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What we learned: Niners in midst of QB battle.
Chip Kelly's playbook in Philadelphia was once affectionately labeled by NFL Media's Gregg Rosenthal as a quarterback-proof offense.
After all, the former Eagles coach milked a 27-touchdown, two-pick season out of Nick Foles before turning the scattershot Mark Sanchez into a solid player for weeks at a time two seasons ago.
While Kelly's new team, the 49ers, aren't seen as a compelling bunch on paper, it will be fascinating to watch how the coach molds his high-speed attack around San Francisco's pair of dueling quarterbacks, Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.
What we learned today is that Kelly plans to give both passers a fair shot at winning the job. Per NFL Media's Steve Wyche, Kelly opened training camp on Sunday by handing Kaepernick and Gabbert an equal 12 snaps apiece with the starters.
Kelly later said that he's "eager" to finally see a post-surgery Kaepernick at full speed, but the one-time Super Bowl starter has plenty of ground to make up after Gabbert was widely praised by teammates for grabbing the leadership reins all offseason.
Gabbert also outplayed Kaepernick for large parts of 2015, a campaign that revived Gabbert's seemingly dead career. Who would have thought back in 2012 that the Jacksonville draft bust would one day unseat the much-ballyhooed Kaepernick for a starting job?
Both of these passers have a tremendous opportunity to lead this young team, while Kelly has the chance to recraft his image after the Eagles rapidly soured on him last season.
Not unlike Bill Belichick -- who learned painful but valuable lessons during his first head-coaching job in Cleveland -- Kelly is already being praised by Niners players for his handling of the team.
"If there are issues, he's a guy we can talk to about it," wideout Torrey Smith told Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. "It's not like he's been a brick wall or someone we feel we can't talk to about issues. He's been very open to us. He's a big communications guy. We've been able to have a lot of open dialogue with him, especially the older guys."
Still, Kelly ultimately will be measured by his ability to flip the switch on offense and draw the most out of his signal-callers. While San Francisco might be far away from competing in the rugged NFC West, this won't be a boring club to follow: Chip Kelly's teams never are. -- Marc Sessler
Here's what else we learned from Sunday's training-camp action:
Hopkins holdout over in a blink.
That was quick. One day after choosing not to report to training camp, Texans star wideout DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday ended his brief holdout. Set to make just $1 million in base salary this season, Hopkins on Sunday acknowledged that he isn't happy with the team. Texans general manager Rick Smith, though, made it clear that Houston wouldn't cave into any demands from the Hopkins camp.
It's a hyper-positive development for quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Texans offense, but also a reminder that holdouts -- even by star players -- don't often trigger results.
Injury bug already biting
1. Giants fans saw their quiet Sunday morning nearly bloom into a full-fledged disaster when wideout Odell Beckham suffered "a cut or two" on his leg after colliding with teammate Janoris Jenkins at practice. "He's probably going to be sore for a couple days," said coach Ben McAdoo, who knows that any injury to his star pass-catcher would toss this Big Blue offense into the blender.
"I got stepped on," Beckham said. "It's nothing too bad. It's football, it happens."
2. When the Texans host the Bears in Week 1, there's no guarantee that All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt will be on the field. "I can't put a solid start date on when I can play. I don't plan on missing my first game, but I can't promise it," said Watt, currently recovering from July back surgery. It's not too early to question how this setback could impact a Texans team that plays the Chiefs, Patriots and Titans after that opener against Chicago. Back injuries are always tricky.
3. The Dolphins have no choice but to keep waiting on a back-from-suspension Dion Jordan.
The defensive end will be ready for Week 1, but Jordan will miss at least the first few weeks of training camp after undergoing recent knee surgery. It's a development that caught the club by surprise, with first-year coach Adam Gase saying: "That was news to us."
4. Super Bowl star Kony Ealy finds himself mired in the NFL's concussion protocol after the Panthers defensive end took a helmet-to-helmet hit on Saturday.
5. We have positive news out of Buffalo, where Sammy Watkins passed his conditioning test on Sunday following April foot surgery. The receiver still remains on the PUP list for now, with NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport noting that Buffalo is staying cautious with his recovery.
6. Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson injured his knee during practice on Sunday. The Chargers will update Johnson's status on Monday.
Gronk set to get paid?
1. NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported Sunday that Rob Gronkowski's agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, are working with the Patriots on a new deal. Don't expect this to happen immediately, but New England clearly understands they're getting Gronk at a bargain. Set to make an affordable $27 million over the next four years, the All-Pro target is primed to break the bank if the Pats agree to pay him what he's worth.
Odds and ends
1. Niners pass rusher Aaron Lynch told reports reporters that he failed his drug test due to drinking too much water.
"It came out unreadable," Lynch said. "I've already been in the program, so that's (suspension) the next step."
The NFL suspended Lynch four games on July 15 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
"I'll be out for four weeks," he said. "It wasn't something I was trying to do. I could've avoided it, but I got to take it on the chin and go with it.
His loss is a blow to a 49ers defense that has a scarce supply of playmakers. Lynch and Ahmad Brooks had a team-high 6.5 sacks last year.
2. The Cowboys have their own pass rusher shelved for the first four weeks of the regular season. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence expressed remorse when he talked to reporters about his suspension on Sunday.
"It's on me. I messed up," Lawrence said. "I learned from my mistakes and I have to move on and get everything right."
Lawrence vowed to stay committed while he won't be able to play.
"I just got to come out here and approach each day working hard, making sure the young guys are ready to step up and take over their role," he said. "So coming out here trying to focus on my technique, make sure I'm ready and in shape when I get back and just making sure the young guys are ready."
3. Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez earned himself a slight lead in Denver's QB competition.
"He did," Kubiak said when asked about Sanchez, according to KUSA-TV in Denver. "That's game day. You're out there playing all day long, everybody's wore out, the quarterback's got to step up and make plays. He did that at the end of practice, made some great plays, great throws."
Chip Kelly's playbook in Philadelphia was once affectionately labeled by NFL Media's Gregg Rosenthal as a quarterback-proof offense.
After all, the former Eagles coach milked a 27-touchdown, two-pick season out of Nick Foles before turning the scattershot Mark Sanchez into a solid player for weeks at a time two seasons ago.
While Kelly's new team, the 49ers, aren't seen as a compelling bunch on paper, it will be fascinating to watch how the coach molds his high-speed attack around San Francisco's pair of dueling quarterbacks, Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.
What we learned today is that Kelly plans to give both passers a fair shot at winning the job. Per NFL Media's Steve Wyche, Kelly opened training camp on Sunday by handing Kaepernick and Gabbert an equal 12 snaps apiece with the starters.
Kelly later said that he's "eager" to finally see a post-surgery Kaepernick at full speed, but the one-time Super Bowl starter has plenty of ground to make up after Gabbert was widely praised by teammates for grabbing the leadership reins all offseason.
Gabbert also outplayed Kaepernick for large parts of 2015, a campaign that revived Gabbert's seemingly dead career. Who would have thought back in 2012 that the Jacksonville draft bust would one day unseat the much-ballyhooed Kaepernick for a starting job?
Both of these passers have a tremendous opportunity to lead this young team, while Kelly has the chance to recraft his image after the Eagles rapidly soured on him last season.
Not unlike Bill Belichick -- who learned painful but valuable lessons during his first head-coaching job in Cleveland -- Kelly is already being praised by Niners players for his handling of the team.
"If there are issues, he's a guy we can talk to about it," wideout Torrey Smith told Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. "It's not like he's been a brick wall or someone we feel we can't talk to about issues. He's been very open to us. He's a big communications guy. We've been able to have a lot of open dialogue with him, especially the older guys."
Still, Kelly ultimately will be measured by his ability to flip the switch on offense and draw the most out of his signal-callers. While San Francisco might be far away from competing in the rugged NFC West, this won't be a boring club to follow: Chip Kelly's teams never are. -- Marc Sessler
Here's what else we learned from Sunday's training-camp action:
Hopkins holdout over in a blink.
That was quick. One day after choosing not to report to training camp, Texans star wideout DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday ended his brief holdout. Set to make just $1 million in base salary this season, Hopkins on Sunday acknowledged that he isn't happy with the team. Texans general manager Rick Smith, though, made it clear that Houston wouldn't cave into any demands from the Hopkins camp.
