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Palmer took a day off during the first week of camp as the focus shifted onto the third and fourth quarterbacks. Veteran Matt Barkley appears comfortably ahead of Jake Coker but comfortably behind Stanton.

RB: The Cardinals can't talk up David Johnson enough. Cardinals coach Stump Mitchell was the latest to chime in, “I don't think there's a back in Cardinals history that can do the Training Camp things David Johnson can do.” Despite the hype surrounding David Johnson, Chris Johnson doesn't look set to go anywhere anytime soon. During the first week of camp Chris said he felt Update faster than he did 12 months ago. 12 months ago he was coming back from being shot during the offseason. Offensive Volume 11, Issue 1 – 8/10/16 coordinator Harold Goodwin said, “I think David is a little more comfortable than Chris in the passing game...but running We say it all the time because it's true: Things change fast in the ball, they are both even.” The almost forgotten Andre the NFL. And they never change faster than they do in August. Ellington had a solid first week of training camp but he looks And nobody covers those changes and team situations more set to mostly be used on special teams unless one of David or comprehensively than Footballguys.com. Our Training Camp Chris is injured. Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor will Updates come out once a week in August and our staff covers compete for the fourth spot on the depth chart. Williams everything you need to know about every NFL team. This is missed time early in the week but returned quickly. Neither the deep stuff that gives you an edge. We're not going to rave player has distinguished himself to this point. that Cam Newton, Antonio Brown or even David Johnson is great. You already know that. WR: John Brown suffered a concussion on the first Sunday of camp. He sat for the rest of the week but that may be the Read our weekly updates to get the inside scoop on how the Cardinals being cautious because they can be given we are Bears running backs are practicing and which player is the still five weeks from the start of the regular season. J.J. Nelson best bet for your draft. Or the Saints WR corps. Or which was also injured at the start of camp as he suffered a groin Browns receiver is shining in practice. It's the kind of injury that sidelined him for the week. Brown and Nelson's information that will put you over the edge and on the way to absences made Jaron Brown the third receiver and opened up dominating your draft. more opportunities for Jaxon Shipley. Shipley impressed beat writer Darren Urban. Larry Fitzgerald sat out a practice but he Happy reading and let's have a great 2016 season, wasn't hurt. He was asked about retirement and brushed off the question before signing a one-year contract extension on Joe Bryant and David Dodds Friday. With Brown and Nelson injured and Fitzgerald resting, Owners, Footballguys.com Michael Floyd was featured prominently throughout the week. Floyd had an impressive week of practice reeling in a number of big plays. Head coach Bruce Arians is typically good for Follow our Footballguys Training Camp crew on Twitter: developing receivers on the lower rungs of his depth chart @FBGNews, @theaudible, @Joe_Bryant, @fbg_dodds, during training camps but his work over recent years @sigmundbloom, @cecillammey, @JayBWood, combined with the presences of Floyd and Fitzgerald mean @JeneBramel, @fbgchase, @MattWaldman, @bobhenry, that the Cardinals have a deep, stable and established @cianaf, @Andrew_Garda, @JeffHaseley, @Maurile, @AdamHarstad, @a_rudnicki, @kylewachtel, @mpwimer, receiving corps. @draftdaddy, @JamesBrimacombe, @Hindery, @RyanHester13, @Bischoff_Scott, @cm_feery, TE: Jermaine Gresham missed most of the first week of @PhilTWR, @xfantasyphoenix practice with a hamstring issue. Bruce Arians' tight ends typically catch more passes in training camp than they do in actual games. Troy Niklas took advantage of the opportunities that went his way by consistently catching the ball while Arizona Cardinals making good adjustments at the point of attack. Niklas has to try and force his way ahead of Gresham and/or Darren Fells at this point. While it's not a position that is going to produce QB: Drew Stanton isn't thinking about replacing Carson many fantasy points, this is a rare spot on the Cardinals roster Palmer this year but he revealed that he thinks he will have a where there is legitimate competition. chance to be Palmer's long-term heir in Arizona during the first week of training camp. Unfortunately, Stanton’s wait got longer when Palmer signed a one-year contract extension. ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Defense: Tyrann Mathieu signed a 5-year, $62.5 million Bethel (inj), Harlan Miller, Mike Jenkins (inj), Alan contract with $40 million guaranteed in spite of being on the Ball, Joel Wilkinson, Ronald Zamort, Trevon Hartfield, Eli PUP list following his late-season ACL tear last year. Arians Bouka expects Mathieu back in two weeks. Mathieu hasn't been alone S: Tyrann Mathieu (FS/CB), Tony Jefferson (SS), Tyvon on the sidelines as the team's first-round pick Robert Branch (FS),D.J. Swearinger (SS), Marqui Nkemdiche suffered a high-ankle sprain just before the Christian, Chris Clemons, Matthias Farley beginning of camp. Nkemdiche has been making progress but is expected to miss a few weeks. The other new addition to the defense line, Chandler Jones, was active throughout the week and looked imposing. His teammates are talking about him getting 20+ sacks. Jones is an established player though, so the Atlanta Falcons more notable development has been the impressive play of Markus Golden. “Golden has vastly improved...he's gotten QB: Matt Ryan is pleased with his new number two wide quicker and more explosive.” said General Manager Steve receiver, Mohamed Sanu. ”We've all been impressed with the Keim. The Cardinals GM wasn't alone in his praise, while way he works and the way that he performs in practice,” Ryan Mike Jurecki noted that Jones and Golden were moving said. “I think as he gets more comfortable, he's going to around the formation as pass rushers early in the week. Rookie continue to showcase what a great player he is.” During the cornerback Brandon Williams could play a big role as the annual Friday Night Lights scrimmage on August 5, backup Cardinals' second starter behind Patrick Peterson this year. Matt Simms tossed a touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Williams needs to win the job first and has played well early Devin Fuller inside the red zone during the two-minute drill. in camp. Sean Renfree also played effectively. Matt Schaub threw two interceptions during the Friday night event, but remains listed Returners: While Patrick Peterson and Kerwynn Williams are as Ryan's primary backup on the depth chart. Ryan further likely to reprise their roles as punt and kickoff returner, praised his receiving corps: ”Our receivers have done a great respectively, head coach Bruce Arians has recently given John job through the first week of practices. They've came out and Brown and Andre Ellington some reps to help ease the logjam competed and in great shape. They are running hard. I think at wide receiver and running back. we've been improving on a daily basis.“ Ryan also commented on the improved offensive line play now that Alex Mack is the Cardinals Depth Chart team's center: 'It's not a small thing. It's a huge thing. When you have a veteran guy up in front of you and they understand QB: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Matt Barkley, Jake what is going on and they are comfortable doing it, it's huge. Coker For my first five years having a guy like Todd McClure, when RB: David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Andre I could just go out there and be on autopilot and he would get Ellington, Kerwynn Williams (KR), Stepfan Taylor, Jared us right - that really helps. I think Alex is that kind of guy. Baker He's done a great job.' WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown (KR), Jaron Brown, J.J. Nelson (PR), Brittan Golden, Jaxon Shipley, Amir Carlisle, Damon Powell, Chris RB: Tevin Coleman returned to practice Friday after missing Hubert, Jeff Beathard three days with a mild foot injury. He went through the TE: Darren Fells, Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas, Gerald individual drills but didn’t play during the 11-on-11 portion of Christian, Ifeanyi Momah, Hakeem Valles the practice/scrimmage. The current depth chart as of Friday's LT: Jared Veldheer scrimmage yielded no surprises: 1) Devonta Freeman, 2) LG: Mike Iupati, Taylor Boggs Coleman, 3) Terron Ward, 4) Gus Johnson and 5) Brandon C: Lyle Sendlein, AQ Shipley Wilds. RG: Evan Mathis, Earl Watford RT: DJ Humphries, Cole Toner WR: As of Saturday, Julio Jones was back at practice, having K: Chandler Catanzaro overcome the 'tightness' that had held him out of practices NT: Rodney Gunter, Red Bryant, Xavier Williams, Corey early on during training camp. While Jones was out, Sanu had Peters,Olsen Pierre some issues with dropped passes, but receivers' coach/assistant DE: Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker, Robert head coach Raheem Morris isn't concerned: “He's had some Nkemdiche, Ed Stinson, Josh Mauro, Jason Babin challenges in practice,” Morris said. “He's been able to fight ILB: Deone Bucannon (SS), Kevin Minter, Donald through those challenges. I couldn't be happier with the guy Butler, Alani Fua,Zack Wagenmann, Kenny and what he's bringing to the table... right now he's trying to Demens, Daryl Washington (susp) fill the second wideout spot. It's being heavily contended with OLB: Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, Alex Justin Hardy. Those three guys have been out there working Okafor, Kareem Martin, Shaq Riddick, Lamar Louis together, fighting together. I couldn’t be more pleased with CB: Patrick Peterson (PR), Brandon Williams, Justin them. I'm happy with how the group is panning out.” Julio ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Jones echoed the excitement for Sanu: “But Sanu, he's a great Falcons Depth Chart addition to the team, and we'll see that when the season comes QB: Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Sean Renfree, Matt Simms around. He looks great out here with his route-running ability, RB: Devonta Freeman (3RB), Tevin Coleman running little routes, short routes inside, choice routes and (KR), Terron Ward, Gus Johnson, Brandon Wilds those things.” On Friday, the Falcons signed veteran Lance FB: Patrick DiMarco Moore; he's seen as a depth player who can help mentor the WR: Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy, Devin younger Falcons' receivers. Moore had 29/337/4 receiving Fuller, Eric Weems (KR/PR), Nick Williams, Aldrick with the Lions last year (over 14 games played). Jones, Sanu, Robinson, Jordan Leslie, David Glidden Hardy and Moore are the top four receivers on the depth chart TE: Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo, D.J. entering the second week of camp. Fuller is among a large Tialavea, Arthur Lynch group of players vying for a reserve spot on the roster (12 LT: Jake Matthews different wide receivers are listed on the depth chart). Coach LG: Andy Levitre, Mike Person Morris acknowledged the competition: “Aldrick Robinson, C: Alex Mack (Jordan) Leslie, J.D. (McKissic) and some of our young guys RG: James Stone, Chris Chester in David Glidden, a bunch of guys are fighting. Some of our RT: Ryan Schraeder, Tom Compton new guys, they’ve really been a pleasant addition to the team.” K: Matt Bryant, Shayne Graham Nick Williams was also mentioned favorably by Morris. DT: Tyson Jackson, Grady Jarrett (NT), Ra′Shede Hageman, Jonathan Babineaux, Joey Mbu (NT) TE: Austin Hooper had a pass intercepted in front of him DE: Derrick Shelby, Brooks Reed, Dwight during the night practice on Friday. He remains third on the Freeney, Adrian Clayborn, Malliciah Goodman, Brandon depth chart behind Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. Hooper Williams had to miss OTAs due to NCAA rules, but he is keeping up MLB: Deion Jones, Paul Worrilow with the NFL pace according to Head Coach Dan Quinn. “You OLB: Vic Beasley (S), De′Vondre Campbell (W), Courtney know what, I don’t feel like he's behind, as hard as he worked Upshaw (S), Sean Weatherspoon (S), Philip to get up to speed. You can't do anything about the practices Wheeler, Laroy Reynolds, Tyler Starr that he missed. But what he did during that time is he made CB: Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Phillip sure, even though he wasn’t going to be on the field getting Adams, Jalen Collins (susp), Brian Poole, CJ the reps, he was going to have to do it by himself and he did Goodwin, Demarcus Van Dyke that. It's going to be important quarters for him during the S: Ricardo Allen (FS), Keanu Neal (SS), Kemal Ishmael preseason getting the looks, getting the reps, getting the plays. (SS), Robenson Therezie (FS), Damian Parms (SS), Akeem But he's off to a good start,” said Quinn. King

Defense: During the Friday Night Lights scrimmage, starting cornerback Desmond Trufant was held out due to a 'minor' hip injury. C.J. Goodwin filled in and made an interception. Coach Quinn was pleased with Goodwin's play. Weakside linebacker Baltimore Ravens De'Vondre Campbell, middle linebacker Deion Jones and strongside Vic Beasley opened with the first-team defense QB: Joe Flacco tore his ACL in Week 11 last season, resulting during Friday's scrimmage. Atlanta signed veteran defensive in the first missed games of his career. Flacco’s rehab has end Dwight Freeney on August 2nd and will be used as a pass- gone well. He earned clearance to practice, but he has yet to rushing specialist. Freeney did some light jogging at the do so. The team is handling him with kid gloves. Flacco has Friday night event, and is expected to start practicing with the hinted that he may not participate in the preseason at all. team this week. Rookie cornerback Brian Poole has been Behind him, 2015 mid-season signee Ryan Mallett has making a case for playing time which is opportune considering retained his roster spot. Mallett was released by Houston last the Falcons be without nickel corner Jalen Collins' for the first year for being a malcontent – not for being a bad player. He’s four games (suspension) of the season. “We’ve played him at far from the worst backup in the league. nickel and we've played him at safety, as well,” said Quinn of Poole. “He's done a nice job in the zone. We are going to keep RB: Justin Forsett is 31 years old and returning from a season- forcing it on to see where he can get to.” ending injury. He entered the preseason as the presumptive favorite to be the starting running back, but is being pushed by Returners: One of the most stable return games in the NFL several other players. Second-year pro Javorius Allen was thrown into disarray when the Falcons cut Devin Hester performed admirably last year when pressed into duty. His nearly a month ago. In his place, running back Tevin Coleman pass blocking and receiving skills are (like Forsett’s) a nice fit has surprisingly taken an inside track on the kickoff return job, for an offense coordinated by Marc Trestman, who loves using while veteran Eric Weems is on pace to handle punts. his backs in the passing game. Former Cleveland third-round pick Terrance West has impressed many so far in camp. ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

After failing in Cleveland and Tennessee, West appears to fort in the middle. Timmy Jernigan is the team’s best have re-committed to the game. He lost weight and is making defensive end with Lawrence Guy book-ending him. Rookie plays consistently. Rookie Kenneth Dixon is also in the mix. third-round pick Bronson Kaufusi broke his ankle Thursday He tweaked his knee early in camp, but it was minor and and will likely miss the season, a big blow to depth. The resulted in a week of missed time. Dixon is considered an all- linebackers are led by pass rush specialists Terrell Suggs and around player who could eventually play every down. Elvis Dumervil, though Dumervil is on the PUP with an Preseason games will likely have a say how the final depth injured foot. C.J. Mosley is among the game’s best inside chart and 53-man roster shake out. Depending on how well the linebackers. There’s a spirited camp battle emerging for the younger backs play, it’s not inconceivable Forsett could end other ILB spot between Arthur Brown, Zach Orr, Albert up a roster casualty due to the $3 million in cap savings his McClellan and rookie 2nd rounder Kamalei Correa. Correa has release would create. done everything so far in camp, including injuring Dennis Pitta during a scuffle. Eric Weddle comes over from San WR: This group is as difficult to forecast as any in the NFL. Diego in an attempt to stabilize what was a horrific secondary Steve Smith and Mike Wallace have been pegged as starters in 2015. Weddle’s fellow safety is converted corner Lardarius since early in the offseason, but Smith hasn’t been able to Webb. Despite being highly-touted out of college, Webb practice yet in OTAs or camp after a double rupture of his didn’t pan out as a corner. Jimmy Smith remains a projected Achilles tendon last season. He’s now 37 years old, and that’s starter at cornerback, though he’s also injured at the moment a massive injury to overcome. Wallace failed his conditioning with a calf injury. The injuries are unfortunate for Baltimore test to open camp but has run with the “ones” since. Behind because they need continuity to improve on last year’s putrid Smith and Wallace are a pair of University of Central Florida pass defense. alums whose paths to the NFL were wildly different. 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman still hasn’t played a down Returners: Baltimore’s punt return job is shaping up as a of NFL football after a chronic PCL injury ruined his rookie battle between Michael Campanaro, who opened last year as season. Perriman partially tore his ACL in spring practices, the returner, and Kaelin Clay, who was a standout after but he avoided major surgery. He opened camp on the PUP, Campanaro went down to injury. Kickoffs will likely be but the team expects him to participate at some point and be contested by a pair of rookies— defensive back Tavon Young ready for Week 1. Kamar Aiken was an undrafted rookie free and converted quarterback Keenan Reynolds. agent and was cut by three teams before landing in Baltimore. Aiken got snaps by default in 2014 and even more Ravens Depth Chart for the same reason in 2015. Considering Smith’s age and QB: Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett, Jerrod Johnson, Josh recovery and Perriman’s inability to get on the field, Aiken Johnson could once again find himself as a starter. RB: Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Javorius Allen, Kenneth Dixon, Lorenzo Taliaferro TE: Despite drafting a tight end in the second round last year FB: Kyle Juszczyk and seeing Crockett Gillmore emerge in 2015, Baltimore WR: Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken, Mike Wallace, Breshad signed Ben Watson this offseason. Watson comes off a career Perriman (inj), Chris Moore, Michael Campanaro, Jeremy year in New Orleans and could be relied upon as a second or Butler, Keenan Reynolds (RB/KR), Chris third target, should he hold off all comers to be the starter. Matthews, Kaelin Clay, Daniel Brown Last year’s second-round pick Maxx Williams is a talented all- TE: Benjamin Watson, Maxx Williams, Crockett around tight end, but with the team’s depth at tight end, he’ll Gillmore, Dennis Pitta, Darren Waller (susp), Nick Boyle have to earn playing time regardless of his draft pedigree. (susp) Gillmore had two shoulder injuries in the offseason (once of LT: Ronnie Stanley which required surgery) and he has already tweaked a LG: John Urschel, Ryan Jensen, Vlad Ducasse hamstring in camp. Dennis Pitta is bravely attempting a C: Jeremy Zuttah comeback, but it was derailed when he hurt his finger in a RG: Marshal Yanda, Alex Lewis camp fight with a teammate. Pitta’s timetable is unknown. RT: Rick Wagner, James Hurst K: Justin Tucker PK: Justin Tucker made headlines when he said he could NT: Brandon Williams, Kapron Lewis-Moore make a kick from 84 and a half yards under ideal conditions. DE: Timmy Jernigan, Lawrence Guy, Carl Davis, Bronson Tucker claims that he hit the crossbar from 85 yards in Denver Kaufusi (inj), Willie Henry, Brent Urban, Matt last year, but Denver’s punter and kicker both ridiculed the Judon, Mario Ojemudia, Nordly Capi claim, with Brandon McManus offering Tucker an all-expense ILB: C.J. Mosley, Zachary Orr, Arthur Brown, Albert paid trip to Denver to try. McClellan, Kavell Conner OLB: Terrell Suggs (inj), Elvis Dumervil (S), Za′Darius Defense: Up front, Baltimore no longer has the “golden days” Smith (DE),Kamalei Correa, Chris Carter, Brennen of Haloti Ngata. Instead, Brandon Williams holds down the Beyer, Victor Ochi ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

CB: Jimmy Smith (inj), Shareece Wright, Kyle Arrington Bills coaches and fans alike. Robert Woods served primarily (inj), Jerraud Powers, Will Davis, Tavon Young, Maurice as a blocker downfield last year while he played through Canady, Julian Wilson, Sheldon Price, Jumal Rolle (inj) injuries. He’s fully healthy this year, and has picked up some S: Eric Weddle (FS), Lardarius Webb (SS/PR), Kendrick of the slack created by the absence of Watkins during the early Lewis (FS), Anthony Levine (SS), Terrence Brooks part of camp. The rest of the depth chart is wide open, but (FS), Matt Elam (SS), Nick Perry (SS), Jermaine there are some intriguing players with potential that will have Whitehead (FS), Will Hill (susp) a chance to earn key roles on the team. Greg Salas has had a strong start to camp, while Greg Little brings some much needed size to the group. Marquise Goodwin is a deep threat as he showed on Saturday with a 43-yard touchdown catch from EJ Manuel. Dez Lewis was an undrafted free agent last Buffalo Bills year who also figures to be in the mix for playing time.

QB: The Bills saw a lot to like from Tyrod Taylor last year, TE: This is a position with minimal depth. Charles Clay is the but didn’t sign him to an extension so he’s entering the final starter and one of the better 2-way tight ends in the league. Jim year of his contract. All reports throughout the offseason and Dray was signed from the Browns to be the primary blocking early in training camp have been positive, however, and that tight end, but he doesn’t figure to offer much help downfield. has led to speculation that a new short-term deal could be That leaves players like Blake Annen, Chris Gragg, and Nick close. In any event, he has become a team leader and has a lot O’Leary to likely fight over one roster spot but none stood out riding on his shoulders and legs. It’s key that he shows in the Saturday scrimmage. improvement throwing over the middle of the field as he did most of his damage last year throwing outside and deep. EJ PK: The Bills released rookie UDFA kicker Marshall Morgan Manuel returns as the backup in the last year of his contract. to make room for Reggie Bush. Morgan had been seen as st The former 1 round pick hasn’t developed as expected, but he competition for Dan Carpenter, who is making $1.8 million can fill-in for a few games if called upon. Rookie Cardale dollars this year coming off of a season with four extra point Jones won a national championship at Ohio State so he has misses. Carpenter’s job appears to be safe now, but the same exceptional talent but is also very raw. He’s being groomed to can’t be said of kickoff specialist Jordan Gay, who may not be take over the backup job next year, and figures to see a lot of needed if the Bills decide to avoid touchbacks because of the work in the preseason. new rule putting them at the 25-yard line.

