Joe's Notes: Week 3 Training Camp Summary

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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 his 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 Kyler Murray struggled in his second preseason game completing just 3-of-8 passes for 12 yards and collecting a pair of false start penalties.
• Running back David Johnson did little in preseason loss, while Chase Edmonds was involved in the receiving game.
• Wide receiver Andy Isabella stood out in a crowded receiving group with a 59-yard touchdown.
• Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones continued his struggles collecting two holding penalties, and his roster spot could be in danger
• Cornerback depth is an issue as Patrick Peterson will serve a six-game suspension and now Robert Alford is injured.

Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• While no running back has been more impressive in camp than Brian Hill, he dropped an end-zone pass that could have helped his opportunity to earn the No.2 job.
• RB Devonta Freeman appears back to form and ready to go.
• Local Falcons'writers think there’s a chance that one of the better performing running backs in camp—Ito Smith, Brian Hill, or Kenjon Barber—could be traded or cut
• Receiver Julio Jones is running routes at full speed during practice.
• The Falcons traded tight end Eric Saubert due to the play of Austin Hooper and Jaedon Graham.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Lamar Jackson is optimistic for a “Year 2 leap.” His mechanics are better as he works on becoming a better passer. But his rushing ability and instincts are evident.
• The team’s running back competition behind Mark Ingram is open and fierce. Gus Edwards appears to be in the lead, but Justice Hill is more dynamic. And Kenneth Dixon is making a push for the final roster.
• A wide receiver group once considered among the weakest in the league now feels deep. At the top, Marquise Brown is practicing in full after his offseason Lisfranc injury. His game-breaking speed is an asset that will likely keep him on the field at all times.
• Behind Brown, Miles Boykin continues to stay ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Chris Moore had his second straight standout game and appears determined to carve out a larger offensive role. Willie Snead led the 2018 Ravens in receiving and is still around, providing a veteran presence.
• The receiver depth could reduce the number of two-tight end sets. Mark Andrews is still the best playmaker of the tight end group, but Hayden Hurst had a nice week, showing that he can make noteworthy touchdowns catches as well.

Buffalo Bills Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• QB Josh Allen is showing clear signs of progress in his development as a quarterback and had a strong showing against the Panthers.
• Running back LeSean McCoy scored a touchdown while playing a quarter in his preseason debut and should remain a focal point.
• Slot receiver Cole Beasley is working hard to build rapport with Allen and caught all five of his targets, adding a much-needed dimension to the offense.
• Rookie tight end Tommy Sweeney continues to work with the starters while Tyler Kroft (foot) and fellow rookie Dawson Knox (hamstring) remain out with injuries.
• Defensive end Trent Murphy looks rejuvenated this year and could provide a much-needed boost to the pass rush.

Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• There is optimism around QB Cam Newton's arm and the change in his throwing motion.
• Backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Will Grier both had poor performances in the game against Buffalo, which could possibly give Taylor Heinicke a chance to reinsert himself into the mix.
• After returning from a back injury, running back Jordan Scarlett finally saw playing time and had a decent showing.
• The battle for the last wide receiver spot continues to be tight between Rashad Ross, Terry Godwin, and Jaydon Mickens, none of whom set themselves apart in game action.
• Tight end Ian Thomas was out most of the week with a rib injury but returned to practice following the second preseason game.
• After an impressive performance in Chicago, both linebackers Brian Burns and Marquis Haynes failed to build upon their momentum.

Chicago Bears Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Few coaches place as little emphasis on the preseason as Matt Nagy does, so all starters and several backups sat out the second preseason game against the Giants.
• Quarterback Mitch Trubisky continues to draw mixed reviews in practice with the defense earning most of the credit for his struggles.
• RB David Montgomery continues to impress and Yahoo Sports Terez A. Paylor says the team is "in love" with him.
• Wide receiver Allen Robinson has been the star of training camp on offense and appears headed for a big season thanks to his ability to win contested catches.