It's a hyper-positive development for quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Texans offense, but also a reminder that holdouts -- even by star players -- don't often trigger results.
Injury bug already biting
1. Giants fans saw their quiet Sunday morning nearly bloom into a full-fledged disaster when wideout Odell Beckham suffered "a cut or two" on his leg after colliding with teammate Janoris Jenkins at practice. "He's probably going to be sore for a couple days," said coach Ben McAdoo, who knows that any injury to his star pass-catcher would toss this Big Blue offense into the blender.
"I got stepped on," Beckham said. "It's nothing too bad. It's football, it happens."
2. When the Texans host the Bears in Week 1, there's no guarantee that All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt will be on the field. "I can't put a solid start date on when I can play. I don't plan on missing my first game, but I can't promise it," said Watt, currently recovering from July back surgery. It's not too early to question how this setback could impact a Texans team that plays the Chiefs, Patriots and Titans after that opener against Chicago. Back injuries are always tricky.
3. The Dolphins have no choice but to keep waiting on a back-from-suspension Dion Jordan.
The defensive end will be ready for Week 1, but Jordan will miss at least the first few weeks of training camp after undergoing recent knee surgery. It's a development that caught the club by surprise, with first-year coach Adam Gase saying: "That was news to us."
4. Super Bowl star Kony Ealy finds himself mired in the NFL's concussion protocol after the Panthers defensive end took a helmet-to-helmet hit on Saturday.
5. We have positive news out of Buffalo, where Sammy Watkins passed his conditioning test on Sunday following April foot surgery. The receiver still remains on the PUP list for now, with NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport noting that Buffalo is staying cautious with his recovery.
6. Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson injured his knee during practice on Sunday. The Chargers will update Johnson's status on Monday.
Gronk set to get paid?
1. NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported Sunday that Rob Gronkowski's agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, are working with the Patriots on a new deal. Don't expect this to happen immediately, but New England clearly understands they're getting Gronk at a bargain. Set to make an affordable $27 million over the next four years, the All-Pro target is primed to break the bank if the Pats agree to pay him what he's worth.
Odds and ends
1. Niners pass rusher Aaron Lynch told reports reporters that he failed his drug test due to drinking too much water.
"It came out unreadable," Lynch said. "I've already been in the program, so that's (suspension) the next step."
The NFL suspended Lynch four games on July 15 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
"I'll be out for four weeks," he said. "It wasn't something I was trying to do. I could've avoided it, but I got to take it on the chin and go with it.
His loss is a blow to a 49ers defense that has a scarce supply of playmakers. Lynch and Ahmad Brooks had a team-high 6.5 sacks last year.
2. The Cowboys have their own pass rusher shelved for the first four weeks of the regular season. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence expressed remorse when he talked to reporters about his suspension on Sunday.
"It's on me. I messed up," Lawrence said. "I learned from my mistakes and I have to move on and get everything right."
Lawrence vowed to stay committed while he won't be able to play.
"I just got to come out here and approach each day working hard, making sure the young guys are ready to step up and take over their role," he said. "So coming out here trying to focus on my technique, make sure I'm ready and in shape when I get back and just making sure the young guys are ready."
3. Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez earned himself a slight lead in Denver's QB competition.
"He did," Kubiak said when asked about Sanchez, according to KUSA-TV in Denver. "That's game day. You're out there playing all day long, everybody's wore out, the quarterback's got to step up and make plays. He did that at the end of practice, made some great plays, great throws."
Reggie Bush expected to sign with Buffalo Bills.
The next phase of Reggie Bush's career is poised to take place in Buffalo.
Bush will visit the Bills in Rochester, New York, on Monday and is expected to sign with the team if he passes his physical, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
CBS Sports first reported the development.Coach Rex Ryan, always a fan of piling on talented veterans, couldn't resist the temptation to sign the former Heisman Trophy winner. Bush, who recently turned 31, made it through five games last year in San Francisco, rushing eight times for 28 yards.
With workhorse Karlos Williams suspended for the first four games of the season and LeSean McCoy expected to get limited reps in training camp after battling ankle issues during mincamp, the Bills needed a versatile running back to get them through the summer months and early fall.
The move makes sense assuming Bush can get the Bills to the point where Williams is back, in-shape and healthy. While their offense stars the likes of Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins, there's no question that the ground game is the lifeblood of Buffalo's offense.
Bush's arrival doesn't necessarily mean bad news for backups like Mike Gillislee and budding No. 2 running back Jonathan Williams, but it does mean that Buffalo is looking for some right-away professionalism in training camp.
Bush, the former No. 2 overall pick, has a lifetime yards per carry average above four and 2,109 total yards from scrimmage over the past three years.
The next phase of Reggie Bush's career is poised to take place in Buffalo.
Bush will visit the Bills in Rochester, New York, on Monday and is expected to sign with the team if he passes his physical, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
CBS Sports first reported the development.Coach Rex Ryan, always a fan of piling on talented veterans, couldn't resist the temptation to sign the former Heisman Trophy winner. Bush, who recently turned 31, made it through five games last year in San Francisco, rushing eight times for 28 yards.
With workhorse Karlos Williams suspended for the first four games of the season and LeSean McCoy expected to get limited reps in training camp after battling ankle issues during mincamp, the Bills needed a versatile running back to get them through the summer months and early fall.
The move makes sense assuming Bush can get the Bills to the point where Williams is back, in-shape and healthy. While their offense stars the likes of Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins, there's no question that the ground game is the lifeblood of Buffalo's offense.
Bush's arrival doesn't necessarily mean bad news for backups like Mike Gillislee and budding No. 2 running back Jonathan Williams, but it does mean that Buffalo is looking for some right-away professionalism in training camp.
Bush, the former No. 2 overall pick, has a lifetime yards per carry average above four and 2,109 total yards from scrimmage over the past three years.
Will Tom Brady ask Wes Welker, Randy Moss for help?
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady could be getting some star-studded help when he works out during his suspension over the first four weeks of the regular season.
According to former teammate Kevin Faulk, he expects Brady to reach out to both Wes Welker and Randy Moss, the receivers who helped him form some of the most dominant offenses in NFL history.
"He's definitely going to work," Faulk said in a segment airing on NESN. "There's no doubt in my mind. He's probably going to do the same regimen he's been doing for the last how many years he's been playing football, stay in that routine, and yes, I'm almost positive Wes Welker is going to be here. He probably will reach out to Randy (Moss), and Randy will come because Randy's in still good shape. Real good shape."
The move makes sense for several reasons. Welker and Moss are still in incredible shape and are two of the more cerebral players Brady played with on offense. Both are familiar with the playbook and won't force Brady to go outside of the Patriot family for help. Handing out the playbook to undrafted free agents looking for a workout partner would probably give Bill Belichick a heart attack.
Given his status and resources, we would expect Brady to have one of the best practice simulations at his disposal. While suspended players or hold out players often struggle to replicate the finer points of practice during their time away from the field, there's little doubt that Brady could put on a full Patriots practice in his sleep.
While Faulk seems to be making just a very educated guess here, Brady's workout partners will be an extremely hot topic over the first month of the season. This is without a doubt the most visible suspension in league history, and like always, Brady will be prepared.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady could be getting some star-studded help when he works out during his suspension over the first four weeks of the regular season.
According to former teammate Kevin Faulk, he expects Brady to reach out to both Wes Welker and Randy Moss, the receivers who helped him form some of the most dominant offenses in NFL history.
"He's definitely going to work," Faulk said in a segment airing on NESN. "There's no doubt in my mind. He's probably going to do the same regimen he's been doing for the last how many years he's been playing football, stay in that routine, and yes, I'm almost positive Wes Welker is going to be here. He probably will reach out to Randy (Moss), and Randy will come because Randy's in still good shape. Real good shape."
The move makes sense for several reasons. Welker and Moss are still in incredible shape and are two of the more cerebral players Brady played with on offense. Both are familiar with the playbook and won't force Brady to go outside of the Patriot family for help. Handing out the playbook to undrafted free agents looking for a workout partner would probably give Bill Belichick a heart attack.
Given his status and resources, we would expect Brady to have one of the best practice simulations at his disposal. While suspended players or hold out players often struggle to replicate the finer points of practice during their time away from the field, there's little doubt that Brady could put on a full Patriots practice in his sleep.
