The NFL’s 2024 training camp is in full swing. ESPN’s NFL reporters will be found at each location throughout camp and will provide information on position battles, notable appearances from new faces, compelling quotes from coaches and players, and updates on injuries and holdout situations.
We will have updates every day of camp to keep you informed on all the latest. Here’s what you need to know from camps across the league:
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What our NFL Nation reporters saw today
NFC EAST
For the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee in September, All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs was in full pads.
Diggs was activated off the physically unable to perform list last week, and he has been worked in smartly to keep him progressing without any setbacks. Diggs went through some individual drills before jumping into 7-on-7 work. He was not tested much but gave up one catch in a scramble situation. He nearly had an interception on a short Trey Lance pass to David Durden, showing the burst that has made him one of the better corners in the league. — Todd Archer
(Last update: Aug. 5)
It’s hard to be at a Giants practice and not notice Malik Nabers. And that has nothing to do with him throwing haymakers, which also happened Tuesday. The rookie wide receiver is dominating, even during the past two days against the Detroit Lions. In total, Nabers was targeted 18 times in live drills (11 on 11 vs. 7 on 7) over the two practices. He caught 17 of those, including another long pass down the left sideline when he jumped over the defender for a touchdown. It’s not a surprise to the Giants. “What he’s showed all camp,” coach Brian Daboll said of what he learned from Nabers this week. “Competitive. Knows what to do. Been playing at a high level in practice. [We’ll] see if that translates to the games. I have a lot of confidence in Malik.” — Jordan Raanan
Rookie WR Malik Nabers is basically unstoppable. #giants #lions pic.twitter.com/uUJSgQfWjK
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 6, 2024
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has not thrown an interception through nine training camp practices. That’s particularly impressive when you consider he is still in the process of learning a new system under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. “He’s been phenomenal,” Moore said. “He’s done an awesome job continuing to evolve and build this thing as we go. I think the communication has been critical. It’s been awesome.” Hurts will push the ball downfield but the quick game has been a featured element of this offense so far, with Hurts distributing to his bevy of playmakers. His connection with A.J. Brown was on display Tuesday, with Hurts hitting him in stride on multiple slant patterns. — Tim McManus
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Jayden Daniels has naturally been the big focus of Washington’s rookie class, but two others are listed as starters on the Commanders’ initial — and unofficial — depth chart. Second-round corner Mike Sainristil and third-round tackle Brandon Coleman are listed as starters. Coleman has been working as the No. 1 left tackle, though he did not work during 11-11 drills on Tuesday for unspecified reasons. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “We like his progress.” The Commanders’ line is in a bit of flux. Right guard Sam Cosmi hasn’t practiced since Friday because of an illness, and right tackle Andrew Wylie remains sidelined with what he simply says is “tightness.” Meanwhile, on defense, Sainristil has impressed the coaches. “He doesn’t walk around like a rookie,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “He asks good questions, has a good presence and maturity.” — John Keim
(Last update: Aug. 6)
NFC NORTH
Starting right guard Nate Davis returned to practice Sunday after being sidelined with a strain since July 27. After participating in walk through, stretch and a handful of individual drills, Davis then exited the field and went to the training room, which a team source indicated was by design given he is in a ramp-up period after being sidelined for more than a week. The Bears are expecting the right guard to continue to progress where he’ll be able to get back with the starting O-line soon.
The starting offensive line was in of flux during Sunday’s two-plus hour padded practice. In addition to Davis not being ready for team drills, right tackle Darnell Wright was also sidelined as was left guard Teven Jenkins, who exited practice early with a trainer and did not return. The Bears mixed Ja’Tyre Carter and Jerome Carvin at left guard and had to move Ryan Bates from center to right guard while Coleman Shelton handled snapping duties during a situational period. The offense understandably struggled and did not convert in the two-minute drill, which coach Matt Eberflus made the first-team offensive do over after poor execution on the first try.
The Bears are six days away from their second preseason game at Buffalo on Aug. 10. Eberflus said the health of the team will actor into who plays in those games as it remains to be seen whether rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will make his NFL debut against the Bills if the offensive line continues to be without multiple starters. — Courtney Cronin
(Last update: Aug. 4)
Friday’s practice was run in a scrimmage format, including officials, as coach Dan Campbell wanted to see players compete in a more formal setting. During the action, the offense executed some slick plays, which included WR Amon-Ra St. Brown pitching the ball to RB Jahmyr Gibbs and QB Jared Goff being targeted for a pass. Gibbs would score a couple of touchdowns in front of the fans in attendance. Kicker Jake Bates struggled, though, missing seven field goals and extra points combined.
