The 2024 NFL training camp is underway. Everywhere throughout camp, you can find ESPN’s NFL reporters covering everything from position battles to noteworthy newcomer appearances, inspirational remarks from coaches and players, and updates on injuries and holdout situations.
Every day of camp, we will provide updates to keep you up to date on everything. What you should know from camps around the league is as follows:
Go to:
ARI, ATL, BAL, BUF, CAR, CHI, and CIN
CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GB, HOU, and IND
KC, JAX, LAC, LAR, LV, MIA, MIN
NE, NO, NYG, NYJ, PHI, PIT, and SF
SEA, TB, TEN, and WSH
What today’s NFL Nation reporters observed
NFC EST
The Dallas Cowboys
On Saturday, Micah Parsons’ elbow pain did not appear to be a problem. The linebacker was a threat in team exercises, mostly working on the line of scrimmage, but he did not participate in one-on-one pass rush drills.
Like last year, when he completely destroyed several offensive practices, it was his busiest practice of the training camp. At least three of his attempts at sacking the opposition were unobstructed, one of which came from the defensive line’s glance at the offensive line. He spent a lot of time in quarterback Dak Prescott’s face.
To what extent was Parsons content? Before a few plays, he called on the audience to applaud. He then got the fans to count to three for the pin after playfully wrestling with cornerback Trevon Diggs, pulling him over his shoulders and “slamming” him to the ground. — Todd Archer
(Last revised on August 3)
The Giants of New York
Evan Neal, the right tackle, is still not ready. Due to an ankle injury, he is still listed as physically unable to perform and doesn’t seem to be near to getting well. In January, Neal underwent ankle surgery. The Giants declined to comment on whether he had suffered a setback or if his recuperation was simply taking longer than anticipated. Only that he won’t be back this week (Monday and Tuesday are the Giants’ joint practices with the Lions). “He isn’t prepared to go just yet,” head coach Brian Daboll stated. The Giants have switched to a new strategy in the interim. Jermaine Eluemunor, an offseason addition, has been moved to right tackle. That’s not likely to change, even if Neal comes back. Yet Daboll did state that Neal will continue to play tackle rather than guard for the time being. It appears to be a standby tackle. Probably not the best choice for the seventh overall pick in 2022. — Jordan Raanan
(Last revised on August 4)
Eagles of Philadelphia
Johnny Wilson, a rookie wide receiver, has made inroads into the race for the No. 3 wide receiver position. During the last several practices, the 6-foot-6, 228-pound Florida State product has been working with the starters. Jalen Hurts has targeted Wilson, a sixth-round pick, in the red zone, where he can take advantage of his size. “I put in some work in the offseason with Jalen and some of the other guys, just building up those reps and that connection with everybody,” Wilson explained. In addition to Wilson, Britain’s Covey and veterans John Ross and Parris Campbell are included in the mix. Wilson says, “It’s been great getting some of those first-team reps and I’m just trying to keep on building day in, day out.” Recently, coaches have made suggestions that different players may share wide receiver 3 responsibilities, with playing time being partially determined by matchups. — Tim McManus
(Last revised on August 4)
Commanders in Washington
In an attempt to add depth for training camp, Washington acquired defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, maybe as a response to how it views second-round rookie Johnny Newton. He was limited on Friday and did not practice on Sunday as he recovers from surgery on his left foot that was performed in May. It’s a matter of “load management,” according to coach Dan Quinn, since Newton will work more on some days and lessen down on others. Quinn added that they want to minimize defensive tackle Jon Allen’s (who is about to start his eighth season) wear and tear. With starting right tackle Andrew Wylie sidelined again on Sunday due to soreness in an undisclosed spot, Washington may also require additional assistance at right tackle. Alex Akingbulu, a backup, is also coping with an undisclosed leg issue. Due to this, the Commanders were forced to practice on Sunday with backup guard Mason Brooks starting at right tackle. — Keim John
(Last revised on August 4)
NFC North
Bears of Chicago
Nate Davis, the starting right guard, resumed practice on Sunday after missing time due to an injury on July 27. Davis left the field and headed to the training room after taking part in walkthroughs, stretches, and a few individual exercises. A team source said this was intentional because Davis is still in a ramp-up phase after missing more than a week of action. The right guard is anticipated by the Bears to continue developing so that he can soon re-join the starting offensive line.