While Faulk seems to be making just a very educated guess here, Brady's workout partners will be an extremely hot topic over the first month of the season. This is without a doubt the most visible suspension in league history, and like always, Brady will be prepared.
Tyrod Taylor, Bills engaging in ongoing contract talks.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor only has 14 NFL starts under his belt, but could that be enough to warrant a long-term contract?
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there is "plenty of optimism" that the former backup signs a big deal before the start of the regular season, according to a source with knowledge of the ongoing contract negotiations. While contract talks are unique given Taylor's salary ($2 million, plus another million in playing time bonuses) and lack of time as a starter, the Bills view him as their unquestioned leader and would like to treat him as such.
Taylor told Around The NFL back in January that he wants to be seen as the "long-term guy" in Buffalo, which could only happen with a deal that takes him beyond the voided year in 2017. Perhaps the Bills, having seen the effect the Jets' impasse with Ryan Fitzpatrick had on their offseason, are trying to nip any potential problems in the bud.
During his first season as an NFL starter, Taylor led the Bills to a 7-6 record, throwing for 3,035 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He rushed for 568 yards with another four scores. Long-term health is a concern, though Taylor will inevitably get smarter about his rushing opportunities and the way he uses his body in the open field. Getting the ball to Sammy Watkins was also a worry, but in four of their final six games, Watkins had more than 10 targets and eclipsed the 100-yard mark four times.
Should Rex Ryan and his staff make it to next season, they know how difficult it will be to find something better. This is a team built to win between 8-10 games in 2016, which means they will not be in the running for a potential starting quarterback in next year's draft. Even if they were, finding someone to put up Taylor's numbers would be nearly impossible.
Signing a deal now is the fastest way to circumnavigate the lingering doubt. They want Taylor calling the signals for a few years to come.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor only has 14 NFL starts under his belt, but could that be enough to warrant a long-term contract?
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there is "plenty of optimism" that the former backup signs a big deal before the start of the regular season, according to a source with knowledge of the ongoing contract negotiations. While contract talks are unique given Taylor's salary ($2 million, plus another million in playing time bonuses) and lack of time as a starter, the Bills view him as their unquestioned leader and would like to treat him as such.
Taylor told Around The NFL back in January that he wants to be seen as the "long-term guy" in Buffalo, which could only happen with a deal that takes him beyond the voided year in 2017. Perhaps the Bills, having seen the effect the Jets' impasse with Ryan Fitzpatrick had on their offseason, are trying to nip any potential problems in the bud.
During his first season as an NFL starter, Taylor led the Bills to a 7-6 record, throwing for 3,035 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He rushed for 568 yards with another four scores. Long-term health is a concern, though Taylor will inevitably get smarter about his rushing opportunities and the way he uses his body in the open field. Getting the ball to Sammy Watkins was also a worry, but in four of their final six games, Watkins had more than 10 targets and eclipsed the 100-yard mark four times.
Should Rex Ryan and his staff make it to next season, they know how difficult it will be to find something better. This is a team built to win between 8-10 games in 2016, which means they will not be in the running for a potential starting quarterback in next year's draft. Even if they were, finding someone to put up Taylor's numbers would be nearly impossible.
Signing a deal now is the fastest way to circumnavigate the lingering doubt. They want Taylor calling the signals for a few years to come.
Odell Beckham: Giants have a chance to hang a banner.
Odell Beckham's minor leg injury hasn't tempered his expectations for Big Blue this season.
The New York Giants wide receiver caught up with NFL Media's Michael Irvin after the team's practice session and spoke about his desire to win a Super Bowl.
"We truly have a chance to hang a banner. Knowing what it takes, but not knowing what it takes at the same time I look to those guys who know what it takes," Beckham told Irvin. "I want that. That's obviously what you come here to do. It's cool to catch a couple passes, it's cool to be in the NFL but I don't like losing. If we're gonna do it, we might as well do it big."
Those are lofty expections for a team coming off its second consecutive 6-10 campaign. New York hasn't had a winning season since 2012 -- a year removed from their fourth Lombardi Trophy. The good news for Big Blue, however, is the NFC East has played musical chairs atop the division in recent years. The Giants, Redskins, Cowboys and Eagles each have won at least one division title since 2011.
Beckham's comments come after Eli Manning said the Giants were a definite playoff team in 2016.
If the Giants plan on making a run to the postseason and possibly play in February, their star wideout's health is paramount.
New York had a hold-your-breath moment Sunday when Beckham went down during practice.
Beckham got his feet tangled up with teammate Janoris Jenkins on a deep ball thrown by Manning. The third-year wideout hobbled off the field before being seen by trainers.
"It's all right," Beckham said after suffering a couple cuts to his leg. "You know it's football. You go down every now and then. But we'll be all right."
Beckham will be all right. The Giants' schedule after the regular season is to be determined.
Odell Beckham's minor leg injury hasn't tempered his expectations for Big Blue this season.
The New York Giants wide receiver caught up with NFL Media's Michael Irvin after the team's practice session and spoke about his desire to win a Super Bowl.
"We truly have a chance to hang a banner. Knowing what it takes, but not knowing what it takes at the same time I look to those guys who know what it takes," Beckham told Irvin. "I want that. That's obviously what you come here to do. It's cool to catch a couple passes, it's cool to be in the NFL but I don't like losing. If we're gonna do it, we might as well do it big."
Those are lofty expections for a team coming off its second consecutive 6-10 campaign. New York hasn't had a winning season since 2012 -- a year removed from their fourth Lombardi Trophy. The good news for Big Blue, however, is the NFC East has played musical chairs atop the division in recent years. The Giants, Redskins, Cowboys and Eagles each have won at least one division title since 2011.
Beckham's comments come after Eli Manning said the Giants were a definite playoff team in 2016.
If the Giants plan on making a run to the postseason and possibly play in February, their star wideout's health is paramount.
New York had a hold-your-breath moment Sunday when Beckham went down during practice.
Beckham got his feet tangled up with teammate Janoris Jenkins on a deep ball thrown by Manning. The third-year wideout hobbled off the field before being seen by trainers.
"It's all right," Beckham said after suffering a couple cuts to his leg. "You know it's football. You go down every now and then. But we'll be all right."
Beckham will be all right. The Giants' schedule after the regular season is to be determined.
Marino & Manning.....Dolphins camp.
Tom Coughlin has a new job in football.
Former Giants coach Tom Coughlin will be busy in New York this season, just not inside the Giants' facility.
According to a release sent out by the league, the two-time Super Bowl winner will be named a Senior Advisor to Football Operations, working alongside NFL Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent.
"We are incredibly pleased to add someone of Coach Coughlin's experience and character to our staff," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "His passion for football is evident and we are confident he will contribute a great deal to the betterment of the game for current and future players as well as for fans at every level of our sport."
The move is a win-win for Coughlin, who wanted to stay busy after his pseudo-retirement, and his former team. He was offered the chance to remain with the Giants in an advisory role, though the move would inevitably make for some uncomfortable moments with new head coach Ben McAdoo as he attempts to forge his own identity.
Coughlin clearly wanted to remain busy, and even interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason for their head coaching vacancy.
A notorious stickler, Coughlin will be invaluable to the competition, health and safety, coaches, general managers, combine review and NCAA rules and oversight committees, which is where he will spend most of his time. The NFL also stated that Coughlin will add insight across the board, including rule development and Pro Bowl operation.
While it might not seem like a significant change, Coughlin would not have taken the job if he wasn't passionate about the future of NFL football. With the league constantly re-examining key rule changes and alterations, having an experienced voice could go a long way toward providing clarity.
Former Giants coach Tom Coughlin will be busy in New York this season, just not inside the Giants' facility.
According to a release sent out by the league, the two-time Super Bowl winner will be named a Senior Advisor to Football Operations, working alongside NFL Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent.
"We are incredibly pleased to add someone of Coach Coughlin's experience and character to our staff," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "His passion for football is evident and we are confident he will contribute a great deal to the betterment of the game for current and future players as well as for fans at every level of our sport."
The move is a win-win for Coughlin, who wanted to stay busy after his pseudo-retirement, and his former team. He was offered the chance to remain with the Giants in an advisory role, though the move would inevitably make for some uncomfortable moments with new head coach Ben McAdoo as he attempts to forge his own identity.
Coughlin clearly wanted to remain busy, and even interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason for their head coaching vacancy.
