Seahawks ‘getting after it’ as multiple fights break out at camp
RENTON, Wash. — At least five fights broke out at Seattle Seahawks practice on Wednesday, including one in which star wide receiver DK Metcalf swung a helmet at cornerback Tre Brown.
In what was the Seahawks’ chippiest training camp practice in recent memory, the scuffling continued even after new coach Mike Macdonald briefly halted the action to address the team.
“We’ve been getting after it,” Macdonald said afterward while appearing on the NFL Network. “I’m proud of how we responded today. We came out and we were ready to practice. I don’t know what the numbers are, but we’ve been out here, I don’t know, 14 of the past 16 days. I think we’re tired of going against one another, but the guys are spirited.
“We had a great practice, and we’re excited for Saturday.”
That’s when the Seahawks open the preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Wednesday’s fighting started when Brown and wide receiver Jake Bobo locked horns at the end of one play in 11-on-11 and exchanged blows. Brown landed one right after Bobo’s helmet came off, bloodying the wideout’s nose.
A few minutes later, as an athletic trainer was tending to Bobo on the sideline, tight end Pharaoh Brown and linebacker Tyrel Dodson tussled after Brown took exception to the hard hit that Dodson leveled on Ken Walker III as the running back was crossing the goal line.
At the end of an ensuing play shortly after, Brown and Metcalf went after each other in the end zone. As teammates tried to separate them, Metcalf grabbed Brown’s helmet and swung it at him, hitting safety K’Von Wallace. Brown’s helmet was equipped with a Guardian Cap.
Macdonald then cut the music and paused practice, bringing the team together around him.
The fighting then continued with wide receiver Dee Eskridge and cornerback Carlton Johnson going after each other later in the same 11-on-11 period.
A few minutes later, as offensive and defensive linemen faced each other in one-on-ones, edge rusher Derick Hall took exception to a late shove from guard Christian Haynes, leading to a brawl between the sides that resulted in both players getting ejected from practice.
Macdonald was asked on the NFL Network where the line is when it comes to fighting at practice.
“We’re right on the line right now, and I think the guys realize that,” he said. “‘Hey, let’s take care of one another.’
“Definitely don’t want people fighting out here and stuff, especially against our own teammates. DK gave a great message at the end of practice, just kind of putting everything into perspective. The guys finished out the right way. Proud of our guys.”
Giants, Lions each fined $200,000 for fights at joint practices
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants and Detroit Lions were each fined $200,000 for multiple fights at joint practices this week, the NFL confirmed Wednesday.
All NFL teams were reminded in a memo last month that “fighting and unprofessional conduct at joint practices would not be tolerated.” The league is putting an increased emphasis on keeping these get-togethers clean this year.
It didn’t seem to deter the Giants or Lions. There were more than a dozen scuffles over the two days of joint practices between the teams this week. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones got in the middle of one skirmish Monday and the two teams cut practice short Tuesday because of constant incidents, including one during a kickoff return drill late in practice.
Giants coach Brian Daboll and Lions coach Dan Campbell elected to ditch the final period of Tuesday’s practice after repeated problems.
“It was a heated practice,” Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers said after throwing haymakers with Lions safety Kerby Joseph during the second of the two workouts. “Words are being said and stuff like that is going to happen.”
The Giants and Lions face off Thursday night in their preseason opener at MetLife Stadium.
There was pushing and shoving on multiple occasions during both days of joint practices. But there were also players throwing punches at opposing players wearing helmets during each session.
That is not what either coach or team wanted.
“We’re going to try to clean up some of the things that led to some of that, but we’re going to play hard and play physical and have another good practice,” Daboll said after the first day.
“[Daboll] and I talked, just a couple things there,” Campbell added. “We got a couple guys who go rogue and do some things and start something. But, honestly, not a big deal. A lot of it was guys breaking stuff up.”
The Giants and Lions walked off the field without incident on both days. No players appeared to be seriously injured from the melees.
Sources: Patriots won’t pursue trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk
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After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk’s availability, the New England Patriots have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the San Francisco 49ers regarding their standout wide receiver, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Patriots were one of three teams that had been in contact with the Niners about a potential trade for Aiyuk, along with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN.
New England had been attempting to acquire Aiyuk for months, and it had been a slow process from its side, according to sources. New England was willing to make Aiyuk one of the top five highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL in terms of average salary per year, a source said.
Aiyuk, a second-team All-Pro and the Niners’ best receiver in 2023, was at the team facility Tuesday but did not participate in practice as he continued his hold-in. Through the team’s first 11 practices of training camp, Aiyuk, 26, has often been spotted watching practice from the sideline, but that hasn’t happened over the past couple of sessions. He has, however, been attending meetings and participating regularly in those.
The Niners confirmed early Tuesday that Aiyuk had received permission to negotiate with other teams but said there is still a scenario where a deal gets done to keep Aiyuk in San Francisco.
“It’s been at this point for a little bit, so nothing really new to me,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday. “You’re always disappointed when you can’t keep hold of all your players or it’s not going exactly right. I don’t like losing anybody, so that’s why I’m hoping it does work out here. But right now, we don’t have that solved yet. I hope it does.”
The situation could lead to several outcomes, including Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal that would pay him $14.124 million, sources said. Other teams are willing to pay Aiyuk more than twice as much, but he has balked so far at multiple offers, according to sources.
The 49ers also have to be comfortable with any trade compensation, and sources told ESPN that the reigning NFC champions are willing to keep Aiyuk.
“Brandon’s a great player, so it’s real hard to be better when you lose a great player,” Shanahan said. “We’ve got to look into anything. We’ve got to understand the situation we’re in, what that looks like, and it does take time — so hopefully, it’ll all work out the best for him and the best for us in the long run.”
The Steelers’ talks with the 49ers had been stalled as of Monday night, but the teams reengaged in trade discussions Tuesday in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams, as well, sources told Schefter.
When asked about reports linking the Browns to Aiyuk and whether he is a player who could help Cleveland, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “I don’t really get into reports or speculate. … I’m really just focused on today and practice.”
Stefanski also said he would keep private any conversations he has had with Cleveland wide receiver Amari Cooper, whose name has been floated in a hypothetical deal for Aiyuk.
A first-round pick of the Niners in 2020, Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Nick Wagoner and Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.
Colts WR Josh Downs tackled in practice, injures ankle
- Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs left practice with an ankle injury Wednesday morning, needing the assistance of two team staffers to leave the field before being carried on a cart to the locker room.
The Colts did not disclose specific information about the injury, but a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Downs suffered a high ankle sprain.
Downs, entering his second NFL season, is a critical member of the Colts’ offense after catching 68 passes for 771 yards last season — second on the team in both categories.
Adding to the frustration of the injury was the fact that it might have been avoidable. Downs was tackled from behind on the play by safety Nick Cross as Downs was going out of bounds after catching a short pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Further, the play came in a 7-on-7 period where physicality is generally discouraged.
Coach Shane Steichen was critical of Cross’ tackle, saying, “We’ve got to be smart. We’re competing like crazy but we’ve got to stay off the ground and we can’t go down, bottom line.”
Steichen reprimanded Cross on the field following the play, even while Downs was still being attended to.