RB: The Bills led the league in rushing last year, and LeSean Defense: The Bills defense never really seemed to work McCoy is back to lead the way. The veteran was banged up at together last year, so Rex Ryan made some changes and times last year, and figures to see very little time in the brought in his twin brother to help run the defense. Mario preseason as the team hopes to keep him healthy. His expected Williams was released, but the 1st round pick expected to backup Karlos Williams showed up overweight earlier this replace him (Shaq Lawson) underwent shoulder surgery offseason, and will also miss the first four games while during the summer and could start the year on the PUP list. serving a suspension. That created an opening for the team to Meanwhile, 2nd round pick Reggie Ragland was expected to sign Reggie Bush to an incentive-laden contract, although it upgrade the ILB spot, but he suffered a partial ACL tear remains unclear how much he actually has left. Rounding out during the first week of camp and could be a candidate for IR the group will be rookie Jonathan Williams, Mike Gillislee, if surgery is required. The Bills immediately made moves to and some additional camp bodies like Dan Herron and James address this by signing Brandon Spikes and David Hawthorne Wilder Jr. This is one of the deepest position groups on the on Sunday. The secondary is in great hands at cornerback with team, and that could lead to some tough decisions on cut down Stephon Gilmore and last year’s rookie star Ronald Darby, but day. Fullback Jerome Fulton is back but the Bills hope he’ll Gilmore is entering a contract year and looking for a big be pushed by Glenn Gronkowski. The undrafted brother of the money, long term contract. Most of the starting spots are set, more famous Patriots tight end had a strong college career, but so camp and the preseason will be most important for filling had a disappointing debut in the team’s scrimmage Saturday out the depth charts behind them and making sure all players night as he gave up a sack and saw a TD pass sail through his are comfortable with the system that Ryan wants to run. hands. Returners: The newly-signed Reggie Bush figures to WR: Sammy Watkins demonstrated how valuable he can be immediately take over as the team’s primary punt returner. On down the stretch in 2015, and he will hope to build on that this kickoffs, Javier Arenas is battling to make the roster as a year. Unfortunately, he has been injury prone early in his return specialist. Pay attention to preseason games; if Arenas career and suffered another setback this offseason when he is cut, the Bills could go with existing players like Marquise broke his foot in April and had to have it surgically repaired. Goodwin or Mike Gillislee. He was cleared for practice on Monday; a welcome sight to ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Bills Depth Chart “When you're working you have to find different ways to QB: Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel, Cardale Jones work without putting your body through a lot of stress. But I RB: LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams (susp), Mike feel pretty good. This is my ninth year. I feel like it's my fifth Gillislee, Jonathan Williams, Reggie Bush, James Wilder year,” said Stewart. “My offensive line, they really wanted me Jr., Dan Herron, Cierre Wood, Dri Archer to get to that 1,000-yard mark because I know it means a lot to FB: Jerome Felton, Glenn Gronkowski them. When you have a 1,000-yard rusher in the backfield it WR: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Greg says a lot about the offensive line and everybody on that Salas, Leonard Hankerson, Marquise Goodwin, Kolby offense.” Stewart missed crossing the 1,000-yard ribbon by 11 Listenbee, Dezmin Lewis, Marcus Easley, Greg yards rushing last year. The first unofficial depth chart of the Little, Jarrett Boykin, Walter Powell season lists Stewart as the starter with Fozzy Whittaker at #2. TE: Charles Clay, Jim Dray, Nick O′Leary, Chris Cameron Artis-Payne is running third with Brandon Wegher Gragg, Blake Annen,Jacob Maxwell and Jalen Simmons in the reserve roles. LT: Cordy Glenn, Jordan Mills LG: Richie Incognito WR: Devin Funchess is playing well to open training camp. C: Eric Wood According to the Charlotte Observer's Johnathan Jones, RG: John Miller, Cyril Richardson “Funchess is enjoying an outstanding training camp in his RT: Cyrus Kouandijo, Seantrel Henderson second season. His momentum from the end of last season — K: Dan Carpenter when he had 31 catches for 473 yards and five touchdowns — DT: Marcell Dareus (NT), Kyle Williams, T.J. has carried into this summer.” Funchess is pleased with his Barnes, Leger Douzable, Casey Walker (NT), Justin Zimmer start to camp. “I'm more comfortable. I just want to do more. I DE: Adolphus Washington, Corbin Bryant, Lavar want to be a bigger part and help the other guys - make sure Edwards, Jerel Worthy, Cedric Reed we're all making plays and make sure we get the W at the end ILB: Preston Brown (M), Zach Brown, Brandon of the day.” The Panthers' first depth chart showed Kelvin Spikes, David Hawthorne, Jamari Lattimore, Kevin Benjamin and Ted Ginn Jr. as the starters, with Funchess and Reddick, Reggie Ragland (inj) Philly Brown as the main backups. A gaggle of nine other OLB: Jerry Hughes, Shaq Lawson (inj), Manny Lawson receivers are vying for reserve roles. Stephen Hill suffered a (S), IK Enemkpali, Eric Striker, Randell Johnson, Max setback/tweak to his surgically repaired knee (massively Valles repaired - three torn ligaments and a torn hamstring last CB: Stephon Gilmore, Ronald Darby, Nickell season) and missed time during the first week of training Robey, Mario Butler, Javier Arenas, Sterling Moore camp. S: Aaron Williams (FS), Corey Graham (SS) , Robert Blanton (FS), Duke Williams (FS), Jonathan Meeks TE: Backup Ed Dickson spoke about his role: “I signed up to (SS), Johnathan Dowling win a championship. And we put ourselves in a position to win a championship. I've never been about personal stuff in my career. I wanted them to see the value I bring to the table...Say I get 60 catches this year, it just exceeds the expectations, I know it's within me to do it. There's a positive Carolina Panthers way to look at everything and I look at it in a positive way. I'm trying to get that second ring. I'm trying to get Cam his first QB: Cam Newton threw two interceptions to safety Dre ring and a lot of guys their first ring.” Scott Simonson, Beau Boston over the course of two practices on Friday. Newton Sandland, Marcus Lucas and Braxton Deaver are all had cautioned the defensive backs on Wednesday about competing for the third tight end spot. playing too deep, and threw a touchdown to wide receiver Philly Brown during a two-minute drill to press home the Defense: The Panthers' first team offense couldn't punch in lesson. However, he then went over the top of the secondary in rushing scores against the first-team defense during two 11-on-11 drills and completed long touchdown throws to Ted attempts at Fan Fest on Friday. Coach Rivera commented: “I Ginn Jr. (on a stop-and-go) and Damiere Byrd. It's fair to say thought that was outstanding. I really liked the energy the guys that the battle between the Carolina defensive backs and played with and the way they attacked. On the inverse, on the Newton has been lively during the first week of training camp. offensive line we’ve got to get our pad level down and knock As expected, when the first unofficial depth chart came out on them back. That'll be a really good tape for us to watch as last week Newton was the starter, Derek Anderson was #2 and coaches.” According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte multi-faceted Joe Webb was listed third. Observer, the Panthers may be introducing rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley as their starting cornerbacks in RB: The Panthers had great news from Jonathan Stewart to Week One, with rookie Zack Sanchez possibly manning the open training camp, he feels 100% recovered from the foot slot (depending on how Bene Benwikere's surgically repaired injury that dogged him during the Super Bowl loss to Denver. leg holds up in training camp). Benwikere praised the rookie ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ defensive backs: “That's one good thing is they're not too loud. Chicago Bears That's good, they're all humble and they take coaching very well. I know our coaches and the staff love that.” When asked about the possibility of starting three rookie defensive backs in QB: Jay Cutler had one of his best seasons in 2015, and much of the credit went to offensive coordinator Adam Gase. He’s regular season, Rivera pointed to the 1981 San Francisco th 49ers, who started three rookie defensive backs – Ronnie Lott, now the head coach in Miami, so Cutler will get his 6 Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson. And they won the Super different offensive coordinator in 8 years as QB coach Dowell Bowl. So you just never know. Defensive end Kony Ealy Loggains was promoted. For a quarterback prone to turnovers, resumed practicing after being cleared from a concussion the Bears hope Loggains will provide some stability and help sustained early during training camp. Cutler continue to play within himself. The Bears made a significant upgrade to the backup position when they signed veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer in the spring. He’s certainly Returners: Disappointed with last year’s results, the Panthers capable of winning games, as he showed during his time with have been working with primary punt returner Ted Ginn over the Browns and Texans, but he offers limited upside. David to handle kickoff returns, as well. Should Ginn falter, Fozzy Fales figures to hold down the #3 job again, but undrafted Whittaker and Joe Webb have also been receiving lots of early rookie Connor Shaw will also compete for that spot. work at the position. RB: Matt Forte is no longer around, so it’s a new era for the Bears running game. Jeremy Langford looked perfectly capable as an all-around back last year, but he’ll likely get Panthers Depth Chart some competition from rookie Jordan Howard who has more QB: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb (KR) of a between-the-tackles power game. In anticipation of taking RB: Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy on a full-time role, Langford bulked up during the offseason Whittaker (KR), Brandon Wegher, Devon Johnson, Jalen which isn’t always an ideal decision (major weight shifts tend Simmons to be overplayed by the media). At minimum, Howard figures FB: Mike Tolbert, Andrew Bonnet to see time early on as the short-yardage back and that could WR: Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn limit Langford’s fantasy potential. Ka’Deem Carey and (KR/PR), Corey Brown, Brenton Bersin, Stephen Jacquizz Rodgers are also still around to provide additional Hill, Keyarris Garrett, Kevin Norwood, Damiere depth, but both are complementary players. The Bears may Byrd, Miles Shuler start to make use of the fullback position as they signed TE: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Beau Sandland, Scott veteran Darrel Young last week, who spent the first 7 years of Simonson, Jake McGee, Braxton Deaver, Marcus Lucas his career with Washington. They also have a former rugby LT: Michael Oher player from New Zealand competing for a roster spot in Paul LG: Andrew Norwell, Chris Scott Lasike, who spent last year on their practice squad. C: Ryan Kalil, Gino Gradkowski RG: Trai Turner WR: The Bears have the makings of one of the best receiver RT: Mike Remmers, Daryl Williams tandems in the league, but Alshon Jeffery just can’t seem to K: Graham Gano stay on the field. He only started 8 games last year, but still DT: Star Lotulelei (NT), Kawann Short, Paul managed to pick up 54 receptions for 807 yards so the Soliai, Vernon Butler, Kyle Love, Robert Thomas potential is obviously there for some huge numbers. He’s been (NT), Eric Crume sitting out during the early part of camp with a strained DE: Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Mario Addison, Ryan hamstring, and will hope to prove himself while playing on a Delaire, Wes Horton, Arthur Miley, Larry Webster, Rakim 1-year franchise tender. Meanwhile, last year’s 1st round pick Cox Kevin White is expected to provide a boost after missing his MLB: Luke Kuechly, Ben Jacobs, Jared Norris entire rookie year, but he’s been having some struggles early OLB: Thomas Davis (S), Shaq Thompson (W), A.J. Klein in camp as he attempts to adjust to the NFL game. Slot (W/M), David Mayo, Jeremy Cash, Brian Blechen, Jared receiver Eddie Royal has been going through the league’s Barber concussion protocol the past week, so hasn’t had much of a CB: Bene Benwikere, James Bradberry, Robert chance to rebuild his rapport with Cutler either. McClain, Daryl Worley, Zack Sanchez, Teddy Williams, Leonard Johnson, Louis Young, Ras-I TE: Martellus Bennett was one of the better 2-way tight ends Dowling, Shaq Richardson in the league, but he was shipped out of town for a 4th round S: Kurt Coleman (SS), Tre Boston (FS), Colin Jones pick from the Patriots back in March. He may have been a (SS/CB), Trent Robinson, Dean Marlowe (SS) problem in the locker room, so it could be addition by subtraction but his absence puts a lot of pressure on Zach Miller. He’s looked impressive when he’s played, but that ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ hasn’t happened all too often and he’s already missing time in Harris, Lamin Barrow camp with a concussion. Rob Housler has experience with the CB: Kyle Fuller, Tracy Porter, Bryce Callahan, Sherrick Cardinals and could wind up playing a bigger role than McManis, Deiondre′ Hall, Jacoby Glenn, Kevin expected this year. Peterson, De′Vante Bausby, Taveze Calhoun, Joel Ross, Brandon Boykin (IR) Defense: The Bears are in Year 2 of their transition to a 3-4 S: Adrian Amos (FS), Deon Bush (SS), Chris run by coordinator Vic Fangio. They brought in Akiem Hicks Prosinski, Harold Jones-Quartey, Deandre Houston- up front to try and solidify the defensive line, and also signed Carson (FS), Demontre Hurst (SS) two productive veteran inside linebackers in Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. That should give them a much stronger core on the defensive side of the ball, as Trevathan won a Super Bowl with the Broncos last year and is very good against the run. Meanwhile, the pass rush should get a boost Cincinnati Bengals from the addition of 1st round pick Leonard Floyd, although he may only see time as a specialist early on. The secondary is a QB: Last preseason, all eyes were on Andy Dalton, watching huge question mark as cornerback Kyle Fuller needs to carefully to see if he could put together a complete and become more consistent and comfortable in this system. consistent season. Though the season ended in yet another Meanwhile, there will be a competition for the starting spot early playoff loss, Dalton avoided many of the critical opposite him although Tracy Porter is expected to hold off the mistakes that had plagued him earlier in his career. All eyes on challengers. 2nd year pro Adrian Amos figures to hold down are Dalton for a different reason as the 2016 opener one of the safety spots, but the other position could see as approaches. With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu lost in many as four different players competing for playing time. free agency and Tyler Eifert likely to be unavailable for the There are some solid pieces in place here – particularly in the start of the regular season, Dalton will be looked upon to keep front 7 – but this is still a work in progress. this offense moving without many of its formerly productive options. Dalton, with the help of A.J. Green, has looked very Returners: Return specialist Marc Mariani is having a great good in the first two weeks of camp. In last weekend’s training camp and is well on his way to earning a roster spot scrimmage, Dalton tuned up the Cincinnati defense by and the starting punt return duties. Last year’s top kickoff completing nine passes for around 120 yards in just two returner, Deonte Thompson, has likewise impressed and drives. He’ll have to remain at the top of his game in should be able to secure another roster spot. September. A.J. McCarron continues to be more than solid as Dalton’s backup. Bears Depth Chart RB: Jeremy Hill has reportedly looked strong early in camp. QB: Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, David Fales, Connor Shaw That’s reassuring after a disappointing 2015 season behind a RB: Jeremy Langford, Jordan Howard, Ka′Deem strong offensive line and a brutal playoff fumble ended his Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers, Senorise Perry season on an even lower note. The Bengals may need to lean FB: Khari Lee (TE), Darrel Young, Paul Lasike heavily on Hill with the wide receiver group in flux and Tyler WR: Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Eddie Royal, Marquess Eifert likely to miss time as the season begins. Gio Bernard is Wilson (inj), Marc Mariani (KR/PR), Daniel also expected to see heavy use with Eifert out. Bernard will Braverman, Deonte Thompson (KR), Cameron see slot snaps in rotation with Tyler Boyd. Meredith, Joshua Bellamy, Darrin Peterson, Derek Keaton, Kieren Duncan TE: Zach Miller, Rob Housler, Ben Braunecker, Tony WR: No one can cover A.J. Green in camp. Healthy and in Moeaki, Gannon Sinclair sync with Andy Dalton, Green has been abusing every LT: Charles Leno, Nick Becton Cincinnati defensive back. In two series in last weekend’s LG: Cody Whitehair team scrimmage, Green had four catches for 70 yards in two C: Hroniss Grasu, Ted Larsen series and could have had more had he not dropped a well- RG: Kyle Long thrown ball on a long sideline route. For now, Brandon LaFell RT: Bobby Massie, Nate Chandler is drawing the majority of first team reps opposite Green, with K: Robbie Gould Tyler Boyd getting the majority of slot reps. Boyd has been NT: Eddie Goldman, Terry Williams particularly impressive, drawing the praise of his coaches and DE: Akiem Hicks, Jonathan Bullard, Will Sutton, Mitch every writer on the Bengals’ beat. Like Mohamed Sanu before Unrein, Keith Browner, Ego Ferguson (IR) him, Boyd has also been asked to contribute by running the ILB: Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, Christian football. If he can maintain his strong start, Boyd could get the Jones, Nick Kwiatkoski, Jonathan Anderson, John Timu bulk of the opportunity left with Marvin Jones and Sanu gone OLB: Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, Willie in free agency. Young, Leonard Floyd, Sam Acho, Roy Robertson- ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

TE: Tyler Eifert underwent ankle surgery in late May and the Thompson, Andrew Billings, Pat Sims, Marcus early timetable for return was 3-4 months. That’s an Hardison, David Dean aggressive timetable, however, and there are already DE: Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Margus Hunt, Will indications Eifert will miss multiple regular season games. Clarke, Jack Gangwish Tyler Kroft was expected to fill Eifert’s role as a pass-catching MLB: Vincent Rey, Nick Vigil, Jeff Luc, Trevor Roach option, but sprained a knee last week and is expected to be out OLB: Rey Maualuga (S), Karlos Dansby (W/M) , Vontaze for 4-6 weeks. Any hiccups in Kroft’s rehab would keep him Burfict (W) (susp), Jayson DiManche (S), Paul Dawson out of the season opener, too. C.J. Uzomah is the next tight (W), Marquis Flowers (S), Darien Harris end up and has been very good so far. In the team’s weekend CB: Adam Jones (PR), Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze scrimmage, Uzomah caught a 30-yard pass on a well-run Dennard, William Jackson III (inj), Josh Shaw, Chris crossing pattern then grabbed a 7-yard touchdown pass on a Lewis-Harris, Corey White, Corey Tindal seam route to end the drive. S: George Iloka (SS), Shawn Williams (FS), Derron Smith (FS), Jimmy Wilson, Clayton Fejedelem, Floyd Raven PK: Mike Nugent hadn’t missed yet in training camp as of Saturday and appears to be in great shape to hold off Zach Hocker. Hocker missed the mock game over the weekend for an undisclosed reason, while Nugent nailed a 38-yard field goal. Cleveland Browns

Defense: The Bengals’ defense is a work in progress. The QB: Despite early reports Josh McCown looked better at stellar defensive line returns intact and has added rookie times in spring practices than Robert Griffin III, Griffin has Andrew Billings to the defensive tackle rotation. Vontaze dominated first team snaps in training camp and was Burfict came to camp with a foot injury but has been activated named the starter on Monday. By all accounts, Griffin has and practicing well. He’ll miss the first three games this been getting better with each day of camp. His connections season due to repeated safety violations. First round pick Will of 35, 53, and 41 yards with Corey Coleman in Friday night’s Jackson suffered a torn pectoral last week and is in jeopardy of intrasquad scrimmage generated plenty of buzz and Griffin missing the season. With veterans Leon Hall and Reggie kept it going on Saturday, finishing 12-of-19 with a pair of Nelson gone in free agency, the secondary will need to stay touchdowns during the Browns’ annual scrimmage at Ohio healthy and gel quickly. Stadium. Browns head coach Hue Jackson sounds confident in Griffin’s ability to revive his career. "The biggest area he has grown is just his confidence in playing the position,'' said Returners: The Bengals have been sharing return duties Jackson. "You have to know how to play quarterback in the between the steady Brandon Tate and the boom/bust Adam National Football League, and with (associate head coach – Jones for several years, and the status quo is likely to be offense) Pep (Hamilton) and myself, we pride ourselves on maintained in 2016. The Bengals have been giving Mario getting guys ready to play. He has accepted every challenge Alford plenty of reps at kickoff returner to see if he could push we've given him.'' After Cowboys backup quarterback Kellen Tate a bit in the role, though. Moore broke his ankle on Tuesday, McCown’s name popped up in trade rumors. It seems McCown would be open to a Bengals Depth Chart trade, but the Browns prefer to keep him. McCown finished QB: Andy Dalton, A.J. McCarron, Keith Wenning, Joe 3-of-5 in Saturday's scrimmage, including a 75-yard Licata touchdown pass on a deep ball to Terrelle Pryor. Third round RB: Jeremy Hill (SD), Giovani Bernard (3RB), Rex draft pick Cody Kessler has reportedly made good progress Burkhead (WR),Cedric Peerman, Bronson Hill in practice, which makes Austin Davis the odd man out if the FB: Ryan Hewitt (HB) Browns decide not to carry four quarterbacks. WR: A.J. Green, Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd, James Wright, Brandon Tate (KR), Jake Kumerow, Mario RB: Jackson, Hamilton, and running backs coach Kirby Alford, Cody Core, Angelo Russell, Rashawn Wilson have consistently stated they want the Browns to have Simonise, Alex Erickson, Michael Bennett a physical, run-oriented offense. Second year back Duke TE: Tyler Eifert (inj), Tyler Kroft (inj), C.J. Johnson backed up those assertions with his comments on the Uzomah, Matthew Lengel, John Peters first day of camp. “We’re looking forward to game in and LT: Andrew Whitworth, Jake Fisher game out just being physical,” Johnson said. “That’s LG: Clint Boling, Christian Westerman something that Coach wants from everyone, starting up front C: Russell Bodine, T.J. Johnson and passed onto everybody.” It remains to be seen how RG: Kevin Zeitler Cleveland will divvy up carries between Johnson and RT: Eric Winston, Cedric Ogbuehi incumbent early-down back Isaiah Crowell, but it appears K: Mike Nugent Jackson is not holding Crowell’s controversial Instagram DT: Geno Atkins, Domata Peko (NT), Brandon ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ post against him. The Akron Beacon Journal anticipates Barnidge. The 6-foot-7, 259-pound Hamlett still has to hold Crowell receiving the majority of the carries, with Johnson off Seth DeValve and E.J. Bibbs, but he’s made a good viewed as an explosive receiving threat the coaching staff impression on Jackson. “He’s done great,” Jackson said won’t want to burn out with too many rushing attempts. Tuesday. “That guy is tall. He’s got long arms. You can kind Raheem Mostert, Terrell Watson, and Glenn Winston are of throw up there. He goes and gets it. He’s done a great job. battling for the third spot on the depth chart, with Watson I’ve been really pleased with him. I’m very, very impressed.” being a player of interest since Jackson brought him over from Cincinnati. The Browns’ rushing attack got off to a poor start PK: Travis Coons is getting pushed by 2014 Tampa kicker in Friday’s scrimmage. “I didn’t like it,” Jackson said of the Patrick Murray, who missed last season with an injury. Special running game. “We have got to become a gritty group up teams coordinator Chris Tabor said Murray was very front.” Johnson caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from consistent with a good kickoff leg and no ill effects from his Griffin on third-and-goal in Saturday’s scrimmage. injury. Coons struggled late last year with misses in three of the last five games, so his job is far from secure. WR: As previously mentioned, first round draft pick Corey Coleman lived up to the hype in his first week of camp. Even Defense: The biggest story on defense for the Browns is before putting on a show in Friday night’s scrimmage, beat defensive end Desmond Bryant being placed on season- writer Tony Grossi called Coleman “the real deal”, while ending injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. With Hamilton also had high praise for the rookie. “He can score Cleveland’s 2015 sack-leader on the shelf, second round pick the ball,” Hamilton said. “That’s what we’re going to need Emmanuel Ogbah has been working as a defensive end in him to do. We need a big-play threat or two or three on the coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense, after the initial plan perimeter, and we feel like he’s the guy who can do those was to play him at outside linebacker. "It feels good," the things.” Unfortunately, Coleman was forced to watch Oklahoma State product said. "Back to putting my hand on the Saturday’s scrimmage from the sideline with a hamstring dirt, just getting after the quarterback." Another position injury, though it appears minor. "He'll be fine," Jackson said. change has seen cornerback Pierre Desir move to safety. “We "He just had a little hamstring issue, and I didn't want to push like him, he’s long, he’s talented. But maybe he might find an it too far. We're too close to getting ready for the season." The area where he’s better suited to play. Again, he has cover other standout in the Browns wide receiver corps this week skills, but seeing him play safety, too, is exciting to me was converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor. In Coleman’s because he gives us a different element back in the middle.” absence, Pryor dominated the Orange and Brown Scrimmage, Cornerback Joe Haden, who had ankle surgery in March and catching five passes including touchdowns of five and 75 missed all the offseason camps, appears on track to practice yards. “Before I was like a bear, but now, it’s a gazelle,” soon and be ready for the start of the regular season. Pryor said after the game. Griffin had high praise for Pryor’s progress as a receiver. “He’s a big guy, physical, he’s got an Returners: Tasked with replacing departing punt returner elite trait that you can’t coach and that’s size,” Griffin said. Travis Benjamin, the Browns seem ready to turn to incoming “So he’s been able to utilize that while he’s been in camp this rookie Corey Coleman. Should he falter, Raheem Mostert and spring and we love the progress that he’s made.” Grossi even Tramon Williams has plenty of previous experience. On went as far as to guess Pryor is the favorite to open the kickoffs, Raheem Mostert and Justin Gilbert are the leading season as the number two receiver, though Josh Gordon’s candidates, with Corey Coleman a dark horse to see some Week 5 return from suspension is bound to shake up the depth work here, too. chart. Gordon hasn’t seen the practice field yet due to a quad injury, but Jackson has been impressed with his dedication. “He wants to play, he's been outstanding,” Jackson said. “He's Browns Depth Chart been great in the building, been great outside the building. I QB: Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Cody think he has a burning desire to be a part of this football Kessler, Austin Davis team.” Andrew Hawkins suffered a hamstring injury in RB: Isaiah Crowell (SD), Duke Johnson (3RB), Terrell Tuesday’s practice. If he’s forced to miss extended time, Watson, Raheem Mostert, Glenn Winston rookies Rashard Higgins, Jordan Payton, and Ricardo Louis FB: Malcolm Johnson should receive more opportunities. Louis caught a touchdown WR: Josh Gordon (susp), Corey Coleman, Terrelle pass from McCown on Friday. Pryor, Andrew Hawkins, Rashard Higgins, Taylor Gabriel, Jordan Payton, Ricardo Louis, Darius TE: After undergoing sports hernia surgery in June, there Jennings, Marlon Moore, Rannell Hall was some doubt about Gary Barnidge’s availability for the TE: Gary Barnidge, Connor Hamlett, E.J. Bibbs, Seth start of camp, but he was active in Saturday’s scrimmage and Devalve, Randall Telfer had a nice sideline catch from Griffin. Connor Hamlett -- who LT: Joe Thomas, Michael Bowie has been described as one of the most pleasant surprises of LG: Joel Bitonio, Kaleb Johnson Browns camp -- has emerged as the favorite to back-up C: Cameron Erving RG: John Greco, Spencer Drango ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