The offensive line that started the two-and-a-half-hour padded practice on Sunday was in turmoil. Davis was not prepared for team drills, and Darnell Wright, a right tackle, and Teven Jenkins, a left guard, were also injured. Jenkins left practice early with a trainer and did not come back. In a tactical moment, the Bears had to switch Ryan Bates from center to right guard, alternating between Ja’Tyre Carter and Jerome Carvin at left guard. Coleman Shelton took over snapping duties. It makes sense that the offense struggled and failed to score in the two-minute drill; coach Matt Eberflus decided to restart the offensive play after the first team’s attempt at it was poorly executed.
The Bears’ second preseason game, scheduled for August 10 at Buffalo, is six days away. If the offensive line continues to be missing several starters, Eberflus stated that the team’s health will determine who plays in those games. It is unclear, however, whether rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will make his NFL debut against the Bills. — Courtney Cronin
(Last revised on August 4)
Lions of Detroit
Coach Dan Campbell wanted to watch players compete in a more formal atmosphere, so Friday’s practice was conducted in a scrimmage format with officials present. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown pitched the ball to RB Jahmyr Gibbs during one of the offense’s slick plays. QB Jared Goff was also targeted for a throw during the play. A few touchdowns would be scored by Gibbs in front of the spectators. However, kicker Jake Bates had a difficult time, missing seven field goals and seven extra points in total.
Aidan Hutchinson connected with children with disabilities through his Hutch’s Heroes initiative, and he spent time with 13-year-old Max Robertson, who has Down syndrome, after practice. Hutchinson danced and hit “The Griddy” with them while posing for pictures and signing autographs. Robertson, who resides in Plymouth, Michigan, was accompanied by his sister Zoe, age nine, and parents Scott and Kristi.
That’s the main focus, Hutchinson stated to ESPN. Eric Woodyard called it “…very inspiring.”
Updated August 2nd.
Packers in Green Bay
It looks like the revolving door at right tackle may soon close. Zach Tom will be back in his usual location when the Packers practice on the field again. Tom is recuperating from an offseason operation to repair a torn pectoral muscle, and he hasn’t participated in a single 11-on-11 rep throughout training camp. He had only been able to do individual drills up until now. The Packers have tried Andre Dillard, Kadeem Telfort, and Caleb Jones at that position while he is out.
The O-line is struggling right now, according to Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Tom has also found it difficult to watch, particularly at the team’s annual Family Night practice inside Lambeau Field on Saturday night in front of 60,887 fans.
After the session, Tom remarked, “Just not being out there was probably the toughest practice to miss tonight.” “It will be nice to get back out there next week.”
Additionally, LaFleur stated that tight end Tucker Kraft, who sustained a comparable torn pectoral during the offseason, will resume individual exercises the following week. — Rob Demovsky
(Last revised on August 3)
Minnesota Vikings
Friday saw some action from rookie defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez with the starting squad, partly due to starter Jonathan Bullard’s veteran’s day off. However, Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator, has also noticed Rodriguez, a seventh-round selection from Texas A&M-Commerce, early in camp.
“I think he’s done a lot of good things,” Flores remarked over the weekend. “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.”
The first-team defensive line reps during camp had previously gone to Bullard, Harrison Phillips, and free agent signee Jerry Tillery, with veterans Jonah Williams and Jaquelin Roy working with the second team. Although Rodriguez hasn’t exactly jumped ahead of them in the depth chart, coaches are clearly interested in him based on his recent performance. — Kevin Seifert
(Last revised on August 3)
NFC Southern
Falcons of Atlanta
For the first time, the Falcons’ physical preparation increased on Friday night at an open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of spectators. Given that pads went on earlier this week, that can definitely be viewed as a plus. However, there were some dangerous times for a club that has been extraordinarily fortunate in terms of injuries so far.
On one play, the offensive line was shoved back against quarterback Kirk Cousins, resulting in his downfall. Cousins was doing well. After hitting tight end Kyle Pitts with the pass, he immediately stood back up. But given that Cousins is recovering from an Achilles tear, Atlanta coaches must be holding their collective breath.