Speaking to reporters after practice, Cross said, “We’re competing, playing football. Josh is my guy. I love him to death.”
If Downs is out for an extended period, it raises the stakes in the battle for the Colts’ No. 3 wide receiver spot behind No. 1 Michael Pittman Jr. and Downs at No. 2.
Veteran Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell have been alternating with the starting offense, with coaches waiting for one to separate. Both have shown significant progress in recent practices, and coaches expect both will play a role in the offense.
Steelers’ Russell Wilson listed as QB1, won’t play vs. Texans
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LATROBE, Pa. — Despite being very limited with a calf injury during the first half of training camp, quarterback Russell Wilson is ahead of Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback job, coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday.
The Steelers released their first depth chart Tuesday night, listing Wilson as the starter and Fields second.
“You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday,” Tomlin said. “That is real.”
Wilson, however, won’t participate in Friday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans. Fields and the first-team offense will play “a couple series,” Tomlin said, and it will be another opportunity for Fields to gain ground on Wilson.
“I think everything is an audition,” Tomlin said. “Everything that we do is an audition not only for him but for others.”
In addition to Wilson, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Isaac Seumalo, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen will not participate in Friday night’s game, Tomlin said, citing both veteran status and minor training camp injuries.
Wilson, who previously didn’t play in any preseason game in 2022 during his first year in Denver, accepted Tomlin’s decision not to play him Friday but said he’ll be ready to go if called upon.
“I’m prepared to play,” Wilson said. “I know that. So it’s whatever coach’s decision [is]. Obviously he’s the boss man that gets to make the decisions on that, but I’ll be ready to go.
“There’s been several [preseasons] where I haven’t played, so it’s nothing new. I think I’ve been fortunate to play, I don’t know, 200 games or something like that. I don’t know how many it is now. So I know what it looks like, I know the speed of it.”
While Wilson has continued to hold the top spot at the position despite the calf injury, Tomlin said he still views it as a competition.
“Very much is a competition,” Tomlin said. “What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice.”
Tomlin also said he’s not concerned about Wilson’s lack of first-team reps.
Wilson was an onlooker for most team periods through the first 10 practices of training camp, but he ramped up his participation Tuesday, taking four reps in the team’s “seven shots” drill, handing the ball off three times and throwing one touchdown pass to George Pickens. He completed another pass to Pickens during an 11-on-11 period.
“A lot of it is trusting the doctors and the trainers,” Wilson said of the process working him back into practice. “Then obviously every morning I’m getting up super early, training and getting ready to rock and roll. We try to be really smart about how much I’m doing every day, but we’re pushing it too.
“I’m the kind of guy that wants to go all the time, and Coach Tomlin, he’ll just pull you back a little bit. So I think that balance is really good.”
With Wilson limited, Fields has taken the bulk of the first-team reps in team periods and walkthroughs.
“I’m just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get,” Fields said. “I know that if he wasn’t hurt, then I wouldn’t be in this position. So it’s just opportunities for me. I’m just trying to take full advantage of it, to be honest with you, but I’m trying to just approach every practice the same, get better each and every day and just build that chemistry.”
Fields has been impressive in his connection with Pickens and wide receiver Van Jefferson and challenged the Steelers’ defense with his running ability.
“I think he just comes to compete every day,” Tomlin said of Fields. “He’s got an awesome competitive spirit. We got a competitive environment, and it seems like he’s enjoying it. He’s doing a really good job of acclimating himself to it and to his teammates and letting his talent show.”
The Steelers have also been in contact with the San Francisco 49ers as a potential trade partner for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, sources told ESPN.
Asked about the potential of adding any additional players to the wide receiver room, Tomlin didn’t offer any insight.
“I’ll let you guys speculate on that,” he said with a grin.
Tomlin was also asked during a radio interview if he had any early calls Wednesday morning.
“It’s a little early on the west side,” he said.
NCAA hands Jim Harbaugh 4-year show-cause for recruiting violations
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The NCAA announced a four-year show-cause order for former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday for impermissible contact with recruits and players while access was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively banning him from college athletics until August 2028.
The NCAA said Harbaugh, who left his alma mater to coach the Los Angeles Chargers after last season’s national championship, “engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations.”
The NCAA had already put Michigan on three years of probation along with a fine and recruiting limits after reaching a negotiated resolution in the case. Harbaugh did not go along with the agreement, disputing allegations he failed to cooperate with investigators, so his case was handled separately.
“The panel noted that Harbaugh’s intentional disregard for NCAA legislation and unethical conduct amplified the severity of the case and prompted the panel to classify Harbaugh’s case as Level I-Aggravated, with penalties to include a four-year show-cause order. Subsumed in the show-cause order is a one-season suspension for Harbaugh,” the NCAA said.
The recruiting case is separate from the NCAA’s investigation into impermissible in-person scouting and sign stealing allegations that roiled Michigan’s championship season in 2023 and resulted in a three-game suspension of Harbaugh by the Big Ten Conference.
A show-cause penalty means a school wanting to hire a coach serving that penalty must appear before the NCAA committee on infractions to explain why it wants to do so. The NCAA’s order for Harbaugh started Wednesday and runs through Aug. 6, 2028. It requires a school wanting to hire Harbaugh to suspend him for the first full season. After that, Harbaugh would still be barred from athletics-related activities, including team travel, practice, video study, recruiting and team meetings, until the order expires.
The Chargers were scheduled to practice Wednesday, but Harbaugh is not slated to speak with reporters until Thursday.
Harbaugh’s attorney, Tom Mars, has said the coach was not invited to participate in the settlement process or aware that an agreement had been reached between the school and the NCAA. He blasted the NCAA’s punishment.
“The way I see it, from Coach Harbaugh’s perspective, today’s [Committee on Infractions] decision is like being in college and getting a letter from your high school saying you’ve been suspended because you didn’t sign your yearbook,” Mars posted on social media. “If I were in Coach Harbaugh’s shoes and had an $80 million contract as head coach of the Chargers, I wouldn’t pay any attention to the findings of a kangaroo court which claims to represent the principles of the nation’s most flagrant, repeat violator of the federal antitrust laws.”
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel noted the school has already accepted the sanctions and served many of the penalties.
“Our staff has worked to improve processes and we are focused on the future and our commitment to integrity and compliance,” Manuel said.
The sign-stealing case is still open and could take months to resolve. Multiple infractions cases in such a short time period could prompt the NCAA to treat Michigan as a repeat offender, opening the school up to harsher penalties in the sign-stealing case.
“It probably just matters more in terms of how the committee (on infractions) interprets the entire case and whether they’re giving the institution the benefit of the doubt in some areas,” said Jay Ezelle, an attorney based in Birmingham, Alabama, who has handled NCAA cases.
New Michigan coach Sherrone Moore is facing allegations he violated NCAA rules related to the investigation into scouting and sign-stealing, according to a draft of the NCAA’s notice of allegations obtained Sunday by ESPN’s Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel.
Moore has been accused of deleting text message exchanges with Connor Stalions — the former low-level recruiting staffer who coordinated an off-campus, advance-scouting operation — around the time the investigation was opened.
