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
Micah Parsons was limited in his work Friday because of elbow soreness. He did not take part in one-on-one pass rush drills and he mostly lined up as an off-the-ball linebacker during the team drills he did participate in.
Parsons went through individual drills and did some conditioning work off to the side as the pass rush drills took place. It’s not considered a serious problem; more just maintenance during camp.
Rookie Marshawn Kneeland lined up opposite DeMarcus Lawrence with the first team along the defensive line. With Sam Williams out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Kneeland is being counted on to play a larger-than-expected role. — Todd Archer
(Last update: Aug. 2)
After a few rough days and practices, quarterback Daniel Jones and the Giants offense got back on track Thursday. Jones connected on a pair of deep balls for touchdowns, one to Malik Nabers and the other to Jalin Hyatt. The problem for Jones had been underthrowing balls deep down field at the start of camp. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka didn’t think it had to do with Jones’ recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee last year. Instead, he attributed it to timing and familiarity.
Still, they were going to keep throwing them. It was almost as if coach Brian Daboll knew it would only be a matter of time. Practice makes perfect. He said before Thursday’s improved performance: “Time on task. Keep working on them. We’ll get ’em!”
They did on this day, leaving a much better taste in the mouths of the team’s offensive players than from earlier this week. — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: Aug. 1)
A good look at the Nabers TD. https://t.co/7NbbyXsQkX
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 1, 2024
Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been very solid through the first week of camp. Tuesday’s session — which also marked the first time the Eagles were in full pads — was arguably his strongest. He had multiple battles with A.J. Brown and proved sticky in coverage, including on a red zone rep that forced Jalen Hurts to hold onto the ball. Later, he blanketed receiver Britain Covey near the corner of the end zone for several seconds as Kenny Pickett scrambled, and finished the play with a diving pass breakup.
Mitchell is beginning to see more time with first team at nickel corner. He could make a push for a starting role by summer’s end. — Tim McManus
(Last update: July 30)
Though Washington coach Dan Quinn does not want to name Jayden Daniels the starting quarterback just yet, the rookie has quietly started to take all or most of the first-team snaps the past two days. The Commanders still want to see how he progresses but he has impressed teammates by how he has not only recognized leverages in coverage, but also how he has then adjusted.
During practice Friday, Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin on another back-shoulder throw in which McLaurin made a one-handed grab. The two have started to develop a good rhythm; Daniels has also connected often with tight end Zach Ertz. With two joint practice sessions as well as two preseason games in the next two weeks Washington will get a stronger feel for where Daniels is in his growth. But there has been no reason to doubt that, so far, the Commanders like where he’s headed. — John Keim
(Last update: Aug. 2)
NFC NORTH
Caleb Williams was perfect in the Bears’ sole 7-on-7 period Tuesday, connecting with tight end Gerald Everett, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift and a go-ball touchdown to wideout DJ Moore, which saw the veteran wide receiver chuck up the deuces to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson who trailed him as he crossed into the end zone.
The team periods were much shakier for Williams and the first-team offense, and saw the rookie QB complete only one pass and throw an interception. Williams rebounded in the two-minute drill when he found fellow rookie Rome Odunze for a touchdown and connected with the No. 9 draft pick on a 2-point play to end practice.
“You felt a little lull in there,” coach Matt Eberflus said about the offense’s execution during 11-on-11. “The defense was running pretty hot all day. But we had a little lull in there. We’re making some big plays on offense and we’re not having any passion and playing the game the right way. So, we talked about that with those guys and then they finished right.” — Courtney Cronin
(Last update: July 30)
Friday’s practice was run in a scrimmage format, including officials, as coach Dan Campbell wanted to see players compete in a more formal setting. During the action, the offense executed some slick plays, which included WR Amon-Ra St. Brown pitching the ball to RB Jahmyr Gibbs and QB Jared Goff being targeted for a pass. Gibbs would score a couple of touchdowns in front of the fans in attendance. Kicker Jake Bates struggled, though, missing seven field goals and extra points combined.