Additionally on Friday night, DeMarcco Hellams, a safety, jarred the ball away by crushing wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III following a Cousins catch. Tyler Allgeier, the running back, and wide receiver Drake London were incensed. McCloud was alright, but at this point in the preseason, that could have been a little too aggressive. — Marc Raimondi
Updated August 2nd.
Panthers of Carolina
Finishing strong, quarterback Bryce Young found rookie right end Ja’Tavion Sanders for a one-yard touchdown pass after an incredible, twisting catch in close coverage. This transpired after the offense got off to a sluggish start, prompting head coach Dave Canales to gather the whole team for a meeting. However, Xavier Legette, a first-round choice, was the cause for concern following practice as he left with a reported lower leg injury. Later, an MRI showed that there was no fracture but rather a foot injury. He is in day-to-day status. The wide receiver’s camp had already started slowly for him. David Newton: He has been primarily assisting the second-team offense behind Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, and occasionally Terrace Marshall Jr.
(Last revised on August 4)
Saints of New Orleans
After working in full pads for many days, the Saints had a lighter day. After ten practices, there are still a number of players on the injured list: linebacker Demario Davis, running back Kendre Miller, receiver Rashid Shaheed, receiver Bub Means, tackle Nick Saldiveri, defensive end Payton Turner, receiver Marshon Lattimore (hip flexor), and linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder). In the Saints’ first extended two-minute play, quarterback Derek Carr found rookie wide out Mason Tipton for a ball of more than thirty yards, which set up RB Jamaal Williams for a touchdown run. QB Jake Haener led a touchdown drive, delivering a deep pass to WR Stanley Morgan Jr. before passing off to RB Jacob Kibodi for the score — Katherine Terrell — while QB Spencer Rattler and the second unit ran out of time to score in the two minutes.
(Last revised on August 4)
Tampa Bay Eagles
Jamel Dean, the starting cornerback for the Bucs, intercepted quarterback Baker Mayfield for the second time this week. Interceptions have been a major focus, so Dean claimed he has been attempting to catch 50 passes a day using the Jugs machine. Following practice, coach Todd Bowles remarked, “Whatever he’s doing, he needs to keep doing it.” Dean made fun of Bowles, saying, “He gives me crap all the time. It’s never good enough. It’s hard to make the guy proud, man.” — Jenna Laine
Updated August 2nd.
NFC West
Cardinals of Arizona
At the annual red and white practice for the Cardinals, running back James Conner entertained the crowd. He had hard run after hard run in 11-on-11 without being tackled, showing off a range of inside and outside skills. Running behind an offensive line that has been rearranged all week following center Hjalte Froholdt’s left leg injury on Tuesday, he didn’t appear to miss a beat. Since then, Arizona has utilized Elijah Wilkinson, Isaiah Adams, and Jon Gaines II at left guard and Evan Brown and Jon Gaines II at center. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last revised on August 3)
Rams of Los Angeles
The Rams and Chargers will work together twice this month, with Thursday being the first joint practice of training camp. Coach Sean McVay stated that the club had “way higher standards” than what it demonstrated on that side of the ball after the offense occasionally struggled against the Chargers defense.
However, a significant portion of their difficulties stemmed from the Rams’ offensive line being without three starters due to injuries: left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle), right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), and left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder).
During training camp, when asked what he hopes to see from the squad, McVay replied, “consistent improvement.”
“Patience isn’t something that I’m very familiar with, as you know,” laughed McVay, “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.”
Puka Nacua, the wide receiver with the Rams, also missed a portion of practice because he stood up slowly during a team drill. The second-year receiver spent part of practice with an ice pack on his right knee, but McVay said he had no update on the player. — Sarah Barshop
(Last revised on August 4)
49ers of San Francisco
Following two days of unsatisfactory practices last week, during which he threw seven interceptions, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy found himself once more scrutinized by those who had doubts about his ability to succeed as a franchise signal-caller in the upcoming summer. Purdy talked about his approach to practice picks on Sunday, stressing his previous position that he prefers not to throw them but that this is also the opportunity to do things that he might not do in games. “I take pride in protecting the ball for our offense and our team, so obviously I’m mad when I’m not completing the ball to our guys and it’s going to the defense,” Purdy stated. “I’m hard on myself and the coaches are, too … But with that, now is the time to be trying out some stuff in terms of throwing some windows and some tight coverages and whatnot. I’ve still got to grow, I’ve still got to be better. I’m hard on myself, but now is the time to do it.” — Nick Wagoner, quarterback
(Last revised on August 4)
The Seattle Seahawks
Byron Murphy II has begun to show up to Seahawks practices now that contact is permitted and shoulder pads are on.
