Good Morning Canton! We're excited for football to be back tonight.
Injuries: Dolphins' Jay Ajayi sidelined with concussion.
The Miami Dolphins got one defensive playmaker back on the field and will be without an offensive workhorse. The team activated safety Reshad Jones off the non-football injury list on Wednesday.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Jones rejoined his teammates on the practice field. The rangy safety tweaked his calf during personal workouts this summer and missed the first few practices of training camp.
Jones was playing at an All-Pro level in 2016 before he missed 10 games with a shoulder injury. When he's on the field, the ball hawking safety is one of the best back-end playmakers in the NFL.
That's the good news in Miami. Now for the bad:
Jay Ajayi is out with a confirmed concussion. He missed practice and likely sit out at least a week, per the Miami Herald.
The powerful running back suffered the injury on Monday. Hopefully, it's just a week issue for Ajayi and doesn't linger late into August.
Here's another injury we've been tracking during Wednesday's training camps:
1. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (back) is doing well in treatment and "all indications have been very positive," coach John Harbaugh told reporters.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back James Conner has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint, according to The Associated Press.
3. Los Angeles Chargers rookie guard Forrest Lamp was carted off the field after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, the team announced.
4. Jaguars running back I'Tavius Mathers was released from the hospital and will return to the team facility after suffering a cervical spinal cord injury during Tuesday's practice, the team announced. The team's medical staff will continue to evaluate his status and will work with Mathers to decide the best course of action for his recovery.
5. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not throw during individual drills with his wide receivers. Newton did not throw Tuesday because a soreness in his surgically repaired shoulder. Panthers teammate Kawann Short is dealing with a hamstring issue, coach Ron Rivera said.
6. An MRI revealed Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Dominique Easley suffered a torn ACL during Tuesday's practice session, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Easley, who has suffered two torn ACLs previously, is done for the season.
"It's really unfortunate to our team because of what he meant to our team on the field but also in the locker room," head coach Sean McVay told reporters after practice Wednesday. "[He] has a great presence, always had a great smile on his face. Great disposition and demeanor. And he'll be missed."
Wide receiver Tavon Austin didn't take the field on Wednesday. McVay called his injury a "hamstring tweak."
"That's something that we're going to be monitoring day-to-day," McVay said. "You always want to be really careful, especially with guys that are explosive and those fast-twitch guys like Tavon, with a hamstring."
7. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell (lower body) sat out practice for the third consecutive day.
8. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) sat out practice for the second consecutive day. Wide receiver Torrey Smith (back) returned to practice.
9. New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard was carted off the field after suffering an apparent ankle injury at practice, Rapoport reported. Coach Ben McAdoo told reporters Shepard rolled his ankle, and it appears as though he avoided major injury.
10. Houston Texans receiver Will Fuller suffered a broken collarbone and is out indefinitely, Rapoport reported.
11. Chicago Bears wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who underwent an appendectomy on Sunday, told NFL Network's Stacey Dales he'll return to team in two weeks.
12. The New Orleans Saints activated offensive lineman Senio Kelemete (undisclosed injury) off the physically unable to perform list, per Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune.
13. Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Isaiah Ford underwent knee surgery, Garafolo reported. Ford's timeline for recovery is to be determined, Garafolo added.
The Miami Dolphins got one defensive playmaker back on the field and will be without an offensive workhorse. The team activated safety Reshad Jones off the non-football injury list on Wednesday.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Jones rejoined his teammates on the practice field. The rangy safety tweaked his calf during personal workouts this summer and missed the first few practices of training camp.
Jones was playing at an All-Pro level in 2016 before he missed 10 games with a shoulder injury. When he's on the field, the ball hawking safety is one of the best back-end playmakers in the NFL.
That's the good news in Miami. Now for the bad:
Jay Ajayi is out with a confirmed concussion. He missed practice and likely sit out at least a week, per the Miami Herald.
The powerful running back suffered the injury on Monday. Hopefully, it's just a week issue for Ajayi and doesn't linger late into August.
Here's another injury we've been tracking during Wednesday's training camps:
1. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (back) is doing well in treatment and "all indications have been very positive," coach John Harbaugh told reporters.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back James Conner has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint, according to The Associated Press.
3. Los Angeles Chargers rookie guard Forrest Lamp was carted off the field after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, the team announced.