Following practice, Aidan Hutchinson spent time with 13-year-old Max Robertson, who has Down syndrome, as part of his Hutch’s Heroes program, where he connects with children with disabilities. Hutchinson posed for photos and signed autographs as they danced and hit “The Griddy” together. Robertson, who lives in Plymouth, Michigan, was joined by his parents, Scott and Kristi, as well as his 9-year-old sister, Zoe.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Hutchinson told ESPN. “…Very inspiring.” — Eric Woodyard
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Following practice today, #Lions star Aidan Hutchinson spent time with 13 y/o Max Robertson, who suffers from down syndrome as part of his Hutch’s Heroes program, where he connects with special needs children. “That’s what it’s all about,” Hutchinson said. “…Very inspiring.” pic.twitter.com/eqsBoLAIGX
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 2, 2024
Another day, another receiver shows out. On Thursday, it was second-year pro Dontayvion Wicks following in the steps of Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed with his own big day in practice. Wicks caught five passes during team periods — all from Jordan Love. Four of those went for first downs, including a 26-yard contested catch on a deep ball down the left sideline in the two-minute drill. His fifth and final catch of the day came on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line with four seconds left. Love hit Wicks in the left flat short of the pylon, where cornerback Jaire Alexander shoved him hard and out of bounds to end the drill. Wicks was bothered by the hit and had to be held back from going after Alexander because, as he said after practice, it was not supposed to be a live tackling period.
Last season, Wicks caught 39 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. He said he feels like his chemistry with Love has improved since then.
“Getting on the same page with the quarterback,” Wicks said. “That’s the best thing and just gaining his trust for him to want to throw the ball at all to [me].” — Rob Demovsky
(Last update: Aug. 1)
Tight end T.J. Hockenson, who tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee last December, has been seen running forcefully during on-field rehabilitation workouts this summer. Although Hockenson remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, even coach Kevin O’Connell is getting excited.
“Every time I see him working on the side field,” O’Connell said Friday, “it becomes awfully tempting to corner [vice president of player health and performance] Tyler Williams somewhere in the building and demand answers on when we’ll be able to start implementing him maybe off the PUP and get him a little bit of work.
“But where he’s at, albeit very well ahead of maybe where some of the medical folks thought he would be, there is an injury there and a timeline exists and we’re going to try to stay true to that while also giving him opportunities to push to maybe shrink that timeline a little bit.”
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an update on TE T.J. Hockenson pic.twitter.com/yRtS8Kvz3e
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 2, 2024
The initial timetable for Hockenson, based on a standard recovery from ACL surgery, suggested a return in late September or early October. Asked if he has even started thinking about having Hockenson by Week 1 instead, O’Connell demurred.
“I just don’t think it would be responsible at this point with where he’s at in his rehab to start even me personally thinking about are we going to have him, are we not?” O’Connell said. “I want him focusing on what he can control, what he’s done an unbelievable job of so far, which is his daily mission of just attacking this thing one day at a time.” — Kevin Seifert
(Last update: August 2)
NFC SOUTH
Things ramped up for the Falcons physically for the first time Friday night in an open practice in front of fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That can certainly be seen as a positive given pads went on earlier this week. But there were some perilous moments for a team that has been incredibly lucky when it comes to injuries thus far.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins got knocked down when the second-team pass rush pushed back the offensive line into him on one play. Cousins was fine. He completed the pass to tight end Kyle Pitts and got right back up. But that has to make Atlanta coaches hold their collective breath, considering Cousins is coming back from a torn Achilles.
Also on Friday night, safety DeMarcco Hellams crushed wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III on a Cousins completion, jarring the ball loose. Wide receiver Drake London and running back Tyler Allgeier took umbrage. McCloud was fine, but that might have been a bit too violent for this juncture of the preseason. — Marc Raimondi
(Last update: August 2)
Carolina is looking for a quarterback. Backup Andy Dalton missed Thursday practice at Clemson with a quad injury and will be out at least two weeks. With the preseason opener a week away, coach Dave Canales is looking to add another quarterback to take reps behind Bryce Young and third-stringer Jack Plummer. Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Tannehill are among the veterans available. Meanwhile, Canales said Young was “good, not great” in a scrimmage that featured a lot of pre-snap penalties and pressure from outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.
“He was ruining things for us a lot.” Canales said of Clowney. Canales also was impressed with DJ Johnson opposite Clowney, calling him “fantastic.” Young did finish strong, completing four of his final six passes, including a 2-yarder to Adam Thielen for a touchdown.