A notorious stickler, Coughlin will be invaluable to the competition, health and safety, coaches, general managers, combine review and NCAA rules and oversight committees, which is where he will spend most of his time. The NFL also stated that Coughlin will add insight across the board, including rule development and Pro Bowl operation.
While it might not seem like a significant change, Coughlin would not have taken the job if he wasn't passionate about the future of NFL football. With the league constantly re-examining key rule changes and alterations, having an experienced voice could go a long way toward providing clarity.
Chargers WR Stevie Johnson suffers torn meniscus.
Training camp is here -- and so are the injuries.
NFL Media columnist Michael Silver reported Monday that Chargers wideout Stevie Johnson is facing surgery after suffering a torn meniscus during Sunday's practice, per a source familiar with the injury.
It's "unclear," per Silver, whether this will end Johnson's season, but the development is still bad news for San Diego's otherwise loaded passing game.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Johnson will seek a second opinion and then have surgery, per a source with knowledge of the situation.
The 31-year-old Johnson hauled in 45 catches for 497 yards and three touchdowns last season, finishing fourth on the team in receptions.
He was primed to make starts in the slot alongside Keenan Allen and deep-threat, free-agent pickup Travis Benjamin. Johnson's injury means a bigger role for Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman and veteran tight end Antonio Gates along with a healthy dose of snaps for pass-catching backfield threat Danny Woodhead.
We still see San Diego's air attack as a unit with plenty of potential. That will always be the case with Philip Rivers under center. Their much-improved offensive line also helps a Bolts team with a chance to make noise in the ultra-competitive AFC West.
Training camp is here -- and so are the injuries.
NFL Media columnist Michael Silver reported Monday that Chargers wideout Stevie Johnson is facing surgery after suffering a torn meniscus during Sunday's practice, per a source familiar with the injury.
It's "unclear," per Silver, whether this will end Johnson's season, but the development is still bad news for San Diego's otherwise loaded passing game.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Johnson will seek a second opinion and then have surgery, per a source with knowledge of the situation.
The 31-year-old Johnson hauled in 45 catches for 497 yards and three touchdowns last season, finishing fourth on the team in receptions.
He was primed to make starts in the slot alongside Keenan Allen and deep-threat, free-agent pickup Travis Benjamin. Johnson's injury means a bigger role for Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman and veteran tight end Antonio Gates along with a healthy dose of snaps for pass-catching backfield threat Danny Woodhead.
We still see San Diego's air attack as a unit with plenty of potential. That will always be the case with Philip Rivers under center. Their much-improved offensive line also helps a Bolts team with a chance to make noise in the ultra-competitive AFC West.
Training camp winners and losers: RGIII in driver's seat.
The final weekend without football games until mid-February came and went without the screaming headlines that could interrupt summer vacation for our pigskin-addled populace. Enjoy the quiet while you can and don't expect the trend to last.
Training camps for all 32 teams are now in full swing, with most squads breaking out pads for full-contact work over the weekend. Since actual games haven't started yet, it's on us to make up the score. Below, you'll find some extremely early camp winners and losers.
Good news for ...
Robert Griffin III, QB, Cleveland Browns: Browns coach Hue Jackson says he will name his starting quarterback before the team's first preseason game. His actions tell a different story.
RGIII received every first-team rep for the first three days of practice, with Josh McCown exclusively working with the backups. Compare that to San Francisco, where Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert are splitting reps evenly.
The practice reports surrounding Griffin's play have failed to approach Jackson's winning brand of optimism and bluster, but that's beside the point. Jackson has made his decision and wants to give Griffin all the work he can. There's little need to keep the charade going.
Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints: It wouldn't be a training camp column without some irrational hype for a rookie receiver. The Saints' second-round pick inspired buzz all offseason and his propensity for fancy grabs has only picked up early in camp.
One beat writer called Thomas "easily the best player in camp so far," which should offend Drew Brees and Cameron Jordan. We don't want to get carried away yet, but Brees must be thrilled with his young trio of Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Thomas.
Formerly embattled general managers: Give Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis credit for overseeing the hire of general manager Reggie McKenzie and having the patience to see his plan through. It wasn't that long ago that McKenzie was the butt of jokes for his slashing and burning of the Raiders' roster while he flailed in the Matt Flynn and Matt Schaub aisle of leftover quarterbacks. Now McKenzie boasts a new four-year contract and one of the most promising young starting lineups in football.
Houston Texans GM Rick Smith, meanwhile, got a new deal through 2020. Owner Bob McNair prizes organizational stability and Smith has quietly done a solid job at the helm. He was hired in 2006, so he's already shown incredible longevity for someone who is only 46 years old.
Fans of old-fashioned rookie holdouts: Surely, there is at least one crotchety diehard out there who pines for the good old days when rookie contract drama would spice up training camp. Joey Bosa and the San Diego Chargers are here to help.
The collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011 has mostly done away with holdouts because of the rookie-wage slotting system. But Bosa hasn't showed up to camp because he's unhappy with the structure of his signing-bonus payment. Bosa's camp wants his entire $17 million bonus in 2016, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Chargers don't want to break precedent and propose to spread it out over two years. There is no reason to take sides here; it's not your money. But if this drags on, it's fair to question why both sides can't figure out an issue that gets quickly resolved in every other negotiation.
(The other unsaid victim here: I am gearing up to predict that this sneaky Chargers defense will lead San Diego back to the playoffs, and don't want anything to screw it up.)
Coach Mike McCoy says Bosa "needs to be" at camp, which is reminiscent of rookie holdouts of yore. Perhaps it sounds familiar to Joey's father, John, the No. 16 of the 1987 draft. He held out for most of his rookie camp, too.
Eric Fisher, LT, Kansas City Chiefs: One of the least-known No. 1 overall picks in NFL history, Fisher struggled in his first two seasons at tackle for Kansas City. That's why it was a surprise to see the Chiefs hand Fisher a deal that made him among the highest-paid players at his position after a solid, if unspectacular, third season.
Fisher was the first player drafted under general manager John Dorsey and we wonder if this contract was partly a case of confirmation bias. By giving Fisher the deal, Dorsey has essentially validated his pick.
Nick Perry, OLB, Green Bay Packers: Another oft-maligned first-rounder, Perry is finally set to be a starter at outside linebacker entering his fifth season. The plan in Green Bay is to bring Julius Peppers off the bench behind Perry, whom the Packers re-signed this offseason. Those 3.5 playoff sacks have given Perry's career new life.
Best value signings
Mike Maccagnan, GM, New York Jets: The Jets picked the right player to hand a monster long-term deal in Muhammad Wilkerson. Then Maccagnan got Ryan Fitzpatrick to sign at the right price, a low-risk, one-year contract that pays Fitz a salary exactly halfway between starter-level and backup. The Jets were smart to wait Fitz out.
NFL purgatory
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns and Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins: Both players were reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis. Now comes the hard part. Gordon is out for the next few weeks with a quad injury. Jordan just had knee surgery and is expected to be out at least 2-to-3 weeks.
Satisfying the conditions of their reinstatements will be challenging enough for both players. But these injuries are a reminder that a player can't just pick up where they left off before a long suspension.
Bad news for ...
Nick Foles, QB, free agent: Getting cut hurts, although the $6 million roster bonus the Rams gave him in March should cushion the blow. The bigger insult: Denver, Dallas and San Francisco's public pronouncements they didn't want him despite big needs at the position. NFL life comes at you fast.
"Player X will be ready for training camp" stories: There are no injury-reporting requirements for teams in the offseason, so there tends to be more lying optimism than usual. Here's a highly incomplete list of players who were supposed to be ready for camp but weren't: Thomas Rawls, Jordy Nelson, Sammy Watkins, Justin Bethel, Tamba Hali and Josh Doctson. Speaking of which ...
Josh Doctson, WR, Washington Redskins: The Redskins' first-round pick has plenty of time to get back on the field from a persistent Achilles issue that has bothered him since May. His bigger mountain to climb: The Redskins' depth chart. With DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder entrenched, Doctson is going to struggle to earn snaps this season. It could be tough to catch up with this group if he misses most of training camp.
Buffalo Bills' pass rush: The Bills drafted Shaq Lawson to "walk in off the bus starting," according to general manager Doug Whaley. Once the first-round pick underwent surgery, the plan was to start the next-best Lawson available: Manny. A pectoral injury suffered during weightlifting put Manny on the Non-Football Injury List, meaning the Bills are now backing the bus up to pick up IK Enemkpali for a potential starting job.