4. Jaguars running back I'Tavius Mathers was released from the hospital and will return to the team facility after suffering a cervical spinal cord injury during Tuesday's practice, the team announced. The team's medical staff will continue to evaluate his status and will work with Mathers to decide the best course of action for his recovery.
5. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not throw during individual drills with his wide receivers. Newton did not throw Tuesday because a soreness in his surgically repaired shoulder. Panthers teammate Kawann Short is dealing with a hamstring issue, coach Ron Rivera said.
6. An MRI revealed Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Dominique Easley suffered a torn ACL during Tuesday's practice session, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Easley, who has suffered two torn ACLs previously, is done for the season.
"It's really unfortunate to our team because of what he meant to our team on the field but also in the locker room," head coach Sean McVay told reporters after practice Wednesday. "[He] has a great presence, always had a great smile on his face. Great disposition and demeanor. And he'll be missed."
Wide receiver Tavon Austin didn't take the field on Wednesday. McVay called his injury a "hamstring tweak."
"That's something that we're going to be monitoring day-to-day," McVay said. "You always want to be really careful, especially with guys that are explosive and those fast-twitch guys like Tavon, with a hamstring."
7. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell (lower body) sat out practice for the third consecutive day.
8. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) sat out practice for the second consecutive day. Wide receiver Torrey Smith (back) returned to practice.
9. New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard was carted off the field after suffering an apparent ankle injury at practice, Rapoport reported. Coach Ben McAdoo told reporters Shepard rolled his ankle, and it appears as though he avoided major injury.
10. Houston Texans receiver Will Fuller suffered a broken collarbone and is out indefinitely, Rapoport reported.
11. Chicago Bears wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who underwent an appendectomy on Sunday, told NFL Network's Stacey Dales he'll return to team in two weeks.
12. The New Orleans Saints activated offensive lineman Senio Kelemete (undisclosed injury) off the physically unable to perform list, per Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune.
13. Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Isaiah Ford underwent knee surgery, Garafolo reported. Ford's timeline for recovery is to be determined, Garafolo added.
[h=1]Ryan Tannehill heads to locker room after non-contact slip.[/h]
According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill walked “gingerly” to the locker room after going down at the end of a play.
Tannehill apparently was scrambling for the sidelines when he fell, untouched by defenders, and was immediately attended to by trainers.
We may find out in a few hours that it’s not a big deal. But after seeing the way their hopes disintegrated without him last year, it’s also reasonable for them to hold their breath.
According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill walked “gingerly” to the locker room after going down at the end of a play.
Tannehill apparently was scrambling for the sidelines when he fell, untouched by defenders, and was immediately attended to by trainers.
We may find out in a few hours that it’s not a big deal. But after seeing the way their hopes disintegrated without him last year, it’s also reasonable for them to hold their breath.
Thank you RoofTop!
Titans' Corey Davis injures hamstring, to have MRI.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans receiver Corey Davis suffered a hamstring injury shortly after the team's 7-on-7 drills Thursday and did not return.Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Davis will have an MRI to determine the severity of his injury. Davis was having a great first few days of practice, highlighted by his route running and sharp cuts.
Davis' soft-tissue hamstring injury came after he missed the first two days of training camp (one practice) while finalizing his contract.
Rookie receiver Taywan Taylor will step into the starting lineup alongside Eric Decker and Rishard Matthews while Davis is out.
Also, Mularkey said running back DeMarco Murray is day-to-day with a hamstring injury he suffered earlier this week. Mularkey said Murray's injury was not serious even though he missed practice Thursday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans receiver Corey Davis suffered a hamstring injury shortly after the team's 7-on-7 drills Thursday and did not return.Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Davis will have an MRI to determine the severity of his injury. Davis was having a great first few days of practice, highlighted by his route running and sharp cuts.
Davis' soft-tissue hamstring injury came after he missed the first two days of training camp (one practice) while finalizing his contract.
Rookie receiver Taywan Taylor will step into the starting lineup alongside Eric Decker and Rishard Matthews while Davis is out.
Also, Mularkey said running back DeMarco Murray is day-to-day with a hamstring injury he suffered earlier this week. Mularkey said Murray's injury was not serious even though he missed practice Thursday.
Why the Hall of Fame Game matters -- on the field.