“When he had the protection and the concept was there, he nailed it,” Canales said of Young. — David Newton
Panthers coach Dave Canales said OLB Jadeveon Clowney ”was ruining things for us” with pressure. pic.twitter.com/EmDZRy8Xww
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 2, 2024
(Last update: Aug. 1)
The Saints are down to three quarterbacks after cutting Nathan Peterman, and that means more snaps for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, who are battling for the No. 2 spot. The Saints incorporated red zone work for the first time, and also had officials at practice. Haener had one of his better practices, including running for a touchdown during red zone, before he was lifted into the air in celebration by a teammate.
“I thought he had a good day today. I thought there were some good things that I saw, some good throws,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen. Rattler and Haener both had several nice throws in 11-on-11 drills, including a deep pass from Rattler to an open Chris Olave, and touchdown passes for both in red zone work.
Marshon Lattimore, Kendre Miller and Demario Davis were among those who didn’t practice, while Bryan Bresee returned to practice. Haener, who has a form of skin cancer on his face, will have a procedure Monday and will miss practice that day. — Katherine Terrell
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Bucs starting cornerback Jamel Dean notched his second interception this week off quarterback Baker Mayfield. Dean said he has been trying to catch 50 passes a day with the Jugs machine as interceptions have been a key point of emphasis. Coach Todd Bowles said after practice, “Whatever he’s doing, he needs to keep doing it.” Dean joked of Bowles, “He gives me crap all of the time. It’s never good enough. It’s hard to make the guy proud, man.” — Jenna Laine
(Last update: Aug. 2)
NFC WEST
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray put on a clinic on Friday, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy in 11 on 11. On one play during a two-minute drive, Murray hit rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with a pass that only he could get to in the middle of two defenders, who, as Harrison Jr. got down, collided, forcing a third defender to enter the play. On another play, Murray hit wide receiver Greg Dortch, who had a defender draped all over him, with a pass that only Dortch could get to. Later, Murray, scrambling, put a pass low enough for Michael Wilson to make a play on against the sideline, although the closest official ruled him out of bounds. Murray’s arm strength and his ability to throw at various angles has been recognized for years but an underrated part of his game has long been his accuracy, which has been on display all camp. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last update: August 2)
The hits to the Rams’ offensive line keep coming after right tackle Rob Havenstein left practice with a foot injury. Head coach Sean McVay said he didn’t have any more updates about the severity of the injury.
“It sounded like he said he got stepped on, but who knows exactly what’s going on,” McVay said after practice.
The Rams are already without left guard Jonah Jackson, who is week-to-week with a left shoulder injury, and left tackle Alaric Jackson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. McVay said Thursday that he expected Jackson to “be back sooner than later.”
“I thought he’s had a really good camp when he’s been out here,” McVay said. “We’ll be a lot better when he does come out here, but we don’t want to rush it either. We’re hopeful that he’ll be ready to go for the Chargers practice [on Sunday]. But like I said, we don’t want to rush it and it’s kind of one of those weird deals, but fortunately it’s not going to be anything we expect to be long term.” — Sarah Barshop
(Last update: Aug. 1)
The Niners are eight days into training camp and still without the services of LT Trent Williams (holdout) and WR Brandon Aiyuk (hold-in). Despite the latest flurry of social media speculation centered on a video of Aiyuk greeting coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch before Wednesday’s practice, there’s nothing to it at the moment on either situation. Shanahan said Friday that the bro-hug with Aiyuk is “just usually how we greet each other,” adding that there’s “no updates” on the contract negotiations for Aiyuk or Williams. — Nick Wagoner
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen said Friday that he’s grateful for the adversity he experienced in 2023. It included a shoulder injury he dealt with for most of the season and a one-game hiatus from the starting lineup late in the year.
That was after Woolen burst onto the scene by making the Pro Bowl as a rookie fifth-round pick in 2022, when he finished tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six.
“It was part of the journey, for real,” Woolen said. “I done been [through] ups and downs. I’ve been to the Pro Bowl. I done been on the bench before. So it was just all part of the journey to me. I felt like as a young player I had to go through that just because it shows me that [there’s] some places I don’t want to be and [there’s] places that I do want to be, and that’s being a Pro Bowler, that’s to help me team get to the Super Bowl and just be a great player. So honestly I just felt like last year was a great year for me. To some people, they may have their own opinions, but those are the same people that are not playing the game, so it’s OK with me. I feel great and I feel like this year will be even better.” — Brady Henderson
(Last update: Aug. 2)
AFC EAST
The Bills held the team’s annual practice at the stadium and it started with quarterback Josh Allen continuing his tradition of wearing a unique Bills helmet, this time a black helmet with a red buffalo on it.