Following practice, Aidan Hutchinson spent time with 13-year-old Max Robertson, who has Down syndrome, as part of his Hutch’s Heroes program, where he connects with children with disabilities. Hutchinson posed for photos and signed autographs as they danced and hit “The Griddy” together. Robertson, who lives in Plymouth, Michigan, was joined by his parents, Scott and Kristi, as well as his 9-year-old sister, Zoe.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Hutchinson told ESPN. “…Very inspiring.” — Eric Woodyard
(Last update: Aug. 2)
Following practice today, #Lions star Aidan Hutchinson spent time with 13 y/o Max Robertson, who suffers from down syndrome as part of his Hutch’s Heroes program, where he connects with special needs children. “That’s what it’s all about,” Hutchinson said. “…Very inspiring.” pic.twitter.com/eqsBoLAIGX
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 2, 2024
Tucker Kraft is used to waiting for his chance. He went the first half of his rookie year last season as basically a blocking tight end who rarely, if ever, got the ball thrown his way. Then after No. 1 tight end Luke Musgrave sustained a lacerated kidney in Week 11, Kraft got his chance. He finished with 31 catches for 351 yards and two touchdowns – almost all of it in the final eight games.
So while Kraft finally made his 2024 training camp debut on Tuesday, he was cleared only for individual drills and said he probably will not play in either of the first two preseason games because of the torn pectoral muscle that was surgically repaired this offseason. The third preseason game is TBD.
Kraft is about two weeks behind right tackle Zach Tom, who sustained the same injury this offseason. Tom was finally cleared for full team 11-on-11 periods on Tuesday.
Still, Kraft said after his first practice back that his availability for the regular-season opener against the Eagles in Brazil is not in doubt.
“I’m not supposed to talk about timelines and stuff like that,” Kraft said. “But you see me out there today, you’ll see me in Brazil.” — Rob Demovsky
Tucker Kraft’s first work of camp coming off the torn pec. pic.twitter.com/4DnmyHycjZ
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 6, 2024
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Rookie defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez got some run with the first-team defense Friday, in part because starter Jonathan Bullard was taking a veteran’s rest day. But Rodriguez, a seventh-round pick from Texas A&M-Commerce, has also caught the eye of defensive coordinator Brian Flores early in camp.
“I think he’s done a lot of good things,” Flores said Saturday. “I think he’s picked up the playbook quickly. I think he’s full of energy. I think he’s got some athletic ability. It’s still early, but we’re trying to put him in as many situations as possible to see what roles might fit him best. We’re really doing that for everybody, but the young guys especially. It’s their first training camp. You don’t really know from a capacity standpoint how much they can handle early on. So you start with a small role and then try to build on that.”
Bullard, Harrison Phillips and free agent signee Jerry Tillery had previously gotten most of the first-team defensive line reps during camp, with veterans Jonah Williams and Jaquelin Roy working with the second team. Rodriguez’s recent work isn’t necessarily a sign that he’s shot past them on the depth chart, but the interest from coaches is real. — Kevin Seifert
(Last update: Aug. 3)
NFC SOUTH
Running back Bijan Robinson left practice early Monday and went into the workout room for circuits on the battle ropes and bike. The Falcons have not commented, though it doesn’t appear Robinson is dealing with any kind of injury at this stage and the team might just be managing his workload. When asked if all the RBs will play in the team’s preseason game Friday against the Miami Dolphins, running backs coach Michael Pitre said that would be a good question for coach Raheem Morris, who did not speak with the media Monday.