RT: Alvin Bailey, Austin Pasztor, Shon Coleman abuse. The police have not charged him and there have been K: Travis Coons (inj), Patrick Murray, Jaden Oberkrom no public updates on the investigation in two weeks. Elliott’s NT: Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder, Nile Lawrence-Stample injury leaves the Cowboys with precious little depth at the DE: John Hughes, Xavier Cooper, Carl Nassib, Emmanuel position considering Darren McFadden remains on the NFI Ogbah, Nick Hayden, Dylan Wynn, Desmond Bryant (IR) List with a broken elbow he suffered in the offseason (in a ILB: Christian Kirksey, Demario Davis, Tank Carder, Joe non-football related injury). Alfred Morris has been getting the Schobert, Scooby Wright III, Justin Tuggle majority of starter reps, and could credibly push McFadden for OLB: Paul Kruger, Armonty Bryant, Barkevious the #2 role behind Elliott with a strong preseason. Lance Mingo, Nate Orchard, Jackson Jeffcoat, Dominique Dunbar started camp on PUP as he recovers from last season’s Alexander torn ACL – but rehab is going well and the team is cautiously CB: Joe Haden, Tramon Williams, K′Waun optimistic he’ll return soon. 6th round rookie Darius Jackson Williams, Jamar Taylor, Justin Gilbert, Trey has been getting 2nd team reps and has a chance to impress in Caldwell, Eric Patterson, Kenya Dennis early preseason action thanks to the veteran injuries. S: Jordan Poyer (FS), Ibraheim Campbell (SS), Rahim Moore (FS), Pierre Desir (FS/CB), Don Jones (SS), Derrick WR: Dez Bryant and Tony Romo only started and finished Kindred, Sean Baker (FS), Tim Scott (FS) one game together last season, and were last on a field together Thanksgiving Day. Cowboys fans and fantasy owners should consider the first week of camp a welcome sight as the QB-WR duo have spent a lot of time together rebuilding chemistry. The lack of on-field time has been evident, as the Dallas Cowboys dynamic duo have yet to recapture the magic that made them one of the league’s most potent tandems; patience is QB: When the most controversial thing about the first week of warranted. Those waiting for someone to step up and camp is a debate about whether Tony Romo gained a few challenge Terrance Williams for a starting role may need to pounds in the offseason, that’s good news. Romo’s surgery to wait a bit longer. Williams has been solid early in camp strengthen his collarbone (after dual breaks caused him to miss including a number of highlight-reel grabs in drills with Dak most of last season) appears to have gone well – but won’t Prescott. Meanwhile, no other receiver in camp poses a truly be tested until he takes hits from opposing defenders. credible threat. Cole Beasley looks sharp in his role as the 3rd Romo has been a tad erratic in early practices, but it’s far more receiver and primary slot option. Brice Butler – a long-time important that he feels healthy and has been a regular fantasy dark horse – has been inconsistent in the first week contributor. and needs to bounce back in order to secure a roster spot. He’s being pressured by undrafted rookie free agent Andy Jones. Presumptive backup Kellen Moore broke his ankle and will be Jones – 6’1”, 214 lbs. – has gotten snaps with the 1st team sidelined for several months; he’s likely done for the season. offense. Jones starred in the Blue/White scrimmage, further The Cowboys looked hard at signing Nick Foles but he took adding to his impressive early camp resume. an offer from the Chiefs instead. The team has also been linked to Josh McCown, although the Browns haven’t TE: Jason Witten had a solid but relatively quiet first week. acknowledged McCown is available via trade. For now, rookie Entering his 14th season, the questions about his future are Dak Prescott is running as the #2 but it’s hard to imagine the getting louder but – for now – he remains primed and ready to Cowboys will go into the season without an established contribute. Witten attributes his youthful productivity to the veteran given Tony Romo’s recent injury history. Jameill mental exercise of starting each season as though it’s his Showers is competing for a roster spot, but it’s hard to first. Gavin Escobar’s recovery from a torn Achilles is imagine he’ll do enough to hold off Prescott from overtaking progressing well. Escobar is back on the field and has made him as the QB3 once the regular season gets underway. Both his presence known, particularly in 7-on-7 red zone drills. young quarterbacks showed well in Sunday’s Blue/White Escobar is in a contract year and – with Jason Witten nearing scrimmage, with Stephen Jones going so far as to say the end of a Hall of Fame career – could be auditioning for a continued play at that level will make adding a veteran major role with the Cowboys in 2017 or perhaps a starting role quarterback less of a priority. elsewhere. Veteran contributor James Hanna is on the PUP list with a knee injury, but is expected back soon. RB: All eyes have understandably been on Ezekiel Elliott, but unfortunately a hamstring injury will sideline him for at least a Defense: The biggest story on the defensive side of the ball week. While not considered serious, it’s a setback considering has been the inspired play of veteran cornerback Morris Elliott’s presumed role as the centerpiece of the offense. Prior Claiborne. Claiborne has made plays every day, and has to injuring his hamstring, Elliott hadn’t done all that much in generated turnovers while also staying with Dez Bryant step early practices to stand out one way or another. Off the field, for step in 1-on-1 drills. Fellow veteran cornerback Brandon there has been no news on Elliott’s ex-girlfriend’s claims of Carr hasn’t intercepted a ball since 2013, and had to accept a ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

$5mm pay cut to remain with the Cowboys this offseason. “I got bags under my eyes – I don’t get much sleep, man. Still trying to find the ball,” Carr said. “But you’ve just got to keep pursuing it, keep believing in yourself and come out here, Denver Broncos battling each and every day. Because once they come, they come in bunches.” His lack of turnovers is endemic of a QB: The Denver Broncos opened training camp with some broader issue; the team created just 11 turnovers in 2015. With serious questions at the quarterback position, and those the 10-game suspension of Rolando McClain (and possible questions are no closer to being answered with a full week of end of his Cowboys tenure after not reporting to training camp in the books. The competition appears to be legitimately camp), the linebacker position has major question marks. wide open, and the team has not even named a starter for the Early camp injuries have opened the door for players like Kyle first preseason tilt against the Chicago Bears. “I don’t think Wilber (himself injured a few days ago) and Mark Nzeocha to anybody has taken off and done anything, I think they’ve all see snaps with the first team. The good news is Sean Lee done what they did in the offseason. They all continue to do it. appears fully recovered from last season’s knee injury. Lee’s We’ll just going here. We’ll start playing some people and presence in the lineup is critical to turning around a defense playing some games. We’re going to find out,” said head that scared no one last season. coach Gary Kubiak. Mark Sanchez has had his share of struggles in camp, and the decision making that has plagued Returners: Early returns suggest that Dallas’ kickoff and punt him throughout his career is an early area of focus. “I can tell returner jobs are both Lucky Whitehead’s too lose, his roster you right now, as a coach, one of the things I’m coaching spot is still not entirely guaranteed. Mark on is when plays get extended, sometimes plays get long and some of his decision process needs to be better,” Kubiak said. Trevor Siemian’s early results have been mixed as well, Cowboys Depth Chart but he did have a solid day towards the end of the first week. QB: Tony Romo, Kellen Moore (inj), Dak Prescott, Jameill "He’s very confident. He knows exactly what we are doing. Showers He’s really a first year player in a lot of ways. You see him RB: Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden (inj), Alfred getting better," Kubiak said. Paxton Lynch has shown some Morris, Darius Jackson, Lance Dunbar (inj), Rod early flashes, but the rookie remains a clear work in progress. Smith, Ben Malena “I think the biggest thing here is just coming out here, relaxing WR: Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Brice and doing your thing," said Lynch. Butler, Devin Street, Vince Mayle, Lucky Whitehead (KR/PR), Rodney Smith, Chris Brown RB: The Broncos matched the offer sheet that the Miami TE: Jason Witten, James Hanna, Gavin Escobar, Geoff Dolphins waved in front of C.J. Anderson this offseason, and Swaim, Rico Gathers Anderson responded to the team’s vote of confidence with a LT: Tyron Smith, Darrion Weems little commitment of his own. He arrived in camp about 10 LG: Lael Collins, Ronald Leary pounds lighter than last year, and that’s added a little extra C: Travis Frederick burst for the fourth year pro. "I just worked on conditioning. I RG: Zack Martin did a lot of stadium steps, a lot of hill sprints. I did a whole lot. RT: Doug Free, Green I have had success before in college putting myself in position K: Dan Bailey to be ready to carry the load," he said. Anderson has been DT: Tyrone Crawford, Cedric Thornton, Terrell serving as a mentor for promising rookie Devontae Booker as McClain, Jack Crawford, Maliek Collins (inj) well. The team sees big things in the future for the fourth DE: Benson Mayowa (inj), David Irving, Ryan round draft pick, and he could even carve out a bit of a role Russell, Charles Tapper, Demarcus Lawrence this season. “He’s under my wing, and I can help him out so (susp), Randy Gregory (susp) he can help our football team,” Anderson says. Kapri Bibbs MLB: Anthony Hitchens, Andrew Gachkar, Mark has been one of the early bright spots in camp, and he’s even Nzeocha (W), Jaylon Smith (inj), Rolando McClain (susp) begun to steal reps away from Ronnie Hillman. “Now this OLB: Sean Lee (W), Kyle Wilber (S), Justin Durant year they are telling that this is the year that I go out and (W), Damien Wilson (W), Deon King (S), Keith Smith showcase and have my opportunity, I am going to take full (W), James Morris, Ka′Lial Glaud, Jerrell Harris, Derek advantage of that. I’m going to go out and get it.” Bibbs said. Akunne CB: Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne (inj),Anthony Brown, Josh Thomas, Isaiah Frey, Dax WR: The question of who will be behind center when the Swanson games begin to count remains unsettled for the Broncos, but S: Barry Church (SS), Byron Jones (FS), J.J. Wilcox whoever is at the helm will have a wealth of talent at their (SS), Jeff Heath (FS), Ayodeji Olatoye (FS), Kavon Frazier disposal. Demaryius Thomas is ready to help fill any (SS) perceived leadership void, and also bounce back from what he views as a disappointing 2015 season on the individual front. ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

“But I can be a leader on the field, make sure everybody is Broncos Depth Chart doing the right thing, and I can be the player I know I can be," QB: Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian he said. We can count Emmanuel Sanders among those who RB: C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Ronnie are ready to move forward, even though things will be quite Hillman, Juwan Thompson, Kapri Bibbs different in 2016. “We have to get past that Peyton Manning FB: Andy Janovich era. Right now we're trying to find ourselves a quarterback WR: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and that's what it's about," Sanders said. Beyond the big two (PR), Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer, Jordan of Thomas and Sanders, the Broncos also have a wealth of Norwood, Kalif Raymond, Jordan Taylor, DeVier young talent at the position. The young guns have been some Posey, Durron Neal, Mose Frazier, Bralon Addison of the bright spots of the early part of camp as well. “Bennie TE: Jeff Heuerman, Virgil Green, Garrett Fowler’s been making plays, Cody’s been making plays, Graham, Richard Gordon, John Phillips, Nick Kasa, Henry Jordan Taylor’s been making plays. It’s a good thing,” said Krieger-Coble, Manasseh Garner, Anthony Norris Sanders. LT: Russell Okung LG: Max Garcia, Robert Myers TE: The leap forward that Virgil Green was expected to take C: Matt Paradis, James Ferentz in 2015 failed to come to fruition, but the enthusiasm is RG: Ty Sambrailo, Connor McGovern beginning to ramp up again. Green has had a tremendous start RT: Donald Stephenson, Michael Schofield to training camp, and he’s fully cognizant of what he needs to K: Brandon McManus do to have that translate into playing time. “Every day you NT: Sylvester Williams, Darius Kilgo, Calvin gotta go out there and be consistent. That’s my biggest thing – Heurtelou, Kyle Peko, Billy Winn, Phil Taylor (IR) I can make plays. I just have to show them that I can be DE: Derek Wolfe, Vance Walker, Jared Crick, Adam consistent and do those things every single day,” he said. Gotsis, Kenny Anunike, George Uko, Vontarrius Green’s has been earning the praises of coaches as well. Dora, Shaniel Jenkins, David Moala, Eddie Yarbrough “Virgil is the red-hot player of the day here in Dove Valley. ILB: Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Corey Nelson, Zaire What a day he had. He made a bunch of plays in the red zone," Anderson Kubiak said. Jeff Heuerman is clearly in the mix as well, and OLB: Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Shaquil the Broncos remain high on their 2015 third round draft Barrett, Shane Ray, Dekoda Watson, Frank Shannon, Sadat choice. He’s made a full recovery from the ACL tear that cost Sulleyan, Dwayne Norman him the 2015 season, and he knows there’s no guarantees as CB: Aqib Talib (susp), Chris Harris Jr., Bradley far as playing time goes. “Cycling through tight ends is part of Roby, Kayvon Webster, Lorenzo Doss, John Tidwell the game. Tight ends rotate in and out; you got all different S: T.J. Ward (SS), Darian Stewart (FS), Justin Simmons types of personnel groupings, so you are used to that,” he said. (FS), Shiloh Keo, Will Parks, B.J. Lowery, Ryan Murphy, Antonio Glover Defense: Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is setting the bar pretty high for what he expects in 2016. "We want them to be the best. That’s what our goals were last year. I said when we started out, in OTAs we wanted to be in the top five," he said. The Broncos will have a better shot at making that happen now that the contract squabble with Von Miller has been put to bed. Miller picked up in camp right where he left Detroit Lions off, and shows no signs of rust from his extended vacation. “Von is ready to go,’’ Phillips said. The defense as a whole is QB: Another training camp arrives and there is very little off to a fantastic start at camp, and they capped it off with two (read this as none) competition for the starting quarterback job defensive touchdowns in less than 30 minutes in one of the in Detroit. Matthew Stafford is unchallenged and entrenched first week’s final practices. “We wanted to treat it like a game as the starter and there are realistically no fantasy options today,” said cornerback Bradley Roby. Aqib Talib is expected behind him on the depth chart. There has been some turnover to return from the non-football injury list this upcoming week on offense and the Lions are doing their best to get Stafford pending a physical. He’s been on the shelf for the past two and his new weapons on the same page. Stafford is having a months stemming from an off-the-field incident. fine camp, but Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reported that the first-team offense looked a little rusty during their Returners: Emmanuel Sanders was Denver’s “break glass in mock game. He reported that Stafford struggled early but later case of emergency” punt returner last year, but the Broncos in the game he showed nice chemistry with wide receiver would prefer to use him less on special teams. To this point, Marvin Jones. Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press has both kickoff and punt return duties are shaping up as a three- reported that Stafford has been more vocal as a leader in this player battle between veteran Jordan Norwood and undrafted training camp. The battle for the backup quarterback job is free agent receivers Kalif Raymond and Bralon Addison. between veteran Dan Orlovsky and rookie Jake Rudock. There ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ is stability with Orlovsky but there’s little upside and Rudock areas with his big body and he’ll help to move the chains in is a young quarterback going through growing pains. Carlos the Detroit offense. Tim Twentyman of Monarrez of The Detroit Free Press reports that Orlovksy www.detroitlions.com reports that Jones has emerged as the easily remains as the No. 2 quarterback here, but that Rudock Lions deep threat on the outside and that he’s looked the part is doing a nice job adjusting after coming out of pro-style in camp. Twentyman further noted that Jones commands the offenses at Iowa and Michigan. Monarrez also reports that entire route tree and will be a big part of the offense. Golden Rudock is playing mostly with the third-string offense, but he Tate is what he is and he’ll continue to take short throws and is displaying good decision making, efficiency and accuracy. make defenders miss to gain yards after the catch. He should As of now it looks like Stafford and Orlovsky are No. 1 and be a primary weapon for quarterback Matthew Stafford. No. 2 with Rudock headed for a developmental year. Shawn Windsor of The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Boldin was brought in by general manager Bob Quinn to make RB: It’s tough to name a starter in the Detroit backfield with catches in heavy traffic and that’s exactly what he’ll do in this multiple players having a role that others don’t, and a running offense. Windsor says Boldin will mentor the younger back by committee is truly what exists in Detroit. The most receivers and help them during film study, practice and on the likely candidate to lead this team in touches is Ameer sidelines during games. Boldin is extremely sure handed and Abdullah, and he had off-season shoulder surgery and to this he’ll extend drives to help put points on the board. The Lions point he isn’t taking any contact. There isn’t any long-term have a group of smaller slot types in veterans Andre Roberts, concern with Abdullah’s shoulder as the season nears as he Jeremy Kerley and Andre Caldwell. There is a battle should be good to go. Theo Riddick is absolutely locked into a happening with these three and T.J. Jones, and the return game pass catching role out of the backfield as he is easily one of is what could separate one from the others. Another battle to the NFL’s most dangerous weapons with the ball in his hands. watch is for the backup outside receiver position. That is He consistently makes the first man miss and helps the offense currently being fought by undrafted free agents Jay Lee and to stay in rhythm and move the chains. The Lions are looking Quinshad Davis, and veteran Corey Fuller. Dave Birkett of for a power back to compliment Abdullah and Riddick, and The Detroit Free Press reports that Fuller will likely start the the competition for that job is between second-year pro Zach season on the PUP list due to a June foot surgery. Carlos Zenner and recently acquired free-agent Stevan Ridley. Also Monarrez of The Detroit Free Press writes that Lee caught in the mix is 2016 late-round pick Dwayne Washington, but he all five passes thrown his way and scored a touchdown at the is not a power back and most likely is headed for the practice Lions mock game on Saturday. Paula Pasche of The squad. Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press reported that Oakland Press called Lee a standout and a player making the Ridley has had a good camp and that he looks bigger than his most of his chances. Kyle Meinke of www.mlive.com is listed 220 pounds. Ridley runs with good pad lean, power and saying that Davis is turning heads and that he has been is what the Lions are looking for in a big back. Birkett also excellent working with the reserves in training camp, and reports that while Zenner (playing with the second-team offers intriguing size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. The Lions offense) doesn’t look as powerful or quick as Ridley, he runs have multiple battles at different positions throughout their with good vision. The battle for the “power back” job will receiver corps and these battles will move through August as it likely continue through camp into late August. Rookie is still very early in the process. Dwayne Washington is an intriguing young player, but he is super raw and has a ways to go before he unseats any of the TE: The Lions are expecting a breakout type campaign from players ahead of him on the depth chart. He has very good third-year pro Eric Ebron and the path for a significant quickness and speed, but his path to winning a job is likely on increase in volume is there for him with Johnson retiring. special teams. Brendan Savage of www.mlive.com has Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that Ebron reported that Washington has flashed talent, and reports that has had a solid camp and quotes Caldwell as saying: “He’s he has caught the eye of head coach Jim Caldwell. Savage been OK, he’s made a lot of catches out here. He's caught the reports that Caldwell has commented on Washington, saying: ball better than he’s caught it before, which I think is good. "He had a couple pretty nice runs, he shows up. He has ability He’s doing a lot of things better. I think he also is one of those but he's young and he's learning. So he's got a ways to go but that’s a little bit more familiar with the system so he’s we've got something to work with there." executing better. He’s not perfect. Got a lot of talent that’s still yet unearthed and we just got to keep working with him. But I WR: Yes, Calvin Johnson has retired and the Lions must think he’ll be alright." His status is very much unclear at this move on, and they’ve brought in multiple pieces to do just point however, as he left the Lions mock game on a cart with a that. The Lions signed free-agent receiver Marvin Jones in the reported Achilles injury. Luckily, followup reports show the offseason and have recently brought in veteran Anquan injury to be an ankle sprain instead. Ebron will miss time, but Boldin. At this point, it looks like Golden Tate and Marvin the situation could have been much worse. Veteran Brandon Jones will be 1A and 1B in this offense. Boldin is a veteran, Pettigrew suffered a torn ACL last year and will start the long in the tooth but he brings a winning mentality and season on the PUP list. Veteran Matthew Mulligan has incredible physicality to the position. Boldin separates in short bounced around the league and is more a blocker than a pass ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ catcher. There is some decent amount of intrigue in undrafted LT: Taylor Decker, Corey Robinson free agent Cole Wick who is making plays, but he’s nowhere LG: Laken Tomlinson, Joe Dahl, Gabe Ikard near the athlete that Ebron is. He is a plodding type but a good C: Travis Swanson, Graham Glascow route runner and he made a bunch of plays in OTAs due to RG: Larry Warford, Geoff Schwartz injuries to Ebron and Pettigrew. Wick is certainly a player to RT: Riley Reiff, Michael Ola, Cornelius Lucas watch as the Ebron news unfolds. K: Matt Prater DT: Haloti Ngata, A′Shawn Robinson, Tyrunn Walker Defense: The Lions added a big piece to the puzzle in (inj), Caraun Reid, Khyri Thornton, Gabe Wright, Stefan defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson in the second round of Charles, Kerry Hyder the draft, and he’ll play in a rotation behind veteran starters DE: Ezekiel Ansah, Devin Taylor, Wallace Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker. Dave Birkett of The Gilberry, Anthony Zettel, Quanterus Smith, Deonte Detroit Free Press reported that the defensive line is well Gibson, Louis Palmer ahead of the offensive line in the early part of camp. MLB: Tahir Whitehead (S), Antwione Linebacker DeAndre Levy remains out and is on the non- Williams, Dominique Tovell (S) football injured list to start camp. This is a situation that bears OLB: DeAndre Levy (W), Kyle Van Noy (S), Josh Bynes monitoring, as his loss would be an enormous blow to the (S),Jonathan Bostic (W/M), Khaseem Greene, Brandon defense. The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett quotes Quinn Copeland, Zaviar Gooden as saying that, “it’s not much of a concern to me” and "He is CB: Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex on NFI right now and we don’t think this is a long-term thing, Carter, Darrin Walls, Crezdon Butler, Adairius Barnes, Ian so I’m hoping to see him back out here soon." Cornerback Wells, Charles Washington Darius Slay signed a long-term extension at the start of camp S: Glover Quin (FS), Rafael Bush (FS), Tavon Wilson and he is a very good starting cornerback. The Lions need to (SS), Miles Killebrew (SS), Don Carey, Johnson Bademosi solve the other starting cornerback position and currently they (FS), Isaiah Johnson (SS) have Nevin Lawson starting there. He’ll have to hold off second-year pro Alex Carter and others. Glover Quin starts at free safety but one of the biggest holes on the roster is the strong safety position. There are a bunch of veterans in the mix to go along with rookie Miles Killebrew. Rafael Bush, Green Bay Packers Don Carey and Tavon Wilson are locked in a battle for the starting job, but Brendan Savage of www.mlive.com is QB: Neither Aaron Rodgers (precautionary reasons) nor Brett reporting that Bush is the favorite to win the spot. Savage Hundley (ankle injury) were expected to play in the Hall of reports that Bush has received the majority of first team reps Fame game on Sunday. To the sorrow of many NFL fans, after through the first week of camp. there was no Hall of Fame game. The majority of the snaps were to fall to Marquise Williams and Joe Callahan, a pair of Returners: Despite their likely-large role on offense this year, undrafted rookies vying for a roster spot. “I think they’re the Lions have named Golden Tate and Ameer Abdullah their doing OK,” GM Ted Thompson said recently. “I don’t know top punt and kickoff returners, respectively, on their first depth how easy that is to be a rookie quarterback and be thrust into chart of the season. Versatile specialist T.J. Jones backs up NFL training camp where, for all the world for them, it both positions. probably looks like they’re going against first-teamers all the time. But I think they're holding their own, and we'll see what they can do down in Ohio.” Callahan has acknowledged a steep learning curve: “Trying to adjust to Aaron’s style of play and some of his mechanics early on, that was one of the things Lions Depth Chart that I had to learn and try to learn as fast as possible. I think QB: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Jake Rudock that month that we had off was critical in my ability to pick RB: Ameer Abdullah (KR), Theo Riddick (3RB), Zach that up fast. It was something that I was able to work on with Zenner (SD),Stevan Ridley (SD), Dwayne so much free time. Aaron has a unique style of footwork. The Washington, George Winn way that it's built into the offense, it's all based off of timing FB: Michael Burton and everything just times up so well. You try and do what WR: Golden Tate (PR), Marvin Jones, Anquan Boldin, TJ Aaron does out there. You try to mimic as much as you can, if Jones (KR/PR), Jeremy Kerley, Andre Caldwell, Corey that's possible, because we know who Aaron Rodgers is. You Fuller (inj), Jay Lee, Quinshad Davis, Andre Roberts, Jace try to play as much like him as possible.” Billingsley, Ryan Spadola (IR) TE: Eric Ebron (inj), Brandon Pettigrew (inj), Cole RB: Eddie Lacy is listed as the starting running back on the Wick, Matthew Mulligan, Adam Fuehne, Ben Packers' initial depth chart followed by James Starks and John McCord, Tim Wright (IR) Crockett. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Pete Dougherty ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ estimated that Eddie Lacy reported to camp 'around the 240- (himself perhaps on the roster bubble), would likely handle pound mark.' That is about 20 pounds lighter than he began kickoffs, while veteran Micah Hyde handled punt returns. camp last season. Fullback John Kuhn, recently signed by the Saints, bid his Green Bay faithful farewell on Twitter this Packers Depth Chart week, saying “My years in Green Bay will always be QB: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley, Joe incredibly special and I will never forget how the fans Callahan, Marquise Williams embraced me from day one. As a small school college player RB: Eddie Lacy, James Starks, John Crockett, Brandon from a tiny town in Pennsylvania, having the opportunity to Burks, Brandon Ross, Don Johnson hear your name chanted by thousands of fans, both at home FB: Aaron Ripkowski, Alstevis Squirewell and on the road, is an experience I will always cherish." Aaron WR: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jared Ripkowski is Kuhn's replacement at fullback. Abbrederis, Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery, Jeff Janis (KR), Trevor Davis (KR/PR), Geronimo Allison, Jamel WR: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Michael Cohen and Johnson, Ed Williams, Herb Waters, Harvey Binford Bob McGinn agreed on their Packers Podcast Friday, that Jeff TE: Richard Rodgers, Jared Cook, Justin Janis has had a 'disappointing' training camp so far. Despite Perillo, Kennard Backman, Casey Pierce, Mitchell Henry Aaron Rodgers spending extra time with Janis after practices LT: David Bakhtiari, Jason Spriggs this past week, he is not synching with Rodgers in practices. LG: Josh Sitton, Lane Taylor, William Campbell Rodgers would have been held out of the Hall of Fame game, C: Corey Linsley, J.C. Tretter so Janis will have to wait until next week for more reps with RG: T.J. Lang, Josh Walker the Packers' starter. The initial depth chart (unofficial, released RT: Bryan Bulaga, Kyle Murphy August 2) showed Janis behind second-teamers Jared K: Mason Crosby Abbrederis and Davante Adams (with Jordy Nelson and NT: Letroy Guion, Kenny Clark, Christian Ringo, Brian Randall Cobb listed as starters). Nelson has missed all the Price practices this week due to a sore knee/knee tendinitis. OC DE: Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Mike Pennel, Dean Edgar Bennett said that “it's just a matter of time” until Nelson Lowry, Tyler Kuder, Demetris Anderson, Reggie Gilbert is back to his normal self. Bennett also indicated that Davante ILB: Sam Barrington (M), Jake Ryan, Blake Adams “continues to improve,” though he added, “Just like all Martinez, Carl Bradford (M), Joe Thomas the members of our offense, we want (Adams) to be more OLB: Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Jayrone consistent.” Elliott, Kyler Fackrell, Lerentee McCray, Beniquez Brown, Manoa Pikula TE: Richard Rodgers is listed as the starting tight end as of CB: Sam Shields, Quinten Rollins, Damarious with Jared Cook running second on the depth chart in spite of Randall, Demetri Goodson (susp), LaDarius missing practice due to his injured/surgically repaired foot. Gunter, Robertson Daniel, Josh Hawkins, Makinton Dorleant Cook may be out of the second week of practices, as well. S: Morgan Burnett (SS), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS), Micah Rodgers has slimmed down to 258 pounds after playing as Hyde (FS/PR), Chris Banjo (SS), Kentrell Brice, Marwin high as 275 last season, and has impressed Aaron Rodgers. Evans “He's had a great offseason, and we're primed for him to continue to build on the things he's done in the first couple years,” said Rodgers.