It is way too early to panic, but the Bills have endured a long offseason when you also consider Kyle Williams' slow recovery from his Achilles injury and the lingering questions around Sammy Watkins.
Justin Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham, WRs, Tennessee Titans: Andre Johnson's deal in Tennessee feels like a lose-lose-lose. Johnson has been too big a badass for too long to watch him take a minimum contract before potentially getting cut by a struggling franchise. His presence is a sign the Titans aren't fully confident in their young players and are willing to take camp snaps away from them. Hunter now looks especially dicey to make this team. The craziest part of the Titans' receiver battle royale: fifth-round rookie Tajae Sharpe continues to line up as a starter.
San Diego Chargers injury déjà vu: It is almost too cruel that the Chargers suffered the first major on-field injury of training camp. No team had worse injury luck last year, and wide receiver Stevie Johnson's torn meniscus is a serious setback to the offense.
NFL Media's Michael Silver reports that it is unclear if Johnson will miss the entire season, but it is another downer for Philip Rivers and friends. San Diego's skill-position depth is enviable; Rivers has so many disparate options to throw to. Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin still comprise a solid starting duo, but Rivers has one fewer quality option now.
Arizona Cardinals' cornerback depth: Arizona's thin cornerback position stands out on an otherwise loaded roster. Expected starter Justin Bethel suffered a setback in his return from foot surgery. Free-agent pickup Mike Jenkins broke his hand and Tyrann Mathieu is weeks away from returning to the field. Rookie third-round pick Brandon Williams, who only converted to the position a year ago, is now lining up as a starter.
The final weekend without football games until mid-February came and went without the screaming headlines that could interrupt summer vacation for our pigskin-addled populace. Enjoy the quiet while you can and don't expect the trend to last.
Training camps for all 32 teams are now in full swing, with most squads breaking out pads for full-contact work over the weekend. Since actual games haven't started yet, it's on us to make up the score. Below, you'll find some extremely early camp winners and losers.
Good news for ...
Robert Griffin III, QB, Cleveland Browns: Browns coach Hue Jackson says he will name his starting quarterback before the team's first preseason game. His actions tell a different story.
RGIII received every first-team rep for the first three days of practice, with Josh McCown exclusively working with the backups. Compare that to San Francisco, where Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert are splitting reps evenly.
The practice reports surrounding Griffin's play have failed to approach Jackson's winning brand of optimism and bluster, but that's beside the point. Jackson has made his decision and wants to give Griffin all the work he can. There's little need to keep the charade going.
Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints: It wouldn't be a training camp column without some irrational hype for a rookie receiver. The Saints' second-round pick inspired buzz all offseason and his propensity for fancy grabs has only picked up early in camp.
One beat writer called Thomas "easily the best player in camp so far," which should offend Drew Brees and Cameron Jordan. We don't want to get carried away yet, but Brees must be thrilled with his young trio of Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Thomas.
Formerly embattled general managers: Give Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis credit for overseeing the hire of general manager Reggie McKenzie and having the patience to see his plan through. It wasn't that long ago that McKenzie was the butt of jokes for his slashing and burning of the Raiders' roster while he flailed in the Matt Flynn and Matt Schaub aisle of leftover quarterbacks. Now McKenzie boasts a new four-year contract and one of the most promising young starting lineups in football.
Houston Texans GM Rick Smith, meanwhile, got a new deal through 2020. Owner Bob McNair prizes organizational stability and Smith has quietly done a solid job at the helm. He was hired in 2006, so he's already shown incredible longevity for someone who is only 46 years old.
Fans of old-fashioned rookie holdouts: Surely, there is at least one crotchety diehard out there who pines for the good old days when rookie contract drama would spice up training camp. Joey Bosa and the San Diego Chargers are here to help.
The collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011 has mostly done away with holdouts because of the rookie-wage slotting system. But Bosa hasn't showed up to camp because he's unhappy with the structure of his signing-bonus payment. Bosa's camp wants his entire $17 million bonus in 2016, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Chargers don't want to break precedent and propose to spread it out over two years. There is no reason to take sides here; it's not your money. But if this drags on, it's fair to question why both sides can't figure out an issue that gets quickly resolved in every other negotiation.
(The other unsaid victim here: I am gearing up to predict that this sneaky Chargers defense will lead San Diego back to the playoffs, and don't want anything to screw it up.)
Coach Mike McCoy says Bosa "needs to be" at camp, which is reminiscent of rookie holdouts of yore. Perhaps it sounds familiar to Joey's father, John, the No. 16 of the 1987 draft. He held out for most of his rookie camp, too.
Eric Fisher, LT, Kansas City Chiefs: One of the least-known No. 1 overall picks in NFL history, Fisher struggled in his first two seasons at tackle for Kansas City. That's why it was a surprise to see the Chiefs hand Fisher a deal that made him among the highest-paid players at his position after a solid, if unspectacular, third season.
Fisher was the first player drafted under general manager John Dorsey and we wonder if this contract was partly a case of confirmation bias. By giving Fisher the deal, Dorsey has essentially validated his pick.
Nick Perry, OLB, Green Bay Packers: Another oft-maligned first-rounder, Perry is finally set to be a starter at outside linebacker entering his fifth season. The plan in Green Bay is to bring Julius Peppers off the bench behind Perry, whom the Packers re-signed this offseason. Those 3.5 playoff sacks have given Perry's career new life.
Best value signings
Mike Maccagnan, GM, New York Jets: The Jets picked the right player to hand a monster long-term deal in Muhammad Wilkerson. Then Maccagnan got Ryan Fitzpatrick to sign at the right price, a low-risk, one-year contract that pays Fitz a salary exactly halfway between starter-level and backup. The Jets were smart to wait Fitz out.
NFL purgatory
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns and Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins: Both players were reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis. Now comes the hard part. Gordon is out for the next few weeks with a quad injury. Jordan just had knee surgery and is expected to be out at least 2-to-3 weeks.
Satisfying the conditions of their reinstatements will be challenging enough for both players. But these injuries are a reminder that a player can't just pick up where they left off before a long suspension.
Bad news for ...
Nick Foles, QB, free agent: Getting cut hurts, although the $6 million roster bonus the Rams gave him in March should cushion the blow. The bigger insult: Denver, Dallas and San Francisco's public pronouncements they didn't want him despite big needs at the position. NFL life comes at you fast.
"Player X will be ready for training camp" stories: There are no injury-reporting requirements for teams in the offseason, so there tends to be more lying optimism than usual. Here's a highly incomplete list of players who were supposed to be ready for camp but weren't: Thomas Rawls, Jordy Nelson, Sammy Watkins, Justin Bethel, Tamba Hali and Josh Doctson. Speaking of which ...
Josh Doctson, WR, Washington Redskins: The Redskins' first-round pick has plenty of time to get back on the field from a persistent Achilles issue that has bothered him since May. His bigger mountain to climb: The Redskins' depth chart. With DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder entrenched, Doctson is going to struggle to earn snaps this season. It could be tough to catch up with this group if he misses most of training camp.
Buffalo Bills' pass rush: The Bills drafted Shaq Lawson to "walk in off the bus starting," according to general manager Doug Whaley. Once the first-round pick underwent surgery, the plan was to start the next-best Lawson available: Manny. A pectoral injury suffered during weightlifting put Manny on the Non-Football Injury List, meaning the Bills are now backing the bus up to pick up IK Enemkpali for a potential starting job.
It is way too early to panic, but the Bills have endured a long offseason when you also consider Kyle Williams' slow recovery from his Achilles injury and the lingering questions around Sammy Watkins.
Justin Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham, WRs, Tennessee Titans: Andre Johnson's deal in Tennessee feels like a lose-lose-lose. Johnson has been too big a badass for too long to watch him take a minimum contract before potentially getting cut by a struggling franchise. His presence is a sign the Titans aren't fully confident in their young players and are willing to take camp snaps away from them. Hunter now looks especially dicey to make this team. The craziest part of the Titans' receiver battle royale: fifth-round rookie Tajae Sharpe continues to line up as a starter.