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ryan Finley has shown great poise and has locked up the backup job.
• The offense is expected to center around RB Joe Mixon.
• Rookie running back Trayveon Williams injured his foot and is expected to miss a few weeks.
• Running back Rodney Anderson was activated from the non-football injury list and will make his Bengals debut in preseason Week 3.
• Wide receiver Auden Tate has taken advantage of increased reps available due to injuries to starters, catching everything thrown in his direction.
• Tight end Drew Sample bounced back from a rough debut with a very strong performance. He could earn the Week 1 start.

Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to excel in practice work. His accuracy, in particular, has been notable.
• Running back Nick Chubb was hard to contain and had multiple long runs in joint practices against the Colts.
• Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr is dealing with a minor hip issue, but it doesn’t threaten his Week 1 availability.
• Wide receiver Jaelen Strong is a strong candidate to make the 53-man roster.
• Tight end David Njoku keeps scoring in practices and will be targeted often in red-zone situations.

Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Dak Prescott led the first-team offense on a 97-yard touchdown drive to open the Rams game, helping calm any concerns that arose for an up-and-down training camp.
• RB Ezekiel Elliott continues his hold out. He returned from Mexico to Dallas late in the week, spurring hope talks are progressing. But then went back to Mexico after Jerry Jones' "Zeke Who?" comment when asked about Tony Pollard. We still think he'll be in the lineup Week 1. But it's not certain.
• Rookie running back Tony Pollard gained 51 yards and a touchdown on six touches against the Rams; he’ll be the feature back if Elliott’s hold out continues into the regular season. The question is whether he’ll have a role on third downs even when Elliott is back in the fold?
• Receiver Amari Cooper has missed more than a week with a sore heel, although neither he nor the team seems concerned about it lingering into the regular season.
• Amari Cooper may be the No. 1 receiver by reputation, but Michael Gallup has been the team’s best receiver during camp and the preseason.

Denver Broncos Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Backup quarterback Drew Lock’s first camp has been a rollercoaster. He's played well at times but suffered a "significant" right thumb sprain and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.
• RB Phillip Lindsay is playing without limitation after wrist surgery, and he looks ready for more all-around usage than backfield mate Royce Freeman.
• The injury to new addition RB Theo Riddick has left the Broncos seeking a dependable third-down option, so Devontae Booker’s roster spot looks safe.
• WR Emmanuel Sanders is healthy and nearly ready for game action; there’s no longer much doubt over his Week 1 status.
• Rookie TE Noah Fant continues to impress with his athleticism but is mired in a crowded tight end room and left Monday’s game with an ankle injury.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been struggling in practice and has taken much more time off during camp than normal. It has raised some red flags he might not be quite right.
• Running back Kerryon Johnson has been showing out as a receiver and was one of the few bright spots for a Lions offense that has been struggling.
• Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola have been sidelined with injuries and the team has been tight-lipped about what they are dealing with.
• Chris Lacy is emerging as the No. 4 wide receiver.
• Tight end T.J. Hockenson has shown improvement as a blocker and received more snaps with the starters in practice.

Green Bay Packers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• He probably still has an edge in the race, but DeShone Kizer is no longer considered a lock to serve as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.
• Running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have lost camp time to hamstring issues, but rookie Dexter Williams has yet to capitalize. Jones downplayed the issue saying, "I'm ready to go".
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling has run away with the starting receiver job opposite Davante Adams, and he’s putting in long practice hours with Aaron Rodgers.
• Geronimo Allison, who’s established a strong, instinctive rapport with Rodgers, is drawing rave reviews in the slot position.
• WRs Jake Kumerow and Darrius Shepherd may be leapfrogging some of the bigger names ahead of them on the depth chart – starting with J’Mon Moore.

