The Biggest Storylines From The Start Of Training Camp

With the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers beginning their programs, all 32 NFL teams have reported for training camp.

There are plenty of noteworthy injuries, holdouts, and decisions that have been announced already, not even a full day into training camp. The Giants have chosen a starter. The Bengals want to see more Joe Burrow. Plus, a pair of big-name players failed to report to their respective camps.

Let’s run down the list and highlight the most important information that has come out of the first day or two of training camp.

Terry McLaurin and Trey Hendrickson are no-shows

Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson did not report with the Cincinnati Bengals’ other veterans to training camp, which began earlier today. Hendrickson is currently in Jacksonville, Florida as he looks to come to an agreement with the Bengals’ front office on a contract extension before becoming a free agent next off-season.

Meanwhile, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is also seeking a new contract, was placed on the reserve/did not report list earlier today after failing to show up for the team’s conditioning test yesterday, according to NFL.com’s Nick Shook. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that he doesn’t “get too worked up about it.”

Russell Wilson has been named the Giants’ starter

The New York Giants named Russell Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback heading into the 2025-26 season. Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters earlier today, “These guys will be out here competing, but Russ is our starter.”

Big Blue signed both Wilson and Jameis Winston this off-season. They also moved up into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to take quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th pick.

No holdout from James Cook

Even though he is also looking for a contract extension, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl running back James Cook participated in practice earlier today, head coach Sean McDermott told reporters. He had also previously reported to the team’s mandatory minicamp last month after skipping organized team activities (OTAs) and voluntary workouts.

“James fits Buffalo. But sometimes you can’t get on the same page, or sometimes, you’re trying to fit it in. Or sometimes, guys have left here that we really wanted, we just couldn’t make it work,” general manager Brandon Beane said during a press conference earlier today. “But I can tell you, I’m hopeful when we’re sitting here at next year’s training camp that James Cook is out there practicing and still representing the red, white, and blue.”

Travis Hunter will practice with the offense and the defense

Travis Hunter, the former Heisman Trophy winner and number-two overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will be getting both offensive and defensive reps at training camp, head coach Liam Coen told reporters.

“We’ll probably give him a couple days offense and a couple days defense, and then give him an opportunity to go flip-flop within the same practice,” Coen said after the first day of training camp. “Then, that will kind of become the norm. Like, once we do that, that’ll kind of become the norm and how we operate. But, it’ll probably be within the first week or so.”

Expect plenty of Joe Burrow in the preseason

To prevent another slow start to the season, it sounds like Joe Burrow will be getting some preseason starts after head coach Zac Taylor said that fans will see Burrow in preseason games more “than we ever have.”

“So he’ll participate every single day, like he normally would, fully healthy, and then anticipate playing him more in games than we ever have,” Taylor told reporters. This might help the Bengals avoid starting the year 0-3 like they did last season.

Cam Ward given first-team reps

The number-one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft will get most of the Titans’ first-team reps, coach Brian Callahan said earlier today. This comes two days after Will Levis was ruled out for the season due to an operation on his shoulder that is scheduled for July 29th.

“I think a majority of the ones reps, obviously. That’s going to be a huge part of his development over the course of the camp,” Callahan said before the team’s first practice. “Those other guys will fill in those other spots that the twos and three reps that are coming up. I’ve generally really carried three quarterbacks a lot of years in camps for that reason, so there’s more reps to go around.”

Notable injuries and injury updates

Arizona Cardinals

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters first-round pick Walter Nolen III will miss time with a calf injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Buffalo Bills

Edge Joey Bosa participated in practice today.
Tight end Dawson Knox, who tweaked his hamstring while training, did not participate in practice.

Houston Texans

Running back Joe Mixon was put on the active/non-football injury list.
Running back Dameon Pierce, wide receiver Tank Dell, defensive end Denico Autry, and safety Jimmie Ward were placed on the active/physically unable to perform list.

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

Offensive Tackle Andrew Thomas, who was put on the physically unable to perform list due to a foot injury, is expected to be ready for Week One, Brian Daboll said.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after suffering a toe injury in the Spring.

Philadelphia Eagles

Center Cam Jurgens and rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell were both limited in practice due to injuries.
Defensive lineman Jalen Carter did not participate in practice.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s unclear when wide receiver Chris Godwin will be able to return to the field, said head coach Todd Bowles, but the team “remains hopeful” that he’ll be ready for Week One.

Washington Commanders