San Diego Chargers injury déjà vu: It is almost too cruel that the Chargers suffered the first major on-field injury of training camp. No team had worse injury luck last year, and wide receiver Stevie Johnson's torn meniscus is a serious setback to the offense.
NFL Media's Michael Silver reports that it is unclear if Johnson will miss the entire season, but it is another downer for Philip Rivers and friends. San Diego's skill-position depth is enviable; Rivers has so many disparate options to throw to. Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin still comprise a solid starting duo, but Rivers has one fewer quality option now.
Arizona Cardinals' cornerback depth: Arizona's thin cornerback position stands out on an otherwise loaded roster. Expected starter Justin Bethel suffered a setback in his return from foot surgery. Free-agent pickup Mike Jenkins broke his hand and Tyrann Mathieu is weeks away from returning to the field. Rookie third-round pick Brandon Williams, who only converted to the position a year ago, is now lining up as a starter.
Chip Kelly: Niners will not be pursuing Nick Foles.
When Nick Foles was granted his release from the Los Angeles Rams last week, speculation immediately turned to a reunion with Chip Kelly in San Francisco.
Speaking on KNBR-AM's "Murph and Mac Show" Monday morning in San Francisco, Kelly made it clear that his 49ers will not be adding Foles to the quarterback competition between Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.
"I'm a big fan of Nick, but right now our eggs are in Kap and Blaine's basket, and we're going to see what those guys can do," Kelly explained, via Comcast SportsNet Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
"And (we're) very confident in those guys and it has really nothing to do with Nick, but it has to do a lot with both Blaine and Kap, in terms of where they are and giving them an ample shot at being the quarterback. I think if you have three guys in the mix, it gets really diluted and now you're not going to get enough reps for anybody to make a determination of who the quarterback is going to be."
Kelly's comments come as no surprise.
The Eagles posted a 14-4 record with Foles as the starter during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In fact, Foles earned a Pro Bowl MVP nod and established an NFL record with a 27:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2013.
By midseason of 2014, though, reports surfaced that Kelly's regime had soured on Foles as the long-term solution in Philadelphia. The No. 88 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft displayed poor footwork, scattershot accuracy and questionable decision-making, ultimately leading to his trade for Sam Bradford in 2015. Those shortcomings continued to haunt Foles in St. Louis last season.
The 49ers aren't the only quarterback-needy team to shy away from Foles.
Despite their aspirations as a playoff contender with an overmatched Kellen Moore as the top backup to Tony Romo, the Cowboys have stated they have no interest in Foles as veteran insurance.
Perhaps Foles will find a home with the Chiefs under Andy Reid, the coach who drafted him and later tried to trade for him in Kansas City.
When Nick Foles was granted his release from the Los Angeles Rams last week, speculation immediately turned to a reunion with Chip Kelly in San Francisco.
Speaking on KNBR-AM's "Murph and Mac Show" Monday morning in San Francisco, Kelly made it clear that his 49ers will not be adding Foles to the quarterback competition between Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.
"I'm a big fan of Nick, but right now our eggs are in Kap and Blaine's basket, and we're going to see what those guys can do," Kelly explained, via Comcast SportsNet Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
"And (we're) very confident in those guys and it has really nothing to do with Nick, but it has to do a lot with both Blaine and Kap, in terms of where they are and giving them an ample shot at being the quarterback. I think if you have three guys in the mix, it gets really diluted and now you're not going to get enough reps for anybody to make a determination of who the quarterback is going to be."
Kelly's comments come as no surprise.
The Eagles posted a 14-4 record with Foles as the starter during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In fact, Foles earned a Pro Bowl MVP nod and established an NFL record with a 27:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2013.
By midseason of 2014, though, reports surfaced that Kelly's regime had soured on Foles as the long-term solution in Philadelphia. The No. 88 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft displayed poor footwork, scattershot accuracy and questionable decision-making, ultimately leading to his trade for Sam Bradford in 2015. Those shortcomings continued to haunt Foles in St. Louis last season.
The 49ers aren't the only quarterback-needy team to shy away from Foles.
Despite their aspirations as a playoff contender with an overmatched Kellen Moore as the top backup to Tony Romo, the Cowboys have stated they have no interest in Foles as veteran insurance.
Perhaps Foles will find a home with the Chiefs under Andy Reid, the coach who drafted him and later tried to trade for him in Kansas City.
That's COACH Ed Reed to you.
12-team fantasy Analyst mock Draft on PAGE 14 if anyone is interested.
9 takeaways from Monday's.....What we learned: Quarterbacks making an impact.
No team suffered worse injury luck than the Chargers in 2015. That's why it feels so unfair that they suffered the first serious on-field injury at training camp this offseason.
Stevie Johnson will seek a second opinion and undergo surgery on his torn meniscus, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. It's unclear if Johnson will play this season, NFL Media's Mike Silver reported.
We have been circling the Chargers as a sleeper playoff team for a while because of their promising young defense and their diverse offense. Philip Rivers has a lot of options to throw to between Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, Travis Benjamin, Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon and second-round tight end Hunter Henry. This is not a team about size and strength, rather craft and route running.
Watching Rivers and Johnson together felt like watching two players in a pickup game making things up as they went along, and doing it well. It would be a shame if they can't do it in 2016.
Here's what else we learned Monday:
1. After five Broncos practices, no one has created any separation for the Broncos quarterback job. That's not a great sign for Mark Sanchez, the veteran of the group. The biggest story Monday was the continued progress of Paxton Lynch. After an excellent Sunday practice, he looked strong again Monday.
"No. 12 is really, really stepping up," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's making some progress here."
Yes, No. 12 is Lynch. He's been taking third-string snaps while Sanchez and Trevor Siemian share the starter snaps. We'll know Kubiak means his words when Lynch starts playing with the starters, too.
2. The Bills' signing of Reggie Bush feels like a player having come full circle. Now Buffalo signed him primarily as a returner, according to general manager Doug Whaley. Some early camp struggles at the position opened a potential spot for Bush. If he doesn't make the team out of camp, that would probably be it for a weirdly underrated NFL career. (Four seasons with at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 7 TDs.)
3. The Bills have had a lot of discouraging news this offseason, but the recent progress toward a Tyrod Taylor extension qualifies as a pleasant surprise. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there is "plenty of optimism" that a deal will be struck before the start of the regular season. It will be a tricky contract to complete, but we like the idea of Buffalo buying (relatively) low on a deal that protects both sides.
4. We love the honesty from 49ers tackle Anthony Davis when asked about his occasional anti-49ers tweets this offseason, including one suggestion that they select a tackle in the top 10 of the draft.
"That was me trying to manipulate emotions to get what I wanted at that time," Davis said via CSNBayArea.
5. Day two of Blaine Gabbert vs. Colin Kaepernick went to Kaepernick. This section from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat about Gabbert was brutal:
"Gabbert threw one pick and completed just 14 of 23 passes during team drills. On third down, he completed only one pass and threw short of the first-down marker three times even though it was a 7-on-7 drill and there was no pass rush. At least he practices the way he plays."
6. Chad Johnson's brief time as someone helping the Browns receivers is over.
"It was good for me," Hue Jackson said Monday. "But at the same time I think he found out this business is rough. There's a lot of hours that we keep and I don't think Chad's used to that."
7. The last thing the Cowboys defensive line needs is another injury, especially to its best player. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford underwent an MRI on his back and there is no timetable for his return.
8. At least one Eagles writer believes that Chris Givens could start at wide receiver for the team, which jibes with an MMQB.com report that Rueben Randle won't make the team.
No team suffered worse injury luck than the Chargers in 2015. That's why it feels so unfair that they suffered the first serious on-field injury at training camp this offseason.
Stevie Johnson will seek a second opinion and undergo surgery on his torn meniscus, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. It's unclear if Johnson will play this season, NFL Media's Mike Silver reported.
We have been circling the Chargers as a sleeper playoff team for a while because of their promising young defense and their diverse offense. Philip Rivers has a lot of options to throw to between Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, Travis Benjamin, Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon and second-round tight end Hunter Henry. This is not a team about size and strength, rather craft and route running.
Watching Rivers and Johnson together felt like watching two players in a pickup game making things up as they went along, and doing it well. It would be a shame if they can't do it in 2016.
Here's what else we learned Monday:
1. After five Broncos practices, no one has created any separation for the Broncos quarterback job. That's not a great sign for Mark Sanchez, the veteran of the group. The biggest story Monday was the continued progress of Paxton Lynch. After an excellent Sunday practice, he looked strong again Monday.