Another practice at the stadium, another special Josh Allen helmet pic.twitter.com/L51SFbipOY
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 2, 2024
With running back Ty Johnson sidelined with a hamstring injury rookie Ray Davis has stood out, including a big run towards the beginning of practice, but he did lose the ball at the end of the run. Davis has overall taken advantage of the extra opportunity with Johnson hurt. The defense, even with depth at safety remaining a concern, again had a nice practice. Nickel corner Taron Johnson made a play when wide receiver Curtis Samuel failed to come down with a ball, and picked off Allen. The team is continuing to try a variety of wide receivers with the first-team offense, including Tyrell Shavers and KJ Hamler, and the battle for that final receiver spot will continue to be one to watch.
Both Von Miller and Matt Milano did not take part in team drills during the night practice. Offensive lineman La’el Collins did not participate as he is dealing with a knee injury and is day to day. Fifth-round pick Edefuan Ulofoshio left practice early with an injury. — Alaina Getzenberg
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was fired up during the stretching portion of Thursday’s practice and insisted his fellow receivers match his energy — it even drew the attention of coach Mike McDaniel, who walked over to the receivers to hype up Hill.
When asked about it after practice, Hill said Miami’s receivers hadn’t won the coveted orange jersey yet this summer, which signifies the previous day’s practice MVP. He wanted that drought to end; sure enough, the Dolphins’ offense turned in its best day of training camp. Tua Tagovailoa threw multiple long touchdowns to Julian Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and found Waddle in the corner of the end zone on the first play of red zone drills.
We won’t know until Friday’s practice if Hill’s efforts to put a receiver in orange were successful, but at the very least, the on-field product improved. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last update: Aug. 1)
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was animated at the beginning of practice, trying to fire up the other WRs
Asked him about it after practice – he said the receivers haven’t won an orange jersey all summer and he felt convicted in ending that drought today pic.twitter.com/J6TSYrd8lE
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) August 1, 2024
Outside linebacker Matthew Judon fully participated in his first full-pads practice of training camp, which came five days after he had left the field following an animated exchange with coach Jerod Mayo.
Judon, who has said his contract doesn’t reflect his value, hasn’t addressed reporters since last week. His teammates hope it all works out.
“Judon is a good guy, man. He’s a pro. We all have our days. I think he’s come in and responded,” veteran safety Jabrill Peppers said. “His impact and what he means to this team is definitely tremendous — both on and off the field, in the locker room.” — Mike Reiss
(Last update: Aug. 2)
It took eight practices, but the Jets finally got their starting offensive line on the field at the same time — a rare circumstance for this team. Right tackle Morgan Moses, who underwent pectoral surgery after the season, made his debut and took most of the starting reps, making the line whole.
Some perspective: A year ago, the starting five wasn’t together until Week 1, which will go down in infamy because of Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles injury on the fourth snap. The lack of cohesion up front was painfully obvious.
This time, the line should be able to develop chemistry in the coming weeks, although there will be limitations. Moses, left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker have pitch counts, meaning their reps will be monitored. Still, it’s better than nothing.
For his part, Moses, 33, said he experienced “pregame jitters” before his first practice, adding that Smith calmed him down. Asked what it’s like working with Rodgers, Moses said, “He makes our IQs rise.” — Rich Cimini
(Last update: Aug. 2)
AFC NORTH
Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum did not practice because of a minor soft tissue injury. He’s expected to miss Saturday’s practice and return sometime next week.
“We’ll be very patient with Tyler,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s having a great camp. Some of those young guys need a little more work anyway. So, it works out for us.”
A first-round pick in the 2022 draft, Linderbaum is one of two returning starters on Baltimore’s offensive line, along with left tackle Ronnie Stanley. With Linderbaum sidelined, it provided more reps for Darrian Dalcourt, an undrafted rookie out of Alabama.
As the Ravens look to replace three starters on the line, Andrew Vorhees is the favorite to take over at left guard, Daniel Faalele is emerging as a front-runner at right guard and rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten is starting to get snaps with the starters.