In Robinson’s absence, running back Tyler Allgeier got the majority of the first-team rushes in practice, followed by Carlos Washington Jr., who seems to have emerged in a battle for the third running back role with Avery Williams and rookie Jase McClellan. Defensive linemen Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams joined Robinson in the workout room on the bike, though Smith-Williams later returned to the sidelines. — Marc Raimondi
(Last update: Aug. 5)
Inside linebacker Josey Jewell made the type of effort play that newly elected Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, watching from the sideline, was known for. Jewell’s diving interception of a Bryce Young pass fired up the entire defense, even those who weren’t on the field for the play. Peppers liked what he saw, saying the team has some pieces’ in place for a turnaround. But when asked if he sees any similarities between this team coming off an NFL-worst 2-15 record and the team from his rookie season (2002) that was coming off an NFL-worst 1-15 record, Peppers was cautiously optimistic. “The NFL is cyclical. It’s going to go up and down. Your time is going to come around. … Everybody has confidence things are getting ready to turn. The right people are in the right places.” — David Newton
Julius Peppers was part of a quick Panthers’ rebuild that landed the team in the Super Bowl his second season (2003) after going an NFL worst 1-15 in 2001. Can the current team make such a quick rebound from an NFL worst 2-15 record last season? pic.twitter.com/ZqEI726G9N
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 6, 2024
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Quarterback Jake Haener missed practice to have a procedure related to his skin cancer, so Derek Carr and rookie Spencer Rattler split all the reps. The Saints were back in pads and did extensive two-minute drill work again. Carr led the offense down the field in a two-minute end-of-game situation that ended with a Blake Grupe field goal. Rattler had four straight pass attempts to tight ends in the same situation, connecting on three of them, to also set up for a field goal attempt, but Grupe’s kick went off the upright.
“A lot of good situations came up today,” coach Dennis Allen said.
The specific situation the Saints worked on was an end-of-game scenario where they were down two points.
“We’re trying to create some stressful situations on both sides of the ball. I thought we operated in those situations … pretty well,” Allen said.
Injuries: Alvin Kamara had a rest day. Payton Turner returned from a toe injury. Kendre Miller, Rashid Shaheed, Marshon Lattimore, Nick Saldiveri, Bub Means, Paulson Adebo and Pete Werner were among those out with injuries. — Katherine Terrell
(Last update: Aug. 5)
Bucs starting cornerback Jamel Dean notched his second interception this week off quarterback Baker Mayfield. Dean said he has been trying to catch 50 passes a day with the Jugs machine as interceptions have been a key point of emphasis. Coach Todd Bowles said after practice, “Whatever he’s doing, he needs to keep doing it.” Dean joked of Bowles, “He gives me crap all of the time. It’s never good enough. It’s hard to make the guy proud, man.” — Jenna Laine
(Last update: Aug. 2)
NFC WEST
Running back James Conner put on a show for the fans at the Cardinals’ annual red and white practice. In 11-on-11, without tackling, he had hard run after hard run, showcasing a variety of inside and outside moves. He didn’t seem to miss a beat running behind an interior of an offensive line that has been reshaped all week after center Hjalte Froholdt went down with a left leg injury Tuesday. Since then, Arizona has used both Evan Brown and Jon Gaines II at center and Elijah Wilkinson, Isaiah Adams and Gaines at left guard. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last update: Aug. 3)
The Rams held their first joint practice of training camp Sunday, the first of two times they’ll practice against the Chargers this month. The offense struggled at times against the Chargers’ defense, and coach Sean McVay said the team has “way higher standards” than what it showed on that side of the ball.
A big part of those struggles, though, came because the Rams are missing three starters on their offensive line, as right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle) and left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) are all considered week-to-week with their injuries.
When asked what he is looking to see from the team at this point in training camp, McVay said, “consistent improvement.”
“Patience isn’t something that I’m very familiar with, as you know,” McVay joked, “but I think there’s an understanding of ‘Let’s keep building,’ especially if you’ve got some guys that are getting reps for the first time based on some people that we do have out.”
The Rams were also without wide receiver Puka Nacua for part of practice after he got up slowly during a team drill. McVay said he didn’t have an update on the second-year receiver, who had his right knee wrapped in ice for a portion of practice. — Sarah Barshop
(Last update: Aug. 4)
While Brandon Aiyuk was the subject du jour in 49ers land on Tuesday, the Niners are starting to get some positive returns from some of their other wideouts, both in terms of health and production. First-round pick Ricky Pearsall is dealing with a shoulder issue that had him in a blue no-contact jersey but that didn’t prevent him from connecting with QB Brock Purdy on a deep touchdown for the first time in this camp. Pearsall ran a good route and got behind cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and safety George Odum to catch a perfect throw from Purdy in stride for a 50-yard score. Fellow rookie wideout Jacob Cowing returned from a hamstring injury and also had a couple of nice catches. The rookies are, at least in part, why coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic about the wideout group beyond Aiyuk.
