Joe's Notes: Week 2 Training Camp Summary - Footballguys

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys Training Camp Updates. Every week in August, our Bob Henry and Jason Wood and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's incredible and frankly, probably worth the price of the Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription just by itself. Each edition is almost 40 pages long.

While I encourage you to read every word of every week, I also understand Life Happens. And one of the more valuable services Footballguys can add is saving you time. For this article, I had the idea of taking the comprehensive Training Camp Update and distilling it down into 80 proof shots of the Need-to-Know material. Some teams will have more news than others. Because that's how it works in real life. Much of it will be from the Camp Updates, some of it will be my takes but all of it will hopefully be useful to you. And make sure to jump on our Season Long Pro subscription to continue seeing this type of stuff all year long. And if this feature is helpful to you, shoot me an email at bryant@footballguys.com and let me know.

Let's get to it.

Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Sam Bradford continues to impress in camp while Josh Rosen failed to stand out in his Preseason debut.
• Running back David Johnson looked great on two carries in the preseason game and declared himself "back".
• Running back Chase Edmonds has been the darling of the offense all offseason and continues to demand playing time even behind David Johnson on the depth chart.
• The battle continues at the wide receiver position J.J. Nelson, Chad Williams, Christian Kirk, Brice Butler, and Greg Little have all failed to emerge as WR2.
• Tight End Ricky Seals-Jones has chemistry with Josh Rosen and also has Sam Bradford who has been known to favor the position over the years.
• Veteran linebacker Gerald Hodges was signed Sunday while Jeremy Cash was injured Saturday and Deone Bucannon remains out.

Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Wide receiver Julio Jones told the media that he and quarterback Matt Ryan will do more to get on the same page for red zone work.
• Wide receivers Justin Hardy and Calvin Ridley were included in isolated route combination work in the red zone with Matt Ryan, which hopefully translates to in-season red zone looks.
• Tight end Austin Hooper is developing chemistry with Ryan in the red zone and two-minute drills.
• There are conflicting reports about starting linebacker Duke Riley's play that bears further monitoring.
• Undrafted free agent running back Justin Crawford is performing well enough to earn a spot on the roster.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Joe Flacco is healthy and confident. A very different state from this time a year ago where he was recovering from a back injury.
• In the backup quarterback ranks, Lamar Jackson played ahead of Robert Griffin III III on Thursday, though Griffin still seems best suited to be the backup if a regular-season need for such contingency existed today.
• Running back Alex Collins is being given the starter treatment – and rightfully so – with just two carries in Thursday's game; he's a key to the entire offense.
• Michael Crabtree is the team's WR1, but John Brown is the one surprising every day in camp and distancing himself from his WR2 competition
• The tight end group doesn't have one player head and shoulders above the rest but is showing improvement as camp progresses.

Buffalo Bills Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Nathan Peterman got the start at quarterback in the preseason opener, but all three quarterbacks played well.
• Kelvin Benjamin continues to stand out and look like the No. 1 wide receiver this team needs him to be.
• Running back LeSean McCoy sat out the Panthers game and has been given a light workload throughout the preseason. He's expected to be the centerpiece of the offense as long as his legal issues don't resurface.
• Running back Marcus Murphy is making a strong case for the third-string running back job.
• Shaq Lawson and Harrison Phillips are making plays and should both be key parts of the defensive line rotation

Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Cam Newton is showing more willingness to make shorter passes and allow his receivers to make plays instead of forcing big plays.
• The Panthers have shown they're serious about the big workload talk and seem intent on making running back Christian McCaffrey an integral part of their offense.
• Wide receiver Jarius Wright has set himself apart and made one of the best plays of the first preseason game.
• Wide receiver D.J. Moore continues to work hard for his roster spot, but needs to show he can maintain the same level of play against more seasoned players.
• Ian Thomas is impressing his teammates and observers and may have clinched the backup spot behind tight end, Greg Olsen, already.

Chicago Bears Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The first-string offense was sloppy (but aggressive) against the Bengals and is still clearly a work in progress.
• Running back Jordan Howard missed some time with a minor knee injury but returned to practice over the weekend.
• Wide receiver Allen Robinson continues to get time off to rest his surgically-repaired knee.
• Tight end Adam Shaheen has impressed as a receiver and could push for a bigger role than expected.
• Rookie linebacker Roquan Smith ended his holdout and signed a four-year, $18 million contract.

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Andy Dalton and first team offense looked great in their preseason game, with a pair of long touchdown drives.
• Running back Joe Mixon is the clear number one running back. He is also going to see a lot of opportunities to make plays as a receiver.
• Wide receiver John Ross is frustratingly inconsistent but his speed, quickness, and explosiveness are obvious.
• Tyler Boyd and Josh Malone are also coming on strong at wide receiver.

Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been poised and sharp.
• Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield has played well and given the team reasons to believe he is the future face of the Browns franchise.
• Running back Nick Chubb's debut was lackluster. Some are blaming poor offensive line play.
• Practice repetitions indicate running back Carlos Hyde will carry the load between-the-tackles and Duke Johnson Jr will reprise his pass-catching role from last year.
• General Manager John Dorsey believes wide receiver Josh Gordon will return to the team in time for the regular season.
• Tight end David Njoku looked like a breakout candidate with his two touchdown performance against the Giants.

Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Dak Prescott shook off an up-and-down training camp with an excellent drive against the 49ers, but one drive doesn't erase his poor play over the last few weeks.
• Rod Smith has the No. 2 running back spot locked up, but rookie Bo Scarbrough opened eyes with powerful north-south running in the preseason opener.
• Receivers Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, Cole Beasley, and Tavon Austin are roster locks leaving two or three spots open for Terrance Williams, Deonte Thompson, Lance Lenoir, and Noah Brown.
• Tight ends Blake Jarwin and Geoff Swaim are distancing themselves from Dalton Schultz and Rico Gathers.

Denver Broncos Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Case Keenum is firmly entrenched as the starter, but the backup situation is in flux. Despite Chad Kelly's strong preseason debut, the Broncos may still be looking for reinforcements in their quarterback room.
• Running back Royce Freeman continues to shine. Devontae Booker sits atop the depth chart, but many feel Freeman's talent edge will vault him ahead.
• Rookie receivers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton seem to hold the top posts in the competition to back up the starters
• Tight end Jake Butt looks ready to contribute as the slot tight end.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains unchallenged as the starting quarterback.
• Quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock continue to battle for the backup job.
• Running back Kerryon Johnson continues to look fantastic throughout camp, showing excellent ability in the preseason opener in Oakland.
• Wide receivers Marvin Jones and Golden Tate are solid. But Kenny Golladay continues to look very good and he should see plenty of snaps in this offense.
• Tight end Michael Roberts is struggling and potentially opening the door for other tight ends, particularly Hakeem Valles.

Green Bay Packers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Aaron Jones has missed most of camp practices thus far, a less-than-ideal start for a back suspended to open the season.
• Running backs Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery continue to provide versatility, but both seem stuck in the mud as ballcarriers.
• The team's bevy of young receivers keeps alternating flashy plays with mental miscues – and there's little way to differentiate them right now.
• Tight end Jimmy Graham injured his knee early last week. He returned this week and seems to be on the same page with Aaron Rodgers.

Houston Texans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Deshaun Watson is 100% healthy and moving around well. He played one series in the preseason game but the willingness to put him out there spoke volumes.
• Slimmed down Lamar Miller continues to impress and has virtually no competition at the running back position.
• Rookie tight end Jordan Akins caught two touchdown passes in the preseason game and looks like he may make an immediate impact as a pass catcher.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Andrew Luck was conservative, but sharp in his preseason debut, leading scoring drives on each of his series and proving he can take hits, get back up, and continue drives.
• Running backs Marlon Mack (hamstring) and Robert Turbin (ankle) are both considered week-to-week leaving the door wide open for Jordan Wilkins to carve out a larger role on early downs.
• Wide receiver Deon Cain tore his ACL in the preseason opener leaving Ryan Grant and Chester Rogers locked into the No. 2 and No. 3 roles.
• Tight ends Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron both played extensively on Luck's two drives. though Doyle ran the most pass routes.

Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Blake Bortles continues to have his best training camp to date, as he followed all the talk up with a strong preseason showing.
• Running back Leonard Fournette looks leaner and faster this offseason and his teammates are taking notice.
• Wide receiver Donte Moncrief is finally back at on the field for the Jaguars and made some plays in his first preseason action with the Jaguars.
• Wide receiver Dede Westbrook is turning in an excellent camp and looks like a veteran on the field in his second season.
• Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins has a good relationship with Blake Bortles and remains one of his favorite targets.
• Both cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr were suspended by the Jaguars for one week. Fowler for violating team rules and Ramsey for an outburst towards local media via social media.

Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II II's camp has been uneven and the head coach and the general manager expect more of it to begin the season—including “head-scratching performances” at points this year – but they also believe he'll make good on the lofty expectations.
• Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is performing well and should figure prominently as a reserve in the rotation after learning all three spots and working out this summer with Mahomes.
• Cornerback David Amerson could be a liability in the Chiefs' press-heavy coverage scheme this year – he's been a ball hawk with competent off-man cover skills but he struggles with press coverage.
• The secondary may be the weak link early this year given Amerson's liabilities, losing safety Daniel Sorenson for at least six weeks and Eric Berry returning from a torn Achilles.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Without Hunter Henry and Antonio Gates, the tight ends have struggled, creating opportunities for running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler to be more involved in the passing game and the team to feature more wide receiver heavy formations.
• The backup position at quarterback is uncertain with Cardale Jones struggling and being outplayed by Geno Smith in the first preseason game. Coach Anthony Lynn spoke of the preseason games determining the backup so Smith is likely the leader after this week. Philip Rivers has been a sturdy quarterback, but if he were to get injured, the Chargers have a strong set of offensive weapons to make a backup quarterback fantasy viable.
• Wide receiver Mike Williams saw a steady stream of positive storylines yet was reduced form the first-team offense to the second-team offense on the depth chart during the week. Williams also played most of the first half of the first preseason game, so his status is uncertain. The Chargers could get Williams more work after a limited rookie season or something worse about his status in the offense could be happening. The situation is a key to monitor in an offense with plenty of target share available.

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Defensive end Aaron Donald remains out of training camp as contract negotiations continue. The negotiations have been improving, but little is known about the specifics or a timeframe for Donald to report to camp.
• Wide receiver Brandin Cooks continues to see positive indicators out of camp. News broke that coach Sean McVay wanted to try to acquire Cooks in 2017 before the team settled on Sammy Watkins. All trends point to Cooks having a stronger role than Watkins did last season.
• The backup battles at both quarterback and running back are up in the air. The quarterbacks have been lackluster, with Sean Mannion and Brandon Allen struggling through camp, while the running backs are versatile and deep behind Todd Gurley. John Kelly saw second-half usage in the first preseason game but looked like the best of Gurley's potential backups.

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Kalen Ballage is making his fair share of rookie mistakes but also showing off his incredible athleticism.
• Wide receiver DeVante Parker is struggling mightily. Tuesday the team announced he's dealing with a broken middle finger but should be ready by Week 1.
• Wide receiver Danny Amendola may be a late-round steal in PPR leagues. He might be the new Jarvis Landry.
• Momentum continues to build for tight end Mike Gesicki to have a big role as a rookie. He did not have a reception in the preseason game which may keep the hype under control.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins was flawless in his first game action as the Vikings starting quarterback but vows to improve.
• Running back Dalvin Cook looks fully recovered from last year's torn ACL and has been drawing endless praise from coaches and teammates.
• Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has a connection with Kirk Cousins that was on display in the preseason game against the Broncos.
• No news is good news for tight end, Kyle Rudolph, as he has been quiet this offseason thus far but word is him and Cousins look the part playing together.
• Both Laquon Treadwell and Kendall Wright continue to battle for the WR3 spot, and neither has been shining so far.

New England Patriots Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Rex Burkhead joined Sony Michel on the sideline with an injury, making the team's No. 3 running back race – led by Jeremy Hill – even more intriguing.
• With a few oft-injured receivers wiped from the team's 2018 plans, the responsibility is on the trio of Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker, and Kenny Britt to cover at least Julian Edelman's suspension.
• Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is excelling as a defensive leader – as well as its primary pass-rushing cog.

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Jonathan Williams is fighting for the Mark Ingram role with Ingram suspended to open 2018.
• The top receiver spots seem already sorted out with Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr, even with presumed No. 3 Cameron Meredith yet to practice in pads.
• Rookie wide receiver TreQuan Smith has shown big downfield ability but still has a ways to go.
• Tight end Ben Watson's return to practice was encouraging, but his injury situation remains unclear.

New York Giants Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The Giants should be in the market for a veteran backup quarterback because neither Davis Webb nor Kyle Lauletta seems capable of replacing Eli Manning.
• The offensive line is still a work in progress as center Jon Halapio struggled in pass protection against the Browns after having an excellent training camp.
• Running back Saquon Barkley's 39-yard run to open the preseason impressed, but he has work to do as a pass protector on blitz pickups. He's dealing with a mild hamstring issue.
• The team may keep seven receivers on the 53-man roster, but only Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Cody Latimer are viable offensive contributors.
• The defense has more questions than answers, particularly at cornerback.

New York Jets Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Sam Darnold played well in the preseason game and gave fans what they were hoping for. Caution is always advised after Preseason Week 1, but his poise was encouraging.
• Running back Isaiah Crowell scored a touchdown on a catch-and-run but had to leave the game with a head injury that was later diagnosed as a concussion.
• The outside depth on the offensive line is questionable and backups Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale aren't great. Kelvin Beachem's health is critical.
• The defense spent much of Sunday's practice against Washington in fights. The fire is laudable, as long as they don't become a unit easily baited into dumb flags.
• Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates is using tight ends as more than blockers, giving the offense hope for fantasy production.