According to the draft, the NCAA has recommended a less serious Level 2 violation for Moore and alleged that messages between Moore and Stalions were recovered and that the coach provided them to the NCAA.
Moore, 38, was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Harbaugh bolted to lead the Chargers, making his return to the NFL after a successful run with the San Francisco 49ers. Moore filled in as acting head coach four times last season while Harbaugh served suspensions, winning all four games, including the season finale against rival Ohio State.
In-person scouting is banned by the NCAA, which investigated Michigan’s alleged system to determine how organized it was and who knew about it. Stalions, who has not cooperated with the NCAA in its investigation, will break his silence Aug. 27 on Netflix when the documentary “Sign Stealer” makes its debut on the streaming service.
“I do not apologize,” Harbaugh said Monday when asked about the NCAA’s sign-stealing notice to the Wolverines. “I did not participate. I was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations.”
The NCAA noted that Harbaugh could not recall meeting with recruits despite confirmation from at least one of his own staff members and the prospects’ families. One recruit specifically remembered the coach “ordered a hamburger for breakfast, which ‘kind of stood out’ to him.” Other NCAA evidence included a text message from Harbaugh to a recruit.
“Given the significant amount of reasonable, credible information in the record, Harbaugh’s denials are not credible,” the NCAA said.
Harbaugh’s punishment and news about the sign-stealing scandal all come with Michigan ramping up to the defend its national title. The Wolverines open the season at home against Fresno State on Aug. 31.
“Once you’re at the top, things like that happen,” Michigan defensive back Quinten Johnson said a few hours before the announcement of penalties against Harbaugh. “That’s not really a concern right now.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NFL training camp 2024 live updates: Latest on roster battles
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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:
Jump to:
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
Dallas Cowboys
There’s not a Cowboy who knows Dak Prescott better than Ezekiel Elliott. They were drafted together in 2016 and quickly became the best of friends.
Elliott was asked how he thinks Prescott would handle going into the season without an extension beyond 2024.
“I think a guy like Dak, who’s been through so much adversity in his life, every time [he has] stepped up to the plate and answered the call,” Elliott said. “I don’t think it will affect him at all. He’s such a strong person mentally. … Honestly it might bring the best out of him, which I know Dak is going to give us his best anyway, but you get what I’m saying.” — Todd Archer
(Last update: Aug. 6)
New York Giants
It’s hard to be at a Giants practice and not notice Malik Nabers. And that has nothing to do with him throwing haymakers, which also happened Tuesday. The rookie wide receiver is dominating, even during the past two days against the Detroit Lions. In total, Nabers was targeted 18 times in live drills (11-on-11 vs. 7-on-7) over the two practices. He caught 17 of those, including another long pass down the left sideline when he jumped over the defender for a touchdown. It’s not a surprise to the Giants. “What he’s showed all camp,” coach Brian Daboll said of what he learned from Nabers this week. “Competitive. Knows what to do. Been playing at a high level in practice. [We’ll] see if that translates to the games. I have a lot of confidence in Malik.” — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Philadelphia Eagles
One thing that has stood out this summer is the production of tight ends Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. That trend continued Wednesday, with Jalen Hurts throwing touchdowns to both targets. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore runs what is considered a TE-friendly system, featuring a quick game that can lead to more opportunities for the tight ends on short-to-intermediate throws. Hurts has a number of playmakers he needs to distribute the ball to, but the tight ends appear optimistic that they’ll get their fair share. — Tim McManus
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels has naturally been the big focus of Washington’s rookie class, but two others are listed as starters on the Commanders’ initial — and unofficial — depth chart. Second-round corner Mike Sainristil and third-round tackle Brandon Coleman are listed as starters. Coleman has been working as the No. 1 left tackle, though he did not work during 11-11 drills on Tuesday for unspecified reasons. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “We like his progress.” The Commanders’ line is in a bit of flux. Right guard Sam Cosmi hasn’t practiced since Friday because of an illness, and right tackle Andrew Wylie remains sidelined with what he simply says is “tightness.” Meanwhile, on defense, Sainristil has impressed the coaches. “He doesn’t walk around like a rookie,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “He asks good questions, has a good presence and maturity.” — John Keim
(Last update: Aug. 6)
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
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)
Detroit Lions
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)
Green Bay Packers
The most noteworthy event of Wednesday would have been the addition of a third kicker to the training camp competition in Alex Hale, the Australian rookie from Oklahoma State who went 5-of-6 on his first day.
That was before the first major injury scare of camp happened, when receiver Christian Watson stayed on the ground after the last play of practice. After more than two minutes with the medical staff surrounding him and several players down on one knee, Watson got up and gave two thumbs up indicating he was OK.
According to Watson, he and rookie safety Evan Williams got tangled up going for a jump ball in the end zone during the two-minute drill. As Williams came down with the interception of Jordan Love’s pass, he appeared to fall on Watson’s left leg. “I don’t know if it was his knee or his cleat, but something just kinda hit me in the knee,” Watson said after practice. “I think it hurt a lot worse in the moment than I thought. I’m just thankful and obvious was praying that it wasn’t too serious, and it wasn’t.” Watson said it was “a little sore” but said he could have continued to practice. — Rob Demovsky
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have intentionally avoided any public discussion of their depth chart at quarterback, where veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy have gotten the majority of training camp snaps. But a closer look at those snaps reveals all anyone needs to know about the pecking order to this point.
As the third week of camp nears an end, Darnold has received all but two of the first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills. McCarthy got the other two. This should be no surprise to anyone who has listened to coach Kevin O’Connell talk about the position. While McCarthy is clearly the club’s future quarterback, team leaders are in agreement that his ascension will not be rushed. Darnold has not been perfect in camp, but he has developed a rapport with receiver Justin Jefferson, among others, and on Wednesday connected on two passes with him that traveled more than 20 yards in the air.
There is plenty of time for something to change as the preseason approaches. But for now, there is little question who the Vikings’ starting quarterback is: Sam Darnold. — Kevin Seifert
(Last update: Aug. 7)
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
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)
Carolina Panthers
Inside linebacker Josey Jewell made the type of effort play that newly elected Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, watching from the sideline, was known for. Jewell’s diving interception of a Bryce Young pass fired up the entire defense, even those who weren’t on the field for the play. Peppers liked what he saw, saying the team has some pieces’ in place for a turnaround. But when asked if he sees any similarities between this team coming off an NFL-worst 2-15 record and the team from his rookie season (2002) that was coming off an NFL-worst 1-15 record, Peppers was cautiously optimistic. “The NFL is cyclical. It’s going to go up and down. Your time is going to come around. … Everybody has confidence things are getting ready to turn. The right people are in the right places.” — David Newton
(Last update: Aug. 6)
New Orleans Saints
The buzz around Saints camp on Wednesday involved a player not on the roster. Saints coach Dennis Allen said free agent safety Justin Simmons will visit the Saints, continuing talks that have been ongoing since the spring. “This is a player that there’s been some communication with. … I think we’re at a point now where both sides feel comfortable with him coming in and visiting, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
The Saints worked with crowd noise for the first time, and quarterback Jake Haener was back at practice after undergoing a procedure Monday to address skin cancer on his face. Rashid Shaheed, Kendre Miller, Bub Means, Pete Werner, Nick Saldiveri, Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore were among a lengthy list of players who remained out, although Demario Davis did some work off to the side with athletic trainers. Alvin Kamara returned from a veteran rest day while rookie Mason Timpton left early with a hamstring injury. — Katherine Terrell
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Today’s camp highlighted some less-talked about players making an impact and getting recognition. Trey Palmer, who figures to be the fourth receiver, caught a huge deep ball touchdown from Baker Mayfield — he never broke stride and had a ton of YAC on the play. Before that play, Kyle Trask connected with former Seahawks receiver Cody Thompson for a score. Then safety Kaevon Merriweather made a diving interception off Trask, followed by a leaping interception from rookie undrafted free agent cornerback Tyrek Funderburk off John Wolford. — Jenna Laine
(Last update: Aug. 7)
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
On the last open day of training camp, Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. showed off his versatility. The 6-foot-3 receiver caught passes out wide on deep routes, in traffic in the deep secondary and on a shallow crossing route. By being able to not just run a variety of routes but also be able to line up inside and outside, Harrison Jr. gives both quarterback Kyler Murray and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing a plethora of options in the passing game.