Defense: The Packers plan for Nick Perry to be their lead Houston Texans outside linebacker, while Julius Peppers is going to play limited snaps and serve as the backup to Perry during 2016. “I QB: Brock Osweiler had a shaky start to camp but came on think Nick will play a bigger role in our defense clearly just strong as the week progressed. He is getting the timing down from an opportunity standpoint,” coach McCarthy said. “His with his receivers and has been able to complete a number of opportunities will increase. I think that's something that's been deep balls to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller against the evident since Day 1 in the off-season program. Going back to first-team defense in recent practices. Tom Savage has turned the postseason conversations that we had, this is the first off- some heads early in camp with his command of the offense season Nick has gone through. He's been coming off an injury and big arm. "Very improved player," Texans coach Bill each and every year and he looks like a whole different player. O'Brien said of Savage. “He's put a lot of hard work on and off I look for Nick to be a prominent player in our defense this the field. He's really worked hard to change his body, become year.” stronger, become quicker, quicker release. He has a much better knowledge of our offense. It takes a while for that Returners: Undrafted rookie Trevor Davis is battling to make position. The only thing Tom needs is an opportunity. Tom is the roster as a return specialist, but faces challenges from a a good football player and he's put a lot of time in to get to crowded WR depth chart. Should he fail in his bid, Jeff Janis, where he is right now." ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

RB: Lamar Miller is the clear starter for the Texans and has TE: The tight end group overall has been struggling with taken most of the first-team reps. He has been working on his catching the ball early in camp. O’Brien has praised the timing in the Texans' I-formation running plays behind Jay development of C.J. Fiedorowicz as a route-runner and Prosch as the duo works on their chemistry. "Lamar is blocker, but his hands remain questionable. Fiedorowicz has awesome," Prosch said. "Now, it's time to put it all together. improved enough to be the probable starter. Undrafted rookie It's a learning process. I think we're a good fit. We definitely Stephen Anderson has made a lot of catches in camp and have to have some chemistry built up before we actually start. stood out as a bright spot. He’s shown an ability to make I think we're building that. Lamar does a good job of bringing adjustments and come down with poorly thrown balls. the block to the blockers and setting up the blocks. It helps me O’Brien called Anderson a “very, very smart kid. He’s got a lot. He's definitely a powerful guy with a good burst. It's good hands. He’s got good route-running ability.” exciting." After the offense struggled mightily in goal line drills early in camp, they began to pick things up in more PK: Nick Novak and rookie UDFA Kai’mi Fairbairn are in a recent practices as Miller found the end zone multiple times “very close battle” according to head coach Bill O’Brien. He on Thursday and Friday. Tyler Ervin has shown surprisingly added that both are working “extremely hard.” Most observers well on some runs between the tackles, displaying an ability to expect preseason game performances to determine the bounce off would be tacklers and keep his balance. He has outcome. also proven especially dangerous in the open field, where he is too quick for linebackers to cover. Akeem Hunt has been Defense: Whitney Mercilus looks to have taken another step similarly impressive early in camp and brings a similar skillset towards being an impact player. He can win in so many to Ervin to the table. Alfred Blue is likely to stick around as different ways now than he could a couple of years ago. He’s the big back and he has reportedly shown modest reportedly gotten bigger, quicker and more explosive all at improvement as he hopes to carve out a role behind Miller. once. Bernardrick McKinney has flashed surprising skills in coverage, including a play where he ran step for step with WR: Following a short holdout, DeAndre Hopkins returned to Lamar Miller on a deep route. The second-year linebacker the field and has been making plays on a regular basis in could emerge as a big-time playmaker. Rookie defensive camp. Even against tight coverage by the Texans top corners, tackle D.J. Reader has made his presence felt early in camp. Hopkins always seems to find a way to come down with the He has shown the strength to hold the point against double ball when it’s thrown in his direction. After arriving as a teams and some pass rushing chops. rookie weighing 237 pounds, Jaelen Strong has shown up to camp in tremendous shape (200 pounds) as he enters his Returners: Disappointed with their return game last year, second season. "It got out of hand," Strong said. "Now, I'm in Houston drafted Tyler Ervin in part to shore it up. While better shape than I've ever been. I got my body right." Bill undrafted players are always a long-shot to make the final O'Brien noted that Strong “nailed the conditioning test.” “He’s roster, rookie Wendall Williams has been routinely impressing been able to really refine his skillset as a receiver,” said as a returner in training camps and could latch on. Last year’s O’Brien. Long-time beat writer John McClain has called primary returner, Keith Mumphery, is also still around and in Strong the “most improved player” on the team. Strong is the mix. poised to open the season as the #2 receiver across from Hopkins. The Texans duo of highly drafted rookies is going to make an impact as well and they could steal snaps from Strong Texans Depth Chart along the way. First-rounder Will Fuller has made some of the QB: Brock Osweiler, Brandon Weeden, Tom Savage big plays that he is known for. Beat-writers have noted, “no RB: Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin, Jonathan one can run with him.” He has unsurprisingly had some issues Grimes, Akeem Hunt, Kenny Hilliard getting off the line against press coverage, but has made FB: Jay Prosch progress throughout the offseason. Braxton Miller has also WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Jaelen Strong, Will Fuller, Cecil made some big plays with the first-team offense. Observers Shorts, Braxton Miller, Keith Mumphery, Wendall have noted that his reputation as a “project” is overblown and Williams, Josh Lenz Miller has picked up the offense quickly. Cecil Shorts has TE: Ryan Griffin, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Anthony been “fantastic” throughout the start of camp and is getting Denham, Stephen Anderson, Eric Tomlinson open against “anyone and everyone.” The battle for the final LT: Duane Brown, Chris Clark roster spot at receiver will be fierce. Young veteran Keith LG: Xavier Sua-Filo, Jeff Adams Mumphrey will have to hold off a slew of talented youngsters. C: Nick Martin, Tony Bergstrom, Greg Mancz The most intriguing of the young guys battling to make the RG: Jeff Allen, Oday Aboushi, Kendall Lamm team is Wendall Williams. His blazing speed (reportedly ran RT: Derek Newton in 4.2 range at his pro day) has been on full display. He’s also K: Nick Novak, Kai’mi Fairbairn flashed natural hands and his ability as a returner may help NT: Vince Wilfork, D.J. Reader earn him a spot on the roster. DE: J.J. Watt (inj), Christian Covington, Devon Still, Brandon Dunn, Jeoffrey Pagan, Joel Heath, Dan ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Pettinato should Gore break his five-year healthy streak and succumb to ILB: Brian Cushing, Benardrick McKinney, Akeem injury. Of this backup group, Ferguson has been the standout Dent, Max Bullough, Brian Peters in camp so far. He has had some strong practices, showing OLB: Whitney Mercilus (S), Jadeveon Clowney (J), John nice hands out of the backfield and contagious energy on his Simon (S/J), Reshard Cliett, Tony Washington, Carlos touches. Thompson CB: Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, Kevin WR: The starting wide receiving corps for Indianapolis Johnson, A.J. Bouye, Charles James, Richard Leonard (inj) remains one of the more exciting in the NFL. T.Y. Hilton is S: Andre Hal (FS), Eddie Pleasant (SS), Quintin Demps seen as the leader of this group by both the coaches and his (FS),Antonio Allen (SS), KJ Dillon (SS), Kurtis teammates. Head Coach Chuck Pagano said of Hilton’s place Drummond (FS), Lonnie Ballentine (SS), Corey Moore on the team, "Naturally, guys grow into that role and he embraced that role as far as a leader, mentoring the young guys. But really, it was by his actions and being here and being present, working his tail off and playing at a really high speed and high level." T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief will be Indianapolis Colts the starters in two-wide sets with last year’s first-round pick Phillip Dorsett seeing time when plays call for three wideouts, Note: The Colts were slated to play the Packers in the Hall of which should become more common this year. Beyond these Fame Game on Sunday, August 7th, but the game was three, there is little depth. The most notable name is former canceled due to poor field conditions. Patriots receiver Josh Boyce, who flashed at times but never quite panned out in New England. However, it is UDFA QB: After the disastrous 2015 season, fantasy owners are Chester Rogers (Grambling State) and UDFA Tevaun Smith hoping that the draft addition of center Ryan Kelly can help (Iowa) that have been the ones impressing in camp practices. keep Andrew Luck upright. Luck’s is optimistic. “I think physically and mentally I feel like I have gotten better as a TE: Coby Fleener departed for a big contract in New Orleans, quarterback, better as a thrower and better at understanding leaving Dwayne Allen as the Colts’ primary tight end. The this offense. … I think the more we’ve practiced, the more team expressed confidence in him by signing him to a four- we’ve gotten our reps in I think the faster we have gotten as an year, $29.4-million-dollar deal. Allen has historically been offense. The faster we’re playing and that certainly lends itself one of Luck’s favorite targets in the red zone, but staying to confidence, yeah.” Despite a statistically forgettable and healthy throughout his career has been an issue. The day Colts injury-tainted year, Indianapolis made Luck the highest paid camp started, Allen gave a short interview in which he stated, player in the NFL with a $123 million dollar extension that “I just want to be healthy and available so I can help my team. will keep him with the team through 2021. Vocal owner Jim … I did a lot of talking before. I felt the talking came from not Irsay recently said of Luck, “Andrew’s feeling really having the opportunities, so I needed to talk. But this year, healthy. ... He feels great and that makes me feel great.” regardless of opportunities, I want to be the teammate and the However hopeful the team feels about its starter, Indianapolis’ player that people speak for and I don’t have to speak for backup quarterback situation is one of the more dismal in the myself.” Backup Jack Doyle functions more as a blocker. Erik league. Matt Hasselbeck retired in the offseason, leaving a Swoope would be of great interest to owners if Allen again large void at the position. Only former undrafted free agents misses time, as Swoope has the natural receiving and jump Scott Tolzien (formerly of the Packers) and Stephen Morris ball skills that players are looking to add to their fantasy are on the roster. teams.

RB: Frank Gore remains atop the depth chart. Unlike last year, Defense: The Colts fired Greg Manusky and hired Ravens’ the Colts don’t plan to keep Gore on a “pitch count” for linebackers coach Ted Monachino. While the Colts base carries. Instead, they will assess how fresh Gore is feeling defense won’t change, Monachino will simplify concepts and from game to game throughout the year. Newly appointed instill an attacking mentality in his players. Monachino likes Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski said of the situation, “I to bring pressure. In a recent interview, Monachino don’t like the word ‘pitch count,’ but I think the word is that explained, “We love pressure, but pressure can come from a we have to be smart in making sure that we have a rotation variety of different ways. We can come from three-man that keeps (Gore) fresh and effective throughout the course of pressure. We can rush four and affect the quarterback by the season. What that is in numbers isn’t as important. I think, forcing him to hold the football and getting a guy home. We as a coach, you assess that as you’re going through the course can bring additional rushers. We can bring additional rushers of the season.” On the depth chart that was released by the and drop guys who are typical rushers. But yes, I’m a pressure team last week, Robert Turbin was listed as the backup. A guy. There’s enough variety that you’re not going to know committee including Turbin, journeyman Jordan Todman, and who it is and where it’s coming from.” Overall, the defensive rookie newcomer Josh Ferguson could split the workload personnel remains questionable, which is good news for those ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ who own Colts skill position players. The offense will have to QB: Within the first three minutes of the Jaguars 11-on-11 score points to compensate when the defense lapses. Nose drills on Thursday, both Blake Bortles and Chad Henne were tackle Arthur Jones, who had missed all the previous season intercepted. Bortles was picked off by Telvin Smith who made with an injury, was busted for a performance enhancing drug a great read in coverage on a pass that was intended for Julius violation and will miss the first four games of 2016. The battle Thomas. Henne’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and for the inside linebacker spot opposite D’Qwell Jackson rages Dwayne Gratz made the interception. Beat writer Ryan on between ex-Bronco Nate Irving and ex-Raider Sio Moore. O’Halloran tracked Bortles at 56.3% (40-of-71) on his passing Colts star corner Vontae Davis recently had an injury scare in attempts with four interceptions during 11-on-11s, and 66.0% practice, but returned to play after spending a few moments (35-of-53) with one interception during 7-on-7s. There’s no on the trainer’s table. official tally of the touchdown passes thrown during those drills, but there were several. Bortles has looked sharp in Returners: After performing admirably last season, Quan training camp despite the interceptions as the defense has also Bray is the only Colt listed on the initial depth chart at either been shining in camp so far. Head coach Gus Bradley had punt or kickoff returner. Should he falter in his duties, though, some kind words for Bortles, “I’ve been very, very pleased Indianapolis is likely to give receivers Phillip Dorsett or Donte with him. Very excited about him. It comes back to his Moncrief a chance. command of the offense, seeing him going up to receivers, tight ends and talk to them. He has a stronger command. He’s playing with good poise. I think that if there’s a mistake made Colts Depth Chart he reacts quicker to it, recovers quicker from it.” With Bortles QB: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris entering his second year in coordinator Greg Olson’s offense RB: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, Josh Ferguson, Jordan he has set lofty goals for himself and the offense as a whole. Todman, Trey Williams Olson said Bortles is more comfortable and confident in his FB: Abou Toure knowledge of the offense, but still isn’t at the point where he WR: T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Quan can have a picture in his mind at the moment the play is Bray (KR/PR), Josh Boyce, MeKale McKay, Chester called of everyone’s role and how the defense is going to Rogers, Marcus Leak, Tavaun Smith, Joshua Stangby, Daniel react. “He’s getting better at that,” Olson said. Anthrop, Andre Debose TE: Dwayne Allen, Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope, Chase Coffman, Emil Igwenagu, Darion Griswold, Nick RB: “I think we’re going to be as good as our running game Truesdell, Mike McFarland (IR) is,” Blake Bortles told reporters on Monday. “I think last year LT: Anthony Castonzo, LeRaven Clark we were forced to throw the ball maybe a little bit more, LG: Jack Mewhort maybe a little bit more than we had planned either because we C: Ryan Kelly, Jonotthan Harrison, Austin Blythe weren’t running the ball well or we were behind the chains or RG: Hugh Thornton, Denzelle Good down in the game.” Chris Ivory has started strong in the first RT: Joe Reitz, Joe Haeg days of camp and his lower-the-shoulder style will help the K: Adam Vinatieri running game as T.J. Yeldon will be able to see a slight NT: David Parry, Zach Kerr, Ricky Lumpkin decrease in volume this season. Coach Bradley said that Chris DE: Kendall Langford (inj), Henry Anderson (inj), Arthur Ivory was signed in part to help keep T.J. Yeldon healthy. Jones (susp),Earl Okine, Hassan Ridgeway, Delvon “It’s a long season and to have two or three backs that you can Simmons, Kelcy Quarles count on, that’d be an asset for our team.” ILB: D′Qwell Jackson, Nate Irving, Sio Moore, Antonio Morrison, Trevor Bates, Josh McNary, Amarlo Herrera WR: Allen Robinson and cornerback Prince Amukamara have OLB: Trent Cole, Erik Walden, Robert Mathis, Junior been competing against each other early in camp with Sylvestre, Curt Maggitt, Sterling Bailey Amukamara getting the best of Robinson early in the 7-on-7 CB: Vontae Davis, Patrick Robinson, Darius Butler, D red zone drills. Later on Robinson took advantage of ′Joun Smith, Jalil Brown, Tevin Mitchel, Patrick Amukamara on a route that was away from the ball. Robinson Robinson, Tay Glover-Wright, Darius White, Winston was bummed the pass didn’t go his way, as he was wide open Rose, Christopher Milton after shaking free of Amukamara. Robinson also had an S: Mike Adams (FS), Clayton Geathers (SS) (inj), Winston impressive play on the first unit’s final play of practice as he Guy (FS),T.J. Green (SS), Dezmen Southward, Andrew lined up in the right slot against cornerback Jalen Ramsey. At Williamson, Stefan McClure the snap, Robinson juked inside and Ramsey bit, Robinson then darted outside to catch a touchdown pass from Blake Bortles. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Jamal Robinson has put together back to back impressive performances at practice. He made two acrobatic catches, including an impressive Jacksonville Jaguars touchdown catch. Marqise Lee is dealing with a hamstring injury and missed practice for a sixth-straight session. ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Arrelious Benn is attempting an NFL comeback with the (S), Jordan Tripp (S), Tyrone Holmes, Hayes Pullard III Jaguars. Benn has not caught a regular season pass since 2012 (W), Joplo Bartu (W),Bjoern Werner, Sean Porter (S) but yet continues to capture headlines for his impressive CB: Davon House, Prince Amukamara, Jalen performances over the last three summers. Benn will be Ramsey, Aaron Colvin (susp), Nick Marshall, Briean battling for a roster spot with the likes of Bryan Walters, Tony Boddy-Calhoun, Dwayne Gratz, Demetrius McCray Washington and Rashad Lawrence. S: Tashaun Gipson (FS), John Cyprien (SS), James Sample (SS),Josh Evans (SS), Jarrod Wilson (FS), Craig TE: Veteran Marcedes Lewis has looked good thus far but Loston (SS), Peyton Thompson (SS), Earl Wolff had a rough spot during a midweek practice as the ball sailed right through his hands on a Bortles throw. After finishing the 2015 season with a 46/455/5 stat line in 12 games, Julius Thomas is looking to rebound and get to 8-10 touchdowns. The key to achieving his goal will be staying healthy and Kansas City Chiefs playing a full season; something he’s historically been unable to do. QB: Alex Smith returns for his fourth season at the helm of the Chiefs offense. He continues to carry around the label of Defense: Last year’s 1st round pick defensive end Dante game manager, but he’s a highly efficient one at that. That Fowler has looked great so far. Fowler blew past offensive works fine on the field for what he’s asked to do in the linemen during 1-on-1 drills, as he owned backup tackle Josh offense, but it leaves him as little more than a QB2 Wells on two-straight battles, with the first time using his consideration for fantasy squads. That being said, there have speed and hands and then by using his power and strength to been glowing reports about Smith’s performance in camp thus knock him into a big blue cone. He also got the best of veteran far, and he could see a boost in productivity this season as a right tackle Jermey Parnell as he used his athleticism to result. "His decision making is great. There's no second- quickly get around him. Starting Cornerback Davon House has guessing," says co-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. The been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Chiefs made a move to shore up the backup position with the signing of Nick Foles, who has a history with head coach Andy Reid. Foles is no threat to unseat Smith, as Reid Returners: After a short but electric stint at punt returner to explains. “Nick knows that it’s Alex’s team and Alex knows end his rookie season, Rashad Greene returns as the favorite to that it’s his team. Let’s go play,” he said. The signing of Foles get an extended look. At kickoffs, the athletic Nick Marshall creates a logjam at the quarterback position, as the team is and Denard Robinson— both former college quarterbacks— currently carrying five players at the position. Aaron Murray open as favorites for the job. appeared to be in line for the backup role due to the departure of Chase Daniel in free agency, but he’s been passed on the Jaguars Depth Chart depth chart by Tyler Bray. Kevin Hogan was selected in this QB: Blake Bortles, Chad Henne, Brandon Allen year’s draft and appears headed for a practice squad RB: T.J. Yeldon (3RB), Chris Ivory (SD), Denard designation. Bray and Murray could be battling for a roster Robinson (WR),Jonas Gray, Corey Grant, Joe Banyard spot, but a release or trade of one or both can’t be ruled out at WR: Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Rashad Greene this point. (PR), Marqise Lee, Bryan Walters, Arrelious Benn, Shane Wynn, Tony Washington, Rashad Lawrence, Shaq RB: Jamaal Charles was placed on the active/PUP list as camp Evans, Jamal Robinson, Rasheed Bailey opened. He continues to recover from the ACL injury that TE: Julius Thomas, Marcedes Lewis, Nic Jacobs, Ben brought an abrupt end to his 2015 season, and the Chiefs are Koyack, Neal Sterling, Braedon Bowman being understandably cautious with him. It’s a pretty safe bet LT: Luke Joeckel, Kelvin Beachum that we won’t see too much of Charles in the preseason, but he LG: Mackenzy Bernadeau, Tyler Shatley appears to be coming along well in his recovery and should be C: Brandon Linder, Luke Bowanko a full go for Week 1. Similar to what happened last season, the RG: AJ Cann absence of Charles is allowing more time for Charcandrick RT: Jermey Parnell West and Spencer Ware to shine. Both backs proved more K: Jason Myers than capable when they were thrust into playing time, and the DT: Malik Jackson (DE), Senderrick Marks, Roy Chiefs wisely held on to both of them as insurance against Miller, Tyson Alualu, Michael Bennett, Sheldon Day, Abry another Charles injury. There’s no clear-cut answer as to who Jones will be the primary backup, but Ware appears to be in the lead DE: Dante Fowler Jr., Jared Odrick, Yannick at the moment. “He’s got great vision, he’s got good feet and Ngakoue, Chris Smith, Ryan Davis, Jonathan Woodard he can catch. Those things work in our offense,” said Reid. (inj) Knile Davis, the former primary backup for Charles, remains MLB: Paul Posluszny, Thurston Armbrister with the club as well. He’s clearly been passed over on the OLB: Telvin Smith (W), Myles Jack (S/M), Dan Skuta ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ depth chart, but he will resume his role as the club’s top kick offenses if the Chiefs are able to close the book on all of their returner. question marks before camp closes out.