The Hall of Fame Game is a chore for veterans. A nuisance. Just get through a series or two without busting up a knee or ankle, then head back to camp. That's the drill. But for the rookies and bubble guys on the roster, this extra preseason game creates an ideal stage to showcase something, anything, in the eyes of coaches and management.
After playing in the Hall of Fame Game twice -- at different stages of my career -- I know firsthand that there are positives in Thursday night's matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Think about reps and opportunity for the guys trying to earn a job -- any job -- in the league. Hey, go make a play when the film is rolling. Here are a few reasons why the game is vital for young players.
Live reps are important
The established players for the Cowboys might get a handful of plays Thursday night. Maybe fewer. And Bruce Arians doesn't plan to play his starters at all. Hey, it's not worth the risk with four more preseason games to go. They will get get enough work in August.
But once the vets shut it down for the night, it's time for the backups and roster hopefuls to get on the field. And these game reps are going to carry much more weight in the evaluation process.
Yes, guys can impress the coaching staff when they show up during one-on-one drills or team periods in training-camp practice. Given the shortened offseason schedule, the elimination of two-a-days and the reduction in padded practices, however, there are only so many opportunities to move up the depth chart in camp. Plus, when the uniform goes on in the preseason, the speed of the game increases dramatically and so does the competition. And every play is graded.
Think about it. These cats are fighting for a job -- and money. They are going to get hit.
Sure, that applies to every preseason game, but the amount of reps in Canton is the key for the rookies and bubble guys. They are going to play almost the entire game. That's a ton of film. And a ton of opportunity to audition for more reps in practice and more playing time in the next game.
Remember, this is a process, and some seventh-round pick isn't going to make the team based on his film from Canton. But it allows those guys to start building a résumé throughout the preseason. And game reps count. That's critical when it comes time to trim the roster.
Playmakers are noticed
Yeah, every coach wants to see the roster hopefuls play within the scheme. I get that. That means alignment and assignment and using the coached techniques on the field. Wide receivers running their routes at the proper depth. Footwork along the offensive line. Safeties reading their keys in Cover 2. But, really, that's just the cover charge to get in the door on an NFL team. And it's expected from pro ballplayers.
You want to stand out? Make a big play. Do something that excites the room when the film is turned on. Maybe that's a pick on defense, a physical run by a back in a short-yardage situation, a quarterback being aggressive and taking a shot, or an offensive lineman blasting a linebacker on a power play. Pancake that dude. And walk right over him.
These impact plays resonate with the coaching staff when the film is graded. They stick in the coaches' memory. And they also stand out for the rest of the league that will grade this film. As a bubble guy, you are not only trying to make this team, but the 31 other squads that are looking to upgrade their roster as well.
And everyone is watching.
Special teams is vital
I love watching special teams during the Hall of Fame Game because this is how the bubble guys are going to earn a roster spot. It's that simple. Can you cover kicks, make tackles inside the 20-yard line on kickoffs or bring down a returner in the open field on the punt team?
Yes, there are valuable roles blocking on the front line of kickoff return or playing the wing position on the punt team. And the return game creates opportunities for a guy to make a big play. Take one back to the house and people will start talking.
But the NFL is always looking for guys who can cover kicks with speed and toughness. That's the game. And with the league implementing a new touchback rule and the ball coming out to the 25-yard line, cover guys are going to once again be a priority on game days. I'm talking about players who can get down the field, defeat blocks, play with vision and tackle in space.
This is dirty work. And it's hard. But it's also a way to move up the depth chart. If you can impact the kicking game, the club will find a spot for you. And this game provides the bubble guys with more chances to pop the ball out on kickoff, light up someone or show their ability to tackle. Want more reps in practice and on the game field next weekend?? Then do something in the kicking game out in Canton.
The true conditioning test
Plenty of teams still have a conditioning test when players report to camp (300-yard shuttles, for example), but that's nothing compared to this game. There will be some puke on the sidelines, and maybe even in the huddle.
Remember, with the established vets calling it quits early, the backups, bubble guys and rookies have to take all the reps. That means offense, defense and special teams.
As a second-year player with the Rams, I had to make the team. No guarantees there. None. So the game in Canton was a great opportunity to get on tape and showcase something on special teams. Plus, with Lovie Smith running our defense in his first year as coordinator, it was all about speed. You better run to the ball on defense and play fast with Lovie watching. Then go cover a kick. Grab a juice on the sideline, then go back out again for special teams and another series of defense. Yikes.