Along with left tackle Charles Cross, the rookie defensive tackle selected with the 16th overall pick in the April draft has been among the two most consistently impressive players in the one-on-one pass-rush drill. Murphy has been showing off his ability to outmuscle blocks with power or speed, and he once again demonstrated this on Saturday. Murphy used a bull rush to overpower an undrafted rookie in his first rep and a quick get-off to blow by him in his second.
“He is the individual we believed him to be,” head coach Mike Macdonald declared. “Again, let’s not crown him yet, but he’s on the way. He’s a force in there and I think the guys see it. I’m pleased with his effort. The guy brings it every day. Again, he’s a rookie. There’s things that we want to attack, but he’s a savvy football player, he knows what he’s doing out there, he’s not lost, he plays fast, plays rugged. So I think the future is bright for Mr. Murphy.” — Henderson, Brady
(Last revised on August 3)
AFC Orientation
The Buffalo Bills
After the team’s yearly Highmark Stadium session on Friday, the Bills had a lighter practice without full pads on Sunday, with nine players sitting out due to injury. Running back Ty Johnson (hamstring), tight end Dawson Knox (groin, vet rest), wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe), offensive lineman Travis Clayton (shoulder), offensive lineman La’el Collins (knee), linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (ribs), safety Mike Edwards (hamstring), and safety Cole Bishop (shoulder) were among the injuries on the list.
Coach Sean McDermott responded, “It’s hard to develop when you’re not on the field,” when asked if the quantity of players worried him. “But we’ll find a way through it, we’ve done it before.”
Middle linebacker Terrel Bernard missed the majority of training camp and the preseason the previous season, but he played well as a starter the entire campaign, as McDermott and his staff pointed out. “But [Bernard] had been in the system for at least one year prior. So it’s a challenge in order to develop those guys, and it’s going to take some time,” McDermott stated.
One other thing to note during Sunday’s practice: rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman had a few impressive catches, most notably a score in the end zone late in the workout on a well-thrown pass from quarterback Josh Allen. — Getzenberg Alaina
(Last revised on August 4)
Dolphins of Miami
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made a statement regarding the unsteady high-top table he was seated at during his news conference following Saturday’s practice. After he signed a $212 million extension last week, I made a joke with him about knowing someone who could afford to have it mended. Taking the joke in good humor, Tagovailoa remarked, “So do I — where’s Tyreek?”
Foreshadowing beyond anything anyone in attendance could have known at the time, Tyreek Hill was about to accept a restructured contract for $90 million over the course of the following three years. Although Hill’s original contract with Miami did not include any additional years, it did have the most fully guaranteed salary for a wide receiver in NFL history, $104.6 million over the course of the original contract.
This offseason, Hill has made it known that he wants an improved contract, but he has also made it clear that he doesn’t want to be traded or take any actions that would limit Miami’s financial flexibility. It’s a win-win situation for him since he receives a record amount of guaranteed money and the Dolphins retain their star pleased without changing the market.
The league-leading passing attack of the Dolphins is now assured for the foreseeable future because to the offseason signings of Jaylen Waddle, Hill, and Tagovailoa. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last revised on August 3)
Patriots of New England
Early in training camp, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo stated that the defense is almost usually superior to the offense. He said he might have been guilty of a false start before to Saturday’s session.
Mayo admitted, “I kind of spoke too soon.” “The offense, the last couple days, they’ve done well. I challenged our defense on that.”
With two interceptions on Saturday (by safety Jaylinn Hawkins and cornerback Alex Austin), the defense appeared to rise to the occasion and play better than it had the previous two days. Even so, the offense produced some plays, with receiver K.J. and tight end Hunter Henry. Osborn were two of the best, but for the most part, this was a day when the D responded. —
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