“I love the young guys,” Shanahan said. “They have been banged up trying to get healthy, battling the shoulder, battling a hamstring, but when they’re out there they’re getting better and I hope that they can get healthy, continue to stay healthy so they can get the time in that they need to be ready.” — Nick Wagoner
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Quarterback Geno Smith made his return to action Monday after missing the past four practices while he underwent testing on knee and hip injuries.
The Seahawks got their QB1 back. Could they soon get a new center as well?
The team has remained interested in veteran Connor Williams, who made a free agent visit to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center at the start of training camp. The 27-year-old Williams, who’s coming off a torn ACL he suffered Dec. 11 with the Dolphins, passed his physical with Seattle, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
On Monday, agent Drew Rosenhaus told 560 WQAM sports radio in Miami that he’s negotiating with the Seahawks — among other teams — and that Williams could sign somewhere soon.
“He is healthy. He absolutely is,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s in negotiations with the Seahawks, and there’s a few other teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Connor signs within the next 48 to 72 hours. It’s a wonderful development for Connor, who had a heartbreaking injury in the Titans’ Monday night game. He was on his way to a Pro Bowl season and a lucrative contract extension. Tore his ACL and this guy fought so hard. We weren’t even sure if he was going to play this year, and now he’s going to be ready to play in the first game of the season. It’s probably, in my career, without a doubt one of the greatest comebacks I’ve ever seen.” — Brady Henderson
(Last update: Aug. 5)
AFC EAST
Monday’s practice featured some of the team’s most extensive 11-on-11 work through camp thus far, and tensions were felt with a skirmish breaking out after defensive tackle DeShawn Williams hit wide receiver and returner Andy Isabella at the end of a play.
Isabella was later carted off the field, but he later was walking with a sleeve on his leg. His injury could impact the team’s returner competition with Daequan Hardy, who intercepted quarterback Shane Buechele as he dealt with pressure Monday, and KJ Hamler, who was notably heavily targeted during practice, fighting for that role and a roster spot.
Overall, the day was won by the defense as the offense dealt with pressure and miscommunications, but the unit ended on a positive note with a nice catch from tight end Dalton Kincaid with safety Taylor Rapp in coverage on a throw from Josh Allen. — Alaina Getzenberg
Okaaaaaay, @_DaltonKincaid! 😱@Ticketmaster | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/yHeZckGJ21
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 5, 2024
(Last update: Aug. 5)
Tuesday marked the first of four total joint practices the Dolphins will host this summer, with the Atlanta Falcons visiting Miami Gardens ahead of Friday’s preseason opener. In classic joint practice fashion, there was a brief fight between Atlanta’s offense and Miami’s defense, stemming from a scuffle between Drake London and Ethan Bonner. Beyond that, both teams traded big plays, although none bigger than the 50-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill.
Hill beat Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes, who had no safety help over the top — a coverage the Dolphins love to attack with both Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Tagovailoa hit him in stride for an easy score, and Hill said plays like that continue to silence his quarterback’s critics.
“People can’t no longer say that he can’t throw the ball deep,” Hill said. “That right there alone shows his improvement from when I first got here to now.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Outside linebacker Matthew Judon had been a full participant in practice since his return to the team late last week, but that changed on Tuesday. Judon didn’t practice, instead watching from the sideline, in what seemed to be a reminder that his contract status and how the team is handling it remains an unresolved issue to him.
When Judon met with reporters Monday, he said he would play in games for his $6.5 million base salary, even though he believed it didn’t reflect his value. But he also added: “No one said anything about practice. I have to do what I’m contracted and obligated to do so I don’t lose no money.” — Mike Reiss
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Running back Breece Hall provided another glimpse Tuesday as to why he could have a huge season as a dual-threat weapon. Displaying his cutback ability, he exploded through creases on a couple of running plays. In the passing game, he made a chunk play with a terrific route out of the backfield.
Linebacker Quincy Williams said Hall is such a smooth receiver that covering him in practice is providing great preparation for his Week 1 opponent, 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey. Actually, Hall caught more passes than McCaffrey in 2023 — 76 to 67.
