Tag: NFL Training Camp

Cowboys rookie’s status optimistic but uncertain ahead of Week 1

Dallas Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue has been a standout throughout camp, but his status for the regular season opener is now in question after suffering a low ankle sprain in the preseason finale.

Blue sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of Dallas’ 31–13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. While the rookie running back was quick to downplay the severity, the team has yet to officially clear him for Week 1.

“I don’t think it’s nothing serious,” Blue said, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “I’ve had ankles rolled plenty of times. I feel good right now.”\

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the initial injury update on Blue has been positive. Both he and the Cowboys remain “hopeful” he’ll be available for the season opener, though his final status will likely depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming days.

Cowboys’ cautious optimism

With veteran starters unlikely to play much early, the Cowboys have prioritized getting younger players ready to contribute immediately. Blue, who joined Dallas out of the University of ] Texas after not hearing his name called in April at the 2025 NFL Draft, has earned buzz with a strong preseason showing and was expected to play a complementary role in the running back depth chart behind Rico Dowdle.

The injury news was not limited to Blue, but his situation could directly impact how the offense approaches early-season snaps. His pass-catching ability and agility made him a favorite in situational packages, especially in a backfield looking to replace lost explosiveness from past seasons.

As final roster cuts approach, Blue’s condition may influence whether Dallas keeps additional running back depth on the 53-man roster. The front office has not indicated any changes yet, but roster flexibility could become a factor if Blue’s ankle doesn’t respond as hoped.

Why it matters

 This development puts a spotlight on Dallas’ depth even before the regular season kicks off, raising early questions about the team’s overall health heading into a pivotal year. The Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL season with high expectations and little margin for error — especially in an increasingly competitive NFC East landscape.

While the injury is reportedly minor, ankle sprains can linger if not fully healed. With several rookies across the league dealing with preseason injuries, Dallas is far from the only team making game-time decisions this early in the season.

For Blue, the goal remains clear — make his NFL debut in Week 1 against the reigning Super Bowl 59 champion Eagles. For Dallas, the challenge will be balancing caution with readiness.


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Titans, Brian Callahan hold key advantage ahead of roster cutdowns

The Tennessee Titans may have finished at the bottom of the standings last season, but that disappointing result is already yielding a strategic benefit for 2025. As teams prepare to trim rosters from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday’s deadline, Tennessee holds the top waiver claim spot — a powerful tool that head coach Brian Callahan plans to take full advantage of.

“The benefit of being No. 1 in the waiver claim is that you have first crack at anybody you think upgrades your roster,” Callahan said Saturday, via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “I know [general manager] Mike [Borgonzi] and his crew have been hard at work, they’ve watched every player in the preseason, watched every preseason game of every team, and they have a really good feel for what’s out there.”

That first-overall waiver position applies to all players with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons who are released over the next few days. For Callahan and the Titans’ front office, it represents a rare chance to bolster the bottom half of the depth chart with young talent that other teams were forced to let go.

“You never know what is going to shake free, or not shake free, so you do your due diligence and you are ready for it when it comes,” Callahan said. “There is going to be opportunities to claim some players that will help us, and that will be a part of the ongoing process through Tuesday to make sure we try to find the best 53.”

That process also brings uncertainty for the players currently sitting on the edge of Tennessee’s roster. Making the initial 53-man cut will not guarantee job security, as waiver claims made after Tuesday can bump players off the active list. The churn is expected to be aggressive, particularly for rebuilding teams like the Titans, who are still assessing their roster under a new coaching regime.

This cycle of movement is common across the NFL following final cutdowns, but Tennessee’s position at the front of the waiver line gives them unmatched leverage during a critical evaluation window. For a team that struggled in 2024, the chance to identify and acquire young, developing talent without competing bids could make a tangible difference by Week 1.

Callahan, entering his first year as head coach in Nashville, is overseeing a full-scale rebuild. The Titans are hoping to turn the corner quickly, and hitting on one or two players through the waiver wire could help jump-start that effort.

Whether those additions come on the offensive line, in the secondary, or at key depth positions, Tennessee will have every opportunity to reshape its roster over the coming days. And for Callahan, the work is just getting started.