Houston Texans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins looked sharp in their preseason debuts. The two hooked up for a touchdown on their lone drive.
• Running back Duke Johnson Jr was sidelined with a hamstring injury and just returned to practice with the Texans on Tuesday.
• Wide receivers Vyncint Smith and DeAndre Carter are the top two backups at wide receiver.
• Rookie tight end Kahale Warring has been sidelined with a concussion and is a candidate to start the season on injured reserve.
• Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is rumored to be on the trading block with the Texans in the market for a starting left tackle.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• We don't have firm answers on QB Andrew Luck’s availability for Week 1, and there have been mixed messages. He looked good warming up Saturday in drills. But then HC Reich said on 8/20 he'd be held out all this week of practice.
• After a slow start, quarterback Jacoby Brissett got hot and led a confidence-boosting touchdown drive.
• Running back Jonathan Williams broke a rib but shouldn’t be sidelined long, while DOnta Foreman tore his biceps and will miss the season.
• Wide receiver Deon Cain continues to make noise in his return from an ACL injury. He looked explosive and led the team in receiving yards.
• Wide receiver Devin Funchess and tight end Eric Ebron both made big plays on the touchdown drive by the starting offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Nick Foles has now sat out back to back preseason games and is getting his reps in practice instead to keep him healthy heading into the regular season.
• Running back Leonard Fournette says he is in the best shape of his life as he is gearing up for a heavy workload.
• Wide receiver Marqise Lee is activated from the PUP list but will still be brought along slowly with Westbrook, Conley, and Chark ahead of him.
• Tight end Geoff Swaim looks to have the starting role locked up but suffered a foot injury in the preseason. Rookie Josh Oliver is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Damien Williams is back at full practice. He's expected to be the lead but there is talk of more of a committee role than was expected pre-camp.
• Journeyman back Carlos Hyde continues to draw tepid reviews, while versatile rookie Darwin Thompson keeps putting explosive plays on tape.
• With Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman showing well, the Chiefs boast a receiving corps that’s both dynamic and deep with playmakers.
• Through camp and two preseason games, the speedy Hardman has shown the ability to scorch defenses both vertically and horizontally.
• Led by notoriously aggressive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the defense looks poised to remain a pocket-pushing, ball-hawking unit.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• RB Melvin Gordon continues to holdout form training camp in a contract dispute with the Chargers. Most expect it to extend into the regular season.
• Without Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler continues to take the lead role in the backfield with Justin Jackson working the lesser half of a committee.
• WR Keenan Allen suffered an ankle injury during practice which was initially reported as minor, but head coach Anthony Lynn has been non-committal about his status. Watch closely.
• QB Philip Rivers is in the final year of his contract and is expected to play this season without a contract extension.

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Nearly all the starters from the Rams stayed behind while the rest of the roster traveled to Hawaii for their second preseason game.
• HC Sean McVay has been gushing about QB Jared Goff's mastery of the offense and playbook.
• RB Todd Gurley continues to perform well physically, including running 21 miles per hour during camp, which was near his season-high last year. Sean McVay said, “Todd’s the only one to be able to really say exactly how he’s feeling, and until we get out into a game, you never know exactly how it’s going to respond, but you feel great about where he’s at.”
• Outside of monitoring Gurley’s health, the main storyline is the health and continuity of the offense, with continuity and health at all the skill positions from the NFC’s highest-scoring team last season.
• RB Darrell Henderson had a stronger showing than week one of the preseason, showing his versatility in the passing game and lining up throughout the formation.

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the favorite to start the opener, but Josh Rosen’s improved play has made it a much closer competition.
• Running back Kenyan Drake suffered a foot injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the preseason and possibly longer.
• Wide receiver Albert Wilson has finally returned to practice for the first time since a hip injury ended his 2018 season last October.
• Wide receiver Preston Williams caught just one of six targets against Tampa Bay but the poor showing has done little to dent his considerable hype.
• Linebacker Sam Eguavoen has come from out of nowhere to lock down a starting job.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins may have additional opportunities to run more mixing in runs with bootlegs and moving pockets this season.
• The Vikings are taking a cautious approach with running back Dalvin Cook, hoping to keep him healthy and fresh.
• Running back Alexander Mattison looks to be the handcuff behind Cook but still has work to do in pass protection game.
• Wide receiver Chad Beebe is locking in his role in the slot for the Vikings making Laquon Treadwell expendable.
• Tight end Irv Smith has been improving his blocking game and earning trust from the coaches.