It’ll also cause mismatches throughout a defense, whether it’s Harrison Jr. on a cornerback who’s trying to tail him, a linebacker who gets switched on to him or a safety who gets handed off to Harrison Jr. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Los Angeles Rams
Not only are the Rams without three-fifths of their starting offensive line, but head coach Sean McVay said offensive linemen KT Leveston and Warren McClendon Jr. are dealing with ankle injuries as well.
The hit to the depth on the Rams’ offensive line led them to add three more offensive linemen to their roster on Tuesday, as they signed Conor McDermott, Matt Kaskey and Alec Lindstrom.
McVay was asked whether he expects all three starting linemen — right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and left tackle Alaric Jackson — to be back for the season opener against Detroit.
“I’m going to take it a little bit at a time,” McVay said. “I certainly am not ruling that out, so that’s a good thing.” — Sarah Barshop
(Last update: Aug. 6)
San Francisco 49ers
The last thing the 49ers need is more injuries to key players after announcing running back Christian McCaffrey will miss a couple of weeks with a strained calf on Tuesday.
But that didn’t prevent some nerves coming up when star linebacker Fred Warner wasn’t on the practice field Wednesday.
Warner is the one big-name veteran who hasn’t taken a day off during camp and probably wasn’t going to take his first on a day when the Niners had their longest and toughest practice of the week. As it turned out, Warner missed the workout with what the team called foot “irritation.”
Curtis Robinson replaced Warner with the top defensive unit during practice but Warner offered some reassurances after the session that he’s OK. “[It’s] just a little minor something to let it relax today,” Warner said. “Nothing major at all.” — Nick Wagoner
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Seattle Seahawks
Jake Bobo became something of a folk hero among Seahawks fans last year, making the team as an undrafted rookie despite a plodding 40 time and making a handful of big plays as Seattle’s No. 4 receiver.
The legend of Bobo grew on Wednesday during a chippy practice that included at least five fights.
During the first one, Bobo locked horns with cornerback Tre Brown at the end of a play in an 11-on-11 period. As the two exchanged blows, Brown landed one right after Bobo’s helmet came off.
Bobo was sidelined for several minutes as an athletic trainer tended to him. With blood on his jersey and a cotton roll in his nose, he returned and promptly caught two touchdown passes, including a long one in which Brown appeared to blow a coverage.
Bobo has shown he can overcome his lack of speed with several compensating factors — like a knack for getting open, arguably the best hands on the roster and the toughness that was on display Wednesday. — Brady Henderson
(Last update: Aug. 7)
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen came out to Wednesday’s practice with a different look — specifically, a mustache — after two of the team’s offensive linemen, Connor McGovern and David Edwards, asked him to join them.
Outside of the hair news of the day, Allen played in a heavy amount of 11-on-11 drills during the team’s second-to-last practice in Pittsford, New York. It wasn’t the offense’s best practice, while a variety of defenders played well. The practice featured balls stripped — including James Cook losing a couple; hanging on to the ball continues to be an issue for the running back — miscues, such as a series of four straight incompletions, and cornerback Rasul Douglas stepping in front of wide receiver Curtis Samuel to pick off Allen, among others.
The quarterback discussed after practice that this is the time to be figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and that he has learned a good amount about the offense already.
“I feel like we’ve found a sense of identity in what we are and what we want to do with the football. We’ve got certain plays that we like more than others,” Allen said. “And those are the plays that we’re going to run more than others. … We got a lot of guys that are smart, that can play different positions, that you can move around. And there’s a bit of unpredictability for us. And that’s kind of fun as a quarterback.”
Allen also said that he feels like there’s a “different vibe at this point with this team” and that he thinks it’s “a really good thing.” As far as what’s next after Thursday’s practice, Allen said he doesn’t know yet whether he’s playing in the preseason, but that he sees both sides and doesn’t feel it makes a significant difference at this point in his career. — Alaina Getzenberg
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Miami Dolphins
Tuesday marked the first of four total joint practices the Dolphins will host this summer, with the Atlanta Falcons visiting Miami Gardens ahead of Friday’s preseason opener. In classic joint practice fashion, there was a brief fight between Atlanta’s offense and Miami’s defense, stemming from a scuffle between Drake London and Ethan Bonner. Beyond that, both teams traded big plays, although none bigger than the 50-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill.
Hill beat Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes, who had no safety help over the top — a coverage the Dolphins love to attack with both Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Tagovailoa hit him in stride for an easy score, and Hill said plays like that continue to silence his quarterback’s critics.
“People can’t no longer say that he can’t throw the ball deep,” Hill said. “That right there alone shows his improvement from when I first got here to now.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last update: Aug. 6)
New England Patriots
Outside linebacker Matthew Judon had been a full participant in practice since his return to the team late last week, but that changed on Tuesday. Judon didn’t practice, instead watching from the sideline, in what seemed to be a reminder that his contract status and how the team is handling it remain an unresolved issue to him.
When Judon met with reporters Monday, he said he would play in games for his $6.5 million base salary, even though he believed it didn’t reflect his value. But he also added: “No one said anything about practice. I have to do what I’m contracted and obligated to do so I don’t lose no money.” — Mike Reiss
(Last update: Aug. 6)
New York Jets
The Jets, who didn’t practice Wednesday due to the rainy weather, still made news. Significant news, actually. They activated wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) from the physically unable to perform list, meaning he passed a physical and can start practicing. The team’s plan is to ramp him up slowly, much like they did last summer with running back Breece Hall (knee).
They still have nine training camp practices, plus the bye week practices, before they begin their Week 1 prep. William is more than nine months removed from ACL surgery, which occurred while he was with the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract, is expected to eventually replace Allen Lazard as the Jets’ WR2. — Rich Cimini
(Last update: Aug. 7)
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson will not play in Friday’s preseason opener against the Eagles, coach John Harbaugh said after practice. This isn’t a surprise considering Jackson hasn’t played in the preseason the previous two years.