"No. 12 is really, really stepping up," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's making some progress here."
Yes, No. 12 is Lynch. He's been taking third-string snaps while Sanchez and Trevor Siemian share the starter snaps. We'll know Kubiak means his words when Lynch starts playing with the starters, too.
2. The Bills' signing of Reggie Bush feels like a player having come full circle. Now Buffalo signed him primarily as a returner, according to general manager Doug Whaley. Some early camp struggles at the position opened a potential spot for Bush. If he doesn't make the team out of camp, that would probably be it for a weirdly underrated NFL career. (Four seasons with at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 7 TDs.)
3. The Bills have had a lot of discouraging news this offseason, but the recent progress toward a Tyrod Taylor extension qualifies as a pleasant surprise. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there is "plenty of optimism" that a deal will be struck before the start of the regular season. It will be a tricky contract to complete, but we like the idea of Buffalo buying (relatively) low on a deal that protects both sides.
4. We love the honesty from 49ers tackle Anthony Davis when asked about his occasional anti-49ers tweets this offseason, including one suggestion that they select a tackle in the top 10 of the draft.
"That was me trying to manipulate emotions to get what I wanted at that time," Davis said via CSNBayArea.
5. Day two of Blaine Gabbert vs. Colin Kaepernick went to Kaepernick. This section from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat about Gabbert was brutal:
"Gabbert threw one pick and completed just 14 of 23 passes during team drills. On third down, he completed only one pass and threw short of the first-down marker three times even though it was a 7-on-7 drill and there was no pass rush. At least he practices the way he plays."
6. Chad Johnson's brief time as someone helping the Browns receivers is over.
"It was good for me," Hue Jackson said Monday. "But at the same time I think he found out this business is rough. There's a lot of hours that we keep and I don't think Chad's used to that."
7. The last thing the Cowboys defensive line needs is another injury, especially to its best player. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford underwent an MRI on his back and there is no timetable for his return.
8. At least one Eagles writer believes that Chris Givens could start at wide receiver for the team, which jibes with an MMQB.com report that Rueben Randle won't make the team.
Injury roundup: Odell Beckham (leg) works with trainer.
Two days after leaving Giants practice early, Odell Beckham was back on the field.
The wideout warmed up with the team on Tuesday before working on the sidelines with a Giants trainer.
Beckham suffered "a cut or two" to his leg in a collision with teammate Janoris Jenkins on Sunday, barely avoiding a serious knee injury. Beckham clarified his injury was the result of a clean cleating: "I got stepped on. It's nothing too bad. It's football, it happens."
On the other side of the ball, new signing Damon Harrison was activated from the PUP list after sitting out the first few days of camp.
Here are some other injuries we're monitoring on Tuesday:
1. Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (hamstring) sat out his fourth preseason practice. The oft-sidelined wideout has played in 23 games over two seasons, compiling 613 yards and just two TDs while struggling to recover from leg, knee and ankle injuries.
2. Titans linebacker Aaron Wallace will miss "several days or several weeks" with a high ankle sprain, according to Jason Wolf of the Tennessean. The seventh-round rookie joins Kevin Dodd on the sidelines, thinning out the linebacker ranks.
3. Steelers cornerback Senquez Golson has suffered a Lisfranc injury that could keep him out up to 12 weeks, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported, per a source informed of the injury. Golson was carted off the field on Monday. He missed his entire rookie season in 2015 with a shoulder injury.
4. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said wideout Julio Jones was back to fully practicing despite sitting out some plays. Jones suffered a minor foot injury on the first day of camp.
5. Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (calf), guard Parker Ehinger (foot) and free safety Daniel Sorensen (foot) were listed on Kansas City's injury report.
6. Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright tweaked his hamstring early in practice. Coach Mike Mularkey added that the injury is not serious.
Two days after leaving Giants practice early, Odell Beckham was back on the field.
The wideout warmed up with the team on Tuesday before working on the sidelines with a Giants trainer.
Beckham suffered "a cut or two" to his leg in a collision with teammate Janoris Jenkins on Sunday, barely avoiding a serious knee injury. Beckham clarified his injury was the result of a clean cleating: "I got stepped on. It's nothing too bad. It's football, it happens."
On the other side of the ball, new signing Damon Harrison was activated from the PUP list after sitting out the first few days of camp.
Here are some other injuries we're monitoring on Tuesday:
1. Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (hamstring) sat out his fourth preseason practice. The oft-sidelined wideout has played in 23 games over two seasons, compiling 613 yards and just two TDs while struggling to recover from leg, knee and ankle injuries.
2. Titans linebacker Aaron Wallace will miss "several days or several weeks" with a high ankle sprain, according to Jason Wolf of the Tennessean. The seventh-round rookie joins Kevin Dodd on the sidelines, thinning out the linebacker ranks.
3. Steelers cornerback Senquez Golson has suffered a Lisfranc injury that could keep him out up to 12 weeks, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported, per a source informed of the injury. Golson was carted off the field on Monday. He missed his entire rookie season in 2015 with a shoulder injury.
4. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said wideout Julio Jones was back to fully practicing despite sitting out some plays. Jones suffered a minor foot injury on the first day of camp.
5. Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (calf), guard Parker Ehinger (foot) and free safety Daniel Sorensen (foot) were listed on Kansas City's injury report.
6. Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright tweaked his hamstring early in practice. Coach Mike Mularkey added that the injury is not serious.
Fantasy news and notes.
Andre Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Titans.
It's Johnson third AFC South team.
Fantasy spin: Not much. I half-joked that the husky Johnson could impact Delanie Walker as a second tight end, but realistically, Walker is still in line for 100-ish targets with Dorial Green-Beckham being the guy with the most sleeper appeal, at least for now. UMASS rookie Tajae Sharpe and free agent signee Rishard Matthews are deep sleepers while Johnson has limited upside. He should be left on the waivers.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is back with the Jets agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal.
Fantasy spin: A HUUUUGE sigh of relief for those of you worried about Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Marshall felt so giddy about it, he went and challenged Antonio Brown. He put his Porsche on the line versus Brown's Bentley for whoever has more receiving yards. You can safely draft Marshall and Decker as you normally would.
Ravens rookie running back Kenneth Dixon suffered a "minor" injury to his MCL.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported it as a grade one sprain. Other reports say Dixon could miss about a week's worth of practice.
Fantasy spin: The injury itself isn't a big deal but the missed practices could be significant for a back that is currently battling Buck Allen for backup duties behind Justin Forsett in Baltimore. His exceptional pass-catching ability (evidence HERE) make him a tantalizing option for a Marc Trestman offense where running backs get plenty of targets. His fantasy draft stock remains unchanged, for now. He's about a Round 10 pick in standard 10-teamers, but it's a backfield the fantasy community should watch closely.
Arian Foster starts training camp on the PUP.
Fantasy spin: Foster waited and waited before signing with a team to prove that he was fully healthy, so starting camp on the PUP at least raises some eyebrows. That being said a lot of veterans will find themselves on this list during training camp. For the most part, it doesn't mean anything because they can be taken off the PUP at any time. Head coach Adam Gase has been nothing but positive regarding Foster and most expect some kind of timeshare to develop in Miami between Foster, Jay Ajayi and rookie Kenyan Drake.
Darren Sproles signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles Friday.
Rapoport reports the added year is worth $4.5 million.
Fantasy spin: Sproles is a somewhat forgotten man in the Philly backfield. While Ryan Mathews is in line to be the starter for a running back-friendly system that Doug Pederson employs, there are already reports that Mathews is dealing with an ankle injury. Of course, we know Mathews doesn't have the best track record when it comes to health, either. He's played all 16 just once in his six-year career. Wendell Smallwood is the sleeper most folks are drafting right now but it's possible Sproles has more of a role in the offense than most are projecting and this extension is at least a small indication the team likes Sproles.
Crockett Gillmore injured his hamstring during practice Friday.
Gillmore will go in for an MRI to determine the how severe the injury is.
Fantasy spin: the injuries continue to pile up for Gillmore and really, the entire Ravens tight end group. Gillmore was placed on the injured reserve last December after suffering a back injury. The promising 24-year-old tight end had surgeries to repair labrums in both shoulders this past offseason and the team was hopeful he would be good to go for week one. This injury won't help that outlook. Between Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Dennis Pitta and newly signed Benjamin Watson, there are a ton of options on the depth chart. The 35-year-old Watson might be the most attractive of that group, which is to say, none are worth a draft pick in standard leagues.