WR: The book on Chiefs receivers for fantasy purposes Returners: Special teams coach Dave Toub compared rookie typically starts and ends with Jeremy Maclin, but early reports Tyreek Hill to Devin Hester when he was drafted and has indicate it may not be a one-man show at the position for too called Hill the fastest player he’s coached. An electrifying much longer. That would open things up further for Maclin, camp increased the odds he earns the first-team punt return who delivered a solid effort in his first year with the Chiefs in duties. Knile Davis could make the roster just for his kickoff 2015. A calf strain has sidelined projected starter Albert returns, provided Hill doesn’t earn those duties, too. Wilson, and that’s opened things up for Rod Streater. He’s taking full advantage of the opportunity, and he could push Chiefs Depth Chart himself into the conversation for more playing time if his QB: Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Tyler Bray, Aaron strong camp continues. “I think Rod’s done a phenomenal job. Murray, Kevin Hogan We’ve asked him to play outside, we’ve moved him to the slot RB: Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Charcandrick and I think he’s a very intelligent guy,” Maclin said. Second- West, Knile Davis (KR), Darrin Reaves year pro Chris Conley appears in line for more playing time FB: Anthony Sherman, Trey Millard too, and early reports on 2016 draft pick Demarcus Robinson WR: Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, Rod have been glowing. Tyreek Hill, another 2016 draft choice, Streater, De′Anthony Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Demarcus has been one of the early stars of camp. "The biggest part of Robinson, Frankie Hammond, Seantavius Jones, Da′Ron coming into this offense as a wide receiver is the mentality of Brown, Mitch Mathews, Kashif Moore, Mike Williams being able to handle the volume of the reps that we have, the TE: Travis Kelce, James O′Shaughnessy, Demetrius formations, the personnel, how things adjust. He’s done it so Harris, Brian Parker, Ross Travis far," Nagy said. Add it all up, and it sounds like the days of LT: Eric Fisher, Jah Reid Maclin being the only wide receiver threat may be numbered. LG: Parker Ehinger, Zach Fulton, Jarrod Pughsley C: Mitch Morse, Jordan Devey TE: The Chiefs showed their commitment to Travis Kelce by RG: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif signing him to a five-year extension this offseason. He’s RT: Mitchell Schwartz, Reid Fragel produced mirror image statistics in both of his years as a K: Cairo Santos starter, and he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full NT: Dontari Poe, Chris Jones, Alamedu Ta′amu potential. Kelce has showcased just how hard it is to stop him DE: Jaye Howard, Allen Bailey, Nick Williams, Rakeem in the early days of camp, and he’s fully secure in his role as Nunez-Roches, David King, Jimmy Staten, Efe Obada the third option in the offense behind Charles and Maclin. ILB: Derrick Johnson, Josh Mauga, D.J. Backup Ross Travis has been one of the early darlings at Alexander, Ramik Wilson, Terrance Smith, Justin training camp. He hauled in two touchdowns during red zone March, Tyrell Adams drills on Saturday. Travis is a former college basketball player OLB: Justin Houston (inj), Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Frank that brings great size to the table, and he could be an Zombo, Dezman Moses, Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, Jonathan interesting long-term prospect if he’s able to hang on through Massaquoi, Andy Malumba camp. James O’Shaughnessy, Demetrius Harris and Brian CB: Marcus Peters, Phillip Gaines, Steven Parker round out a deep tight end depth chart for the Chiefs. Nelson, Keivarae Russell, Marcus Cooper, Eric Murray, D.J. White, Deveron Carr, Shannon Defense: The Chiefs surprised many with their performance Edwards, Shakiel Rudolph, Vernon Harris on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, and they are S: Eric Berry (SS), Ron Parker (FS), Steve Brown, Daniel projected to be one of the top units again in 2016. Before they Sorenson (SS), Jamell Fleming (FS), Akeem Davis are able to live up to those expectations, there are several question marks that need to be sorted out. Eric Berry has yet to report due to a contract dispute, and Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are both on the active/PUP list for the start of camp. Those question marks have led to a ton of opportunities Los Angeles Rams for other members of the roster. “Every guy here is counting on you to be prepared. We count on you so that’s been an QB: Jeff Fisher named Case Keenum as the Rams starter for advantage from the standpoint of reps. They have to take the preseason opener. What Jeff Fisher does right now means advantage of that right now,” said defensive coordinator Bob nothing for what he will do at the start of the regular season. Sutton. Early camp standouts have included ILB Justin March Fisher has previously made statements about quarterbacks that and CB Marcus Peters, the 2015 AP Defensive Rookie of the he has almost immediately backed off of. What is more Year. Peters appears poised to improve on his stellar debut concerning for Jared Goff is how he has played this week. campaign, and that should be a scary thought for opposing Bucky Brooks of NFL.com visited Los Angeles and came ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ away convinced that Goff was nowhere near ready to start. bring in another kicker to push him, but so far Zuerlein has Goff started the week relatively well but by Friday fans could responded. be heard calling for Case Keenum when the rookie panicked in the pocket. On the bright side, Goff has made a number of Defense: The big concern coming out of the first week of very difficult throws that have excited local beat writers. His training camp was the injury to E.J. Gaines. Gaines missed all talent is there, it's just a matter of how long it takes for it to of last season after starring during his rookie season. He was outweigh his struggles. the natural replacement for Janoris Jenkins across from Trumaine Johnson. Gaines has a mild hamstring strain and RB: Todd Gurley has looked incredible in the first week, could miss the first preseason game but it's not expected to be repeatedly breaking off big runs whenever given the a long-term issue. Former Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh opportunity. With Gurley expected to be one of the most took Jenkins' number and has played a lot across from Johnson heavily worked running backs this season, there aren't many to this point in camp. Sensabaugh is a veteran who has snaps left to fight for among the backups. Tre Mason didn't struggled throughout his career. The secondary is where the report to training camp for the Rams. Mason had gone missing Rams need to focus through training camp. T.J. McDonald his NFL future is in doubt. His absence means that Benny was arrested during the offseason but arrived in training camp Cunningham will be essentially uncontested for the Rams' on time and received praise from Jeff Fisher. McDonald is primary backup role. Cunningham should also be the team's entrenched as the starting safety with Maurice Alexander third-down back. Aaron Green, Malcolm Brown and Chase penciled in as the team's free safety. The former fourth-round Reynolds are competing for roster spots behind Gurley and pick and linebacker will need to prove himself in preseason Cunningham. Green has the upper hand thanks to his games because he won't truly be tested in camp. Lamarcus performance thus far on special teams. Joyner could also play a big role this year. Alec Ogletree has continued his transition from outside linebacker to inside WR: Brian Quick said that Mike Groh – the team’s passing linebacker. He is now making alignment calls and audibles. game coordinator and receivers coach – is working the unit Both Ogletree and defensive end Robert Quinn are healthy harder than ever before. Quick had a decent first week of after missing large chunks of the 2015 season. practice. He’s healthy twelve months after suffering a career- threatening shoulder injury. Quick is the favorite to start Returners: In one of the rare islands of stability on special across from Kenny Britt in the Rams base offense but is facing teams, neither punt returner Tavon Austin nor kickoff returner stiff competition from rookie Mike Thomas. Thomas and Benny Cunningham faces any serious challenges to their role teammate Jared Goff have developed a quick rapport. in 2016. Thomas’ length and athleticism were always going to stand out in training camp situations. The real questions for Thomas Rams Depth Chart will come in preseason and regular season games. On the QB: Jared Goff, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion, Dylan inside, Tavon Austin had an injury scare early in the first week Thompson of camp but returned to the field. His backup, rookie Pharoh RB: Todd Gurley, Benny Cunningham Cooper, missed time later in the week with a quad problem. (3RB/KR), Malcolm Brown (RFA),Chase Reynolds, Trey Duke Williams, another rookie, struggled at the beginning of Watts, Aaron Green, Tre Mason (res) camp because of drops but made a strong finish to the week FB: Corey Harkey (TE) while Cooper was out. Williams has a tough road to make the WR: Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin (PR), Brian roster as an outside receiver but would make sense as a Quick, Pharoh Cooper, Michael Thomas, Marquez practice squad player if he performs well throughout camp. North, Paul McRoberts, Nelson Spruce, Bradley Marquez, Isiah Ferguson, Kain Colter TE: Jake Stoneburner was signed during the first week of TE: Lance Kendricks, Tyler Higbee, Temarrick training camp after being released by the Miami Dolphins. Hemingway, Justice Cunningham, Jake Stoneburner Stoneburner is a versatile player with limited offensive upside. LT: Greg Robinson, Isaiah Battle Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey are established as tight LG: Rodger Saffold, Garrett Reynolds, Cody Wichmann end/fullback options for the Rams. It's up to rookies Tyler C: Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Eric Kush Higbee, a fourth-round pick, and Temarrick Hemingway, a RG: Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal sixth-round pick, to take snaps from them. Higbee has been a RT: Rob Havenstein, Darrell Williams stand out through the first week+. His athleticism is apparent K: Greg Zuerlein, Taylor Bertolet and Higbee has shown an immediate ability to work DT: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Doug underneath routes. Worthington, Dominique Easley, Louis Trinca-Pasat, Cam Thomas PK: Greg Zuerlein is facing competition from Taylor Bertolet, DE: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Eugene Sims, Quinton but his 64-yard field goal in the LA Coliseum wowed the Coples, Ethan Westbrooks crowd and should help his case. The team felt the need to MLB: Alec Ogletree, Bryce Hager, Zack Hodges, Josh ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Forrest been around one other guy in Matt Forte, as far as a guy OLB: Akeem Ayers (S), Mark Barron (W), Marshall who can do that much.” Jay Ajayi suffered a bone bruise to his McFadden, Cameron Lynch knee that caused swelling and missed multiple practices early CB: Trumaine Johnson, E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner in camp. He returned to practice August 5th and reports had (FS/CB), Coty Sensabaugh, Marcus Roberson him moving well and looking to be fully recovered, though S: T.J. McDonald (SS), Cody Davis (FS), Maurice Gase indicated that Ajayi wasn’t quite 100% yet but wanted to Alexander (SS), Christian Bryant (FS), Jordan Lomax get back as soon as possible. While Foster has received the first snaps in team drills, Ajayi is also rotating in with the ones. Kenyan Drake was injured seven times during his career at Alabama and is now dealing with the second hamstring injury of his short NFL career. He left Friday’s practice after Miami Dolphins pulling up on a run. Drake is expected to be a “special teams demon,” but it is unclear how much of a role he will have on QB: Head Coach Adam Gase has said he “feels great with offense. where” Ryan Tannehill is right now. Offensive Coordinator Clive Christensen has been effusive in his praise of WR: Jarvis Landry has had a strong camp. Gase is clearly Tannehill’s work ethic: “He works unbelievably hard. I think impressed with his young receiver, noting that Landry “is rare he works as hard as anybody I've been around. I think I've because he can play both outside and on the inside. I haven't been around elite workers at the quarterback position. Those been around a guy that has as much grit as him." DeVante guys are elite. Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck are elite Parker showed a knack for creating slight separation at the last workers, and this guy works his tail off.” However, minute and winning contested catches against tight coverage Christensen also acknowledged that learning the offense is a in the first couple practices, but injured his hamstring early in multi-year process and Tannehill is doing “just ok” with his camp. Parker has missed nearly a week of practices with the communication at the line (including choice of audibles). In injury. He is expected to make his return to practice soon. The Saturday’s Offense vs. Defense scrimmage, the offense only Dolphins are counting on Parker having a breakout second managed to get past mid-field once and never threatened to season as Christensen recently noted that Parker has “got to be score. It’s clear that the offense is a major work in progress at our bell cow in the red zone.” Receivers coach Shawn this point and Tannehill has to pick up his game. He managed Jefferson has called Parker an “unbelievable talent” but notes just 22 yards on 4-of-6 passing and was sacked multiple times. that Parker has to learn the routine of how to do things (eating Seventh-round draft pick Brandon Doughty has impressed the right breakfast, hydrating, etc.) to stay healthy and meet with his improvisational skills. "He figures out a way to get his potential. Kenny Stills has impressed the coaching staff completions,” Gase said. “It happened again, like three times, early in camp. He has a small lead in the battle for the third no idea how he got completions." The rookie has thrown a receiver job to start the season and has taken on a leadership number of interceptions however and has an uphill battle to role. Rookie Jakeem Grant has already become a popular make the roster. player with coaches and has had some impressive moments in camp. He’s been called “nasty” by beat writers and has RB: Arian Foster spent the first few days of camp on PUP, but been winning consistently against the Dolphins top slot immediately made his presence known in his first practice, defenders. While he is still raw as a receiver, he should make making plays like this spectacular one-handed catch. He the team due to his athleticism and explosiveness as a returner. showed up in outstanding physical shape and “annihilated” the conditioning test. Gase has praised Foster’s early work in the TE: Gase has focused on moving Jordan Cameron all around passing game, saying he looks “smooth and effortless.” Beat- the formation to make life difficult for opposing defenses. writer Armando Salguero has described Foster as “head and Cameron has spent time in training camp lined up next to the shoulders the best RB on Dolphins” based upon his work so tackle, in the slot and even as an outside receiver on occasion. far in training camp. Perhaps most important for fantasy Dominique Jones is an under-the-radar player who has shined owners is the recent declaration from OC Clive Christensen: in camp with his athleticism and soft hands. He’s on his “We really need someone to emerge as the guy. ... We don't eighth NFL team, but could stick as the third tight end if he want to substitute. ... We really need one guy to be a three- continues to play well. down back, stay in there for that drive.” While Miami may rotate backs between drives, the desire is for one guy to be PK: Second-year kicker Andrew Franks is having an even able to handle both early-down and third-down work, giving better camp than in 2015, when he beat out Caleb Sturgis to Foster an edge due to his versatility. “Any time we run a lot of start for the Dolphins. Franks has all but vanquished his plays that he’s run in the past, his ability to feel holes in the competition, UDFA Marshall Koehn. run game and when he gets the ball in the passing game, how smooth he is, how effortlessly he catches the ball, it's an Defense: Rookie corner Xavien Howard opened camp on impressive thing for me to see,” Gase said of Foster. “I've PUP, but is expected to be activated in the next 1-2 weeks and ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. He has a Minnesota Vikings good chance to claim a starting job. "He's a second round pick for a reason," DC Vance Joseph said of Howard. "He's talented. From what we saw in the spring he could be a QB: Teddy Bridgewater is now entering his third season as starter.” Slot corner Bryce McCain also started on PUP due to the Vikings starting quarterback and the confidence is cramping issues during the conditioning test, but was activated continuing to grow. “Our guys know that once the ball’s in the after just a few missed practices. Michael Thomas started air, it belongs to the Vikings. That’s our mindset going into camp working with the starters at safety, but may end up as this season, and I think we’ve been doing a much better job the starting nickel back over McCain if he cannot win the just pushing the ball down the field.” Bridgewater had his starting safety job. Dion Jordan has been re-instated following strongest practice of the week on Saturday as he showed a 15-month absence, but will not make his training camp debut confidence in his ability to get the ball downfield. He also until mid-late August due to a knee injury. He showed up at showed a remarkably improved zip on his intermediate passes 275 pounds, so his days as a linebacker are probably over. DE and touch on his deep balls. Not only has Bridgewater Cameron Wake looks explosive in his return from an Achilles improved his deep accuracy this offseason, he has improved injury and should remain an impact player at age 34. his overall arm strength. He connected with Stefon Diggs on multiple bombs down the field and one to Adam Thielen as well. He moved the ball down the field with ease getting the Returners: The Dolphins return both of last year’s top kickoff ball into tight windows and being on target. returners— Jarvis Landry and Damien Williams— and list them at 1 and 2 on their opening depth chart. Landry is poised to once again handle punt return duties, too, with Jakeem RB: Saturday’s practice was not a tackling exercise but at the Grant backing him up. same time it was a physical one. Adrian Peterson showed bursts of explosiveness in his limited work on the field. Peterson is entering his 10th season in the league and at 31- Dolphins Depth Chart years old the Vikings know what they have in him at this time QB: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brandon Doughty and are simply playing it safe with their star running back. RB: Arian Foster, Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake (KR) Jerick McKinnon sat out most of the week after tweaking his (inj), Damien Williams, Isaiah Pead, Daniel Thomas lower back on Monday but returned to the field for individual WR: Jarvis Landry (KR), DeVante Parker, Kenny drills on Friday. “It felt good. I got moving around a little bit - Stills, Leonte Carroo, Jakeem Grant (PR), Rashawn that’s what it was really about,” McKinnon said after practice. Scott, Matt Hazel, Griff Whalen, A.J. Cruz, Tyler Murphy “I’m just taking it a day at a time and not rushing back. Like I TE: Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Thomas Duarte, said, it’s nice to be back out there with the teammates, moving Dominique Jones, MarQuies Gray (inj) around a little bit in individuals." LT: Branden Albert, Vinston Painter, Sam Young LG: Laremy Tunsil, Dallas Thomas WR: Rookie Laquon Treadwell is continuing to do and say all C: Mike Pouncey, Jamil Douglas the right things during training camp. After practice on RG: Jermon Bushrod, Kraig Urbik, Billy Turner Friday he stayed late to work on individual skills. Vikings.com RT: JaWuan James, Ulrick John tracked Treadwell’s receptions total between the morning K: Andrew Franks, Marshall Koehn walk-through session, a full-padded afternoon practice and DT: Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell, Jordan almost an hour spent with a JUGS machine for a total of 307 Phillips, Chris Jones, Deandre Coleman catches. Treadwell also spent 15 minutes working on his DE: Mario Williams, Cameron Wake (inj), Jason footwork before he even hit the machine, and maneuvered Jones, Andre Branch, Terrence Fede, Dion Jordan, Chris through 11 different cone drills, tapping his feet on the grass McCain in various motions while catching passes out of the machine. MLB: Kiko Alonso, Zach Vigil, Mike Hull Treadwell caught 277 passes from the JUGS machine and 11 OLB: Jelani Jenkins (W), Koa Misi (S), Spencer Paysinger hit the ground, most of which he tried to catch them one- (S), James-Michael Johnson, Neville Hewitt, Danny handed. Treadwell was surprised by his catch ratio of 96.2 Lansanah percent but said he wants to be perfect. “I shouldn’t have CB: Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Tony dropped any. I didn’t know it was that many catches, so that’s Lippett, Bobby McCain, Chimdi Chekwa, Brandon a good ratio, but my goal is to always never drop any. I just Harris, Chris Culliver took my eyes of them and dropped it. Just trying to create S: Reshad Jones (SS), Isa Abdul-Quddus (SS), Walt good habits.” Treadwell is slowly gaining chemistry with Aikens (FS),Michael Thomas (SS), Jordan Lucas Teddy Bridgewater and with the added practice time it is (FS), Shamiel Gary, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (IR) showing in the team drills. Coach Zimmer had nothing but praise for Treadwell, “I think Treadwell has come to camp in much better shape. He’s an extremely hard worker. He continues to get better, and he want to be really good. Good so far." ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Stefon Diggs showed off his speed and ability to catch the WR: Stefon Diggs (PR), Charles Johnson, Laquon deep ball in Saturday's practice. Diggs made an impressive 40- Treadwell, Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen, Cordarrelle yard touchdown catch against safety Jayon Kearse. “Stefon’s a Patterson (KR), Mortiz Boehringer, Isaac Freuchte, Terrell guy who understands what we want him to do,” Bridgewater Sinkfield said after practice. “I try to get him to think like a quarterback, TE: Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt, Rhett Ellison, David and he wants that challenge. He’s doing a great job of just Morgan, Brian Leonhardt, Kyle Carter understanding what we’re asking of him, and he’s flying LT: Matt Kalil, T.J. Clemmings, Austin Shepherd around making plays for us.” Diggs also has the team’s most LG: Alex Boone, Willie Beavers, Zac Kerin dramatic catch of this year’s training camp as he went sky C: John Sullivan, Joe Berger, Nick Easton high and grabbed a Bridgewater throw out of midair with his RG: Brandon Fusco, Mike Harris, Jeremiah Sirles right hand for a touchdown. “This year, I want to approach it RT: Andre Smith, Phil Loadholt as if I was underrated,” Diggs said. “I’ve got a lot of work to K: Blair Walsh do and a lot to prove still. Just show maturity. In your second DT: Linval Joseph (NT), Sharrif Floyd, Tom year, you don’t want to be making the same mistakes you Johnson, Kenrick Ellis, Shamar Stephen made in your first year. You just want to show your growth as DE: Everson Griffen, Brian Robison, Danielle a player and teammate." During a two-minute drill Charles Hunter, Justin Trattou, Scott Crichton, Zach Johnson converted a fourth-and-8 with a 21-yard pass from Moore, Thieren Cockran Bridgewater but on the very next play Bridgewater was MLB: Eric Kendricks, Kentrell Brothers, Terrance intercepted by Xavier Rhodes as he targeted Johnson once Plummer, Audie Cole again. OLB: Anthony Barr (S), Chad Greenway (W) , Edmond Robinson (S), Stephen Weatherly, Brandon TE: Kyle Rudolph had a very strong practice and has been Watts (W), Emmanuel Lamur (W), Alex Singleton (W), Jake improving his skills as a run blocker which may not be great Ganus for his fantasy output but will be a boost to both Teddy CB: Xavier Rhodes, Captain Munnerlyn, Terence Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson. Early in practice, Rudolph Newman, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus handled two defenders to help seal the edge for what would Sherels (PR) have been a long touchdown run for Adrian Peterson. Rudolph S: Harrison Smith (FS), Andrew Sendejo (SS), Michael also caught several short passes from Bridgewater one which Griffin (SS), Antone Exum (FS), Jayron Kearse, Anthony was a crowd pleasing one-handed catch on a swing route. Harris (SS), Melvin White (FS), John Lowdermilk (SS)

PK: After his crushing miss that cost the Vikings a chance to advance in the playoffs, Blair Walsh has been strong in training camp, going 22-for-24 in team drills. He has sounded New England Patriots like he is over his miss in offseason interviews, but it won’t be clear until the games count in September. QB: Jimmy Garoppolo was the focus of the first week of training camp. Garoppolo started fast on day one after hearing Defense: During team red zone drills, Everson Griffen tipped Bill Belichick dismiss in disgust the idea that Garoppolo could a Teddy Bridgewater pass that was intended for Stefon Diggs. take over the job in a full-time role. Garoppolo has neither The ball fluttered in the air for a moment before linebacker starred nor imploded so far. At this rate he won't force a Anthony Barr came down with the interception. On the very quarterback controversy nor will he allow Jacoby Brissett to next play, Bridgewater threw a short pass over the middle that do much more than carry pads. Brissett, a rookie, has dealt was intercepted by defensive end Brian Robison. with typical rookie issues like bad exchanges and turnovers but his accuracy has been the biggest question mark so far. Returners: Assuming both players make the final roster, it will be a huge surprise if anyone other than long-time RB: The first surprise of Patriots camp was a pleasant one. mainstays Marcus Sherels (punts) and Cordarrelle Patterson LeGarrette Blount was expected to open camp on the PUP list (kickoffs) handles more than a handful of returns for the but instead was a full go from the start. Blount had dealt with Vikings in 2016. a hip injury throughout the offseason that limited what he could do. Blount could have a key role in a Tom Brady-less Vikings Depth Chart Patriots offense so his health will be imperative to monitor QB: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Taylor Heinicke, Joel moving forward. Dion Lewis was less fortunate. Lewis isn't Stave expected to miss time in the regular season but he opened RB: Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Matt training camp on the PUP list. Lewis practiced without a brace Asiata, Jhurell Pressley, Blake Renaud before the beginning of camp so the Patriots are likely just FB: Zach Line taking every precaution while they can. ESPN's Mike Reiss ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ told ESPN's Mike Clay that Lewis' snaps will likely dip by 20 is also going to help create interior pressure by also playing percent or so this year. That means the preseason some on the inside. Belichick explained the difference performances of Donald Brown and James White could have a between rushing from the inside and outside while also talking bigger-than-expected impact. Brown appears to be ahead of about how extensively he examined Long's skill set when he White at this point having taken the first team snaps in front of came out in the draft. Expect Long to be an important player his younger teammate. It's possible that Brown is just getting in the Patriots' rotation. The Patriots' back seven is a settled the veteran benefit of the doubt because Patriots.com's Andy unit for the most part. Shea McClellin is a new face at Hart believes that he needs a strong training camp to even linebacker but has had a relatively quiet camp so far. In the make the roster. Then again, Lewis was in a similar position secondary, second-round pick Cyrus Jones has struggled to this time last year. The Patriots have a lot to figure out at the adjust, both defensively and on special teams, but Belichick running back spot over the coming weeks. lavished praise on his skill set as a whole.

WR: Just like last year, injuries are a big problem for the Returners: The Patriots are loaded with proven and Patriots at receiver. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris successful returners, including Julian Edelman, who has a Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Keshawn Martin and Nate higher punt return average than any modern player except for Washington have all missed time during the first week of Devin Hester, and both Danny Amendola and Keshawn training camp. Those injuries have allowed a forgotten name Martin, who have spent much of their respective careers as to rise to prominence. Aaron Dobson was Tom Brady's full-time return specialists. All should factor into the mix. favorite target through the first week of training camp. By Thursday he had been targeted 20 times by Brady, one more Patriots Depth Chart time than Rob Gronkowski and eight more times than the QB: Tom Brady (susp), Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett third-place player. Of course, being targeted by Brady in this RB: Dion Lewis (3RB) (inj), LeGarrette Blount (SD) training camp is different than being targeted by Brady in (inj), James White (3RB), Brandon Bolden, Donald previous camps but noteworthy nonetheless. While he still Brown, D.J. Foster (3RB/WR), Tyler Gaffney, Joey Iosefa may be facing an uphill battle to carve out a role, Dobson is a FB: James Develin player who Bill Belichick singled out for praise at the start of WR: Julian Edelman (PR) (inj), Danny Amendola training camp. Belichick also praised Chris Harper and (inj), Aaron Dobson, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan DeAndre Carter though, so he may just be softening in his old (inj), Nate Washington, Matt Slater, Keshawn Martin age. (KR/PR), Devin Lucien, DeAndre Carter TE: Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Clay TE: ESPN's Mike Reiss confirmed what most of us expected Harbor, A.J. Derby, Bear Pascoe, Michael Williams (IR) during the first week of training camp: The Patriots' base LT: Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon offense will feature two tight ends. Reiss also said that he LG: Shaquille Mason, Joe Thuney, Josh Kline expects Martellus Bennett to be heavily involved on goal-line C: Bryan Stork, David Andrews plays. Rob Gronkowski and Bennett have dominated in the red RG: Tre Jackson, Jonathan Cooper zone during drills so far, racking up touchdowns with relative RT: Sebastian Vollmer, LaAdrian Waddle, Cameron Fleming ease. Part of that is likely a result of how many wide receivers K: Stephen Gostkowski the Patriots first-team offense is missing. The competition NT: Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Vincent behind Gronkowski and Bennett is yet to truly get going Valentine, Markus Kuhn, Frank Kearse because Clay Harbor opened training camp on the PUP list. DE: Rob Ninkovich (S/DE) (inj), Jabaal Sheard, Chris Harbor and Bear Pascoe are the veterans of the group but Long, Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers, Rufus Johnson James Develin, a fullback, could ultimately be competing with MLB: Shea McClellin, Elandon Roberts the tight ends for a roster spot because of the depth at running OLB: Jamie Collins (S), Dont′a Hightower (W), Jonathan back. Freeny (S), Ramon Humber (W), C.J. Johnson, Kevin Snyder Defense: Nate Ebner was the big story from the Patriots CB: Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Justin Coleman, Cyrus defense this week. Ebner has been excused from the team to Jones, Darryl Roberts, E.J. Biggers, Cre′von compete in the Olympics so it's unclear what his immediate LeBlanc, Jonathan Jones, V′Angelo Bentley future holds. Amongst the players who are actually at training S: Devin McCourty (FS/CB), Patrick Chung (SS), Duron camp, the biggest area to watch is the defensive line. The Harmon (SS/FS), Jordan Richards (SS), Brandon King Patriots traded Chandler Jones and cut Dominique Easley, (FS), Nate Ebner (SS), Brock Vereen (FS), Vinnie leaving roles to fill. Jabaal Sheard has been described as Sunseri, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Cedric Thompson “unblockable” though that description comes with a qualifier regarding the quality of the Patriots offensive linemen he has faced. Chris Long should help spell Sheard, along with Trey Flowers, as he tries to replace the impact lost by Jones. Long ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

