back in the first place.

Brown hit Davis and knocked him to the ground during 11-on-11 after Davis caught a pass from Trevor Lawrence. Brown made it worse by standing over Davis and taunting the veteran.

That’s when receiver Christian Kirk came off the sideline and blasted Brown, which sparked both sidelines to come on the field into a giant pile.

“I was on the ground, so I didn’t start any of that,” Davis, who signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Jaguars in March, said. “Guys are getting a little chippy out there and it’s just football. I’m fine.”

It wasn’t until things calmed down that Davis found out it was Kirk who came to his defense.

“As he should,” Davis joked. — Michael DiRocco

(Last update: Aug. 5)

Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey had another good day of work. Kinsey continues to showcase his crisp route-running throughout practice. The third-year receiver especially stood out during one-on-ones. Kinsey made a couple of nice catches during team period as well. One of his catches resulted in a touchdown after he lost defensive back Gabe Jeudy-Lally in coverage. Kinsey dove into the end zone and did a salsa dance for the friends and family watching from a nearby tent. Kinsey has made a habit of celebrating. On Saturday he caught a touchdown pass and punted the ball over a fence, which drew a fake $17,000 fine letter from coach Brian Callahan. The touchdown, along with a diving catch for 30-plus yards, came on throws from Mason Rudolph. The two are developing a pretty cool connection. “Well, first off, he has a pretty cool name,” Rudolph joked after practice. — Turron Davenport

(Last update: Aug. 4)

AFC WEST

When the Broncos told safety Caden Sterns on Monday he would be released — or traded in the unlikely event they found a trade partner at this point in training camps — it immediately gave two of the team’s young safeties — JL Skinner and Devon Key — a much better chance at some playing time. Sterns missed all but two snaps last season with a knee injury and had been splitting time in a group of safeties working with the starters.

“I visited with Caden [on Monday] morning and told him right now we felt like it was in the best interest of our team, and especially this early, when he’ll have a chance to possibly sign with another team or possibly traded,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “[But] part of it is the byproduct of these guys playing in front of him right now.”

Expected starter Brandon Jones has been out with a hamstring injury and Skinner, a 2023 sixth-round pick, had been getting more and more of the work with the starters instead of Sterns. — Jeff Legwold

(Last update: Aug. 5)

Guard Joe Thuney returned to practice several days ago from the physically unable to perform list but has yet to progress beyond working in individual drills. Thuney, an All-Pro selection last season, missed all of offseason practice after injuring a pectoral muscle during last season’s playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. Since his return, Thuney yields his starting spot at left guard to Mike Caliendo when the Chiefs work against a defense.

“He’ll keep increasing as we go,” coach Andy Reid said. “I can’t tell you exactly when and where … but we’ll just see how he continues to progress.”

Thuney led all guards each season since joining the Chiefs in 2021 in pass block win rate. Thuney last season was at 99.3%. — Adam Teicher

(Last update: Aug. 5)

While neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell has taken the QB job and run with it yet, Minshew appears to have a slight edge as the Raiders only have two more practices before breaking camp in Costa Mesa, California, and heading to Minnesota for the exhibition opener.

“I don’t think we can sit there and say somebody’s won yet,” coach Antonio Pierce said. “I think they’ve both had good moments.”

Monday, both QBs had subpar moments with even Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson in attendance. A consistent presence, though, has been receiver Jakobi Meyers, who has taken on the look of a true No. 1 wideout, especially with the continued absence of Davante Adams, who left the team after Wednesday’s practice to return to Las Vegas for the birth of his son.

“No baby,” Pierce said. “No baby yet. Whenever the baby comes, I expect him to come back, so I’m not going to rush the baby. I’m not a doctor.” — Paul Gutierrez

(Last update: Aug. 5)

After Sunday’s joint practice with the Rams, Monday’s practice was mostly run at half speed and without pads. Still, even at this pace, the defense continued to make plays. Cornerback Kristian Fulton snagged two interceptions, and linebacker Nick Niemann added another. The defense has dominated this offseason, including forcing three turnovers against the Rams on Sunday, which made Rams coach Sean McVay say that his unit needs to play to a higher standard.

The defense was the Achilles’ heel of the Chargers last season, allowing the fifth-most yards per game (362.9) and ninth-most points (23.4). Fans might get a chance to see some of this new defense in the preseason, as coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that he is still undecided on playing starters and will treat it on a “case-by-case basis.” — Kris Rhim

(Last update: Aug. 5)


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