Oakland Raiders Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Coach Jon Gruden continues to rave about quarterback Derek Carr.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch had a 60-yard touchdown run called back on his only touch of the game against Detroit. He looks ready.
• Chris Warren III III is a rookie running back to watch after starring in the preseason opener.
• Wide receiver Martavis Bryant responded with a better week of practice after Gruden had some negative things to say about his effort last week. But early this week, he's missed two consecutive practices with severe migraine headaches.

Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Carson Wentz continues to sit out of full-team drills but has looked impeccably sharp in all other facets of practice. Week 1 seems in question.
• The receiving corps looks thin, but Mike Wallace took over the No. 1 role late this week and was productive in Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor's absence.
• Ian Rapoport reported "there's a chance" Alshon Jeffery might be forced to start the season on the PUP list and miss the first six games. Stay tuned.
• Tight end Zach Ertz returned to practice after the preseason opener and dominated in 11-on-11, 7-on-7, and goal-line drills with regularity.
• Rookie tight end Dallas Goedert was nearly flawless in his preseason debut as both the first team's top target and a capable blocker.

Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left practice early Tuesday 8/14. Per coach Mike Tomlin: “Ben Roethlisberger sustained a hit today in practice. He is being evaluated by team doctors as part of the concussion protocol.”
• Backup running back James Conner is the best running back in camp but won't be creating a committee with Le'Veon Bell.
• Running back Le'Veon Bell is training off-site and incorporating a special footwork coach into his regimen.
• Wide receiver Antonio Brown was sent back to Pittsburgh last week to evaluate a quad injury but has returned to practice; the team does not seem concerned.
• Tight end Vance McDonald is still nursing a foot injury, which is hurting his chances of overtaking Jesse James for the starting role.

San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been inconsistent passing to the perimeter and down the field to his wide receivers while his best success came throwing to tight ends and running backs in the short area of the field.
• Injuries hit the offense hard - running back Jerick McKinnon suffered a knee strain while both Matt Breida and George Kittle suffered shoulder injuries – creating opportunities for Joe Williams and Jeremy McNichols to see more time in the upcoming preseason games.
• The offensive line has struggled against their own defensive line in practice, then failed to create room to run in the preseason game. Without a bigger back in the currently projected workload, the 49ers may have trouble running on the interior this season.

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The offensive line is dealing with injuries again, and that could mean quarterback Russell Wilson will be scrambling again.
• We hope to see more from wide receiver Jaron Brown in camp to make sure he's 100 percent back from his ACL tear as he could be in line for a big role.
• The longer defensive end Dion Jordan is out, the likelier he gets waived with an injury settlement with far more talented defenders shining right now.
• There are a lot of receivers battling for the fourth spot, but none of them are likely to have a significant impact this season.
• With a new defense lacking a veteran secondary that could bail out the offense out, there will be even more pressure on Russell Wilson and the offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Peyton Barber is the starter. “Peyton is our starter,” coach Dirk Koetter said Monday. “We're definitely going to use Ronald Jones II II and take advantage of what he's going to do." Jones earned praise for his pass protection but Koetter cited his preseason performance as ‘average.'
• Wide receiver Chris Godwin is expected to be the official starter opposite Mike Evans, but it will be a four-receiver rotation including Adam Humphries and DeSean Jackson.
• Defensive end Noah Spence has added 35 pounds of muscle and hasn't lost any of his speed off the edge.
• Defensive backs Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart will figure prominently in September if Vernon Hargreaves cannot return from a groin injury within the next few weeks.

Tennessee Titans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Marcus Mariota has struggled in practice but shined in game action.
• Running backs Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis continue the even split of repetitions in practices.
• Wide receiver Corey Davis is back at practice and is fully participating.
• Wide receiver Rishard Matthews is showing signs of being close to a return.
• Tight end Delanie Walker sat out the preseason contest but practiced in full later in the week.

Washington Redskins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The first-team offense had a quiet week, but quarterback Alex Smith continues to execute the offense flawlessly in practice.
• Rookie running back Derrius Guice tore his ACL and was placed on injured reserve.
• The team plans on using a running back committee in Guice's stead, including Chris Thompson on third downs and some combination of Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley on first and second downs.
• Tight end Jordan Reed made it through two weeks without an injury setback; he's the team's top red zone threat.

And that's that for this week. Let me know if you found this type of thing useful by shooting an email to bryant@footballguys.com. And keep up with me on Twitter by clicking the follow button below.

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