New Orleans Saints favorable match ups, and you can be a guy that catches a lot of balls and I certainly see him in that role.” Michael Hoomanawanui has missed part of the first week due to an QB: Drew Brees had a tough outing on Saturday, throwing unspecified injury; while Josh Hill is running third on the four interceptions during the session: 'It was a rough day. depth chart despite not playing particularly well early in camp. Probably one of the rougher days I've had in a long time, Rashuan Allen is playing inconsistently and has dropped some maybe ever — in a training camp practice especially,” he catchable balls. added. “So, those are frustrating, but I'm glad I'm getting them all out of the way right now.” According to NOLA.com, Luke McCown has played well during the first seven practice PK: Head coach Sean Payton believes both Kai Forbath and sessions, and Garrett Grayson has shown improvement in the Connor Barth will be kicking in the NFL this season, even latter half of the first week. Sunday's practice was cancelled. though only one will be the Saints kicker. Both have started strong, with Payton saying it is still early. So far Forbath has been perfect in team drills, which should give him an early RB: Mark Ingram is the clear number one running back after edge that could easily disappear in the preseason. the first week of practices, while Tim Hightower is holding off an improved C.J. Spiller for the number two spot on the depth chart. There is some push coming from the reserve running Defense: The Saints' defense dominated practice at The backs. Tommy Lee Lewis scored two touchdowns in padded Greenbrier on Saturday, as Brees' passes repeatedly ended up practice, one an eight-yard run and another on a long 'go' route in the hands of defensive players. This was accomplished by a reception, according to NOLA.com. Lewis is competing with largely second-string group, as Kenny Vaccaro, Jairus Byrd, Marcus Murphy for a reserve running back spot and is also Delvin Breaux, Keenan Lewis and Damian Swann were all working as a kick- and punt-returner along with Murphy. sitting out. Rookie cornerback Ken Crawley had the first Daniel Lasco, another running back who also plays special interception while covering wide receiver Willie Snead in a 7- teams, seems to be positioned to earn a spot on the 53-man on-7 drill, but the next three were in team drills. One came off roster after the first week. a pass tipped by defensive end Cameron Jordan at the line, giving linebacker James Laurinaitis a chance to make the catch. Crawley's second interception was on a play where he WR: Willie Snead, Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas have simply fought harder for position than wide receiver Brandon been the star receivers of the first week of training camp, but Coleman. “There's one play where we have a bust in the route; Brandon Coleman is also playing well. “He's been solid,” the receiver doesn't come back to the ball,” Payton said. “We Saints coach Sean Payton said on Friday. “He's kind of a had two or three things wrong with the pattern. But, we'll get steady player... We are working with his yards after the catch. on the tape and get those things cleaned up.” Crawley has Obviously he has good size and that will be a plus for us on accumulated four interceptions off of the Saints' quarterbacks third down, in the red (zone) area. So far, I don't know that (three from Brees) in the first week+ of camp. “These young he's jumped out at us necessarily, but I don't know if there guys are playing,” coach Payton said after Saturday's session. have been many minuses. Just his consistency. I think that “And I said it, there are going to be opportunities here. P.J. experience last year helped him.” Cooks suffered an (Williams) is receiving a lot of playing time. These other two undesignated injury last week and has since missed practice young free agents (Harris and Crawley) are receiving a lot of sessions; stay tuned to see how long he is sidelined. R.J. playing time. That's been encouraging. They are doing a good Harris is said to be tightening his grip on the fifth receiver job competing.” Safety Alden Darby was released with an position. Michael Thomas shared his philosophy with injury settlement. reporters this week: “I take a lot of pride in my ball skills, so if I get my hands on it, I want to make a play.” Returners: In New Orleans’ first depth chart of the season, Marcus Murphy— 2015’s top return specialist— was listed at TE: Coby Fleener is catching touchdowns from Drew Brees second on both punts and kickoffs behind the more sparsely- on a regular basis and is the clear-cut starter at the position. used Travaris Cadet. If this holds up, Murphy’s roster spot “There's absolutely some catching up to do on my part,” could be in jeopardy. Fleener said. “Drew can write the playbook if he wanted to. He's just that well versed in what we're doing. So for me, it's all about making sure that if he wants to make an adjust that Saints Depth Chart I'm right there with him to understand where he wants to make QB: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Garrett Grayson that adjustment and what I have to do to make sure that RB: Mark Ingram, Tim Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Travaris happens.” Brees commented on Fleener, as well: “I think he's Cadet (KR/PR), Daniel Lasco, Marcus Murphy (KR/PR) feeling very good right now so I'm excited to see what we are FB: Austin Johnson, Sione Houma able to put together over the next few weeks as we get a lot of WR: Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas, Willie time and a lot of reps together but listen his role, as a tight end Snead, Brandon Coleman, Tommylee Lewis, Reggie in this offense, you get a lot of opportunities, you get a lot of Bell, R.J. Harris, Kyle Prater, Jared Dangerfield, Jordan Williams, Jake Lampman, Vince Brown (IR) ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

TE: Coby Fleener, Josh Hill, Michael take care of a lot of problems.” You’ll note the key there is Hoomanawanui, RaShaun Allen, Chris Manhertz, Garrett Johnson citing Rashad Jennings as the guy who will get first Griffin shot at the feature back role. Shane Vereen’s role is to be LT: Terron Armstead determined, particularly with the Giants impressive depth at LG: Andrus Peat the receiver position – but if the first week of camp is any C: Max Unger indication, Vereen is going to be the Giants #2 to start the RG: Tim Lelito, Senio Kelemete season and will be more than just a 3rd down receiving back. RT: Zach Strief Where does that leave rookie Paul Perkins? For now, he’s a K: Kai Forbath, Connor Barth depth player with a promising long-term future. “I’ve seen DT: John Jenkins (NT), Sheldon Rankins, Tyeler Davison flashes, which is always a good thing you want to see out of a (NT), Nick Fairley, Lawrence Virgil, Ashaad Mabry (NT) young player like him,” running backs coach Craig Johnson DE: Cameron Jordan, Bobby Richardson, Obum said. “He’s made a couple of good catches, he’s had a couple Gwachum, Darryl Tapp, David Onyemata, D.J. of nice bursts through the line of scrimmage. Like a lot of Pettway, C.J. Wilson, Matt Shaughnessy rookies, he’s unsure, he’s a little hesitant. That’s what happens MLB: James Laurinaitis, Michael Mauti (S), Nathan when you have all the things going on with a rookie at his Stupar position. As a young player sometimes they feel their way. He OLB: Dannell Ellerbe (W), Stephone Anthony (S), Kasim did that early and he’s doing it less and less, which tells me Edebali (S/DE), Craig Robertson (W), Davis Tull he’s able to play faster and more aggressive.” Andre Williams (W), Tony Steward, Erik Harris, Dillon Lee, Hau′oli Kikaha hasn’t done much through a week of camp; he could be a long (IR) shot to make the 53-man roster. CB: Delvin Breaux, Keenan Lewis, PJ Williams, Damian Swann, De′Vante Harris, Ken Crawley, Brandon WR: Is it possible that the Giants could have an Dixon, Brian Dixon, Jimmy Pruitt, Kyle Wilson (IR) embarrassment of riches at the receiver position? Everyone S: Kenny Vaccaro (SS), Jairus Byrd (FS), Vonn Bell knows about Odell Beckham – who had the greatest first two (FS), Alden Darby (SS), Roman Harper (SS), Trae Elston seasons in NFL history. He missed some time in early camp (SS), Jamarca Sanford (IR) after being cleated by Janoris Jenkins, but dominated upon his return; including an 80-yard touchdown from Eli Manning in passing drills on Saturday. People are quickly learning about rookie Sterling Shepard – who has been as good as advertised in early practices. Optimism abounds for Victor Cruz – who is New York Giants practicing as promised. If Cruz can stay healthy (so far, so good), he will have a significant role in the passing game QB: Eli Manning is coming off his best season, which is one regardless of Shepard’s presence. It’s the back end of the of the reasons Ben McAdoo is the team’s new head coach receiving corps that should have Giants fans elated. The after guiding the offense for two seasons. The first week of competition is fierce between Geremy Davis, Roger Lewis, camp was all about getting new faces like Sterling Shepard Myles White, Tavarres King and Darius Powe. and old faces like Victor Cruz acclimated to the system; and Manning looks sharp and prepared. New quarterback coach TE: Will Tye outplayed Larry Donnell last season after Frank Cignetti is thrilled with what he’s seen of the 2-time Donnell went down with injury, but the first week of camp has Super Bowl champion: "Eli has been outstanding. In the reminded everyone not to count Donnell out. He’s been the classroom, what a pro. Great preparation," Cignetti said. "You best tight end on the roster and looks explosive. If Donnell can can see on the practice field that he has been a great decision sustain this level once preseason games get underway, the maker. I am so impressed with his fundamentals. I am very Giants could be looking at a true committee this season. Matt impressed with Eli so far in training camp." Ryan Nassib LaCosse had a strong week, but suffered a minor knee injury remains entrenched as the backup and will be a free agent next on Wednesday. season. The preseason may be his best chance to showcase his talents to other teams given Manning’s history of durability. Defense: General manager Jerry Reese prioritized the secondary in the offseason, using a 1st round pick on RB: The Giants running game was a disappointment last cornerback Eli Apple and signing free agent Janoris Jenkins to season, in stark contrast to the potent passing attack. To hear a monster contract. The team also drafted safety Darian running back coach Craig Johnson tell it, gone are the days of Thompson in the 3rd round; he’s going to get every a 4-man committee. “What I've learned is that if you can have opportunity to earn a starting role this preseason. The selection a couple of guys playing a lot, then a spare guy, that's the best of Apple was ridiculed by some draft “experts” but the first way to go,” he said. “We're going to see if we can find the week of camp points to Apple being ready for NFL prime rhythm with a pair and maybe a third guy and, obviously, if it time. “What was encouraging about Eli is he got a holding was like we finished the year, like Rashad finished, that would penalty early and bounced back and didn’t get one the rest of ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ the (practice),” McAdoo said after Saturday’s practice. “He had some tight man-to-man coverage, was physical out there and forced some guys to the sideline, to the boundary, and really leaving the quarterback no room to throw the ball. So New York Jets that was exciting to see.” The team also signed veteran Leon Hall last week in an effort to bolster depth and strengthen the QB: After signing a one-year, $12 million contract, Ryan nickel defense. Linebackers coach Bill McGovern Fitzpatrick finally showed up to Jets camp. His arrival did not acknowledged that the linebacker positions are wide open go smoothly, as he tossed three interceptions on his first day, at present. Giants beat writers Dan Salomane and Lance per Connor Hughes of NJ Advance Media. Hughes Meadow agree that free agent defensive end Olivier Vernon cautioned that Fitzpatrick just needed to get chemistry with his was the top playmaker on defense in the first week of receivers again, and by the end of the week, his play had training camp. Jason Pierre-Paul has also looked good as he improved. Receiver Eric Decker said, "He's definitely returns from the gruesome hand injury that cost him part of his throwing it like he was last year. I'm just impressed. It doesn't right hand. feel like we've missed any time from him being gone this offseason, which is nice. I'm excited about what this training Returners: In their first unofficial depth chart, return camp is going to do for us." While he has work to do, it specialist Dwayne Harris occupied the top punt and kickoff appears Fitzpatrick is getting back into his groove. Of course, return slot, which comes as no surprise. The top backup on what does this mean for Geno Smith? "Geno's here at number kickoffs is Shane Vereen, and on punts it is Odell Beckham two right now unless Bryce (Petty) and (Christian suggesting that Harris could be very busy returning punts this Hackenberg) have some great gain, if they come along like year. gangbusters," Head Coach Todd Bowles said. "Number two right now, it's open. If Fitz has some setbacks ... something else. Geno's one, I mean Fitz is one, Geno's two, Bryce is Giants Depth Chart three, Hack is four." That doesn’t exactly ring with an QB: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, Josh Woodrum, Logan endorsement, though rolling with an unproven player as Thomas backup (as the other two quarterbacks are) is very risky for a RB: Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen (3RB), Andre team which wants to win, now. It remains to be seen if he lasts Williams, Paul Perkins, Orleans Darkwa, Bobby and Smith has struggled at points in camp, as well. Petty has Rainey, Marshaun Coprich actually been helping Hackenberg get acclimated to the FB: Will Johnson, Nikita Whitlock NFL game, something he had been praised for this offseason. WR: Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Dwayne Harris He’s also struggled a bit in practice. The rookie has also been (KR/PR),Victor Cruz, Geremy Davis, Roger Lewis, Myles hanging with Fitzpatrick at practice and said, "It's awesome White, Tavarres King, Anthony Dable, Darius Powe, KJ to be able to sit there and watch Fitz operate because it's so Maye natural for him. I think he'll tell you it took him a while to get TE: Will Tye, Larry Donnell, Matt LaCosse, Jerell to that point; it's not something that happens overnight.” Adams, Ryan Malleck LT: Ereck Flowers, Byron Stingily RB: Matt Forte is hurt (hamstring) and will miss the LG: Justin Pugh preseason opener. The Jets are just being careful with his C: Weston Richburg injury, and there is no indication that this is a long-term RG: John Jerry, Adam Gettis problem. In fact, there’s a strong argument that being careful RT: Marshall Newhouse, Bobby Hart now will avoid it turning into a long-term problem. Bilal K: Josh Brown, Tom Obarski Powell has been getting the majority of Forte’s reps and has DT: Damon Harrison (NT), Johnathan Hankins, Jay looked sharp. He worked on his explosiveness by augmenting Bromley, Montori Hughes, Louis Nix his preseason workout routine. That should help him be even DE: Olivier Vernon, Jason Pierre-Paul, Kerry Wynn, Owa more effective out of the shotgun, where he averaged 4.5 Odighizuwa, Stansly Maponga, Mike Rose yards per carry – a personal best. Like Forte, Khiry Robinson MLB: Jasper Brinkley, Keenan Robinson, Kelvin has been sidelined by injury but is expected to get ample work Sheppard, B.J. Goodson (M), Uani Unga (IR) this preseason. He’s being touted as a short yardage back. OLB: Devon Kennard (S), Jonathan Casillas (W), Mark Bernard Pierce was signed to replace him at least this summer, Herzlich (S), J.T. Thomas (W), Nico Johnson but Pierce is suspended for the first two weeks of the season CB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, Leon and has also been hurt and absent from practice. Dominique Hall, Trevin Wade, Eli Apple, Bennett Jackson, Leon Williams has had a few moments, including bowling over McFadden rookie linebacker Darron Lee in a goal-line drill. It will be S: Landon Collins (FS), Darian Thompson (SS), Nat Berhe interesting to see if he can get into the mix with Robinson and (SS), Cooper Taylor (SS) (inj), Mykkele Thompson Pierce sidelined. (FS), Justin Currie (SS), Andrew Adams ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

WR: Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker spent the week Returners: The Jets return situation is something of a mess, getting back on the same page with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but were with little incumbency or clarity. Undrafted rookie Jalin noticeably happy the Harvard signal caller back in the fold. Marshall should play a big role if he makes the final roster, Both receivers played well this week; neither looked rusty. and Jeremy Ross is perhaps the most experienced option. The most notable thing about the Jets receivers this week was After them, there’s a half-dozen players who could be the fight Marshall and cornerback Darrelle Revis got into. dropping back to field the ball at some point this season. After Marshall beat Revis on a big touchdown, the two were seen jawing at each other and later, Marshall took a swing at Jets Depth Chart Revis. Both players and the team have downplayed the QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Christian brouhaha, with Revis saying that the dust up was indicative of Hackenberg, Bryce Petty their respective intensity; which ultimately is a good thing. RB: Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, Khiry Robinson, Bernard Marshall admitted that maybe things "went too far." Devin Pierce (susp), Dominique Williams Smith is on the PUP list and might start the regular season FB: Tommy Bohanon, Julian Howsare (LB) there. Quincy Enunwa, who carried Marshall off the field WR: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincy during the fight with Revis, continues to have the inside track Enunwa, Devin Smith, Charone Peake, Kenbrell on the WR3 job and has been playing well. Seventh round Thompkins, Jeremy Ross, Jalin Marshall, Robby rookie Charone Peake turned heads Friday with an Anderson, Chandler Worthy, Titus Davis, Joseph outstanding one-handed catch but will have to continue Anderson, Kyle Williams making those plays to stick on the 53-man roster. TE: Jace Amaro, Kellen Davis, Zach Sudfeld, Brandon Bostick, Wes Saxton, Jason Vander Laan TE: Jace Amaro has slowly been improving his status during LT: Ryan Clady, Ben Ijalana camp, and had a notable practice last Wednesday, including a LG: James Carpenter good catch on a seam route from Geno Smith and a C: Nick Mangold , Wesley Johnson touchdown from Ryan Fitzpatrick later. He is still behind RG: Brian Winters, Dakota Dozier, Jarvis Harrison Kellen Davis, but NJ Advance Media’s Connor Hughes says RT: Breno Giacomini, Brandon Shell, Brent Qvale he won’t be surprised if Amaro ends up with the starting K: Nick Folk, Ross Martin job. Davis is a serviceable tight end, but Amaro has the DT: Steve McLendon, Deon Simon potential to be a dynamic weapon if he can stay healthy. DE: Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson (susp), Leonard Williams, Jarvis Jenkins, Mike PK: Rookie UDFA Ross Martin is trying to unseat veteran Catapano, Lawrence Thomas Nick Folk, and he has shown a big leg plus occasionally more ILB: David Harris (M), Erin Henderson, Darron accuracy than Folk, but Todd Bowles did not paint a pretty Lee, Taiwan Jones, Julian Stanford picture for Martin, “He’s got to make them all. He’s going to OLB: Lorenzo Mauldin, Jordan Jenkins, Trevor have to perform in preseason. Obviously (Nick) Folk is going Reilly, Josh Martin, Deion Barnes, Freddie Bishop to have to look pretty bad for him. It’s a good competition CB: Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams, Dee right now, we’re just going to see how it plays out.” The Milliner, Juston Burris, Darryl Morris, Dexter McDougle competition has been even by most accounts, which is S: Marcus Gilchrist (FS), Calvin Pryor (SS), Dion Bailey probably not enough for Martin to displace Folk, although it (FS), Rontez Miles (SS), Ronald Martin (SS) could be enough to cause another kicker poor team to sign Martin if/when the Jets release him.

Defense: Aside from the scuffle between Darrelle Revis and Brandon Marshall, the defense has been solid. Mo Wilkerson Oakland Raiders is still on the PUP but the team is confident he will be ready for Week 1 at the latest. The New York Post’s Brian Costello QB: Derek Carr’s primary focus has been working on building says this unit might even be better than the excellent 2015 chemistry with his targets, especially second-year pros Clive version, especially if Leonard Williams steps up as expected. Walford and Amari Cooper. To that end, Carr has been “He was dominant last year,” veteran cornerback Buster rooming with Cooper during camp and the two have spent Skrine said. “He can only get better in his second year. It’s not plenty of time talking about routes and adjustments to like he’s a quarterback who could have a sophomore slump. coverage. “It’s good to come back and just talk ball with him,” Leo works every day. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about him. Carr said. “He tells me his goals, I share my stuff with him He’s so mature for being that young. I think he’s going to have and we’re able to … I know how he thinks. I know how he a great year.” Pressure up front is the key for the Jets and it likes to go about his business. I know what he likes to do off seems they will have one of the best defensive lines in the the field. Amari and I should have the best relationship ever.” NFL again this year. Carr has also spent extra time before practice throwing to Walford. Carr has picked up right where he left off last season, ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ throwing with excellent accuracy in the first week of camp. TE: Clive Walford is being eased back into full-time duty as Matt McGloin has struggled with interceptions early, but he recovers from an offseason injury suffered when he fell off should be able to hold onto the backup job for another season. an ATV. He is working his way back into shape and hoping He has developed a real rapport with Andre Holmes. Connor to put together a full training camp for the first time. “Even Cook has shown some flashes but is struggling with this time last year, he was on the shelf,” Musgrave said. “So consistency. He has also had trouble getting through his reads it’s good to have him out there, again, for Derek and the and throwing tight spirals. quarterbacks to have a feel for the way he runs his routes, where to place the ball. He has a lot of ability, so we’re RB: Latavius Murray is again poised to be the bell cow for the looking for him to be a big part of what we do.” With Walford Raiders. He has made some nice catches in camp, but has missing time, Mychal Rivera has received a bigger chunk of more competition for third-down snaps than he did last season first-team reps and has shown the hands and receiving ability and may lose some passing game work. DeAndre Washington that have made him a valuable receiver for Derek Carr the past has received plenty of reps with the first team and should two seasons. He should again be the team’s third tight end. establish himself as the complement to Murray if he can carry over his strong offseason play into the preseason. He has been PK: Special teams coach Brad Seely called Giorgio Tavecchio able to rip off big runs throughout camp. Washington is seven an “NFL kicker”, and he has been around the league since inches shorter than Murray, but that can play to his advantage. 2012. Sebastian Janikowski has been the Raiders kicker for a “That’s when being a smaller guy works in my favor,” lot longer than that, but Seely called it a “competition”, albeit Washington said. “Being behind those big guys makes it hard one with Janikowski as the “frontrunner”. Janikowski lost 14 to see me. It’s definitely a good feeling when I can hide, pounds in the offseason and said he’s not feeling any pressure. surprise some people and do my thing.” Undrafted rookie Jalen Richard has also impressed early in camp, especially as a Defense: First-round pick Karl Joseph is slated to start at receiver out of the backfield. He has been working with the safety despite missing the entire offseason program recovering third-team. His build and skillset are very similar to from a torn ACL. He has quickly fit in with the first unit and Washington. “It’s crazy how identical we are as far as size, has picked up the defense quickly. David Amerson signed a almost weight, and skill set. We use it to our advantage, the big-money contract extension in the offseason and has had a guys can’t really see us behind the line, we’re very precise in strong start to camp, regularly blanketing the Raiders talented our cuts, and we have great vision,” said Richard. Richard receivers. Second-year linebacker Ben Heeney is poised to could stick as the third back with a strong preseason. Taiwan step into a starting role and will be the quarterback of the Jones should make the team as the fourth back. He is the clear defense, wearing the radio helmet that receives calls from the frontrunner to return kicks. sideline. "He's smart, he's fast and he's relentless,'' DC Ken Norton, Jr. said of Heeney. "He has a nose for the ball, very WR: Amari Cooper has not had any issues with drops in instinctive. He's always getting better. You can't get him out of camp, which is a great sign as he struggled with his the film room." Third-round pick Shilique Calhoun has concentration down the stretch of his rookie season. He has impressed as a pass rusher. In one pass rush drill against the had a number of “spectacular” catches in camp and looks tight ends, he “abused” four guys in a row. Calhoun could be poised to build upon his promising debut. Michael Crabtree a key piece of the puzzle for the Raiders defense with Aldon has been catching everything in camp and like Cooper has Smith’s future in question. made some impressive catches (like this one-handed grab). Seth Roberts has been working primarily out of the slot and Returners: The Raiders seem likely to enter the season with has shown the speed and run-after-the-catch skills that have Taiwan Jones as their primary kickoff returner and T.J. Carrie thrust him into the starting lineup as the third receiver. Andre handling punts, but they list RB DeAndre Washington as the Holmes is running as the fourth receiver and has been primary backup at both positions, and the electrifying rookie dominating the second-team defense. The battle for the fifth will get a chance to earn some reps during preseason. receiver job is wide open. Undrafted rookie Johnny Holton has been one of the early stars of camp and is one of the players best positioned to win the job. “Not only what you see out Raiders Depth Chart here, but then we go in to tape and talk about it as a staff, you QB: Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Connor Cook, Garrett find out maybe he’s doing a little extra, find out he’s spending Gilbert extra time in meetings,” head coach Jack Del Rio said of RB: Latavius Murray, Deandre Washington, Jalen Holton. “He’s doing everything right in the weight room; all Richard, Taiwan Jones, George Atkinson III the different factors that add up. Usually you start getting a lot FB: Jamize Olawale, Marcel Reece (susp) of positive feedback from your staff, throughout the building WR: Amari Cooper (PR), Michael Crabtree, Seth and those are the kind of guys that end up finding a way to Roberts, Andre Holmes, Johnny Holton, K.J. Brent, Nathan stick.” Holton has made some flashy catches and impressed Palmer, Max McCaffrey, Jaydon Mickens, Marvin Hall, Joe the fans with his speed. Hansley TE: Clive Walford, Lee Smith, Mychal Rivera, Ryan O ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

