The NFL’s 2024 training camp is in full swing. ESPN’s NFL reporters will be found at each location throughout camp and will provide information on position battles, notable appearances from new faces, compelling quotes from coaches and players and updates on injuries and holdout situations.
We will have updates every day of camp to keep you informed on all the latest. Here’s what you need to know from camps across the league:
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What our NFL Nation reporters saw today
NFC EAST
It appears Tyler Guyton is about to get his chance to be the starting left tackle. He took the first-team snaps in Sunday’s practice and was able to do a decent job against Micah Parsons when he was lined up against the Cowboys’ best pass rusher. In the spring, Guyton worked with the second-team offense with Chuma Edoga starting. The Cowboys took Guyton with the 29th pick in the first round, but he played mostly right tackle at Oklahoma, which is why they did not want to overload him early. On Tuesday, the pads come on for the first time, and Guyton will get the chance to continue to earn the job. — Todd Archer
(Last update: July 28)
The Giants had their first day in pads on Monday. That meant an emphasis on the run game. It was a reminder that running back Devin Singletary is going to carry a massive workload. Behind him, the Giants have 18 career carries from the rest of their running backs. Singletary is their guy and he came to the Giants because of “the opportunity.” His success will largely be contingent on the offensive line, which again holds true for the Giants’ entire offense for the 12th straight year.
New York had Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor at the tackle spots for this practice. That’s because right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) remains on PUP. They had offseason acquisition Jon Runyan at right guard and Aaron Stinnie at left guard. With center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (shoulder) sidelined, they had Austin Schlottmann with the first team. The interior again leaves questions about this unit. — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: July 29)
Former All-Pro defensive back James Bradberry, coming off a down season and sensing the Eagles were going in a different direction at outside corner, approached the coaching staff about moving to safety this offseason.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio obliged, and Bradberry has been running with the second team at safety early in training camp. He generated one of the top plays of the day Monday when he broke on a short pass from Kenny Pickett and made a diving pass breakup in front of intended receiver Joseph Ngata.
There’s been speculation Bradberry could be traded or released at some point, but for now he’s trying to make the most of his new role in Philly.
“He has been an All-Pro [in 2022, second team], and that wasn’t that long ago,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “He’s done some good things out on the field. He’s really picked it up. He’s a really smart player … I’m excited about this opportunity for him.” — Tim McManus
(Last update: July 29)
When the pads came on Monday, so too did more of an emphasis on the run game. But even before this point, the Commanders focused more on the run game in practice than they did last season under former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. That focus is expected to continue into the season.
In 2023, Washington ranked last with 359 runs and first in pass dropbacks. That strategy wasn’t dictated by score: The Commanders had the same rankings in the first half of games.
“You saw what that got us,” said right guard Sam Cosmi, who was outspoken last season about the need to run more.
The Commanders feel good about their interior line in particular to lead a recharged run game. Cosmi’s run blocking will provide a big help.
“I feel I am one of the best in the league,” Cosmi said. “I’ll be dirty. I’ll be nasty. I won’t take s— from anybody.” — John Keim
(Last update: July 29)
NFC NORTH
The Bears rotated centers during their first six training camp practices, alternating between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton with the first-team offensive line as the position battle takes shape.
That stopped, at least temporarily, on Saturday when Bates slid over to right guard in place of an injured Nate Davis, who suffered a “strain” during offensive and defensive line one-on-ones. Bates remained at right guard Monday with Davis sidelined from practice.
The shuffle is nothing new for the Bears’ O-line, which was forced to experiment with different starting combinations during training camp in 2023 when Davis missed significant practice time. While coach Matt Eberflus categorized Davis as “day to day,” offensive coordinator Shane Waldron quelled the notion of a true position battle at right guard, noting that Davis remains the Bears’ starting right guard when healthy. — Courtney Cronin
(Last update: July 29)
Monday marked the first day of padded practices, or as head coach Dan Campbell described it: “The real thing.”
The session lasted a little less than two hours as the coaching staff acclimated players to the hitting. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold said he didn’t feel as if the pads raised the level of intensity because they were already going hard.
Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman was among the fans in attendance. — Eric Woodyard
(Last update: July 29)
The early portion of training camp is supposed to be a learning curve for rookies. Kalen King and Evan Williams must not have gotten the memo. At least not before Sunday’s practice. The first-year defensive backs each came up with an interception during 11-on-11 action.
King, the third-to-last player picked in the entire draft who is fighting for one of the backup cornerback spots, picked off a Jordan Love pass intended for Christian Watson in what King said was his first play of camp lining up with the No. 1 defense. He nearly had another one in the same practice.
Williams, a fourth-round pick who is in competition with fellow rookie Javon Bullard for a starting safety spot, got his third interception of camp in dramatic fashion. It came on the very first play of the two-minute drill against the No. 2 offense when he picked off Sean Clifford.
“They haven’t thrown too much onto our plate where we’re on the field and kind of our heads are reeling and we’re kind of spinning around,” said Williams, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday on Sunday. — Rob Demovsky
(Last update: July 28)
Among the resources rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has tapped since arriving in Minnesota is a coach, who in theory, is someone with whom he should rarely cross paths.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said Monday that he’s had “several conversations” with McCarthy, initiated by the quarterback. McCarthy has asked “my thoughts of areas that he can work on based on how we see it defensively or see him offensively,” Flores said. “His strengths, his weaknesses, some things that we feel that as a defense that a quarterback can do to make things hard. He asks the right questions. I think he’s about the right stuff.”
Flores is well known for his active and diverse pressure and coverage packages, an approach that can make training camp practices particularly difficult for offenses. On his first team snap of camp, in fact, McCarthy faced a safety blitz. His pass was tipped at the line, and he batted it out of the air to avoid an interception.
Over time, Flores said, McCarthy will learn how to anticipate based on unintended “tells” provided by defensive players.
“There is always a tell,” Flores said. “There is always a guy. That’s what I’m looking for. There is always someone that is giving it away. Hopefully he can start to find who those guys are and put himself in a more advantageous position.” — Kevin Seifert
(Last update: July 29)
NFC SOUTH
The Falcons have settled into a rotation at inside linebacker on a defense that has plenty of positions open for business. Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman and Troy Andersen have all seen reps with the first team, though not all at the same time. Rather, it’s a combination of two of them. Landman said he calls the defensive plays at middle linebacker when he’s in with either of the two, and Elliss does it if he’s in with Andersen.
Andersen was a second-round pick in 2022 — he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash — and started five games as a rookie then missed most of the 2023 season with shoulder and pectoral injuries. Getting him back is a key for the Falcons defense. Andersen showed up to training camp with a physique out of the movie “300,” Elliss said. He also has had the only interception of quarterback Kirk Cousins thus far. — Marc Raimondi
(Last update: July 28)
Second-year wide receiver Jonathan Mingo continues to impress with big catches, like the deep out route he caught from quarterback Bryce Young on Monday. Mingo credits his improvement from a disappointing rookie season (when he caught only 50% of his targets), in part to experience and learning the NFL game, and in part to practicing with Young in California during the offseason.
His only fault with Young in California was the 8 a.m. workout times and the quarterback’s baseball skills. “He’s not good at baseball,” said Mingo, a former outfielder. “He took us to the batting cage at the Angels’ stadium. He could play infield, but he’s not too much of a hitter.”
Mingo’s improvement has kept him getting playing time with Young and the first team, in large part ahead of first-round pick Xavier Legette. — David Newton
(Last update: July 29)
Defensive end Chase Young, who signed a 1-year, $13 million deal in free agency, was a full participant in practice for the first time as a Saint. Young has been working his way back from an offseason neck procedure in March. Monday’s practice, the Saints’ first padded practice, marked a big step forward for Young, who had three reps in 11-on-11 drills with the backups.
Young made the most of those reps, looking explosive off the line of scrimmage. At one point he bull-rushed offensive tackle Landon Young, almost pushing him into quarterback Jake Haener while Payton Turner came in for the sack around the other side. He also easily dispatched another backup lineman a few snaps later.
“He kind of bull-rushed back in there and got a little too close to the quarterback for me. But that catches your eye when a guy is able to walk the offensive tackle back into the quarterback. … I liked what I saw in those three plays,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen.
Allen said Young was cleared for full participation when the team reported last week, which made him ahead of his anticipated rehab schedule.