New England Patriots Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Rookie QB Jarrett Stidham continues to impress, forcing the Patriots to consider keeping three quarterbacks on the roster.
• Rookie runner Damien Harris, silent throughout camp, erupted onto the scene with a huge, multi-faceted performance Saturday night.
• Josh Gordon’s reinstatement clarifies the crowded receiver room a bit, though he’s not yet ready for game action. HC Bill Belichick was typically noncommittal toward Gordon's status.
• Rookie receiver Jakobi Meyers continues to shine with another strong week of practice and another big preseason showing.
• With starting candidates Ben Watson and Matt LaCosse shelved, the team is scraping the barrel to fill in the gaps at tight end.

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Teddy Bridgewater looks locked in as the No. 2 quarterback but has struggled mightily over the past two weeks.
• Both RB Alvin Kamara and WR Michael Thomas are back to full participation in practice; neither was known to be injured, and their absences were likely about rest.
• RB Dwayne Washington sits well ahead of the Saints’ veteran camp bodies as the clear handcuff to Latavius Murray.
• At receiver, early-camp standout Emmanuel Butler has returned to practice, though he has some ground to make up after losing time to injury.
• Tight end Jared Cook looks poised to make the Saints forget all about the disappointments of Ben Watson and Coby Fleener.

New York Giants Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones had two fumbles in his first three drives but showed resolve and led the Giants on two scoring drives to end the first half. He has no chance of starting Week 1, but it’s hard to envision a scenario where he doesn’t start games later in the year.
• Giants star running back Saquon Barkley has been a dominant force in practice all summer but continues to be held out of preseason game action.
• Starting receiver Sterling Shepard was approved for contact drills on Sunday and is confident he’ll be on the field in Week 1.
• Tight end Evan Engram has been nearly as impressive as Saquon Barkley during practices; Engram stands an excellent chance at leading the team in targets.
• Receiver Bennie Fowler appears to have the edge for the No. 3 job over Cody Latimer and will likely start opposite Sterling Shepard for the first month of the season while Golden Tate serves his four-game suspension.

New York Jets Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• With the injuries on defense, the look of this team could be very different once cuts happen and players become available.
• Ryan Kalil is still rusty at center after his short retirement, something highlighted when he sailed a snap over Sam Darnold’s head on a goal-line play on Sunday. Shades of some horrible snaps in 2018 which hurt the team.
• Guard Kelechi Osemele has been dealing with a strained pectoral muscle, and missing some practice, including Sunday.
• Finally, some decent linebacker news, as Anthony Wint picked off a Trevor Siemian pass and returned it 75 yards for a practice ending touchdown Sunday. With issues on defense, the team needs unheralded players to rise to the occasion.

Oakland Raiders Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Josh Jacobs looked the part in his preseason debut and continues to draw major praise from HC Jon Gruden and his Raiders teammates.
• Wide Receiver Antonio Brown ran routes before the preseason game and his foot injury didn’t seem to slow him at all.
• Antonio Brown disappeared from camp again due to his anger about the helmet issue. GM Mike Mayock said he needs Brown to either be “all in or all out.” Brown later returned but is still challenging the league over his helmet.
• Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has locked down the top job in the slot and should have a healthy role as a rookie.
• Rookie wide receiver Keelan Doss has made a move up the depth chart and led the team in receptions against Arizona.
• TE Darren Waller is dealing with an injured shoulder, but he was able to play through it without any problems.

Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The 40-year old veteran quarterback Josh McCown signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal to be Carson Wentz’s backup.
• Running backs Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard split first-team reps against the Jaguars, and it looks like they’ll open the season a committee along with third-down specialist Darren Sproles.
• DeSean Jackson has turned back the clock and might be the Eagles' best outside receiver.
• Dallas Goedert is week-to-week with a calf injury, which makes drafting him as a high-upside TE2 a risky proposition.
• The Eagles enter the third preseason game with very few remaining roster questions; the only questions are whether a few injured starters like Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox, and Barrett Brooks will be ready for Week 1.

Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is energized and excited by the team’s performance in training camp and feels good about his skill position players, calling JuJu Smith-Schuster “something special.”
• Running back James Conner got in his first practices in full pads and first preseason game action after the team had made a conscious effort to reduce the wear and tear on his body, but he’ll be the workhorse back as Jaylen Samuels continues to develop as a runner adding versatility to the backup role.
• WR Donte Moncrief returned to full practice and made his preseason debut Saturday night as he along with Eli Rogers and Smith-Schuster were the starting lineup for the final practice and deployed for red-zone drills, two-minute drills, and the beginning of Saturday’s game.
• James Washington is behind Moncrief, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith-Schuster, Moncrief, and Washington on the field in three-receiver sets. That personnel group would allow Smith-Schuster to play the slot position where he has had success.
• Wide receivers Diontae Johnson, Eli Rogers, and Ryan Switzer offer slot options with excellent change-of-direction skills. Rogers appears to be in the lead for top slot position duties.
• TE Vance McDonald is in line for as many snaps as he can handle. With the team preferring “11” personnel, McDonald is the superior option to be the lone tight end. Although OC Randy Fichtner put a damper on things saying McDonald won't be playing full games.

San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• QB Jimmy Garoppolo has consistently struggled throughout training camp and had a dismal performance against the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
• RB Jerick McKinnon continues to be out of practice while getting treatment after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired knee. He is a potential injured reserve candidate.
• The wide receiver corps is underwhelming including de facto number one receiver Dante Pettis who has struggled to build a rapport with Garoppolo in training camp and failed to distinguish himself in preseason games.
• TE George Kittle is suffering from a calf injury which was described as day-to-day. He missed the preseason game and his participation this week in training camp is key to monitor.

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The Seahawks’ starting offense stalled twice in their first two drives due to penalties and drops. Overall the unit looks good but there are still a few too many mistakes.
• The secondary has had some good moments in practice, but Sunday saw them struggling against the Vikings’ starters. The inconsistency was highlighted by DeShawn Snead who had a fantastic pick-six but got beat for a first down and whiffed on a tackle.
• Something we don’t say most years: the Seattle offensive line is looking good and did a solid job against the Vikings. Unfortunately, depth is a problem.
• With DK Metcalf sidelined until at least Week 1, Tyler Lockett, Jaron Brown, and David Moore should start the season as the top three receivers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• QB Jameis Winston had an inconsistent week of practice filled with interceptions in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills. While checking down more often and improving in the red zone, communication issues with receivers have been the source of Winston’s problems.
• Second-year Alex Cappa has shown more improvement than any player on the team and he’s holding his own against Ndamukong Suh in practice as the team’s starting right guard.
• Rookie middle linebacker Devin White is showing off his athletic ability, coverage skills in the red zone, and pass-rushing ability up the middle.
• Running back Dare Ogunbowale is making a strong push for the No.3 spot.
• Backup QB Ryan Griffin has played clutch football in consecutive preseason games.
• The Buccaneers extended the contract of GM Jason Licht through 2022.

Tennessee Titans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Marcus Mariota scored his first points of the preseason and looked better than he did the previous week in practices.
• Running back Derrick Henry returned to practice from a calf injury but expect the Titans to hold him out of preseason games just to be safe.
• Wide receiver Corey Davis has had uneventful practices but made contributions on a scoring drive against New England.
• Wide receiver Taywan Taylor rebounded well this week after having a nightmarish prior week.
• Tight end Delanie Walker proved he is a crucial part of the offense and was largely responsible for the Titans’ first-team touchdown drive.

Washington Redskins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins improved in the second preseason game but still needs seasoning. With Colt McCoy still injured, Case Keenum appears likely to start Week 1, by default.
• RB Derrius Guice has looked good in practice. While the coaches are optimistic, Guice still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
• RB Adrian Peterson is ready for a heavy workload, whether that’s splitting time with Guice or as the full-time starter.
• The receiving corps is a mess, as the projected starters lack explosiveness, and new slot receiver Trey Quinn is already hurt.
• TE Jordan Reed has seemingly rolled back the clock and looks like an elite playmaker, but he’s also being treated with kids’ gloves.

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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