Broncos rookie linebacker earns praise from Sean Payton amid roster battle

The Denver Broncos’ search for depth at inside linebacker might have possibly revealed an unexpected contender. Rookie Jordan Turner impressed in the preseason, and on Tuesday, head coach Sean Payton publicly praised Turner — a rare nod for someone battling to earn a roster spot.

Turner joined Denver following rookie minicamp in May after going undrafted out of Michigan State in the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons at with the Spartans before transferring, posting 107 tackles, eight sacks, and five interceptions in 42 collegiate games.

In the Broncos’ second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Turner co-led the team in tackles and recorded 1.5 sacks. His effort built momentum in a crowded linebacker room that has seen competition from fellow undrafted rookies Levelle Bailey and Karene Reid.

The Mile High Huddle’s Chad Jensen reported the following remarks from Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach and current Broncos coach.

“Obviously, coming in like that, coming in a little later, I think he’s picked things up pretty well, and that’s a plus. The exposures you get in the kicking game and those other snaps are important, but he has picked things up pretty quickly.”

Denver’s starting duo of Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw brings experience but also injury concerns, leaving the team reliant on depth. Justin Strnad, who started eight games last season, is expected to return as the primary reserve, but roster math will determine if multiple young linebackers can stick.

The Broncos face their final preseason test Saturday against the New Orleans Saints, with final roster cuts due Tuesday. Turner will have one more chance to prove that Payton’s endorsement wasn’t just preseason praise, but a sign he belongs on the 53-man roster.

Texans linebacker dominates preseason opener

Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed wasted no time in the preseason opener, turning his debut into a tone-setter for DeMeco Ryans’ defense. The former division rival signed a one-year, $5 million deal in April and backed it up immediately, earning a 92.0 PFF grade while impacting every level of the field.

Speed’s night popped on contact and in coverage. He delivered a heavy first-quarter hit, blew up a screen for a three-yard loss, and later deflected a pass—quick, decisive plays that changed momentum and series flow. The range and processing that fueled his 2024 breakout carried over, reinforcing why Houston pegged him as a low-risk, high-reward add.

Around him, the Texans’ linebackers look more well rounded than a year ago. Defensive captain Azeez Al-Shaair anchors the group, Christian Harris aims to stack a healthier season, and Henry To’oTo’o logged meaningful snaps with steady improvement. Depth pieces Jake Hansen and Jamal Hill add competition that should keep the room sharp as August unfolds.

Experience matters in the middle, and the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker brings it into his seventh NFL season. After a career year with the Colts—highlighted by 141 combined tackles, 13.5 stuffs (including seven tackles for loss) and an interception—he arrives as the team’s oldest linebacker, a presence that can raise the floor for younger teammates.

If this is the preseason baseline, the arrow is up. Speed’s range, recognition, and physicality give Houston options in pressure looks and sub-packages, and his opener pushes him closer to a full-time role. With play-time incentives in his contract and a clear path up the depth chart, he’s positioned to become a difference-maker for the Texans once the regular season kicks off.

Garrett Bradbury sends warning to teammates ahead of Vikings joint practices

Garrett Bradbury’s return to the Minnesota Vikings comes with a message for his new team. As the New England Patriots head into joint practices with the Vikings, the veteran center—signed by the Pats in March—knows exactly what to expect from the other sideline and how quickly these sessions can turn competitive.

The Vikings under defensive coordinator Brian Flores are anything but passive. Flores, who rose from scouting assistant to defensive play-caller during his time in New England, has a reputation for dialing pressure and treating every rep like a live test, even in August. That approach can stress protections and expose communication if an offense isn’t ready.

“I’ve seen some offenses come in there for joint practice with not a lot of game-plan and it’s an absolute disaster [for them]. You have to game-plan,” Bradbury warned, according to a piece written by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. The subtext is clear: treat these practices like game day or pay for it.

The Patriots have already taken that advice to heart, spending the early week periods mimicking Minnesota’s front and coverage menu to sharpen rules and reactions before lining up across from Flores’ group. It’s an early chance to measure a reshaped New England offensive line against an aggressive look they won’t see every day.

With sessions set in Minnesota ahead of this weekend’s preseason matchup, the work offers stakes without standings—precisely the environment where Flores’ defense thrives and where Bradbury’s experience can steady the Patriots’ operation. Expect tempo, pressure, and plenty of teachable film before the teams meet under the lights.