Marshon Lattimore missed another practice after leaving Friday with a hip flexor injury. Kendre Miller did not participate again with a hamstring injury. — Katherine Terrell
(Last update: July 29)
The Bucs’ pass defense stood out Sunday, with both starting cornerbacks — Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum — notching interceptions. Dean’s came on a tipped Baker Mayfield pass by inside linebacker Lavonte David, and McCollum’s was on a deep ball. More interceptions have been a point of emphasis for this group. As coach Todd Bowles joked, “I liked their ability to make plays. We got to get Dean drug tested ’cause he usually doesn’t catch it. We’re going to see if he’s been on that stuff or not. But other than that, they’re concentrating more and understanding where their help is, they came back in good shape, they’re kind of talking to each other after every play about what they see and the communication’s been good.” — Jenna Laine
(Last update: July 28)
This is the kind of humor players are quite used to hearing from Todd Bowles but it doesn’t often make it to the podium. On Jamel Dean’s interception, he joked, “We gotta get Dean drug tested cuz he usually doesn’t catch it. We’re gonna see if he’s been on that stuff or not…” pic.twitter.com/OzlSSEys5K
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) July 28, 2024
NFC WEST
The Cardinals focused on their red zone offense on Sunday with the hope of building off last year’s success inside the 20. The Cardinals had a red zone touchdown percentage of 62.8 last season, which was seventh best in the NFL. That rate jumped to 69.6% when quarterback Kyler Murray returned for the final eight games last season, which was the third-highest rate in the NFL from Week 10 on. On Sunday, Murray completed all four of his passes in the red zone in the final 11-on-11 session. Two were to tight end Trey McBride for touchdowns — one in the back of the end zone and one near the goal line — one to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on a slant for a touchdown and the last was to wide receiver Michael Wilson. — Josh Weinfuss
(Last update: July 28)
The Rams’ wide receivers group stood out during practice on Saturday, including what coach Sean McVay called “a great day” for 2021 second-round pick Tutu Atwell.
When asked about the receivers room now that the Rams have a healthy Cooper Kupp and a superstar in second-year receiver Puka Nacua, McVay also was quick to point out he has liked from Demarcus Robinson and Atwell, as well. “I feel really good about those four,” McVay said.
Earlier in the week, quarterback Matthew Stafford said it’s “a really competitive room, which makes it great.”
“It’s one thing to have continuity and it’s another thing to have continuity with a bunch of really good players so that’s a plus too,” Stafford said. “So excited to have all those guys back.” — Sarah Barshop
(Last update: July 27)
The 49ers have been a bit thin at wide receiver but reinforcements began to arrive Monday as first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall was activated from the non-football injury list. Pearsall was in uniform and went through individual drills but did not participate in team drills. Assuming he doesn’t have anything pop up overnight, the Niners plan to work him in on Tuesday.
With Brandon Aiyuk holding in and rookie Jacob Cowing dealing with a hamstring injury, there are opportunities to earn snaps right now at receiver, which means Pearsall’s return from his own hamstring ailment comes at a good time. — Nick Wagoner
(Last update: July 29)
The must-watch matchup at Seahawks training camp is DK Metcalf vs. Riq Woolen, and there’s been plenty of it so far.
Whereas Pete Carroll almost always kept his perimeter cornerbacks to one side of the field, new coach Mike Macdonald is willing to have them follow certain receivers, which is why Woolen has occasionally lined up across from Metcalf at left cornerback after playing only on the right side his first two seasons.
That matchup led to some fireworks on Monday as the Seahawks practiced in pads for the first time. The star receiver and Pro Bowl cornerback locked horns at the end of one play, with Woolen swiping at Metcalf’s helmet and Metcalf responding with a shove before the two were separated by teammates.
As for what happened between the whistles, Woolen had the better day. He made an impressive pass breakup vs. Metcalf early in 11-on-11 then successfully defended a pass in the end zone intended for Metcalf later in practice. — Brady Henderson
(Last update: July 29)
AFC EAST
The Bills started out camp with all 91 players participating in practice, but by Monday’s fifth session of camp, injuries started to make an impact on the team’s position battles. Running back Ty Johnson left the team’s first practice in pads early with members of the medical staff after being injured during 11-on-11 drills. He was able to slowly walk off the field, but his availability going forward is unclear. Behind James Cook, this could give rookie Ray Davis an increased chance to show what he can do for the backup job.