′Malley, Gabe Holmes, Colton Underwood managing three quarterbacks in a new system. One thing is LT: Donald Penn, Matt McCants clear, Sam Bradford is the starter. He’s received the lion’s LG: Kelechi Osemele, Jon Feliciano share of reps with the 1s and has been, by far, the most C: Rodney Hudson accurate passer. Wentz has looked exactly as one would RG: Gabe Jackson, Vadal Alexander expect – moments of brilliance and moments of maddening RT: Austin Howard, Menalik Watson frustration. Daniel has, objectively, been disappointing in that K: Sebastian Janikowski he’s looked pedestrian and incapable of challenging for a DT: Justin Ellis (NT), Jihad Ward, Dan Williams starter role even though he knows the system better than his (NT), Stacy McGee, Darius Latham (NT), Leon Orr teammates. Both Wentz and Bradford appear set to DE: Mario Edwards Jr., Denico Autry, Shilique downplay any tension between them. “Sam’s been great,” Calhoun, Damontre Moore, James Crowser, Branden Wentz said. “He was once the top draft pick. He’s been Jackson through it all. There’s lots of things we’ve talked about. It’s a MLB: Ben Heeney, Cory James, John Lotulelei, Kyrie really good room for me to not only grow mentally in the Wilson, Chase Williams playbook, but also off the field and everything. It’s been OLB: Kahlil Mack (S), Malcolm Smith (W), Bruce Irvin great.” (S/DE), Aldon Smith (susp), Neiron Ball, Korey Toomer, Daren Bates, Neiron Ball, Perez Ford RB: The Eagles welcomed back Ryan Mathews late in the CB: Sean Smith, David Amerson, TJ Carrie (FS/CB), D.J. week after missing the first few days of camp while Hayden, Neiko Thorpe, Dexter McDonald, Antonio recovering from an offseason ankle injury. He looked Hamilton, Kenneth Durden explosive and in shape in his return, which was important S: Reggie Nelson (FS), Karl Joseph (SS), Nate Allen (FS) considering how thin the position has been in early practices. (inj), Dewey McDonald (SS), Keith McGill (SS), Brynden Offensive coordinator Frank Reich was encouraged: "I Trawick (FS), Chris Hackett (FS), Chris Edwards, Jimmy know it was a toned down practice and no pads, but we're still Hall playing fast. He's an explosive, physical runner. We've got a good array of backs. We want to mix him in. Ryan will be prominent in the mix. You want to get a guy like that, with the track record like that and the way he's run the ball the last couple years, we want to get him the ball as much as we can." Philadelphia Eagles 33-year old Darren Sproles took the majority of the 1st team reps in Mathews’ absence, which speaks to Sproles having a The first two weeks of training camp have looked a lot regular role offensively in spite of his age and the coaching different under Doug Pederson; but for the players and fans, changes. The team rewarded Sproles with a $4.5mm extension that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Pederson has implemented last week, further cementing his importance. The most longer practices and emphasizes teaching “in the moment” pleasant surprise of the first week+ has to be the play of whereas Kelly preferred not to interrupt his tightly coordinated Kenjon Barner. Many assumed Barner’s role would be non- practices and saved criticism and instruction or the film room. existent considering he was brought in by Kelly (after playing Pederson explains why his methods work well: “That’s the for him at Oregon), but Pederson and Reich kept an open mind only way we’re going to get better,” Pederson said. “I’m also a and have been impressed all preseason. “He's an explosive guy believer that you spend time in the meeting room at night, with the ball in his hands,” Pederson said. “Pretty good out of watching the tape and making corrections there as well. But the backfield as a receiver. That's one area that he can improve when you get that immediate impact, right now, on the field, it — route-running ability. But I love the fact that anytime you goes [a long way]. For instance, it happened yesterday with put the ball in his hand, he has the ability to make some big [tight end] Zach Ertz. He was a split end as a tight end. He ran plays for you. He's shown that here in the first week of camp.” a slant [route] and got jammed up. He came back later and ran Rookie Wendell Smallwood missed a few days with a quad the same exact play. He got the same coverage. He learned injury, and has yet to make his mark. from it, and we completed the pass. We were able to get that instant feedback.” WR: During much of the offseason, it was speculated that Doug Pederson would free Jordan Matthews from the shackles QB: The Eagles offseason was littered with controversy, much of playing the slot. Yet, if early camp is any indication, of it related to the quarterback position. Sam Bradford was Matthews’ future appears to resemble his past. He’s been lined signed to a hefty extension, only to see Carson Wentz drafted up in the slot in most situations. The “starting” lineup features 2nd overall. Bradford initially pouted, asked for a trade, but Matthews in the slot and generally Nelson Agholor and Chris ultimately accepted his fate. Meanwhile, the team signed Givens on the outside. Coaches have worked other receivers Chase Daniel – from Doug Pederson’s former team, the Chiefs into the starting mix outside, including Rueben Randle. – to a solid contract as the presumptive backup. The first Randle has been a particularly controversial player thus far as week+ of training camp has illustrated the complexity of some beat writers have praised his play while others – ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ including Sports Illustrated’s Peter King – have gone so far as most impressive defender (not named McLeod) in the first to question whether he’ll make the final roster. The truth lies week+ of camp. Overall, the defense has been aggressive and somewhere in between. Randle has been inconsistent, but it attacking, yet Schwartz is downplaying the progress. "You would be a shock to see him off the final roster. The player saw what happened today. We'd make a play, give up a play. that should be worried about a roster spot is Josh Huff. Huff Make a play, give up a play. That's not a way to play defense; has will see plenty of work in the next few weeks as Jordan that’s not a way to play football. We've got to be consistent Matthews rehabs from a bone bruise (he’s expected to be out and that's our challenge. … What I'm really talking about is 2-4 weeks but the knee had no structural damage). Huff is repeat mistakes. Everybody's going to make a mistake. I make dropping balls and is tentative with the ball in his hand; a a lot; players make a lot. The key is don't make the same one disappointing combination. Chris Givens is never going to be twice. Learn from your mistake. That's where our challenge is, an All Pro, but his chemistry with Sam Bradford (they played and we're probably like 31 other teams in the NFL this time in together in St. Louis) has been apparent. Agholor has shown a training camp. Everybody's striving for the same thing – to be positive attitude and is embracing the fresh start after a consistent from front to back, to have everybody on the same disappointing rookie season. "One thing that does pop up on page, and then that allows the guys' talent to show." the film, even just in a couple practices here with the pads on, he's got a quickness off the line of scrimmage," OC Reich Returners: With last year’s top punt returner (Darren Sproles) said. "He has some vertical speed to challenge it deep, and he and kickoff returner (Josh Huff) back, almost guaranteed a just has very good footwork. In this league, you have to be roster spot, and sitting atop the first unofficial depth chart, the able to beat press coverage. You have to, have to, have to beat Philadelphia Eagles special teams should look very familiar in press coverage. And he has a natural ability to get off the line 2016. versus press, and he's got to be able to use that to his advantage to help our team." Eagles Depth Chart QB: Sam Bradford, Carson Wentz, Chase Daniel, McLeod TE: Make no mistake, the tight end position is of paramount Bethel-Thompson importance in the new offense. Head coach Pederson wants to RB: Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles (3RB/PR), Wendell keep four tight ends on the game-day roster – which highlights Smallwood, Kenjon Barner, Byron Marshall, Kevin his belief in the position. Three of those positions will be held Monangai down by Zach Ertz, Brent Celek and Trey Burton. The Eagles th WR: Jordan Matthews (inj), Nelson Agholor, Rueben are giving Chris Pantale every chance to be the 4 tight end, Randle, Josh Huff (KR), Chris Givens, Cayleb Jones, T.J. but he must show more consistency as a receiver to win the Graham, Jonathan Krause, Marcus Johnson, Xavier Rush role. Fantasy owners may be discounting Zach Ertz too much TE: Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Trey Burton, Chris based on what we saw from him under Chip Kelly. Pederson Pantale, M.J. McFarland and Reich are favoring him all over the field, and have LT: Jason Peters, Andrew Gardner, Halapoulivaati Vaitai featured him in red zone drills in the early days of camp. LG: Allen Barbre, Isaac Seumalo, Josh Andrews C: Jason Kelce, Stefen Wisniewski, Barrett Jones PK: Caleb Sturgis and Cody Parkey are squaring off in a wide RG: Brandon Brooks, Matt Tobin open kicker battle this summer. The two are good friends, but RT: Lane Johnson, Dennis Kelly the competition should be stiff, as the ability to consistently K: Caleb Sturgis, Cody Parkey place kickoffs inside the five could be as important as field DT: Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Mike goal and extra point accuracy. Sturgis has been decisively Martin, Travis Raciti better than Parkey, who is coming back from a groin injury DE: Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin, Brandon that cost him 2015. Parkey has made 20 of his 28 kicks, while Graham, Taylor Hart, Marcus Smith, Alex Sturgis has made 25-of-28. Mccalister, Ryan Mueller MLB: Jordan Hicks, Joe Walker Defense: The Eagles are considering signing veteran OLB: Mychal Kendricks (W), Nigel Bradham (S), Najee linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Tulloch was released by the Lions Goode (W), Bryan Braman (S), Travis Long, Deontae last month and would fill a need, not to mention he already Skinner knows the defense well having played under new defensive CB: Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll II, Ron Brooks, Jalen coordinator Jim Schwartz for years. Rodney McLeod – the Mills (FS), Eric Rowe, Blake Countess, Jaylen Eagles big free agent addition – has been a ‘can’t take your Watkins, Denzel Rice eyes off him’ player every day. There hasn’t been a practice S: Malcolm Jenkins (FS), Rodney McLeod (SS), Jerome that McLeod hasn’t put his stamp on. The defensive line is Couplin (SS), JaCorey Shepherd (FS), Chris Maragos going to be a strength barring injury. Fletcher Cox is an (SS), Ed Reynolds (FS) established star (hence the massive contract extension this offseason) but his teammate Bennie Logan has been making plays daily. Defensive end Vinny Curry has arguably been the ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

Pittsburgh Steelers receivers in camp suggest his contributions will be mainly on special teams. QB: Reports in the spring said Ben Roethlisberger had planned to enter his 13th season lighter than his usual weight. TE: Pittsburgh signed Ladarius Green in the offseason to A camp visit from MMQB’s Albert Breer confirmed that the replace the retired Heath Miller. Green hasn’t practiced yet veteran quarterback was noticeably slimmer. Roethlisberger after having offseason ankle surgery but is unconcerned about hopes the decreased weight will make him more mobile and being ready for Week One. 6’7” Jesse James is slotted as able to avoid injury more effectively. Bruce Gradkowski Green’s primary backup. Getting valuable reps in Green’s missed all of 2015 with shoulder and finger injuries, leaving absence, the second-year player is expected to have a role in the team with Michael Vick and Landry Jones when the offense as a red zone weapon. Xavier Grimble is running Roethlisberger missed time. Gradkowski was brought back to third and isn’t likely to factor on offense. compete with Jones for the primary backup position. Thus far in camp, Jones and Gradkowski are splitting work, and both Defense: The front seven is loaded with high-end draft picks have received mixed reviews, with reports suggesting the and was the bright spot of the defense last season. Cameron superior of the two changes by the day. Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the ends of the line were both indispensable last season. Daniel McCullers is slated to RB: While his four-game suspension was bad news for replace the departed Steve McLendon. McCullers is unproven LeVeon Bell, his health is a nice surprise. He didn’t begin but massive (6’7”, 345 pounds). While size is nice, leverage is camp on the PUP List, and he has declared his knee 100%. what the best 3-4 nose tackles have, and it’s hard to gain have Behind Bell, veteran DeAngelo Williams returns. He had a great leverage when you’re that tall. The linebacking corps is a renaissance season after Bell was lost for the year in Week 8. mix of young and old. Jarvis Jones has been disappointing as a After Williams is a cavernous drop in talent and experience. first-round pick. Last year’s first rounder, Bud Dupree showed 2015 playoff goat Fitzgerald Touissant returns after a critical some promise last season. Veteran James Harrison is still fumble that set up Denver’s game-winning drive in the around as a passing downs specialist (and more if the two Divisional Round. Behind him, though, is Daryl Richardson – young players aren’t getting it done). Anthony Chickillo, a yes, that Daryl Richardson, he of the flash-in-the-pan sixth-round pick last season has shed weight and gained speed. relevance as Steven Jackson’s supposed heir apparent in St. He is turning heads. In the middle, Ryan Shazier and Louis when Jackson left for Atlanta. Despite seeming like old Lawrence Timmons offer what is probably the most news, Richardson is only 26 years old. A few nice plays in the athletically dynamic middle linebacking duo in the NFL. preseason, and he could earn 10-12 plays per game during Shazier has already wowed in one particular drill for which Bell’s absence. the Steelers are famous. The back four was the weakest part of the team last season. To improve, they drafted cornerback Artie Burns in the first round, safety/corner hybrid Sean Smith WR: Antonio Brown has made comments about wanting a in the third, and expected to get back last year’s third-round new contract, but he has promised it won’t be a distraction. pick Senquez Golson, who didn’t play at all last year due to a The team is standing behind their policy of not negotiating camp injury. Unfortunately, Golson is injured again and could extensions until the player has just one year left on his current miss as many as 12 weeks with a Lisfranc injury. His loss is deal. Brown is elite and steady; it’s behind him where the Davis’ gain as the rookie is likely to be tasked with being a stories begin. Martavis Bryant will miss the entire season due rare 6’1” slot corner. Burns’ camp has been up and down so to suspension, so the team has a huge void. Second-year far, but the fact that there’s any “up” at all after he asked to be player Sammie Coates will look to fill the vertical playmaking matched up with Antonio Brown as often as possible could be void. Coates has been receiving compliments from just about considered promising. He’s being thrown to the fire in August, everyone thus far – from coaches to national media. Long- but the team would rather he not be throughout the fall. He’s time, highly-esteemed beat writer Ed Bouchette thinks Coates not likely to start, pending further injury. Those duties project can surpass Markus Wheaton and start on the outside. to belong to William Gay and Ross Cockrell. Mike Mitchell Wheaton has been a disappointment for the majority of his and Robert Golden (a first-time starter) should start in a razor- career, first being passed by Bryant and now potentially by thin safety group. Veteran Will Allen could be brought back at Coates. He’s probably best suited for the slot anyway as he some point. He’s currently a free agent. struggles to beat solid coverage. If (when) Coates passes him, Wheaton could be in a competition in the slot with Eli Rogers. Undrafted last season out of Louisville, Pittsburgh stashed Returners: Is this the year that Pittsburgh takes Antonio Rogers on IR last season. He has already drawn praise from Brown off punt returns? The Steelers had rookie DeMarcus OC Todd Haley, who said: “We haven’t had a slot guy like Ayers as the top-rated punt returner on their board this draft. him since I’ve been here. It hasn’t been close.” At the very On the other hand, Brown is a long-time standout with five least, Rogers should be a return man (especially punts) and career special teams’ scores who won’t go quietly. At seems a lock for the 53-man roster. Darrius Heyward-Bey kickoffs, Markus Wheaton leads the competition, though he’s should also make the team, but the performances of the young ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ generally happiest taking touchbacks and letting the offense preseason, but the Chargers could be in some serious trouble if get to work. disaster strikes with Rivers. The Chargers first preseason date is on the road against the Titans. That game should provide Steelers Depth Chart some clarity on whether it’s really time for panic mode. QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Bruce Undrafted free agent Mike Bercovici has showed some flashes Gradkowski, Dustin Vaughn in the early going, but it’s too early to tell if he could be a RB: Le′Veon Bell (susp), DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald long-term answer for the backup job. Toussaint, Daryl Richardson, Rajion Neal, Christian Powell FB: Roosevelt Nix RB: All signs point to Melvin Gordon having zero limitations WR: Antonio Brown (PR), Sammie Coates, Markus as a result of offseason microfracture surgery. He’s slated to Wheaton (KR), Darrius Heyward-Bey, Eli handle early down running back duties in 2016, with Danny Rogers, Demarcus Ayers, Issac Blakeney, Levi Woodhead on tap to resume his role as one of the league’s Norwood, Shakim Philips, Tobias Palmer, Canan Severin, more productive pass catching running backs. Woodhead Martavis Bryant (susp) suffered an ankle sprain during minicamp, but he’s back to TE: Ladarius Green (inj), Jesse James, Xavier 100% as training camp gets underway. The Chargers have Grimble, David Johnson (FB), David Reeves, Jay Rome actually given Gordon some reps at returning kicks in the LT: Alejandro Villanueva, Ryan Harris, Jerald Hawkins early part of camp. “I think that’s something we’re going to LG: Ramon Foster discuss over time. I’m not going to say definitely no or C: Maurkice Pouncey, Cody Wallace definitely yes yet. We’ll see. That’s going to be a battle back RG: David Decastro there,” said head coach Mike McCoy. Branden Oliver has RT: Marcus Gilbert been one of the early bright spots at camp. A foot injury K: Chris Boswell brought an unceremonious end to his 2015 campaign, and he NT: Daniel McCullers, Javon Hargrave, Lavon Hooks, Roy has his sights set on being a big part of things in 2016. “I’m Philon focused on the field, producing and doing what I need to do to DE: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, L.T. help the team win. The game has slowed down for me. The Walton, Caushaud Lyons playbook is easier, so I am really trying to make this a ILB: Lawrence Timmons (R), Ryan Shazier (L), Vince blueprint year,” he said. Williams, Jordan Zumwalt, Tyler Matakevich, Steven Johnson WR: The Chargers received a scare when Keenan Allen had OLB: James Harrison, Bud Dupree, Arthur Moats, Jarvis to leave the field after having his foot stepped on at camp. He Jones, Travis Feeney, Anthony Chickallo was held out of drills the following day as a precaution, but CB: William Gay, Ross Cockrell, Sean Davis there appears to be no cause for concern. “He’s fine,” McCoy (SS/CB), Artie Burns, Doran Grant, Donald said. The Chargers have already lost one wide receiver, so Washington, Senquez Golson (inj) fans and coaches are understandably on edge. Stevie Johnson S: Michael Mitchell (FS), Robert Golden (SS), Shamarko suffered a torn meniscus in the very early days of camp, and Thomas (SS), Ross Ventrone (FS), Jordan Dangerfield that led the club to bring in veteran free agent James Jones. (FS), Jacob Hagen, Ray Vinopal Travis Benjamin joined the Chargers in the offseason, and he slots in as the WR2 opposite Allen. Isaiah Burse has been one of the early bright spots in camp, and he’s capturing the attention of the coaching staff. “Isaiah (Burse), it’s been great to see how he is playing right now,” McCoy said. Tyrell San Diego Chargers Williams is another young Chargers receiver whose stock is clearly pointing up. The second-year pro has received time QB: Philip Rivers has been reunited with Ken Whisenhunt, with the starters since the injury to Johnson. He’s shown some who has returned to the Chargers to assume offensive serious flashes of his impressive combination of size and coordinator duties. The pair spent a single season together speed, as well as the ability to hang in there against the team’s back in 2013, but that also happened to be one of Rivers’ most veteran corners. productive years as a pro. "Whiz has a feel for the game as it's going, both in the preparation part and adjusting as the game is TE: Father Time still hasn’t caught up with Antonio Gates, going, that's very good," Rivers said. While there’s plenty to who delivered solid production in 2015 despite only playing optimistic about for the prospects of Rivers and the passing 11 games. He’s looked great in the early part of camp as well, attack in 2016, the same can’t be said for the remainder of the and the veteran is poised to remain a big part of the Chargers quarterback depth chart. Kellen Clemens and Zach passing attack. In one of the early highlights of camp, he Mettenberger are battling for backup duties, and early reports caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone from Rivers - out of camp have not painted a bright picture on either over triple coverage. Despite having the seemingly ageless player’s capabilities. We’ll see if they can turn it around in the wonder at their disposal, the Chargers set their sights on the ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ future with the selection of Hunter Henry in this year’s draft. OLB: Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, Kyle Henry took full advantage of some extra reps with Rivers Emanuel, Tourek Williams, Jatavis Brown when Gates was given a veteran day off. “I can get out there CB: Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers, Casey and just try to build that relationship with Philip. It’s about Hayward, Trevor Williams, Craig Mager, Greg building trust, so the extra reps help a lot,” he said. The Ducre, Trevor Williams Chargers could be in line to employ a healthy amount of two S: Jahleel Addae (SS), Dwight Lowery (FS), Darrell tight end sets in 2016. Stuckey (FS),Matt Daniels (SS), Adrian Phillips (FS)