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Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay injured during Training Camp

Steelers CB Darius Slay Injured at Training Camp Practice

The Steelers’ secondary depth took another hit on Monday when Darius Slay suffered an ankle injury during training camp practice. The setback comes with starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey already sidelined, raising new concerns ahead of the team’s joint sessions with Tampa Bay later this week.

Slay’s Injury Compounds Cornerback Issues

Slay went down during team drills and did not return to the field. While the team has not released official details about the severity of the injury, his absence will be felt in an already thinned cornerback group. Ramsey has been out for the past week, missing valuable preparation time.

Notably, Slay’s durability has been a talking point in the past. As reported by FOX Sports Radio’s Adam Caplan, the veteran underwent arthroscopic knee surgery late in 2023, which could raise questions about his mobility. “You have to wonder how well he can run … and the Eagles learned this with James Bradberry, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago,” Caplan said. While those comments referred to his time in Philadelphia, they highlight the physical challenges Slay has battled in recent years.

Without two of their top defensive backs, the Steelers are relying on less experienced players to step into bigger roles. Cameron McCutchen, Kyler McMichael, and Daryl Porter are among those vying to prove themselves during this stretch.

Opportunity for Young Corners

The competition for roster spots at the bottom of the depth chart is heating up. For players like McCutchen, McMichael, and Porter, this is a prime opportunity to make their case to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Slay’s and Ramsey’s absences open additional reps in both team and individual drills, allowing these young corners to showcase their skills against Pittsburgh’s top wideouts.

What It Means for the Steelers’ Defense

The Steelers entered training camp with one of the NFL’s more intriguing defensive backfields, combining veteran experience with promising young talent. However, the simultaneous losses of Slay and Ramsey create potential ripple effects that could extend into the early regular season.

  1. Depth Concerns – Without their two most established corners on the field, Pittsburgh risks overexposing younger players in live game situations.

  2. Scheme Adjustments – Austin may need to simplify coverage schemes or lean on more zone concepts until his starters are fully healthy.

  3. Increased Safety Responsibility – Minkah Fitzpatrick and the safeties may be tasked with more coverage support, which could impact blitz packages.

  4. Roster Pressure – If the injuries linger, the front office could explore adding a veteran cornerback before Week 1.

While injuries are an unavoidable part of training camp, losing two key players at the same position is a test of a team’s resilience and roster depth.

Looking Ahead to Tampa Bay

The Steelers will now shift their focus to joint practices with the Buccaneers before their preseason matchup in Pittsburgh this weekend. Tomlin has yet to announce which starters will suit up, but this game represents a key evaluation point for the coaching staff.

The preseason schedule is reaching its midpoint, making every rep critical—especially for those fighting for a spot in the secondary. While the team waits for updates on Slay’s status, the next few days could be defining for several fringe roster hopefuls.

Commanders expected to add veteran CB with coaching ties

Commanders Poised to Add CB Essang Bassey with Coaching Connection

The Washington Commanders’ busy weekend continues.

Following Friday’s 48-18 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, Washington brought in 14 players for tryouts. By Sunday evening, the team had agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Duke Riley.

Now, according to Ben Standig, the Commanders are expected to sign veteran cornerback Essang Bassey.

Bassey’s addition comes despite Washington already boasting a strong cornerback group with Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene. The team is also high on undrafted rookie Car’lin Vigers.

The move appears tied to Bassey’s familiarity with defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell, who worked with him during two stints with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Bassey, 27 this week, was a two-time All-ACC corner at Wake Forest before entering the NFL in 2020 with Denver as an undrafted free agent. His career has included time with the Broncos, Chargers, and Lions, often bouncing between active rosters and practice squads.

With Bobby Price in concussion protocol and fellow corner Kevon Seymour banged up, Bassey adds depth and experience ahead of the regular season. The team has yet to officially announce the signing, which will require a corresponding roster move.

Eagles star carted off after scary leg injury at practice

Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson was carted off the field Sunday after suffering a right leg injury during the team’s open practice at Lincoln Financial Field.

The three-time Pro Bowler went down awkwardly on a pass play late in practice and remained on the turf for several minutes. Trainers attended to him before helping him to his feet, but Dickerson was unable to put significant weight on his leg and was taken to the locker room via cart.