If anything, the second half of the Hall of Fame Game shows us who can survive the night. Rookies aren't used to the pace (or speed) of an NFL game, and the reps start to add up for everyone playing late into the fourth quarter. Again, it's another part of the evaluation process. Can you line up, read your keys and make plays while wearing the pregame meal on the front of your jersey? Good times.
The Hall of Fame Game is a chore for veterans. A nuisance. Just get through a series or two without busting up a knee or ankle, then head back to camp. That's the drill. But for the rookies and bubble guys on the roster, this extra preseason game creates an ideal stage to showcase something, anything, in the eyes of coaches and management.
After playing in the Hall of Fame Game twice -- at different stages of my career -- I know firsthand that there are positives in Thursday night's matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Think about reps and opportunity for the guys trying to earn a job -- any job -- in the league. Hey, go make a play when the film is rolling. Here are a few reasons why the game is vital for young players.
Live reps are important
The established players for the Cowboys might get a handful of plays Thursday night. Maybe fewer. And Bruce Arians doesn't plan to play his starters at all. Hey, it's not worth the risk with four more preseason games to go. They will get get enough work in August.
But once the vets shut it down for the night, it's time for the backups and roster hopefuls to get on the field. And these game reps are going to carry much more weight in the evaluation process.
Yes, guys can impress the coaching staff when they show up during one-on-one drills or team periods in training-camp practice. Given the shortened offseason schedule, the elimination of two-a-days and the reduction in padded practices, however, there are only so many opportunities to move up the depth chart in camp. Plus, when the uniform goes on in the preseason, the speed of the game increases dramatically and so does the competition. And every play is graded.
Think about it. These cats are fighting for a job -- and money. They are going to get hit.
Sure, that applies to every preseason game, but the amount of reps in Canton is the key for the rookies and bubble guys. They are going to play almost the entire game. That's a ton of film. And a ton of opportunity to audition for more reps in practice and more playing time in the next game.
Remember, this is a process, and some seventh-round pick isn't going to make the team based on his film from Canton. But it allows those guys to start building a résumé throughout the preseason. And game reps count. That's critical when it comes time to trim the roster.
Playmakers are noticed
Yeah, every coach wants to see the roster hopefuls play within the scheme. I get that. That means alignment and assignment and using the coached techniques on the field. Wide receivers running their routes at the proper depth. Footwork along the offensive line. Safeties reading their keys in Cover 2. But, really, that's just the cover charge to get in the door on an NFL team. And it's expected from pro ballplayers.
You want to stand out? Make a big play. Do something that excites the room when the film is turned on. Maybe that's a pick on defense, a physical run by a back in a short-yardage situation, a quarterback being aggressive and taking a shot, or an offensive lineman blasting a linebacker on a power play. Pancake that dude. And walk right over him.
These impact plays resonate with the coaching staff when the film is graded. They stick in the coaches' memory. And they also stand out for the rest of the league that will grade this film. As a bubble guy, you are not only trying to make this team, but the 31 other squads that are looking to upgrade their roster as well.
And everyone is watching.
Special teams is vital
I love watching special teams during the Hall of Fame Game because this is how the bubble guys are going to earn a roster spot. It's that simple. Can you cover kicks, make tackles inside the 20-yard line on kickoffs or bring down a returner in the open field on the punt team?
Yes, there are valuable roles blocking on the front line of kickoff return or playing the wing position on the punt team. And the return game creates opportunities for a guy to make a big play. Take one back to the house and people will start talking.
But the NFL is always looking for guys who can cover kicks with speed and toughness. That's the game. And with the league implementing a new touchback rule and the ball coming out to the 25-yard line, cover guys are going to once again be a priority on game days. I'm talking about players who can get down the field, defeat blocks, play with vision and tackle in space.
This is dirty work. And it's hard. But it's also a way to move up the depth chart. If you can impact the kicking game, the club will find a spot for you. And this game provides the bubble guys with more chances to pop the ball out on kickoff, light up someone or show their ability to tackle. Want more reps in practice and on the game field next weekend?? Then do something in the kicking game out in Canton.
The true conditioning test
Plenty of teams still have a conditioning test when players report to camp (300-yard shuttles, for example), but that's nothing compared to this game. There will be some puke on the sidelines, and maybe even in the huddle.