Backup quarterback Josh Johnson will start for a Ravens team that isn’t expected to play veterans such as running back Derrick Henry and middle linebacker Roquan Smith.
“We’re pretty young,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not like we will have a ton of guys not playing over the course of the preseason.”
In injury news, the Ravens could be without slot cornerback Arthur Maulet at the start of the regular season. Maulet will have his knee scoped.
“It’ll keep him out for a little while [but] not long term by any stretch,” Harbaugh said. — Jamison Hensley
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals had their chippiest day of training camp so far this year. There were about four scuffles between the offense and the defense. The biggest one came when linebacker Logan Wilson punched center Ted Karras after Wilson took exception to how he was blocked on the play. There was one common sentiment afterwards — players and coaches are thrilled to see that type of intensity.
“We need to develop an edge,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “We’re in the process of doing that and today was a big step in that direction.” — Ben Baby
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been bullish on the development of wide receiver Cedric Tillman and the second-year player continued his strong start to training camp.
Tillman, a third-round pick last season, caught a pair of deep touchdown passes in practice after getting behind the defense. While the Browns have a top trio of Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore, Tillman will get plenty of opportunities to contribute to an offense that will use more spread looks under new coordinator Ken Dorsey.
“There were some things that he did really well [as a rookie] and then there was a lack of consistency at times,” wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea said before practice. “But that’s what he’s really working hard on right now, to be a more consistent player in all areas. We asked the receivers to do so much, whether it’s in the run game, it’s in the pass game, even in some protection that we’ve asked Ced to do. And I believe that he’s done a great job of embracing that role and being more consistent in all those areas.” — Daniel Oyefusi
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Pittsburgh Steelers
While the wide receiver getting the most attention around Pittsburgh isn’t one who’s in Latrobe or even a member of the Steelers, the ones on the roster had a solid day of practice.
Calvin Austin III had one of his best days of camp, catching a perfectly placed ball from Justin Fields in “Seven Shots” for a touchdown. Then, Fields found George Pickens in space with another-well placed throw.
Fields targeted Pickens on his next throw, too, but he sent the screen pass high over Pickens’ head. It didn’t matter, though, because Pickens snagged it with one hand to haul it in.
“George, he’s a freak, man,” wide receiver Van Jefferson said. “He’s amazing, man. So stuff like that is routine for him. He just does that on a daily, so it’s no surprise to us. Obviously it’s great to see and as teammates we’re just like, ‘Dang, how did he catch that?’ But that’s just normal and everybody’s seen it throughout his career.”
Jefferson, too, acknowledged the outside noise about 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the possibility the Steelers could trade for him.
“If he comes, we will be glad to have him,” Jefferson said. “If he doesn’t, the show goes on. … He’s a great player. We’ve all seen how explosive he is, and at the end of the day we’re just worried about right now and whatever happens, happens.” — Brooke Pryor
(Last update: Aug. 7)
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
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)
Indianapolis Colts
There’s been a noticeable difference in quarterback Anthony Richardson’s presence this season, according to veteran teammates. Last season, as a rookie who was drafted at just 20 years old, Richardson arrived with more timidity. But this camp, Richardson has asserted himself like a veteran despite starting just four games before a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023.
Center Ryan Kelly, who has endured a revolving door of quarterbacks in his nine seasons, sees it clearly.
“It’s holding your guys accountable, using [different] snap counts, changing protections — the things that a Year 1 starting quarterback with minimal college experience, you’re probably not expecting that to be right now every single time. But I think the work he did sitting in meetings last year when he was injured, the offseason, having … 10 practices underneath our belt here, I think you can really start to see it.
“I witnessed it today. It just kind of caught me off guard. I was like, ‘Man, it’s cool to see him really progressing into that role.’ That’s the role that you need him to be in.” — Stephen Holder
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Jacksonville Jaguars
A quiet standout in camp has been rookie kicker Cam Little. The sixth-round pick has made 27 of his 32 field goal attempts during team work — including 13-of-16 from 50 yards or longer.
Little was so impressive from the start that the Jaguars cut Riley Patterson, who kicked the game-winning field goal in Jacksonville’s wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 playoffs, on July 29 and handed the job to the former Arkansas standout. The move came a few days after Little easily made a 57-yard field goal attempt.
“Got a lot of football ahead, but he’s done a nice job to date,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said earlier this week. “I think we want to be careful with him. We don’t want to over-kick him, but at the same time, put him in situations where he maybe feels a little more pressure. Hopefully in these games coming up, he’ll get a chance to do that.” — Michael DiRocco
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis and Calvin Ridley had a field day during team period and 7-on-7. The two connected on a couple of deep passes. The first was a back shoulder throw that was perfectly placed along the sideline. Ridley made a spectacular catch as he fell to the ground and kept his feet in bounds. Levis launched a pass that traveled 40-plus yards down the field to Ridley on another deep completion. Ridley also caught multiple passes on in-breaking routes and deep comebacks along the sideline. They have worked extensively to get their timing right after having some struggles early in camp.
Titans coach Brian Callahan acknowledged the struggles and said he has spent extra time watching cutups of deep connections between Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, along with Peyton Manning to Damaryius Thomas, among others. “Healthy dose today, I like that,” Ridley said after practice. “It’s coming along. Days like this help us. I just want to get better and make things easier for Will. It’s coming along.” — Turron Davenport
(Last update: Aug. 7)
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Safety Brandon Jones, who signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Broncos in the offseason, and cornerback Levi Wallace each continue to be held out of practices with hamstring injuries. The Broncos’ rotation at defensive back will be impacted in the preseason opener Sunday in Indianapolis, given neither player is expected to be in the lineup.
Jones is slated to be a starter at safety, so in his absence, JL Skinner has received more snaps with the first-team defense as well as Devon Key — especially since the Broncos released safety Caden Sterns earlier this week.
Skinner was the Broncos’ sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft. At cornerback, Wallace had been in the mix in the competition for the starting job opposite Pat Surtain II — with Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis — but Moss and Mathis have split all of the key snaps with the starters of late.
Broncos coach Sean Payton continues to remind all of the players as the preseason opener approaches that they should not just zero in on the competition they see in front of them every day, but that he and the organization will be searching the waiver wire for options when rosters are trimmed to 53 leaguewide. He notes it’s key they worry more about doing things right: “It’s important they’re focused really on their job and what they’re doing, and if you start to project [on the Broncos’ depth chart] you can drive yourself crazy, and it’s not really a clean or clear indicator as to what might happen.” — Jeff Legwold
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Kansas City Chiefs
Coach Andy Reid said the starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, would play the first quarter of Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Jaguars. That follows Reid’s usual plan for the season’s first exhibition game.
“I like playing in the preseason, getting in there, trying to make sure that we’re doing stuff the right way and then getting out,” Mahomes said.
The Chiefs added speed at wide receiver during the offseason in Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown. The Jacksonville game gives the Chiefs their first chance to work on the downfield passing game against an opponent.