At safety, veteran Mike Edwards is now week to week with a hamstring injury, per coach Sean McDermott, and did not participate in practice. Edwards also missed a significant part of the offseason program with a shoulder injury. That leaves Damar Hamlin and rookie Cole Bishop, who have both been part of the starting rotation, with more opportunities in camp to earn the role alongside likely starter Taylor Rapp.
“It’s a part of the game, on one hand,” coach Sean McDermott said of Edwards’ injury. “The other part is, in order to get the scheme down the way you need to get it down, you need to be out there. But Mike’s a pro. He’s been around it before, so I’m sure he’ll do his best to stay up as best as he can on the mental end of things here out the scheme.” — Alaina Getzenberg
(Last update: July 29)
Defenses are typically ahead of offenses at this point, but the Dolphins’ defense is flying for a unit adjusting to its third scheme in as many years. Edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah has been excellent after returning to the team, telling reporters he had “unfinished business” after being released by Miami earlier this offseason.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has drawn rave reviews from his players, and despite giving up a handful of deep plays, their comfort in his system has shown on the field. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
(Last update: July 29)
Outside linebacker Matthew Judon, who enters the final year of his contract and previously told reporters that he doesn’t feel it reflects his value, appeared to make a statement of his displeasure on Monday.
In the Patriots’ first full-pads practice of training camp, Judon arrived on the field in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, played catch with fans in the stands, then sat and watched as his teammates began practice. At one point, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo spoke with Judon, who then walked away. Judon was later seen talking with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.
It looked like a “hold-in”, similar to what he did last year, even though Judon previously said in a radio interview: “Last year, that stuff was trash. I ain’t really like that. I’m a football player. I don’t really want to get into the agency side. So that’s what I’m going to do — I’m going to come out here and play some football.”
Judon didn’t do that on Monday, sparking more questions about his status. — Mike Reiss
(Last update: July 29)
Allen Lazard, bidding to rebound after a poor 2023 season, encountered his first hiccup on Monday. On a crossing route, he dropped a well-thrown pass from Aaron Rodgers and it was intercepted by safety Chuck Clark. Still, this has been a positive training camp for Lazard, who, no doubt, has benefitted from the return of Rodgers, his old Packers teammate.
Coach Robert Saleh went out of his way to praise Lazard, mentioning that the $44 million wide receiver is even gung-ho about playing special teams for the first time. Saleh said Lazard is “the first one up in every special teams drill.”
Lazard told a different version. Asked about why he joined special teams, he said, “I walked in, I was up on the depth chart there and just by the rule of my contract and not wanting to be fined, I showed up.” Well, at least he’s honest. Lazard said he still sees himself as “a valuable starter” on the team. His role probably will shrink when Mike Williams is activated from the PUP list in a few weeks. — Rich Cimini
(Last update: July 29)
AFC NORTH
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman jogged off the field about an hour into practice and didn’t return. He appeared to get hit in the midsection during one-on-one drills.
“I don’t think it’s a serious thing, it’s just kind of a little soreness deal,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “They took him in to be safe.”
The Ravens are banking on Bateman to become a starting wide receiver opposite Zay Flowers, the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. The biggest issue with Bateman, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has been staying healthy.
Bateman missed the first six games of his rookie season following hernia surgery. He was then sidelined for the final nine games of his second season after foot surgery. This has led to some disappointing production in three seasons: 93 catches and four touchdowns.
Beyond Flowers and Bateman, Baltimore’s top receivers are Nelson Agholor, rookie Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace and Deonte Harty. — Jamison Hensley
(Last update: July 29)
The Bengals have made it a point to give veterans days off and lighten the load through the first two weeks of training camp. That meant players such as cornerback Mike Hilton and linebacker Logan Wilson were among those who had limited work on Monday.
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was out again as he continues to recover from a bruised chest, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Edge rusher Sam Hubbard also was out after picking up a minor knee issue on Sunday. Both are considered day-to-day, coach Zac Taylor said.