Remember, with the established vets calling it quits early, the backups, bubble guys and rookies have to take all the reps. That means offense, defense and special teams.
As a second-year player with the Rams, I had to make the team. No guarantees there. None. So the game in Canton was a great opportunity to get on tape and showcase something on special teams. Plus, with Lovie Smith running our defense in his first year as coordinator, it was all about speed. You better run to the ball on defense and play fast with Lovie watching. Then go cover a kick. Grab a juice on the sideline, then go back out again for special teams and another series of defense. Yikes.
If anything, the second half of the Hall of Fame Game shows us who can survive the night. Rookies aren't used to the pace (or speed) of an NFL game, and the reps start to add up for everyone playing late into the fourth quarter. Again, it's another part of the evaluation process. Can you line up, read your keys and make plays while wearing the pregame meal on the front of your jersey? Good times.
Thank you MA.
Ryan Tannehill suffers no structural damage to knee.
The Miami Dolphins sidestepped a major injury on Thursday.
NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reports there is no structural damage to Ryan Tannehill's left knee after he exited practice following a non-contact spill, per a member of the organization. Tannehill underwent an MRI after practice and his knee is as sound as it was before, per Kinkhabwala.
The knee did buckle, and the Dolphins are deciding how to proceed after the scare.
The news is a huge sigh of relief in Miami. Tannehill could miss some time in training camp as the Dolphins take it slow with their starting quarterback.
Video of the play showed Tannehill rolling to his right, heading up field toward the sideline. As he went out of bounds, the quarterback's left leg appeared to plant awkwardly in the turf. Tannehill then tumbled to the ground. He remained on the ground for about 15 seconds before walking gingerly to the locker room, according to reporters on the scene.
It's the same knee Tannehill suffered a partial ACL tear in last season, which forced him out for the final three games of 2016 regular season and the Dolphins' wild-card loss to Steelers. The Dolphins QB opted for stem cell treatment instead of surgery. He was wearing a knee brace on his left knee during practice.
All offseason, the Dolphins and Tannehill have insisted his knee was stable.
"Just so everyone hears, the knee is really good. It feels really good," he said just last week, via the team's official website. "I haven't had any changes since the spring. I was a full participant in the spring and still going really well. Now we don't have to address that anymore, right?"
After Thursday's tumble, Tannehill's knee will be the subject of inquiry after every hit he takes on it.
The injury scare is a reminder of the thin edge NFL teams stand on. Had the knee injury forced Tannehill to miss a significant time, the Dolphins' playoff hopes would have taken a major hit.
Breathe slightly easier, Miami.
The Miami Dolphins sidestepped a major injury on Thursday.
NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reports there is no structural damage to Ryan Tannehill's left knee after he exited practice following a non-contact spill, per a member of the organization. Tannehill underwent an MRI after practice and his knee is as sound as it was before, per Kinkhabwala.
The knee did buckle, and the Dolphins are deciding how to proceed after the scare.
The news is a huge sigh of relief in Miami. Tannehill could miss some time in training camp as the Dolphins take it slow with their starting quarterback.
Video of the play showed Tannehill rolling to his right, heading up field toward the sideline. As he went out of bounds, the quarterback's left leg appeared to plant awkwardly in the turf. Tannehill then tumbled to the ground. He remained on the ground for about 15 seconds before walking gingerly to the locker room, according to reporters on the scene.
It's the same knee Tannehill suffered a partial ACL tear in last season, which forced him out for the final three games of 2016 regular season and the Dolphins' wild-card loss to Steelers. The Dolphins QB opted for stem cell treatment instead of surgery. He was wearing a knee brace on his left knee during practice.
All offseason, the Dolphins and Tannehill have insisted his knee was stable.
"Just so everyone hears, the knee is really good. It feels really good," he said just last week, via the team's official website. "I haven't had any changes since the spring. I was a full participant in the spring and still going really well. Now we don't have to address that anymore, right?"
After Thursday's tumble, Tannehill's knee will be the subject of inquiry after every hit he takes on it.
The injury scare is a reminder of the thin edge NFL teams stand on. Had the knee injury forced Tannehill to miss a significant time, the Dolphins' playoff hopes would have taken a major hit.
Breathe slightly easier, Miami.