Hall will have a new running mate this year. From all indications, rookie Braelon Allen, a fourth-round pick from Wisconsin, will be the RB2. Allen, impressive in camp, is a 235-pound bruiser. Hall said they call themselves “the Killer B’s.” — Rich Cimini
(Last update: Aug. 6)
AFC NORTH
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman appeared to injure his midsection on the play of the day for the Ravens. Toward the end of practice, he outjumped two defenders in the end zone to catch a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson, but he hurt himself after he fell hard to the ground.
After taking a while to get to his feet, Bateman walked to the sideline holding the left side of his ribs and didn’t return to take another snap. An injury to Bateman’s midsection sidelined him for one practice last week. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he wasn’t given any update on Bateman after practice.
Bateman was having a strong training camp for the Ravens. He had four catches for 61 yards in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.
“Bate’s going to be explosive this year,” Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington said after Monday’s practice. “He’s going to make a lot of plays for us, for sure.”
Bateman, a 2021 first-round pick, has struggled to stay healthy. He has missed a total of 18 games over the past three seasons. — Jamison Hensley
(Last update: Aug. 5)
The defense had a strong day punctuated by team drills at the end of Sunday’s practice. The first-team offense was stopped twice and rookie safety Daijahn Anthony, a seventh-round pick, tallied another camp interception. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s group was aggressive and talkative throughout the day, with safety Vonn Bell doing his best to work with special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons, who served as the line judge on drills. It was arguably the best the defense has looked so far in camp. — Ben Baby
(Last update: Aug. 4)
Wide receiver Elijah Moore missed practice Sunday after being placed in concussion protocol but is progressing — as he returned to practice in a limited capacity Monday. Moore took part in individual drills during the padded practice but watched during any drills that involved contact, including 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.
With Moore back at practice, the Browns are close to fielding their top-three receiving corps of Moore, Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy for the first time in training camp. Jeudy, who was sidelined for the start of camp because of an injury, participated in team drills for the first time Sunday. He took part in individual drills Monday but was held out of team drills. — Daniel Oyefusi
(Last update: Aug. 5)
After throwing his first live pass during training camp in a team period on Sunday, Russell Wilson ramped up his participation on Tuesday. Not only did he do the team 20-yard run at the end of the stretch period for the first time and go through the team walkthrough, he also participated in the Steelers’ opening “seven shots” drill from the 2-yard line. His unit scored on three of four reps, including on a pass to George Pickens.
“I thought he did a good job,” coach Mike Tomlin said of Wilson. “I thought they all did a good job. We didn’t warm up to the action.”
Wilson later found Pickens in space during a team period and connected with the third-year receiver again. Mostly, though, Wilson handed the ball off during team periods as he rotated with Justin Fields and Kyle Allen working with the first-, second- and third-team offenses.
“It was about just not taking steps backwards as we move forward,” Tomlin said of Wilson’s level of participation. — Brooke Pryor
(Last update: Aug. 6)
AFC SOUTH
The Texans’ offense controlled practice for the first time in training camp. Quarterback C.J. Stroud made excellent throws outside the numbers — both inside and outside of structure. Stroud connected with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell on out-breaking routes perfectly. This outing showed a glimpse of why there’s so much hype around the offense. The defense didn’t just roll over, though. The unit had a couple of plays where it netted a sack, and newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair was able to intercept Stroud. — DJ Bien-Aime
(Last update: Aug.5)
The Colts continue to tinker with their safeties, still searching for an acceptable lineup on the back end of their defense.
Veteran starter Julian Blackmon is the mainstay and has turned in a dazzling performance in training camp. But major questions remain around third-year player Nick Cross and journeyman veteran Ronnie Harrison. As for where things stand, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said coaches will make a decision “as soon as someone consistently steps up” on Monday. He added, “I don’t think we’re anywhere close right now.”
Cross had an impressive interception in Monday’s practice but that comes after a slow start to camp. Meanwhile, the Colts might be in the mix for veteran free agent Justin Simmons, who remains on the market and is believed to be nearing a decision on where to sign. — Stephen Holder
(Last update: Aug. 5)
All that wide receiver Gabe Davis could see was cornerback Montaric Brown flying over him. He didn’t feel bad about it either, since Brown was the reason he was on his back in the first place.
Brown hit Davis and knocked him to the ground during 11-on-11 after Davis caught a pass from Trevor Lawrence. Brown made it worse by standing over Davis and taunting the veteran.
That’s when receiver Christian Kirk came off the sideline and blasted Brown, which sparked both sidelines to come on the field into a giant pile.
