Training Camp Recap - Hall of Fame Week
With training camps in full swing, there are plenty of headlines around the NFL. We’re going to look back at some of the big stories that have taken place since the beginning of camp. Our first act will spotlight those who are sizzling in the heat of summer, while our second act will showcase those experiencing the summer blues. We’ll wrap things up with a rundown on injuries.
The Hot List
Houston RB Arian Foster continues to make a strong case for being the starter on opening day over Steve Slaton and Ben Tate.
New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw has been taking the first snaps in Giants camp ahead of Brandon Jacobs.
Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller just signed at the end of last week, and already he’s going to get some work with Buffalo’s starters.
Seattle RB Leon Washington is back in action, and in a wide-open backfield competition, could make some waves.
Tampa Bay WR Mike Williams looks like a rookie who will make an impact.
New England WR Wes Welker continues to make great progress in returning from a torn ACL.
Chicago WR Johnny Knox is making a case to be Chicago’s number one receiver.
St. Louis QB Sam Bradford shined on Saturday night during a team scrimmage.
Washington DT/DE Albert Haynesworth finally passed his conditioning test.
The Not List
The only ray of sunshine for the Denver Broncos organization this past week was the Hall of Fame induction of running back Floyd Little. The “Bad News Broncos” lost Elvis Dumervil for a lengthy period of time, possibly the entire season, and also witnessed injuries to Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker. Even “The Greatest American Hero” Tim Tebow didn’t emerge unscathed, as the rookie was given a dreadful haircut by his teammates.
Minnesota QB Brett Favre’s long-running soap opera grew stale a long time ago. Does anyone really think Favre is actually going to retire?
Seattle QB Charlie Whitehurst, who the Seahawks thought could challenge Matt Hasselbeck for the starting job, now projects to be the chief clipboard carrier on the sideline.
Dallas WR Dez Bryant was getting plenty of praise, but an injured ankle has put a damper on his fantasy value.
Cincinnati WR Antonio Bryant has become an afterthought due to a lingering knee problem and the arrival of Terrell Owens.
San Diego WR Vincent Jackson continues to be a holdout. Jackson has plummeted in our rankings throughout the offseason, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to make upward progress anytime soon.
Baltimore lost CB Dominque Foxworth for the season and may begin the season without Ed Reed. While the Ravens should have a good defense overall, they could be vulnerable against good passing teams.
Injuries
There have been some notable injuries, but some of the biggest names that got hurt, such as DeSean Jackson, Hakeem Nicks, and Jeremy Maclin have already returned to the field. Still, we’ve compiled a pretty long injury list:
Skill Positions
Cincinnati WR Antonio Bryant (knee) – return date unknown.
Cleveland RB Montario Hardesty (knee) – expected to return before the preseason is over.
Denver RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) – expected to be healthy by the beginning of the regular season.
Denver RB Correll Buckhalter (back) – should return to practice soon.
Denver WR Eric Decker (foot) – status to be determined.
Denver WR Demaryius Thomas (foot) – status to be determined.
Jacksonville WR Jarrett Dillard (foot) – expected to return before the end of preseason action.
Oakland RB Darren McFadden (hamstring) – will likely return to practice before the week is over.
Dallas WR Dez Bryant (high ankle sprain) – could miss all of the preseason.
New York Giants WR Steve Smith (groin) – should return to practice this week.
Other Positions
Baltimore T Jared Gaither (back) – not expected to be sidelined for a long period of time.
Baltimore CB Dominique Foxworth (torn ACL) – placed on injured reserve and will miss the 2010 season.
Denver LB Elvis Dumervil – will likely miss the 2010 season.
Denver LB Jarvis Moss (broken bone in hand) – expected to play in the preseason.
Houston LB Xavier Adibi – (groin) – expected to return by opening day.
Indianapolis T Charlie Johnson (foot) – not expected to miss a large amount of time.
Miami LB A.J. Eads (torn ACL) – will miss the 2010 season.
New England T Nick Kaczur (back) – expected to be out awhile, possibly the entire season.
San Diego LB Donald Butler (torn Achilles) – will miss the 2010 season.
Carolina T Jeff Otah (knee) – opening day status could be in doubt.
Dallas DE Marcus Spears (knee) – could miss all of the preseason.
Detroit S Louis Delmas (groin) – should be in the starting lineup on opening day.
Detroit LB DeAndre Levy (back) – expected to return to practice soon.
Green Bay S Atari Bigby (ankle) – should be ready for opening day.
New York Giants G Rich Seubert (hand) – expected to play in the preseason.
St. Louis S James Butler (sprained MCL) – status will be determined.
St. Louis CB Ron Bartell (ankle) – will likely be practicing before the week is over.
San Francisco LB Ahmad Brooks (lacerated kidney) – will miss at least two weeks, and possibly more.
San Francisco LB Scott McKillop (torn ACL) – will miss the 2010 season.