“I think Roger has been doing well,” Harbaugh said. “I thought he deserved a shot with the [first-team offense]. So, we’ll just keep working through that and let it play out.” — Jamison Hensley
(Last update: Aug. 2)
On Thursday, Joe Burrow said he wanted his deep ball to be better. On Friday, Burrow threw two pretty good ones. Toward the end of practice, Burrow found WR Charlie Jones down the right sideline on a go ball. Jones withstood contact from rookie cornerback Josh Newton and made the grab. Then, Burrow found Shedrick Jackson on a scramble drill for another deep ball. Pushing the ball downfield is something the Bengals need to improve on after last season. When Burrow was at his healthiest, he was 24th in the league last year in air yards per attempt, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Cincinnati knows it has to create more opportunities for explosive passing plays. — Ben Baby
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Running back D’Onta Foreman is doing “better,” coach Kevin Stefanski said, after Foreman took a blow to the head that resulted in neck pain and led to him being immobilized and transported to a medical center for further evaluation.
Foreman rejoined the Browns late Thursday after X-rays and CT scans returned negative.
Foreman did not participate in the team’s final practice at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and Stefanski did not provide a timeline for Foreman’s return to the field.
Meanwhile, quarterback Deshaun Watson had a scheduled off day to rest his throwing shoulder. Watson, who is returning from season-ending surgery, threw in the team’s first six training camp practices. Watson will throw on Sunday, Stefanski said.
And wide receiver Elijah Moore left practice early to be evaluated for a concussion.
The Browns are off Saturday and will hold their first practice at their facility in Berea, Ohio, on Sunday. — Daniel Oyefusi
(Last update: Aug. 2)
The Friday night edition of the Steelers’ physical backs-on-backers drill, a competitive period to test the running backs pass pro against the linebackers, was extra chippy under the lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium with more than 12,000 fans in attendance.
Najee Harris started the period off with a bang, pancaking Patrick Queen into the end zone ringed with youth football players. In the rematch, Harris held his own and followed up with a heavy dose of trash talk as coach Mike Tomlin watched and applauded his running back’s effort.
“I can’t say enough about those top two backs, Naj and Jaylen,” Tomin said after practice. “They set the tone for the drill. Man, that’s a drill that’s advantage linebackers, obviously. But when you got some strong-minded runners, man, it makes it highly competitive. And those two in particular don’t run from the fight. They run to the fight. I respect it.”
Then as Harris continued egging on the defense after his reps, Jaylen Warren took on Elandon Roberts. The inside linebacker got the better of Warren on the first rep and had plenty to say to the running back afterwards. But in round two, Warren kept Roberts at bay to win the rep as Harris continued yelling for his position-mate, and the electric scene sparked a small scrum between linebackers and running backs.
“I did my absolute best,” Warren said of facing Roberts. “If I was even 1% off, he would’ve definitely ran me over and embarrassed me, so I couldn’t let that happen.” — Brooke Pryor
(Last update: Aug. 2)
AFC SOUTH
The Texans’ offense had a solid day. The unit flashed moments of what they could be with moderate gains through the air and ground. To end practice, the offense had a two-minute drill session that started at its own 25. Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 8 of 10 passes and got the team inside the 10 with three seconds left but couldn’t punch it in. But overall, the unit marched down the field in that drill. This came after the offense sputtered for a third team period. So, to finish the day with some effectiveness is a good end to a solid day. — DJ Bien-Aime
(Last update: July 30)
Rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu dominated at times in practice, a workout that was highlighted by a clutch sack on Anthony Richardson in a 2-minute period and another near-sack that forced an intentional grounding.
Latu has been steadily making his bid for extensive playing time on the Colts’ veteran defensive line with consistently impactful performances throughout camp. On Friday, he had an earlier play where he corralled Richardson on a read-option play as the quarterback attempted to get outside.
Latu’s presence is forcing Richardson to think twice on run plays.