“I was on the ground, so I didn’t start any of that,” Davis, who signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Jaguars in March, said. “Guys are getting a little chippy out there and it’s just football. I’m fine.”
It wasn’t until things calmed down that Davis found out it was Kirk who came to his defense.
“As he should,” Davis joked. — Michael DiRocco
(Last update: Aug. 5)
Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey had another good day of work. Kinsey continues to showcase his crisp route-running throughout practice. The third-year receiver especially stood out during one-on-ones. Kinsey made a couple of nice catches during team period as well. One of his catches resulted in a touchdown after he lost defensive back Gabe Jeudy-Lally in coverage. Kinsey dove into the end zone and did a salsa dance for the friends and family watching from a nearby tent. Kinsey has made a habit of celebrating. On Saturday he caught a touchdown pass and punted the ball over a fence, which drew a fake $17,000 fine letter from coach Brian Callahan. The touchdown, along with a diving catch for 30-plus yards, came on throws from Mason Rudolph. The two are developing a pretty cool connection. “Well, first off, he has a pretty cool name,” Rudolph joked after practice. — Turron Davenport
(Last update: Aug. 4)
AFC WEST
Coach Sean Payton was careful to emphasize the word “unofficial” with the team’s first released depth chart of training camp — “rookies are at the back of the line,” he said — but in the take-it-for-what-it’s-worth department Jarrett Stidham was listed as the first-team quarterback. Stidham and rookie Bo Nix have split the work with the starters evenly over the last eight practices, and Payton has not yet named a starter for the season. “Like I said … we just got the depth chart out and that’s it. That’s where we’re at now. (Stidham) will get work with the (first-team offense) in this preseason, and we’ll see what we do with the other guys.” Payton has lauded Nix’s work in training camp so far and has said no decision has been made on the starting quarterback job. — Jeff Legwold
(Last update: Aug. 6)
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he occasionally glances into the training tent on the sideline of the Chiefs’ practice field to keep an eye on the many players rehabbing from injury. The list of defensive players inhabiting the tent on Tuesday was a long one. It included linemen Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi and Charles Omenihu, linebacker Nick Bolton and safety Justin Reid. All are expected to be key players this season. Jones and Bolton have practiced at least some this year, but the others have done nothing substantive. With the Chiefs having less than a month until the Sept. 5 season opener, Spagnuolo said he was getting anxious about having the defense whole by then. “We’d like to stop (the clock) to get some of these guys back,” Spagnuolo said. — Adam Teicher
(Last update: Aug. 6)
The continued absence of receiver Davante Adams, who returned to Las Vegas for the birth of his son and has missed the last four practices, has given others opportunities. But it has also made for an awkward situation with the Raiders installing a new offense amid a quarterback competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. “We definitely miss Tae,” said O’Connell, who threw interceptions to Jack Jones and Tre’von Moehrig on Tueday. “He’s not just a great player but a leader for us. Wish he was out here but, obviously, he’s having a baby, so not mad at him at all and hoping for a smooth delivery and everything. But yeah, we want as many reps as possible. He’s a guy that sees the game in a very unique way. We miss him a lot on the field, but especially in the film room to hear what he’s saying for each route, each concept, obviously [with him] playing in this offense before.” Minshew, meanwhile, threw a TD pass to tight end Brock Bowers but also was picked off by Jones. “You certainly miss [Adams], but it’s been a great opportunity for other guys to get in and get some real reps and to step up. … It’s been a good opportunity for everybody to kind of get going and find their place on the offense.” — Paul Gutierrez
(Last update: Aug. 6)
After Sunday’s joint practice with the Rams, Monday’s practice was mostly run at half speed and without pads. Still, even at this pace, the defense continued to make plays. Cornerback Kristian Fulton snagged two interceptions, and linebacker Nick Niemann added another. The defense has dominated this offseason, including forcing three turnovers against the Rams on Sunday, which made Rams coach Sean McVay say that his unit needs to play to a higher standard.
The defense was the Achilles’ heel of the Chargers last season, allowing the fifth-most yards per game (362.9) and ninth-most points (23.4). Fans might get a chance to see some of this new defense in the preseason, as coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that he is still undecided on playing starters and will treat it on a “case-by-case basis.” — Kris Rhim
(Last update: Aug. 5)