“With the speed we’re going to be able to hit guys over the top,” Mahomes said. “Something that we’ve worked on all camp is you’ve got to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defenses play deep, you have to be able to hit the medium-type things and then we have to be able to run the football.” — Adam Teicher
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ final practice in Costa Mesa ended with a thud, rather than a flourish when it came to the Raiders’ quarterback competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew on Wednesday. Neither QB separated himself from the other in practice — both threw a TD pass along with an INT — as coach Antonio Pierce said the race remained “status quo” after 11 camp practices.
With a closed walkthrough scheduled for Thursday, the Raiders head to Minnesota on Friday for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Vikings. And while Pierce said he did not yet know who would start at QB, he allowed that both would play at least one quarter.
Asked if it mattered who started the opener, Pierce said, “not really” because the other quarterback would start the second exhibition at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
“We’re in training camp form, we’re getting there,” Pierce said. “We’re getting ready to play our first game and there’s going to be more mistakes and that’s why we’ve got to grow [from] those. So hopefully, come Sept 8., we’re not making those same mistakes.” — Paul Gutierrez
(Last update: Aug. 7)
Los Angeles Chargers
When the Chargers signed wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. in the offseason, his addition was primarily considered a signing for depth, a receiver who could guide a young group and contribute. Chark had 35 catches for 525 yards with the Carolina Panthers last season and had one season of over 1,000 yards in his career in 2019 with the Jaguars.
But through the first two weeks of camp, Chark has been perhaps the Chargers’ best receiver. He has consistently been open and made multiple highlight-worthy grabs, including one over rookie cornerback Cam Hart in the first week of camp.
“I got really high hopes for myself,” Chark said. “As far as just being able to be in a situation where I can fully give it my all and really just worry about ball.”
Chark, who is entering his seventh season, has the most experience in a group where there are just two receivers (Joshua Palmer and Simi Fehoko) with more than two seasons of experience. He has quickly accepted the new mentorship role.
“I’ve had ups and downs in my career,” Chark said. “I understand what it’s like to be in a big moment and make that play and what it’s like to be in a big moment and come up short. So, just trying to spread that knowledge.” — Kris Rhim
(Last update: Aug. 6)
2024 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart
Reactions
NFL training camp is off and running, and the 2024 season is right around the corner. While observing about two weeks of practices, our NFL Nation reporters have been logging their observations daily.
One of the biggest storylines throughout every camp is that players are battling for positions on the depth chart. Players spend camp making their cases to be included on the final 53-man rosters at the end of August. Just making it isn’t enough, though. Coaches are seeking clarity on who starts and who will provide backup. For example, the Dolphins are looking to secure their third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, while the Vikings, Broncos, Raiders and Steelers are still trying to decide which quarterback will start Week 1.
Here are 32 of the biggest position battles going on at camps across the NFL.
Jump to a team:
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
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Safety
The competition at safety to go pair with likely starter Taylor Rapp can go in so many ways, and the task of replacing seven-year starters Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer is not an easy one. Hyde is contemplating retirement but hasn’t ruled out a return, however. As for the candidates on the roster, injuries have played a part early.
Damar Hamlin, veteran Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop were early contenders, but Edwards is now week-to-week with a hamstring injury and Bishop is also week-to-week with a shoulder injury, leading the team to bring in Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess for veteran depth. Considering the importance the Bills place on the safety positions, the openness of this battle and number of injuries already makes it significant to monitor. — Alaina Getzenberg
Miami Dolphins
Third receiving option
Miami signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason to be its third wide receiver but he is yet to practice as he works through a preexisting injury. When healthy, he should be the third option in the passing game — but he is not the only candidate. Tight end Jonnu Smith is coming off a career year in 2023 with the Falcons, while running back De’Von Achane has notably worked on his receiving game throughout the offseason.
The Dolphins also drafted Malik Washington and still have Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft. Some of these names are more likely than others to be the third option behind Hill and Waddle, but it’s an open competition for as long as it takes Beckham to return to the field. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
New England Patriots
Wide receiver
The Patriots might not have a clear-cut No. 1 option, but there is no shortage of volume. Rookies Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) are locks, and it would be a surprise if DeMario “Pop” Douglas isn’t the top slot option after totaling a team-high 561 receiving yards last season. So that leaves Kendrick Bourne (when healthy/likely on the roster), K.J. Osborn (likely on the roster), Tyquan Thornton, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Reagor among those likely vying for a maximum of three spots. — Mike Reiss
New York Jets
No. 2 receiving option
Garrett Wilson is the clear-cut WR1. After him, there are questions galore. Right now, Allen Lazard is starting on the opposite side, but he’s viewed as a placeholder until Mike Williams is activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Lazard, who received a four-year, $44 million contract in 2023, is off to a promising start in camp after a 23-catch season. He also has Aaron Rodgers’ stamp of approval (they were teammates in Green Bay), which never hurts. But let’s be realistic: He’s not on the same level as Williams. The question with Williams is, can he be the same player he was before ACL surgery last fall? Rodgers needs a viable No. 2 option to balance the field. — Rich Cimini
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AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Right guard
The Ravens are replacing three starters on the offensive line, but it looks like Andrew Vorhees is the heavy favorite to win the left guard job and the hope is second-round pick Roger Rosengarten will take the spot at right tackle. The biggest battle remains at right guard, where Daniel Faalele, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Ben Cleveland are contenders.
Faalele, a 6-foot-8, 380-pound lineman, seems like he has the early edge. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the best-case scenario is to have the starting offensive line set by the preseason opener. “If you go into that first week with a good idea, and the game confirms everything, then you’d feel great, and you’re in a good spot,” Harbaugh said. — Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
Running back
The Bengals have a few camp battles ongoing (WR3, CB2, RT1), but the most important to watch would be between Chase Brown and Zack Moss. Brown and Moss are vying to get the bulk of Joe Mixon’s vacated workload. Brown has looked explosive at times in practice while Moss gives the Bengals true four-down availability, something Mixon lacked in seven seasons with Cincinnati. The Bengals need a more explosive run game after finishing 17th in the league last season in running back carries of 10 or more yards (34), per ESPN Stats & Info. — Ben Baby
Cleveland Browns
Wide receiver
The Browns have a clear No. 1 wide receiver in Amari Cooper. Jerry Jeudy will also be a big part of the offense after the team traded for him and gave him an extension in the offseason. Cleveland, though, has a rather unproven receiver room behind Cooper. The group of wideouts vying for more prominent roles includes Elijah Moore, who produced a career-best season in 2023, and second-year player Cedric Tillman, who was a standout in offseason workouts. There should be plenty of opportunities in an offense expected to use more three- and four-wide receiver sets in 2024. — Daniel Oyefusi
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Though Russell Wilson entered training camp in “pole position” and it appeared the starting job would be his job to lose, Wilson’s conditioning test calf injury makes things interesting for the Steelers. With Wilson slowly ramping up, Justin Fields has taken nearly all of the first-team reps, and his best practice came in the team’s first padded practice Tuesday where he completed every pass attempt. Not only did he connect with George Pickens on a one-handed touchdown grab, but he also showed off his wheels in a couple of designed runs. Wilson is still likely in the lead for the job, but if Fields can make routine — and splash — plays consistently, this might be more of a competition than it initially appeared. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Defensive tackle
Folorunso Fatukasi, Tim Settle Jr., Kurt Hinish, Khalil Davis and Mario Edwards Jr. are battling for starting time at defensive tackle. So far Fatukasi and Edwards have run with the first-team defense the most. Defensive end Denico Autry, whom they paid a two-year, $20 million contract, was a candidate but was suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Autry could be in the rotation once he returns. It’s been a wide-open battle throughout camp, and Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said, “It is going to be a pretty good competition to see how that plays out.” — DJ Bien-Aime
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Indianapolis Colts
Free safety
There suddenly appears to be a position battle here, with the Colts now deploying Ronnie Harrison Jr. as a safety after converting him to a linebacker last season. Nick Cross — a third-year player who emerged as the starter at the end of last season but was inconsistent — is also vying for the job. The depth of the Colts’ secondary has been under scrutiny all offseason, and the unsettled status of this position only adds to the questions. It was unclear whether Harrison would even play safety this season after spending much of last season at linebacker.