Anquan Boldin signed a one-year deal to join the Lions.
Fantasy spin: the 35-year-old receiver has little to no stand-alone value but his presence could have an impact on Golden Tate more so than Marvin Jones. Boldin, even at this point in his career, is a big, strong physical possession-type pass catcher, or basically all the stuff that Tate does well. Jones projects to still be the team's primary deep threat with almost no chance of Boldin stealing shots there. It's conceivable that Boldin snakes away some red zone looks from both Tate and Jones but it's not likely, which of course means Boldin is destined for a James-Jones-Hoodie-style resurgence to start the season.
Thomas Rawls likely won't be practicing to start training camp per GM John Schneider.
Practice at this point in the offseason isn't a big deal. What is a big deal is the fact that head coach Pete Carroll wouldn't promise Rawls a starting gig once the Central Michigan product was back and healthy.
Fantasy spin: Rawls suffered a fractured ankle in week 14 last year so he's just 7 months removed from surgery which is not a ton of time obviously. Despite having a monster couple of months prior to the injury, the team then picked approximately 19 running backs this offseason (actually four: C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins, Zac Brooks, Tre Madden). It's a team known for competition and letting the best guys play regardless of reputation, contract or draft position. Rawls was amazing as a featured back but this RB race needs be monitored closely during the preseason.
Shameless cross-promotion:
If you want a crash course to get ready for your upcoming fantasy draft, check out our draft kit HERE.
Our resident wide receiver prognosticator Matt Harmon really, really, really, really, really, really believes in Tyler Lockett as a breakout candidate. Video to the right.
Harmon also says the Chargers have a TOP-FIVE wide receiver corps. A bit of an eye-opener considering Danny Woodhead led the team in receiving yards last year with 755 yards. Read why he believes Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin could pay monster profits in fantasy this year. Link here.
Want more training camp coverage? Matt Franciscovich covers 11 teams from a fantasy perspective. Some highlights: how does Josh Gordon fit into the Browns passing game? Will Jeremy Langford be the man for the Bears? Who will be the No. 2 receiver behind Antonio Brown for the Steelers? Link here.
If you haven't listened to our podcast, you probably should. I had a friend tell me, "It's not terrible." If that's not a ringing endorsement I don't know what is. We're are bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays till the season starts and then we'll go three times a week. See you there! Listen in here.
Andre Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Titans.
It's Johnson third AFC South team.
Fantasy spin: Not much. I half-joked that the husky Johnson could impact Delanie Walker as a second tight end, but realistically, Walker is still in line for 100-ish targets with Dorial Green-Beckham being the guy with the most sleeper appeal, at least for now. UMASS rookie Tajae Sharpe and free agent signee Rishard Matthews are deep sleepers while Johnson has limited upside. He should be left on the waivers.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is back with the Jets agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal.
Fantasy spin: A HUUUUGE sigh of relief for those of you worried about Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Marshall felt so giddy about it, he went and challenged Antonio Brown. He put his Porsche on the line versus Brown's Bentley for whoever has more receiving yards. You can safely draft Marshall and Decker as you normally would.
Ravens rookie running back Kenneth Dixon suffered a "minor" injury to his MCL.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported it as a grade one sprain. Other reports say Dixon could miss about a week's worth of practice.
Fantasy spin: The injury itself isn't a big deal but the missed practices could be significant for a back that is currently battling Buck Allen for backup duties behind Justin Forsett in Baltimore. His exceptional pass-catching ability (evidence HERE) make him a tantalizing option for a Marc Trestman offense where running backs get plenty of targets. His fantasy draft stock remains unchanged, for now. He's about a Round 10 pick in standard 10-teamers, but it's a backfield the fantasy community should watch closely.
Arian Foster starts training camp on the PUP.
Fantasy spin: Foster waited and waited before signing with a team to prove that he was fully healthy, so starting camp on the PUP at least raises some eyebrows. That being said a lot of veterans will find themselves on this list during training camp. For the most part, it doesn't mean anything because they can be taken off the PUP at any time. Head coach Adam Gase has been nothing but positive regarding Foster and most expect some kind of timeshare to develop in Miami between Foster, Jay Ajayi and rookie Kenyan Drake.
Darren Sproles signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles Friday.
Rapoport reports the added year is worth $4.5 million.
Fantasy spin: Sproles is a somewhat forgotten man in the Philly backfield. While Ryan Mathews is in line to be the starter for a running back-friendly system that Doug Pederson employs, there are already reports that Mathews is dealing with an ankle injury. Of course, we know Mathews doesn't have the best track record when it comes to health, either. He's played all 16 just once in his six-year career. Wendell Smallwood is the sleeper most folks are drafting right now but it's possible Sproles has more of a role in the offense than most are projecting and this extension is at least a small indication the team likes Sproles.
Crockett Gillmore injured his hamstring during practice Friday.
Gillmore will go in for an MRI to determine the how severe the injury is.
Fantasy spin: the injuries continue to pile up for Gillmore and really, the entire Ravens tight end group. Gillmore was placed on the injured reserve last December after suffering a back injury. The promising 24-year-old tight end had surgeries to repair labrums in both shoulders this past offseason and the team was hopeful he would be good to go for week one. This injury won't help that outlook. Between Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Dennis Pitta and newly signed Benjamin Watson, there are a ton of options on the depth chart. The 35-year-old Watson might be the most attractive of that group, which is to say, none are worth a draft pick in standard leagues.
Anquan Boldin signed a one-year deal to join the Lions.
Fantasy spin: the 35-year-old receiver has little to no stand-alone value but his presence could have an impact on Golden Tate more so than Marvin Jones. Boldin, even at this point in his career, is a big, strong physical possession-type pass catcher, or basically all the stuff that Tate does well. Jones projects to still be the team's primary deep threat with almost no chance of Boldin stealing shots there. It's conceivable that Boldin snakes away some red zone looks from both Tate and Jones but it's not likely, which of course means Boldin is destined for a James-Jones-Hoodie-style resurgence to start the season.
Thomas Rawls likely won't be practicing to start training camp per GM John Schneider.
Practice at this point in the offseason isn't a big deal. What is a big deal is the fact that head coach Pete Carroll wouldn't promise Rawls a starting gig once the Central Michigan product was back and healthy.
Fantasy spin: Rawls suffered a fractured ankle in week 14 last year so he's just 7 months removed from surgery which is not a ton of time obviously. Despite having a monster couple of months prior to the injury, the team then picked approximately 19 running backs this offseason (actually four: C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins, Zac Brooks, Tre Madden). It's a team known for competition and letting the best guys play regardless of reputation, contract or draft position. Rawls was amazing as a featured back but this RB race needs be monitored closely during the preseason.
Shameless cross-promotion:
If you want a crash course to get ready for your upcoming fantasy draft, check out our draft kit HERE.
Our resident wide receiver prognosticator Matt Harmon really, really, really, really, really, really believes in Tyler Lockett as a breakout candidate. Video to the right.
Harmon also says the Chargers have a TOP-FIVE wide receiver corps. A bit of an eye-opener considering Danny Woodhead led the team in receiving yards last year with 755 yards. Read why he believes Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin could pay monster profits in fantasy this year. Link here.
Want more training camp coverage? Matt Franciscovich covers 11 teams from a fantasy perspective. Some highlights: how does Josh Gordon fit into the Browns passing game? Will Jeremy Langford be the man for the Bears? Who will be the No. 2 receiver behind Antonio Brown for the Steelers? Link here.
If you haven't listened to our podcast, you probably should. I had a friend tell me, "It's not terrible." If that's not a ringing endorsement I don't know what is. We're are bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays till the season starts and then we'll go three times a week. See you there! Listen in here.
Bengals' William Jackson suffers torn pectoral muscle.
The Bengals' secondary took a big blow on Tuesday.
First-round selection William Jackson suffered a torn pectoral muscle and could potentially miss three to four months, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported, per someone informed of the injury.
The Bengals' secondary took a big blow on Tuesday.
First-round selection William Jackson suffered a torn pectoral muscle and could potentially miss three to four months, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported, per someone informed of the injury.