Defense: Contract talks have broken down between the Chargers and Joey Bosa, the third overall pick in this year’s draft. It sounds like both sides have clearly dug their feet in the ground, and a lengthy holdout is not out of the question at San Francisco 49ers this point. There have been several bright spots on the defensive side of the ball in the early part of camp, including QB: 49ers offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said it’s too safety Adrian Phillips, who has earned some glowing reviews. early to call the quarterback battle between Colin Kaepernick “Good things happen to good people. I am very happy for and Blaine Gabbert: “I think naturally every quarterback's him, and what he has done on the field does not surprise me skillsets are a little different. What's great is both of their because of his work ethic,” McCoy said. Cornerback Brandon skillsets are really great for our offense. We'll get to see more Flowers had a challenging 2015 campaign, but he appears to of their skillsets once we get further along in this camp. And be a strong bounce-back candidate this season. “He looked when we get into the preseason games, they'll be able to show like he was 25 today so I like the way he looks. He has come more.” Modkins observed that Kaepernick had made some back with a different mentality this year,” McCoy said. Inside nice runs during practices on read-option plays. "Kaep's done linebacker Manti Te’o has been another bright spot, and his a good job. He was very visible in the spring, he was around forcing of two turnovers in one practice was one of the early here, doing all he could do. He's done all we've asked him to camp highlights. do so far. The competition is really just getting started. I've seen him (Kaepernick) from afar for a long time. He's a good Returners: New acquisition Travis Benjamin has been a player. And I think he's right on track,” said Modkins. Beat standout punt returner through his career and is highly likely writer Matt Maiocco notes that Blaine Gabbert and to reprise that role in San Diego. The kickoff returner position Kaepernick are neck and neck in the battle to start; rating the is far more muddled, with Javontee Herndon, Branden Oliver, contest 'too close to call.' He also noted that rookie Jeff Isaiah Burse, DeAndre Reaves, and even Melvin Gordon Driskel is “making a strong bid for the 49ers to carry a third getting a look. quarterback on the 53-man roster.” Head coach Chip Kelly echoes Modkins’ sentiment that the quarterback competition is just getting started. “It's just, let's get some quality reps for Chargers Depth Chart both Blaine and Kap, and I think they've done a good job QB: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Zach taking advantage of that. It'll be an ongoing process... So, Mettenberger, Bryn Renner, Mike Bercovici really, the big determination with those guys will be the RB: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead (3RB), Branden preseason games. The games are going to be huge for those Oliver, Dreamius Smith, Kenneth Farrow guys,” he said. FB: Derek Watt, Chris Swain WR: Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin (PR), Stevie Johnson RB: On Thursday, Maiocco observed that there has been just (inj), Dontrelle Inman, Tyrell Williams, James one padded practice so far in camp, but his initial impressions Jones, Javontee Herndon, Isaiah Burse, Torrence of the running back depth chart are as follows: “There is no Allen, Jamaal Jones, Dom Williams proven depth behind (Carlos) Hyde. (Shaun) Draughn has yet TE: Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Jeff Cumberland, Sean to stick with any club for a prolonged period of time. But this McGrath, Asante Cleveland, Tim Semisch could be his chance. He's an adequate runner, but he makes his LT: King Dunlap, Chris Hairston mark with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and LG: Orlando Franklin, Kenny Wiggins willingness to play special teams. (Kelvin) Taylor probably C: Matt Slauson, Max Tuerk, Trevor Robinson has an advantage at one reserve spot because the 49ers want to RG: D.J. Fluker, Chris Watt, Donavon Clark give him a long look. (Mike) Davis has to show much more RT: Joe Barksdale, Tyreek Burwell than he did in his first season.” K: Josh Lambo NT: Brandon Mebane, Sean Lissemore, Ryan Carrethers DE: Corey Liuget, Joey Bosa, Damion Square, Darius WR: The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows notes that Torrey Philon, Tenny Palepoi, Ben Gardner Smith is lining up on the right side, Quinton Patton on the left ILB: Denzel Perryman, Manti Te′o, Joshua Perry, Nick and Bruce Ellington at the slot position. DeAndre Smelter was Dzubnar, Dexter McCoil bumped up to the first team on Friday while Smith took the ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ day off to deal with some leg tightness. Eric Rogers is out for the year after suffering a torn ACL on August 4th. Maiocco notes: “This position group is wide open. The 49ers are looking for other receivers to go along with Torrey Smith, 49ers Depth Chart who is clearly the top receiver on the team... the 49ers need QB: Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick, Jeff possession guys, too, perhaps among (Quinton) Patton, Driskel, Thaddeus Lewis Smelter and Rogers. (Jerome) Simpson has impressed through RB: Carlos Hyde, Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris, Mike the offseason and into training camp. If (Bruce) Ellington can Davis, Kelvin Taylor, Kendall Gaskins stay healthy, he is a good fit for the slot.” Chip Kelly agreed, FB: Bruce Miller (TE) “It's really wide open. Besides Torrey, let's find out who the WR: Torrey Smith, Bruce Ellington (KR/PR), Quinton other playmakers are at that wide receiver position.” Kelly Patton, DeAndre Smelter, Jerome Simpson, DeAndrew also praised Simpson: “It's amazing to see how he runs. White (KR/PR), Aaron Burbridge, Dres Anderson, Devon Obviously, he's extremely fast, but just the energy and the Cajuste, Bryce Treggs, DiAndre Campbell, Eric Rogers amount of juice he has through the entire practice... He's just a (IR) consummate professional in terms of his work ethic and his TE: Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell, Je′Ron approach.” Hamm, Busta Anderson LT: Joe Staley, John Theus LG: Zane Beadles, Ian Silberman TE: Maiocco asserts that Vance McDonald is having the best C: Daniel Kilgore, Marcus Martin offseason of his career, and that he's been showing well in RG: Josh Garnett, Brandon Thomas, Andrew Tiller training camp. However, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat's RT: Erik Pears, Trent Brown, Fahn Cooper Grant Cohn penciled in McDonald as the number three tight K: Phil Dawson, John Lunsford end on the team. Go figure. The competition between NT: Mike Purcell, Garrison Smith, Ian Williams (IR) McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell and Bruce Miller is DE: Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Quinton ongoing. So far no-one has seized the top job but McDonald Dial, Glenn Dorsey (inj), Tank Carradine, Ronald and Celek have rotated with the first team during the first Blair, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Darren Lake, B.J. week of practices. McBryde, Demetrius Cherry ILB: Navorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Defense: Defensive end DeForest Buckner has been working Hodges, Shayne Skov, Nick Bellore, Wynton McManis with the first team after running with the third-string during OLB: Ahmad Brooks (S), Aaron Lynch (susp), Corey OTAs. 'We didn't give him anything,” defensive coordinator Lemonier, Eli Harold, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Marcus Jim O’Neil said of Buckner. “He had to earn it. So, he earned Rush, Jason Fanaika, Lenny Jones our respect. He earned the players' respect.” Cornerback CB: Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward (FS), Chris Cleveland Wallace was claimed off waivers from the Houston Davis, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker, Will Texans. He took his conditioning test but did not participate in Redmond, Rashard Robinson, Prince Charles practice on Friday. The 49ers added Wallace because the team Iworah, Keith Reaser, Marcus Cromartie is down three defensive backs. Jaquiski Tartt was on the non- S: Antoine Bethea (SS), Eric Reid (FS), Jaquiski Tartt football injury list with a slight quad strain until he passed his (SS), L.J. McCray, Jered Bell conditioning test on Friday. L.J. McCray and Will Redmond are taking part in limited practice as they return from their ACL surgeries. Linebacker Navorro Bowman and the 49ers agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season that pays the four-time first-team All-Pro an average of Seattle Seahawks $11 million annually. “For me asking for the deal, they understood why. I knew it wasn't a popular thing to do with QB: Russell Wilson is clearly the Seattle Seahawks starting three years left. But it's basically about being fair and how quarterback and Trevone Boykin is clearly his backup. Boykin good of an organization they are and honorable to their players has worked with the second team in training camp ahead of and the work I put in,” said Bowman. Jake Heaps. Heaps has had positive moments according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, but he isn't pushing Returners: With primary returner Bruce Ellington and top Boykin for his spot. GM John Schneider admitted the team backup DeAndrew White both back in the fold, San could still add a veteran quarterback despite the team's lack of Francisco’s returners should look very similar in 2016, though interest in a reunion with Tarvaris Jackson. undrafted free agent Bryce Treggs will make a push to make the team as a returner, too. RB: Pete Carroll confirmed that Thomas Rawls had surgery in the offseason. Rawls has been on the PUP list since training camp began but on Sunday he was given a clean bill of health. ESPN's Sheil Kapadia expects him to be the primary ball ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ carrier when the regular season begins. Rawls' primary the weekend. Lane has the slot role locked up but is unlikely backup, C.J. Prosise, has yet to make an impact because of his to win the starting spot outside. Shead and Lane fit Pete own health issues. Prosise had durability questions coming out Carroll’s preferred mold. The Seahawks depth at cornerback is of college as a converted receiver but this hamstring issue a big reason to feel more confident about their defense this appears to be minor and isn't an unusual ailment for rookies to year. A bigger plus is the presence of Kam Chancellor and suffer at this time of the year. With Rawls and Prosise Earl Thomas from the start of training camp. Chancellor has sidelined, the “Christine Michael Show” has been up and missed some time but only with a minor injury. On the running again. Michael has taken most of the carries ahead of defensive line, Chris Clemons shocked everyone by retiring Alex Collins and Zac Brooks. Alex Collins has stood out more just before the beginning of camp. Clemons' absence may than Brooks as a runner, but if Prosise misses more time than have played a role in Frank Clark moving around the expected Brooks could make a run at the third-down role. defensive line more, though that would also make sense as a Brandon Cotton had been working as the number one fullback natural progression in his development. Defensive lineman before a torn Achilles ended his season. Michael Bennett made news this week with his brother Martellus in an interview that went viral. Bennett was later WR: When the Seahawks re-signed Jermaine Kearse it was kicked out of practice by Pete Carroll on Thursday. Bennett considered a curious move because of the expected emergence was apparently being frustrated by rookie Germain Ifedi who of Tyler Lockett. In the early stages of training camp it has regularly gotten the best of him, but said afterwards that appears that Kearse will retain his starting spot without having he and Carroll had no issues. to fend off a challenge from Lockett. Lockett should still be classified as a starter because he is clearly going to factor into Returners: All Pro kick returner Tyler Lockett returns in the team’s offensive plans with regularity. While the top three Seattle ready to reprise his do-everything returner role. spots were always likely to feature those three players, Paul Lockett looks to also expand his role on offense, but head Richardson was expected to face more of a fight for the fourth coach Pete Carroll has never had a problem with playing his slot of the depth chart. In his defense, Richardson has best players on special teams. impressed over the first week. He is fully healthy after the ACL tear he suffered two years ago. Richardson said that his Seahawks Depth Chart hamstring problem was tougher to overcome because he QB: Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin, Jake Heap struggled to hit top speed previously. His speed has helped RB: Thomas Rawls, Christine Michael, C.J. Prosise (3RB) him stand out from the pack so far this year. Rookie Kenny (inj), Alex Collins, Zac Brooks, Troymaine Pope Lawler and relative veteran Kasen Williams are competing FB: Tani Tupou, Jonathan Amosa behind for a roster spot. The most interesting aspect of this WR: Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett (KR/PR), Jermaine group is Tanner McEvoy's switch from safety to wide Kearse, Paul Richardson, Kevin Smith, Kenny receiver. McEvoy is a big body and a good athlete but Lawler, Kasen Williams, Antwan Goodley, Douglas switching from safety to wide receiver is a daunting task at the McNeil, Jeff Fuller, Deshon Foxx, Tanner McEvoy, Uzoma NFL level. Nwachukwu TE: Jimmy Graham (inj), Luke Willson, Nick TE: The team continues to say that Jimmy Graham will be Vannett, Brandon Williams, Clayton Echard, Joe Summers ready for the first week of the regular season. Others are less LT: Garry Gilliam, Bradley Sowell convinced; Graham hasn't made it onto the practice field LG: Mark Glowinski, Rees Odhiambo having begun camp on the PUP list. While Graham's absence C: Justin Britt, Patrick Lewis, Joey Hunt has been discussed a lot, one of the players in line to replace RG: Germain Ifedi, Kristjan Sokoli him has also been absent through a significant injury. Cooper RT: JMarcus Webb Helfet broke his foot. He suffered the injury at the start of K: Steven Hauschka camp and was subsequently released because he requires DT: Ahtyba Rubin, Jarran Reed, Jordan Hill, Sealver surgery. Furthermore, Luke Willson has been limited with an Siliga, Demarcus Dobbs, Quinton Jefferson, Justin ankle injury but isn’t expected to miss extended time. Veteran Hamilton free agent Brandon Williams got some unexpected work with DE: Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark (S), Cassius the first team offense. Marsh, Tavaris Barnes, Will Pericak MLB: Bobby Wagner, Eric Pinkins (S/M), Steve Longa Defense: For the second time in a matter of weeks, Richard OLB: K.J. Wright (W), Mike Morgan (S), Kevin Pierre- Sherman praised the quality of teammate Tharold Simon. Louis (S), Brock Coyle (W), Josh Shirley, Montese Sherman said that Simon would be better than him once both Overton, Khairi Fortt, Kache Palacio finished their careers. For all of Sherman's bluster, Simon is CB: Richard Sherman, Marcus Burley, Brandon sharing reps in the first-team defense with DeShawn Shead Browner, Jeremy Lane, DeShawn Shead, Tharold and Jeremy Lane. Shead and Simon rotated in and out of the Simon, Mohammed Seisay, Tye Smith, DeAndre Elliott lineup for most of the week before Lane got his chances over S: Kam Chancellor (SS), Earl Thomas (FS), Kelcie ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

McCray (FS), Steven Terrell (FS), Robert Smith team trusts him. That's a big thing for him I'm sure when he (SS), Tyvis Powell hears that, he's going to work even harder.” The move leaves Bell fighting for the fourth slot against Louis Murphy, Russell Shepard, Donteea Dye, Evan Spencer, and Freddie Martino. Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman believes Bell is in the lead.

TE: Cameron Brate is the lead tight end in Tampa. He's been praised for his red-zone abilities and improved run blocking. Koetter shared his views, “Right now Cam is playing better than Austin (Sefarian-Jenkins). End of story, as far as I'm concerned.” According to the Tampa Bay Time's Auman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seferian-Jenkins had a nice touchdown catch from backup quarterback Mike Glennon in two-minute work on Saturday QB: Safety Chris Conte had two interceptions of Jameis and he and Brate both had a good day during 11-on-11 work. Winston in Saturday's practice. Conte jumped in front of a In spite of what beat writers may be saying, Koetter put deep ball intended for Mike Evans, then later caught a Seferian-Jenkins on notice: “Austin's trying to get better every deflected pass at the back of the end zone. The team installed day. Austin's working at it and that's all he can do right now. its two-minute offense and high-red zone offense Thursday. He's just got to work. That's all anybody that's fighting for a “You can see it was the first time we were doing two-minute job can do. The guys that are playing the best are going to (drills),” starting right guard Ali Marpet said. “We were a play. Catching up for some guys is knowing what they're little... we were very sloppy.” It was also raining on Thursday, doing. Catching up for other guys is you've got to play better, which was a good thing according to Head Coach Dirk and he falls into that category.” Koetter: “We had only really worked in bad weather one time in practice with wet ball conditions before we played that Defense: On Saturday, the Buccaneers' defense threw multiple Carolina game (last season), and it definitely came back to fronts at the offense during 11-on-11 drills. “We don't want haunt us in that game. So that was some good work them to get comfortable. We're competing, and we don't want (Thursday). We cut a few periods out, we had to cut a couple them to be comfortable,” said DC Mike Smith. Koetter said short, but we did get some good work in. That's the key.” second-year cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah is ahead of Mike Glennon is the second-string quarterback, while Ryan Johnthan Banks for the fourth cornerback job. Defensive end Griffin is listed in the third position. George Johnson went on injured reserve with a fractured hip, ending his season. “Kourtnei Brown and Howard Jones are RB: As of the first unofficial depth chart of training camp guys that are going to be put into the limelight,” Koetter said (released August 6), Doug Martin is the lead running back, after losing Johnson. “They were already there in the followed by Charles Sims and Mike James. Others listed as competition, but it's going to increase their role a little bit.” reserve running backs were Peyton Barber, Storm Johnson and The coaches are giving rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves Russell Hansbrough. According to Koetter, wide receiver reps with the first team defense. Kenny Bell, Sims and safety Ryan Smith will compete to become the kickoff returner. “We haven't got to kickoff return, Returners: After missing the 2015 season to injury, Kenny we've been focusing on punt (returns) right now, but those Bell is taking the first step towards securing a roster spot in three off the top of my head,” he said. 2016 by earning top kickoff returner billing on Tampa’s first depth chart of the year. On punt returns, Adam Humphries WR: Observers of camp have reported that Mike Evans and leads the pack. Winston are improving their chemistry during the first week of training camp. Koetter named Adam Humphries as the third Buccaneers Depth Chart wide receiver early in camp. “Adam Humphries is going to be QB: Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon, Ryan Griffin, Dan our No. 3 wide receiver,” Koetter said. “You talk about the LeFevour definition of consistent players, there’s Adam Humphries’ RB: Doug Martin, Charles Sims (3RB), Mike picture right there. Consistently strong player. Adam is going James, Peyton Barber, Storm Johnson, Russell Hansbrough to be our slot receiver. And the battle for four, five, six and FB: Dan Vitale beyond, there’s some really good competition. Kenny (Bell) is WR: Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Adam Humphries one of the guys in that mix.” The move was backed by (PR) , Kenny Bell (KR), Louis Murphy, Russell Winston: “Adam is a great player for us, he's a third-down Shepard, Donteea Dye, Evan Spencer, Freddie machine for us. He's had a great camp, and last year he was Martino, Bernard Reedy, Andre Davis one of my best targets... That's just how it is in this game. TE: Cameron Brate, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke You've got to get back up and try again and I trust that guy Stocker, Brandon Myers, Tevin Westbrook, Kivon with all my heart and I know coach Koetter trusts him and this Cartwright, Alan Cross ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~

LT: Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile Andrews missed time with a hamstring injury during the first LG: J.R. Sweezy, Garrett Gilkey week of camp but Cobb couldn't distinguish himself. C: Evan Smith, Joe Hawley RG: Ali Marpet, Caleb Benenoch WR: This was supposed to be Dorial Green-Beckham's week. RT: Gosder Cherilus, Demar Dotson Instead, the second year receiver has shown few signs of K: Roberto Aguayo development to this point in camp while rookie, Tajae Sharpe, DT: Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald, Henry Melton and Andre Johnson, a late veteran addition, have outperformed (DE), Akeem Spence, A.J. Francis him with Sharpe shockingly ascending to a starting role. The DE: Robert Ayers, William Gholston, Jacquies tall receiver has played well enough to maintain his grasp on Smith, Noah Spence, Howard Jones, George Johnson (IR) the first-team spot through the first week. Sharpe's place in the MLB: Kwon Alexander, Jeremiah George, Cassanova starting lineup has been overshadowed by the arrival of McKinzy Johnson though. He was camp's early star with both Mariota OLB: Lavonte David (W), Daryl Smith (S), Adarius and Mularkey singling him out for praise. Green-Beckham's Glanton, Devante Bond, Josh Keyes, Micah Awe, Luke mental errors and drops need to disappear quickly if he's going Rhodes to make any impact this year. The emergence of Sharpe and CB: Brent Grimes, Vernon Hargreaves III, Alterraun the signing of Rishard Matthews likely reduced Kendall Verner, Jude Adjei-Barimah, Johnthan Banks, Josh Wright to a role in the slot. The first-team offense has lined up Robinson with Matthews and Sharpe outside with Wright inside. Wright S: Bradley McDougald (SS), Christopher Conte suffered a hamstring issue that kept him out for much of the (FS), Keith Tandy (SS), Ryan Smith, Elijah first week. His absence pushed veteran Harry Douglas into the Shumate, Major Wright, John Lowdermilk starting lineup. Wright appears to be the team's designated slot receiver with Douglas the designated backup at that spot. This could very easily change over the coming weeks as Johnson picks up more of the offense. With Justin Hunter, Green- Beckham and Tre McBride trying to make a positive Tennessee Titans impression, the Titans receiving corps is suddenly very deep and competitive even if not stocked with stars. QB: ESPN's Paul Kuharsky has said that there is no quarterback competition behind Marcus Mariota. Matt Cassel TE: Delanie Walker signed a contract extension before was signed to be the backup and he will assume that role training camp and spent his time during the first week of camp ahead of Alex Tanney. Mariota has been very impressive over showing off for the crowds in attendance. Walker's only goal the first week of training camp, though that's to be expected at before the beginning of the season should be to stay healthy. this point. The Titans have a lot of depth at tight end but it's proven depth with an established pecking order. It will take an unforeseen RB: Despite some praise from Mike Mularkey early in the event or breakout displays from Philip Supernaw or Jerome week, the beginning of training camp continued to highlight Cunningham to make the position interesting. how the Titans won't be relying on Bishop Sankey this year. Sankey will be lucky to make the roster after six backs Defense: Brice McCain and Perrish Cox were supposed to featured ahead of him in a nine-on-seven rushing period late in take part in the Titans' biggest position battle during training the week. DeMarco Murray is the Titans' lead back at this camp and the preseason. McCain has been sidelined by an point. He opened his week with a fumble but bounced back ankle injury so far, meaning the competition is yet to really from it, earning praise from Mularkey and team writer Jim begin. The Titans will watch McCain's health closely while Wyatt. Wyatt reported that Murray was regularly breaking off also keeping an eye on Jason McCourty's health. McCourty big gains while his leadership has also been emphasized at missed most of last season and was playing hurt when he was different points during the week. Derrick Henry has opened available. He is a key piece of the Titans defense so the camp with some struggles but none as worrisome as his coaching staff should be delighted that he has made it infamous footwork drills during OTAs. Henry fumbled at least unscathed through the first week of camp. McCain's absence one handoff from Marcus Mariota and has been beaten too led the Titans to claim Tyler Patmon from the Miami Dolphins many times in pass protection drills. He was singled out by his during the week. Pattmon shouldn't be expected to be anything position coach because of his poor technique on cut blocks. more than a camp body. LeShaun Sims is more likely to be the None of this should be surprising or overly concerning. It's surprise performer in the secondary. Mularkey singled him out what rookie backs typically struggle with during their first for his play later in the week. Injuries are a big story for the training camps. Early reports on Henry running the ball have Titans at this point. Second-round rookie Kevin Dodd opened mostly been positive. With Sankey an afterthought and Dexter training camp on the PUP list because of a foot injury. The McCluster locked into the receiving role, the only real training injury isn't expected to last until the regular season but this camp battle falls between David Cobb and Antonio Andrews. disruption to his preparation could slow down any potential ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ impact he would have made. Fellow second-round pick Austin Washington Redskins Johnson has impressed with his work rate but more notably has spent time at both nose tackle and defensive end. Fellow rookies Kevin Byard and Kalan Reed have had inconsistent QB: The decision to let Kirk Cousins play under a one-year camps so far. Both have made big plays, with Reed franchise tender makes sense considering Cousins’ limited intercepting Marcus Mariota in a one-on-one drill and Byard experience as a starter and terrible playoff finish. Cousins flattening Dorial Green-Beckham in a blocking drill. Byard understands that 2016 will make or break his perception as a has been mentioned as a key special teamer but the team's high level starter. Cousins hasn’t been consistently sharp in starting safeties appear to be Da'Norris Searcy and Rashad the early part of camp, but he did string a number of strong Johnson. Marqueston Huff rotated in and out at safety while practices together to end the week. “When he can scan the also playing in nickel packages. It was also revealed that Huff field and get to his first, second, third and sometimes fourth would be suspended for the first game of the regular season. option, he’s pretty darn good,” Gruden said. “Fortunately our line gave him some time to scan the field and get the throws in there. But he is more comfortable.” Colt McCoy provides Returners: Specialist Dexter McCluster is the odds-on Washington with a quality, veteran backup. He’s looked sharp favorite to win the job returning punts for the Titans this year. in practice thus far. Nate Sudfeld will have ample time during He’s also probably the front-runner to handle kickoffs, but that the preseason to make a case for a roster spot as the third competition is much more open. string/emergency quarterback.

Titans Depth Chart RB: Whether you think Matt Jones is a talented player or not, QB: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney the coaches clearly are banking on him as the feature back. RB: DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, Dexter McCluster Jones has been the unquestioned number one. Aside from (3RB/KR/PR), Antonio Andrews, David Cobb, Bishop sitting out for two days (once with “tired legs” and the other Sankey, David Fluellen with mild knee soreness), Jones has gotten most of the reps FB: Jalston Fowler, Sam Bergen with the starters and looked adequate. Coaches are praising WR: Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, Kendall Wright Jones’ maturation – for example, denoting his positive attitude (inj), Dorial Green-Beckham, Andre Johnson, Harry in the classroom and film study – areas that Jones admits were Douglas, Justin Hunter, Tre McBride, Damaris not his favorite as a rookie. The team desperately needs Jones Johnson, Andrew Turzilli (susp), Nick Harwell, Ben Roberts to stay healthy and improve markedly because depth is a TE: Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano, Craig question mark. Chris Thompson is a 3rd down receiving back Stevens, Phillip Supernaw, Jerome Cunningham and ill-suited for heavy carries. Rookie Keith Marshall has LT: Taylor Lewan flashed at times, but hasn’t seen many reps with the starters. LG: Quinton Spain, Jeremiah Poutasi, Sebastian Tretola, Josue Matias, Bryon Bell (IR) WR: Whether it’s finally being healthy or feeling the pressure C: Ben Jones, Brian Schwenke, Andy Gallik of youthful competition, veterans DeSean Jackson and Pierre RG: Chance Warmack Garcon are having a good start to camp. Jackson, in particular, RT: Jack Conklin has looked like the best player on offense – which is saying K: Ryan Succop something considering the presence of Jordan Reed. Offensive NT: Al Woods, Austin Johnson, Angelo coordinator Sean McVay attributes Jackson’s resurgence to Blackson, Antwuan Woods good health and the push from competing against Josh DE: Jurell Casey (DT), DaQuan Jones, Ropati Norman in practice every day: “One thing is, he’s been able to Pitoitua, Karl Klug, Mehdi Abdesmad, Mike Smith practice,” McVay said. “When you bring in guys like Josh, an ILB: Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard, Sean elite corner, competition raises the level of play and that’s Spence, Nate Palmer, Curtis Grant, Justin Staples, J.R. what he’s done. You’re seeing why DeSean is a special Tavai player.” First round rookie Josh Doctson remains unable to OLB: Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan, Kevin Dodd practice as he recovers from an Achilles injury in May. The (DE), Aaron Wallace, David Bass, Deiontrez coaches are downplaying the severity but Doctson was seen Mount, Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil wearing a walking boot last week. Jamison Crowder will have CB: Jason McCourty, Perrish Cox, Brice McCain, Antwon a meaningful role regardless of who lines up outside; he’s Blake, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Leshaun Sims, Kalan going to see a ton of targets as the slot receiver. The coaches Reed, Cody Riggs, Bennett Okotcha have been working on Crowder’s ability to gain separation – S: Da′Norris Searcy (SS), Rashad Johnson (FS), Daimion something he was unable to do consistently as a rookie in spite Stafford (FS), Kevin Byard, Marqueston Huff (FS), Josh of setting a Washington rookie reception record. Aubrey, Lamarcus Brutus TE: Washington is likely to keep four tight ends on the 53- man roster. With Derek Carrier on the PUP list, that quartet ~ Click HERE to Go PRO with our Footballguys Insider PRO: only $34.95 for our remaining Training Camp Updates, our $35,000 Subscriber Contest & all our website content through the 2017 Super Bowl ~ appears to be Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Logan Paulsen and Harris, Cary Williams, Deshaun Phillips, Al Louis-Jean Vernon Davis. Carrier could push for one of those spots with a S: DeAngelo Hall (FS), David Bruton (SS), Duke Ihenacho strong return in mid-August. Ultimately, the position is really (SS), Tevin Carter (SS/LB) about keeping Jordan Reed healthy for the regular season so that he can build of last year’s emergence. Reed has been – along with DeSean Jackson—the most explosive player on offense through the first week+ of camp.

Defense: All eyes are on Josh Norman after Washington signed him away from the Carolina Panthers, but it’s been the play of Bashaud Breeland that has everyone excited. Secondary coach Perry Fewell has seen steady progress in Breeland: "He made improvement from a year ago," Fewell said. "He would play with his back to the quarterback. It’s been a long, arduous process, but now he’s playing with vision on the ball. Because he’s playing with vision on the ball, I can say, 'Yeah, Breeland!' because I know he sees the ball coming out." After missing his rookie season with concussion symptoms, linebacker Martrell Spaight has re-emerged as a factor. Spaight could earn a starting role if he continues to play as well as he’s practice in the first week of camp.

Returners: In an unsurprising development, Washington’s first depth chart has Rashad Ross returning kickoffs and Jamison Crowder handling punts. Slightly more surprising was the fact that Will Blackmon, who hasn’t returned a punt since 2013, was listed second on the depth chart.

Redskins Depth Chart QB: Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy, Nate Sudfeld RB: Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, Keith Marshall, Silas Redd, Mack Brown FB: Joe Kerridge WR: DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder (PR), Josh Doctson (inj), Ryan Grant, Rashad Ross (KR) TE: Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Vernon Davis, Logan Paulsen, Derek Carrier (inj), Marcel Jensen LT: Trent Williams, Ty Nsekhe LG: Spencer Long, Shawn Lauvao, Arie Kouandijo C: Kory Lichtensteiger, Austin Reiter, Josh LeRibeus RG: Brandon Scherff, Takoby Cofield RT: Morgan Moses K: Dustin Hopkins NT: Jerrell Powe, Kedric Golston, Matt Ioannidis, Chris Bilukidi, Anthony Johnson DE: Chris Baker, Ricky Jean-Francois, Ziggy Hood, Corey Crawford, Stephen Paea, Kendall Reyes ILB: Perry Riley (inj), Will Compton, Mason Foster, Su′a Cravens (SS), Carlos Fields Jr., Steven Daniels, Martrell Spaight, Derrick Mathews OLB: Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Terence Garvin, Houston Bates, Trent Murphy, Junior Galette (inj) CB: Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland, Kendall Fuller, Quinton Dunbar, Will Blackmon, Greg Toler, Deshazor Everett, Lloyd Carrington, Jeremy

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