What’s more, Harrison had spent most of his career as a strong safety prior to joining the Colts last year, bringing into question his ability to man the middle of the field as a deep, single-high safety in the Colts’ scheme. Can either Harrison or Cross lock the job down, or will the Colts consider outside help? — Stephen Holder
Jacksonville Jaguars
Secondary
The only definite starter is CB Tyson Campbell. New coordinator Ryan Nielsen and defensive backs coach Kris Richard are giving guys reps at multiple spots. Rookies Jarrian Jones and De’Antre Prince and veteran Ronald Darby have lined up at outside corner and in the slot, for example, while safeties Antonio Johnson, Andrew Wingard, Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage, have rotated as well. Johnson and Savage have gotten reps at nickel, too. Nielsen said at this point in the preseason there’s no depth chart and they’re going to continue to experiment with different lineups until late August. — Michael DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
Right tackle
The Titans haven’t declared a starter at right tackle yet. Coach Brian Callahan said the competition could go through the length of training camp without a starter being announced until the opening game. “Everybody has gotten some exposure on that side,” offensive line coach Bill Callahan said. “We’re mixing and matching. The big thing is consistency, are they progressing from a physical aspect and then technique.”
The primary competition so far is between John Ojukwu and Jaelyn Duncan. Third-year veteran Nicholas Petit-Frere will also be a factor now that he was activated off the PUP list Friday. Tennessee allowed 64 sacks last season, tied for the third most in the NFL. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Rinse and repeat. As has been the case so often during the Broncos’ eight-year playoff drought, the search for a starter and long-term solution at quarterback is on. Rookie Bo Nix, the 12th pick of April’s draft, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson split the work evenly with the starters through the first week of training camp, as they did in the offseason program. But as the second week of training camp opened, it was Nix and Stidham who were alternating work with the starters.
Coach Sean Payton has said he has no formal timetable to pick the winner, other than before the Sept. 8 opener in Seattle, but he has said when he sees one of the three step forward, he’ll make the call. Since the start of the 2016 season the Broncos have had 12 different quarterbacks start a game — 13 players overall if you count the game running back Phillip Lindsay opened under center during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs
Left tackle
Wanya Morris returned to practice on Sunday after leaving early from the Chiefs’ previous session, but his presence didn’t alter the dynamics of his battle with rookie Kingsley Suamataia to be the starting left tackle. Suamataia, as he has for most of training camp, got all of the starters’ reps while Morris was working with the second team. Morris had also spent some time working at guard during previous practices.
“He’s working hard, No. 1, on the things that we’re trying to teach him,” coach Andy Reid said of Suamataia, a second-round draft pick. “There are 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
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
The QB battle between second-year returner Aidan O’Connell and vagabond veteran Gardner Minshew entered its second week of training camp as “status quo,” per Raiders coach Antonio Pierce. And that’s not necessarily a good thing. Neither player distinguished himself in the Raiders’ first padded practice, with both QBs hanging WR Davante Adams out to dry on poorly placed balls. Ouch. And while Pierce said at the start of camp he has no timeline on naming a starter, he later acknowledged, “Somebody has to just separate from the other.” O’Connell probably leads by a hair. — Paul Gutierrez
Los Angeles Chargers
Wide receiver
Fifty-seven percent of QB Justin Herbert’s career completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns went to now-former Chargers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett. The replacements for some of Herbert’s favorite targets are a mix of unproven and inexperienced players. Only one Chargers receiver has eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season, DJ Chark Jr. in 2019. Joshua Palmer appears in position to be the No. 1 target, but after that it appears to be an open competition between Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Chark. — Kris Rhim
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NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Center
The pads have only just come on for the Cowboys at training camp, but it seems pretty clear that this is Brock Hoffman’s job to lose. He took all of the snaps with the first team in the spring and continues to do so in training camp. Zack Martin said Hoffman is a “natural leader,” which is a must at the center spot, despite his lack of experience. Third-round pick Cooper Beebe will get a chance to show what he can do in the preseason games but he is still getting accustomed to a new spot so much so that he works on his snaps in 7-on-7 work. — Todd Archer
New York Giants
Tight end
With Darren Waller retired, the Giants are looking to fill the void primarily with some combination of Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager and rookie Theo Johnson. Bellinger is likely to be the starter, but who will fill pass catcher: Cager or Johnson? Cager started camp strong and coach Brian Daboll pegged him as one of the standouts of the spring, but he is now dealing with a hamstring injury. Johnson returned after starting camp on PUP with a hip problem. It’s anyone’s job to win this summer. — Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
Cornerback
The starting spot opposite Darius Slay Jr. is up for grabs. Former Colt Isaiah Rodgers and up-and-comer Kelee Ringo have split time with the first team during training camp, each making strong cases for why they should get the nod. Rookie first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, meanwhile, is seeing more and more snaps at the starting nickel post. He’s been sticky in coverage and appears to be handling the transition from the MAC to the pros well.
Mitchell is competing with veteran Avonte Maddox for the slot job. Overall, a defensive backfield that finished second-to-last in passing yards and passing touchdowns allowed in 2023 looks deeper and speedier than a year ago. — Tim McManus
Washington Commanders
Left tackle
Washington has rotated veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie Brandon Coleman with the starting offensive line at left tackle. It’s the one spot along the line most up for grabs. Both also have worked at right side as well. Washington drafted Coleman in the third round — he played both tackle and guard at TCU. Lucas has started 47 games during his first 10 seasons, serving primarily as a swing tackle. Coleman has impressed early with his footwork and balance. If Coleman wins the job, Washington might have solved a premium position for a few years. The Commanders would then have two expensive positions — with quarterback Jayden Daniels — filled by players on rookie deals. — John Keim
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NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Center
To start out camp, the Bears rotated between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton at center with the first-team offensive line. Shelton signed with Chicago after starting the past two seasons at center for the Rams, where he logged 1,113 snaps in 2023. Bates, who was traded to the Bears from Buffalo in March, had much fewer game reps at center (a career-high 135 in 2022) and was thought to have the inside track until this competition hit its stride during the first week of camp. “We’ve got two different body types. We’ve got one quick guy and one really strong guy,” defensive tackle Andrew Billings said. “That competition is going to come down to consistency.”