— Ben Baby
(Last update: July 29)
Tight end David Njoku, coming off a breakout season in 2023 that earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, said his role could expand even more in 2024.
With the arrival of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, the Browns are incorporating dropback concepts and are expected to increase their use of spread looks. Njoku recorded a career-high in targets (123), receptions (81), receiving yards (882) and touchdowns (6) in 2023.
“It’s more exciting times. They’re trying to get me the ball more, so I’m happy,” Njoku said after Monday’s practice. “But whatever they need me to do: run, block, catch, run, dive, duck, dip, everything, I can do.” — Daniel Oyefusi
(Last update: July 29)
Though the Steelers’ offense won its first “seven shots” drill of training camp in Sunday’s practice, the defense won the day. Not only did cornerback Donte Jackson grab the first interception of camp, picking off a misplaced Justin Fields’ throw, but rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson turned heads by ripping the ball away from tight end Pat Freiermuth in an 11-on-11 period.
“I thought the guys were really aggressive in terms of going after the football, punching it out, raking it, and so forth,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “And that’s just a component of laying a foundation for some things that are important to us.”
Wilson got his first extended look with the first team defense in Sunday’s practice, primarily playing alongside Patrick Queen as veteran Elandon Roberts got a partial rest day. In addition to the forced fumble, Wilson also tipped another Fields pass over the middle intended for Connor Heyward.
“He’s highly conditioned,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “I think it starts there, and it’s showing itself in the form of hustle and finish and sometimes hustle and finish puts you in position to do some of the things that you mentioned. We don’t ask a lot of the new guys, but we do ask him to come ready for the work.”
The third-round NC State product is one part of a well-rounded inside linebacking corps, complementing Queen and Roberts with his length and speed. After Sunday’s practice, Wilson stayed on the field to get some work on the JUGS machine, pausing briefly to get a few pointers from Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“Russell Wilson says it all the time: Your mental is 80 percent of this game and just being confident and flying around,” Wilson said after the JUGS work. “Yeah, I’m going to make mistakes, but I’m making ’em 110 percent.” — Brooke Pryor
(Last update: July 28)
AFC SOUTH
Coach DeMeco Ryans called the Texans’ Saturday practice “cleaner” than Friday’s. when refs threw a few flags on pre snap issues to Ryans’ frustration. Quarterback C.J. Stroud had his foot stepped on and limped but finished practice — Ryans said Stroud is “fine.” The defense continues to look better than the offense, with Stroud and Davis Mills each throwing interceptions. The Texans starting offense didn’t have much success on 11-on-11 drills until the fourth session, when Stroud connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs twice, tight end Brevin Jordan once, and to wideout Tank Dell for a 15-yard gain, the longest of the day. The drive stalled out though because of two penalties. — DJ Bien-Aime
(Last update: July 27)
The Colts will don pads for the first time on Tuesday, and coaches will be paying particular attention to how first-round draft choice Laiatu Latu deals with the increased physicality. Latu’s speed as an edge rusher has been evident through practices so far, but the challenge will be maintaining that play speed once the intensified contact begins.
“Right now we’re seeing a skill set that we saw in college — his speed off the ball, his moves,” defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. “But once the pads come on, when you don’t know it’s [if] pass and it’s run-pass, can you convert run [defense] to pass? Can you have all those moves and see that skill set transfer over into all situations? He seems like he’s heading in the right direction though.”
Latu’s presence is now even more critical given this week’s season-ending Achilles injury to Colts 2023 sack leader Samson Ebukam (9.5 sacks last season). — Stephen Holder
(Last update: July 29)
Good bounce-back day for Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence after some issues last week. Much more accurate with his passes after throwing five interceptions in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 last week. He and first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. delivered the highlight of the day when they hooked up on a deep sideline TD pass in WR/DB one-on-one. Thomas made the catch over veteran cornerback Ronald Darby and got both feet in bounds.
Lawrence did have one interception (Christian Braswell) on a sideline throw to Christian Kirk in WR/DB one-on-one, but the QB is required to attempt a throw in that drill whether the receiver is covered or not.