Further specifics on the injury have not been announced. Dickerson was not listed on the Eagles’ injury report earlier in the day but had been limited the day before due to a knee issue.

Drafted 37th overall out of Alabama in 2021, Dickerson has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offensive line since his rookie year. He signed a four-year, $84 million extension last season and has helped power one of the league’s most dominant run games. Behind Dickerson and his linemates, Saquon Barkley rushed for an NFL-best 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns last season as the Eagles captured Super Bowl 59 over the Kansas City Chiefs.

If the injury sidelines Dickerson for an extended period, it would be a significant blow to Philadelphia’s front line. The Eagles open the regular season September 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Puka Nacua’s praise for Davante Adams’ will fire up LA Rams Fans

As the Los Angeles Rams ramp up for the 2025 season, wide receiver Puka Nacua is singing high praises for new addition Davante Adams — and Rams fans have every reason to be excited.

Adams, a three-time All-Pro and proven elite receiver, joined the Rams in the offseason on a two-year deal after the team released former star wideout Cooper Kupp. His arrival brings a fresh spark to a receiving corps that already includes rising star Nacua.

During training camp, Nacua was quick to show respect to Adams, stepping back to let the veteran lead drills and set the tone. “There is a respect for him to come in saying, ‘I don’t want to push you out of the way or take your spot… But it’s something that I have a huge amount of respect for his game,’” Nacua told the LA Times’s Gary Klein. He even joked about trying to watch Adams closely during drills, acknowledging the impact Adams’ skills bring to the whole team.

Adams’ resume speaks for itself. Over 11 NFL seasons, he has reached 1,000 receiving yards seven times, including six straight before joining Los Angeles. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Adams combines size, speed, and exceptional route-running ability. Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber called him a “future Hall of Famer” with “cat-quick” feet and “a great feel for the game.”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, sidelined with a back issue during camp, called Adams a “seamless fit” in the offense. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo, who worked with Adams previously in Las Vegas, praised his “swagger” and confidence, further boosting the excitement around the new-look Rams passing game.

Nacua and other young receivers have already benefited from Adams’ experience and insights, especially in reading defenses and creating separation. Coach Sean McVay highlighted the “mutual respect” and “appropriate humility” between Adams and Nacua, calling it “special stuff” that sets a positive tone for the offense.

With Adams adding a new dimension to the passing game and Nacua continuing to rise, the Rams are positioning themselves as a strong Super Bowl contender—if Stafford can return to full health.

“This is looking pretty golden over here,” Adams said, capturing the growing optimism surrounding the Rams’ offense.

Rams fans should be fired up — the offense is ready to roar.

49ers sign DL Michael Dwumfour, cut CB Eli Apple in latest roster move

The San Francisco 49ers released a statement noting a pair of roster movers made by the team, signing defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour and releasing cornerback Eli Apple just over a week into training camp.

Dwumfour, a 27-year-old former Rutgers standout, returns to the Bay Area for a second stint with the franchise after previously appearing in games for the team during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 6-foot-1, 296-pound lineman brings depth and familiarity to a defensive front looking to solidify its rotation ahead of the regular season.

Undrafted out of Michigan in 2021, Dwumfour originally signed with the New York Jets before stops with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, ClevelandBrowns, and 49ers. Over the course of his NFL career, he has appeared in 13 games (one start), tallying 13 tackles, one fumble recovery, and 0.5 sacks. He played one game for Cleveland last year after signing with the team’s practice squad in December.

Before entering the league, Dwumfour played in 42 college games between Michigan and Rutgers, posting 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception.

To make room for Dwumfour, the 49ers released veteran cornerback Eli Apple. The 6-foot-1 defender had just signed with the team on July 28 but was a long shot to make the final 53-man roster given the club’s depth at corner.

San Francisco is coming off a disappointing close to the 2024-2025 NFL season. The team finished with a 1-5 record in NFC West divisional play—a stark contrast from its dominant 41-26 divisional mark between the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons.

With preseason matchups looming, the team continues to evaluate fringe roster players and build out its defensive line. Dwumfour’s experience across multiple NFL systems may give him a path to contribute early as the niners look to return to their winning identity.