“You can’t just pull the ball expecting to get outside as easily as it should be,” Richardson said. “He’s a great player, great young player and he keeps me honest.” — Stephen Holder
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Starting left tackle Cam Robinson suffered a shoulder injury and left practice during the final period. Robinson was hurt during full-contact team drills. The status of both of the Jaguars’ starting tackles are unclear for the next few days because right tackle Anton Harrison is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Robinson missed 10 games because of injuries over the past three seasons as well as serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
In addition, reserve tight end Patrick Murtagh suffered a serious ankle injury during goal-line drills. The medical staff placed Murtagh’s lower right leg in an air cast and he was carted off the practice field. Murtagh is a former professional Australian rules football player who was a part of the International Player Pathway Program. — Michael DiRocco
(Last update: Aug. 2)
The Titans’ secondary had the upper hand in the first fully padded practice Tuesday. Veteran safety Jamal Adams was given the day off as part of what Titans coach Brian Callahan called a “management program.” Starting cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (veteran day off) and Chidobe Awuzie (calf) also didn’t practice.
Rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. took advantage of the reps and stood out in coverage with multiple pass breakups during one-on-ones. Veteran cornerbacks Tre Avery, Tay Gowan and Caleb Farley had good days as well. Second-year safety Matthew Jackson picked off quarterback Will Levis twice during the team period.
“Everything went well as far as homing in on the details,” Jackson said. “Once you’re in the right place, good things come.” — Turron Davenport
(Last update: July 30)
AFC WEST
If it seemed, and sounded, like Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton and others on his staff were a little quicker to anger and a little louder in the corrections during practice, it was no accident.
“We had a meeting and I’m not going to use the word, but I want to be on their (pause) about everything,” Payton said. “[Friday] was that like stone-in-the-shoe day coaching and it’s part of the discipline of playing. If we’re going to find the right 53, it’s not just physically the talent, it’s the mental toughness, the fortitude. … Can you be challenged? Can you be coached hard? How do you react.”
There were several moments when Payton gathered the team to make a point, including after a three-penalty portion of a two-minute drill late in the practice. — Jeff Legwold
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Wanya Morris, one of two candidates for the starting left tackle job, left practice early with a shoulder injury. If he’s out for any extended period, the injury would change the dynamics of his position battle with rookie Kingsley Suamataia. A second-round draft pick, Suamataia was getting most of the snaps with the first team. Morris, meanwhile, worked at guard before his injury as the Chiefs prepare him to play other positions in case he’s needed as a backup.
“He’s working hard number one on the things that we’re trying to teach him,” coach Andy Reid said of Suamataia. “There’s a lot of new things that he’s learning and he’s playing aggressively and getting better every day. He’s not taking steps back, which is important.”
Suamataia is working only at left tackle and Reid said the Chiefs have no plans to look at him at other positions. — Adam Teicher
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Gardner Minshew has seemingly taken a small, but noticeable, lead in the Raiders’ QB competition against Aidan O’Connell — even as the two continue to split reps with the first-team offense at a 50/50 clip.
“Gardner had a really good practice the other day,” said coach Antonio Pierce. “He made some really good throws, good control, good in operation. I thought Aidan made some plays; there was some drop series as well. But I don’t want to get caught in an emotional game. That’s like a roller coaster ride. We’re look at the body of work.”
As such, Pierce maintained he has no “date or timestamp” on announcing a starter. “But we’re looking to build on back-to-back days,” Pierce said.
Minshew’s prettiest pass of camp came on a rollout to the right, where he extended the play and found rookie tight end Brock Bowers in stride, streaking across the middle. O’Connell, meanwhile, had a pretty, long TD pass to Alex Bachman on Friday. — Paul Gutierrez
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Life without Justin Herbert has been difficult for the offense but has made life easy for this defense. On Friday, practice ended with an interception for the third day in a row, and Chargers quarterbacks threw three picks, the most in a day so far in camp. The first pick came on an Easton Stick pass that was intercepted by CB Kristian Fulton, who has continued to have a great camp.
The next was by linebacker Nick Niemann, who secured his first interception of camp off of a Max Duggan pass that was deflected by rookie CB Cam Hart. The final pick came from LB Troy Dye, intercepting Stick to end practice. On each interception, the defense ran to the end zone and celebrated with fans.
Here’s that Nick Niemann pick: pic.twitter.com/mmtvNAyExS
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 3, 2024
It wasn’t all bad for the offense; RB J.K. Dobbins was explosive and broke two long runs, and WR Ladd McConkey had a nice one-handed catch in 1-on-1 drills, but the defense already had the upper hand in camp. Without Herbert, their dominance has accelerated. — Kris Rhim
(Last update: Aug. 2)