An injury to right guard Nate Davis has forced this competition to stall with Bates sliding over to his right and Shelton as Caleb Williams’ starting center. It sounds like the rotation will pick back up when Davis returns from the strain he sustained on July 27, but his absence has a direct impact on how this competition could play out. — Courtney Cronin
Detroit Lions
Cornerback
For the first five consecutive practices to start training camp, the defense didn’t come away with an interception during the team period before rookie CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. broke the streak on July 30. This defensive competition has inspired the other CBs to elevate their game. “I got to go get one now,” rookie CB Terrion Arnold said after Rakestraw’s first pick. In 2023, the secondary was arguably Detroit’s biggest weakness despite the run to the NFC Championship Game. The defense allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt, which was the second most in the league.
Now, players such as Arnold, Carlton Davis III, Amik Robertson, Rakestraw, Kindle Vildor and Emmanuel Moseley are clawing for key spots to strengthen this unit and the competition has been fierce, which the front office anticipated when it added these players in the offseason. — Eric Woodyard
Green Bay Packers
Kicker
There were actually three kickers in camp until rookie James Turner was cut last Tuesday, leaving veteran Greg Joseph to battle incumbent Anders Carlson. The Packers wanted competition after Carlson, a sixth-round pick last year, struggled at the end of his rookie season (including a missed 41-yard field goal late in the NFC divisional playoff loss to the 49ers). It’s been a close competition, but Joseph has a slight advantage through 10 practices based solely on the numbers.
Kicking from similar distances throughout camp, Joseph has made 36 of 40 field goals, while Carlson was 33-of-40. In perhaps the most important test so far, though, Carlson was 8-of-9 in Saturday’s practice in front of more than 60,000 at Lambeau Field, while Joseph missed twice. Carlson’s only miss was from 57 yards. Joseph missed from 54 and 57. When asked whether the competition would extend throughout the preseason, coach Matt LaFleur said, “I would anticipate that, but things change.” — Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
In the big picture, there is only one position battle that matters for the Vikings this summer: Will rookie J.J. McCarthy make a serious run at the starting quarterback job that otherwise seems destined to be filled by veteran Sam Darnold? Here’s the best we can say at this point: The competition hasn’t started yet. Darnold took all of the first-team reps during the first week of camp, while McCarthy got his snaps with the second team.
Coach Kevin O’Connell said the team will eventually get to a “sweet spot” in its schematic install, one that will give McCarthy first-team opportunities. But Darnold opened training camp as the clear No. 1 quarterback, and nothing happened in the early portion of camp to suggest that a change was in the cards. “I think both guys have done a lot of really, really good things, [with] some more notable visually than others,” O’Connell said. “But I also think both guys have made some mistakes with the football.” — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Safety
In 2023, Falcons safety Richie Grant essentially lost his starting job to DeMarcco Hellams during the season. Both men have returned to Atlanta and the competition is ongoing — with Grant the leader at this point in training camp. New coach Raheem Morris has been effusive with his praise of Grant and his preparation and attention to detail. Grant made a nice play to stop a touchdown pass from Michael Penix Jr. to John FitzPatrick at a practice Saturday night, with a dance celebration to follow it up. The winner of the battle will get to start alongside elite safety Jessie Bates III. — Marc Raimondi
Carolina Panthers
Right outside linebacker
Left OLB is set with veteran Jadeveon Clowney, but injuries and inexperience leave the right side a mystery. D.J. Wonnum was signed in free agency to fill that spot, but he’s still recovering from a partially torn quad with no timetable to return. DJ Johnson, coming off a disappointing rookie season after being a third-round pick, has shown flashes. K’Lavon Chaisson, also signed in free agency, remains a work in progress player. Amare Barno (knee) began camp on IR. This arguably is the biggest hole on the team with no clear solution. — David Newton
New Orleans Saints
Wide receiver
Backup quarterback is an intriguing battle but also one that has been talked about a lot. The back end of the receiving group is an underrated battle. Mason Tipton, an undrafted rookie free agent from Yale, has been making a splash every day, while Dennis Allen said he’s waiting for 2023 sixth-round pick A.T. Perry to catch his eye in camp. Tipton has suddenly played his way into a potential spot on the roster if he continues to play like he has in the first week. — Katherine Terrell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nickelback
With Ben Bredeson now virtually a lock at the left guard position with Sua Opeta’s ACL injury, the focus shifts to the starting nickelback competition. Third-round draft pick Tykee Smith has been lining up with the first-team defense and by all accounts should be the starter. But Tavierre Thomas has had three interceptions in six practices and they still have Christian Izien, the starter from last season. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Edge rusher
The Cardinals had started to figure out their plans at outside linebacker over the past couple of weeks, but those plans went up in smoke when BJ Ojulari was lost for the season with an ACL injury. Now Arizona is, in some ways, going back to the drawing board. They still have a bit of depth at outside linebacker, with seven healthy ‘backers listed on the roster. Zaven Collins, who moved to outside linebacker, appears to have one side locked up, but the other edge rusher spot is up for grabs again. Dennis Gardeck, who started eight games and was one of four players to start last season opposite Collins, has reoccupied the first-team spot for now, but that job is anyone’s to win. — Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
Running back
There aren’t many position battles, which may be surprising for a team that brought in nearly 40 rookies to training camp a year ago. But one position worth watching is running back, after the Rams used a third-round pick on Blake Corum. Yes, Williams is the clear RB1 in Los Angeles, but Corum has the chance during training camp to show he is capable of taking on a significant workload. Williams averaged almost 22 touches per game and missed time during the offseason program while dealing with a foot injury.
After the first training camp practice, Sean McVay said the Rams need “to be smart” about the number of touches Williams is getting during the regular season so that he can stay healthy for the entire campaign. But make no mistake, McVay was noticeably excited after a few of Williams runs that day. He told reporters after, “I said [to Williams] on a couple of runs, ‘Man, did I miss you in the offseason.'” — Sarah Barshop
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San Francisco 49ers
Third cornerback
One way or another, the Niners’ top two corners — Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir — are set. The question is how things will be configured when they go into nickel packages. Veteran Isaac Yiadom staked an early lead in the offseason program as he can step in outside with Lenoir bumping into the slot in nickel situations. But second-round rookie Renardo Green is also working in the slot, and the Niners wouldn’t mind being able to keep Lenoir outside full time. San Francisco was in nickel for 834 defensive snaps in 2023, fifth most in the league, which means whoever wins the third corner spot is essentially a starter. — Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
Right guard
It appears to be the only full-time starting spot still up for grabs at Seahawks camp. As of now, the battle is between Anthony Bradford — who made 10 starts there as a rookie last season — and third-round pick Christian Haynes. McClendon Curtis took the No. 1 reps at right guard during the spring while Bradford was dealing with an ankle injury; he’s since moved to right tackle to solidify the depth there with Abraham Lucas still out.
The Seahawks could end up signing free agent Connor Williams, but they view him as a center. Seattle’s offensive line badly underperformed in 2023 — one of the biggest reasons for Geno Smith’s up-and-down play — and needs one of its young players such as Bradford or Haynes to pop in 2024. — Brady Hen