“[Turnovers] are going to happen,” coach Doug Pederson said. “Typically, at this time you would say the defense is probably ahead of the offense. I mean, it’s always been that way. Any turnovers can be cause for concern, but we continue to coach and teach. But on the other side of it, that’s what you want your defense to do. So, I’m kind of stuck in the middle.” — Michael DiRocco
(Last update: July 29)
The Titans started the day without their top two cornerbacks. Chidobe Awuzie went inside toward the end of Wednesday’s practice and wasn’t seen Thursday. Titans coach Brian Callahan said Awuzie had a calf injury that will keep him out for a couple of weeks. Fellow starter L’Jarius Sneed wasn’t on the field for the start of practice. Sneed came out after the individual period to watch the 7-on-7 and team periods. The Titans are employing a load management system for Sneed that stems partly from conversations with the Kansas City Chiefs, his former team. Rookies Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Gabe Jeudy-Lally took most of the snaps in place of Awuzie and Sneed. Jeudy made a nice pass breakup on a Will Levis pass to DeAndre Hopkins to end practice. — Turron Davenport
(Last update: July 25)
AFC WEST
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix got the majority of work with the team’s starters in Monday’s practice — it was Nix’ turn in the three-man rotation the Broncos have used behind center thus far in training camp — and it may have been his rockiest practice.
Some of the issues in the team’s first fully padded practice included snap count problems in team drills, and Nix didn’t show the comfort level he had in recent days as the team continued to repeat the installation process with the offense.
After practice, coach Sean Payton acknowledged it was not the smoothest day, but was quick to add “I don’t think it’s significant. I think it’s something that’s easily cleaned up.”
Jarrett Stidham, who worked with the second-team offense for much of the day, moved the offense the best of the three quarterbacks. Zach Wilson is expected to get the work with the starters Tuesday as Payton said the team will again be in full pads.
Former Stanford coach David Shaw, who the Broncos hired in June as a senior personnel executive, was at Monday’s practice and coach Sean Payton said Shaw’s main focus will be “more of a front office position — in the (player) evaluation. There’s a number of things that he can help us with. He’s extremely smart and he’s a close friend, a good addition for us.” Shaw and Payton were on the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff together in 1997. — Jeff Legwold
(Last update: July 29)
All-Pro guard Joe Thuney practiced for the first time at training camp after tearing a pectoral muscle in last season’s playoff win over the Bills. Thuney worked only in the installation period and went to the sideline when the Chiefs worked against the defense, but it was a start.
“Whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s great,” center Creed Humphrey said. “He’s done it all in the league. He’s played in all the big games and he sees everything so well, and that’s what makes him one of if not the best guard in the league. So being able to have him back, it’s going to be huge.”
The Chiefs used a combination of different players, including rookies Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson, at left guard in Thuney’s absence. — Adam Teicher
(Last update: July 29)
After four practices of essentially getting dominated by the defense, while in the throes of a back-and-forth QB battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders offense is looking forward to putting on the pads for the first time Tuesday. Especially the guys whose job it is to block oncoming edge rushers, since they can now, well, fight back a little.
“It’s a little difficult when you’ve only got shells on, or you’ve only got helmets on,” said second-year tight end Michael Mayer, who had a baptism by fire administered by defensive end Maxx Crosby last summer in the team’s first padded practice. “And, also, when you’ve got the shoulder pads on, I mean, you’re getting your hands inside, you can grab, kind of leverage yourself and things like that.
“Offense against defense? Let’s go. I think they’re going to throw the ball out there and let us play.” — Paul Gutierrez
(Last update: July 29)
In Monday’s first practice with pads, the defense won the day as quarterback Justin Herbert and the receivers were a bit off in timing. Still, DJ Chark Jr. was a bright spot for the receivers, snagging multiple catches. He’s been one of the most consistent players through camp. Harbaugh said it’s normal for the offense to struggle early in camp as players get comfortable with scheme and timing.
“You don’t want to see the offense dominating the defense at this stage, for sure,” he said. “And you could have the defense dominating the offense in these early stages of camp and might be okay with that.”
Harbaugh ended his news conference by reading a written statement on his approach to detailing injuries with the media.
“I am not medically qualified to categorize or speculate as to how someone else is feeling,” Harbaugh said. “The best I can do is say that someone is working through something.” — Kris Rhim
(Last update: July 29)