NFL Training Camp 2024: Steelers Rookie Injured, Cowboys Working on WR Contract
With the Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans set to kick off the 2024 preseason on Thursday, more NFL teams practiced with pads on Tuesday.
As a result, we'll see more urgency from players pushing for jobs and front offices that are in negotiations with marquee playmakers holding in or holding out for new contracts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has become a little more intriguing over the last few days in a positive way. On a sour note, one of their top rookies went down with an injury.
On the contract front, one team seems optimistic about reaching an agreement with its star pass-catcher. A wide receiver may soon top Justin Jefferson as the highest-paid player aside from the quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, New England Patriots edge-rusher Matt Judon was a no-show after his animated conversation with head coach Jerod Mayo during Monday's practice. Bleacher Report's Kris Knox provided five potential landing spots for the star pass-rusher if the rebuilding Patriots trade him.
Also, two players, one of whom played 11 seasons, made decisions to hang up their cleats in retirement.
Let's check in around the league for the latest buzz coming out of training camps.
Steelers WR Roman Wilson Carted off Field with Ankle Injury
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have a notable injury to monitor following Tuesday's practice. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo captured footage of rookie third-round wide receiver Roman Wilson leaving practice on a cart.
Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh added some context to the situation.
"Roman Wilson was able to get to the cart under his own power. Hobbling. Was holding his ankle on the sideline before he left the practice fields, Fillipponi posted on X.
Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Wilson is going through evaluations to determine the severity of the ankle injury.
Last week, Steelers general manager Omar Khan told reporters, "There's nothing going on right now" regarding the team's trade talks for a wide receiver.
If Wilson has to miss extended time, Khan may have to be aggressive in adding to the receiver room. Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins could also see an increased number of reps, specifically in the slot.
With this injury news, the rumor mill could churn out more buzz that links the Steelers to disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who wants a new deal. Up to this point, the 49ers have stood firm on retaining him, but the Steelers can make a strong offer worthy of consideration.
Going forward, the Steelers still need a reliable No. 2 pass-catching option behind George Pickens. Perhaps they lean on tight end Pat Freiermuth (fantasy football alert) to fill that void. Wide receiver Van Jefferson is also in the mix for a sizeable role.
Cowboys Received Counteroffer from WR CeeDee Lamb's Reps
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CeeDee Lamb will likely be the league's highest-paid wide receiver for at least a short period. Cincinnati Bengals star wideout Ja'Marr Chase also wants a new deal.
While Chase has held in amid a contract dispute. Lamb won't report to training camp until he gets an extension, but the All-Pro receiver may be one step closer to a contractual agreement with the Dallas Cowboys.
In an appearance on San Antonio's Sports Star, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team has a counteroffer from Lamb's camp (h/t Patrik Walker of the team's official website). He described negotiations with Lamb's reps as "very upbeat and cordial."
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings made Justin Jefferson the highest-paid wide receiver with a four-year, $140 million extension. Lamb could top the wideout pay scale on a deal worth $36-plus million annually.
Assuming Dallas wants to help quarterback Dak Prescott play at an optimal level in his contract year, it will hand out a megadeal to Lamb before Week 1.
With a worn-down version of Ezekiel Elliott likely to lead the Cowboys backfield, Lamb looks like a strong candidate to win 2024 Offensive Player of the Year in a pass-reliant offense. Last season, he hauled in a league-leading 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson Returns to Practice, Justin Fields Continues to Shine
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Russell Wilson suffered a calf injury that kept him out of a few practices, but he participated in individual drills and a walkthrough on Tuesday.
In Wilson's absence, Justin Fields took first-team reps and made the most of his opportunities.
ESPN's Brooke Pryor noted that Fields continued to look impressive during the Steelers' first padded practice.
"No Russell Wilson in 7 shots and Justin Fields looks the best he has all camp in the period, capping it off with a designed run to score. Offense wins 4-3. Faked the handoff to Warren, then ran in on the right," Pryor posted on X.
"Fields' first-team units scored on 4 of 5 attempts. Keep an eye out for crowd-filmed highlights of the George Pickens' one-handed grab."
While Wilson remains the favorite to start under center in Week 1, ESPN's Dan Graziano believes Fields has a chance to win the starting job.
"Fields definitely has work to do to catch Wilson in the race for the starting job, but the Steelers are open-minded about his ability to do so. The important thing to keep in mind here is that the Steelers have no prior connection to either of these quarterbacks and no compelling financial commitment that would lead them to favor one over the other. So when they say it's an open competition and Fields has a chance, believe them."
Wilson would likely have to struggle, suffer a setback with his calf issue or go down with a new injury to lose his grip on the lead position.
Nonetheless, Fields could raise his stock if he continues to show out at training camp and during the preseason.
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RB Rashaad Penny Retires After Six Seasons
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Rashaad Penny, 28, has retired from the NFL. The Carolina Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list.
Penny's decision came a few days after his strong statement about where he ranks among running backs when healthy.
"I've always believed in myself, knowing my capabilities," Penny said to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. "I think everybody else knows that when I'm healthy, I'm probably, like, a top running back in the league. I know my place. I know what I can do. So I just keep striving from there."
Though Penny is confident in his abilities, he would've likely had to compete for a roster spot in Carolina.
Penny signed with the Panthers in May, and he joined a crowded backfield that also includes Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and rookie second-rounder Jonathon Brooks, who's on the non-football injury list recovering from a torn ACL.
As a result of Penny's retirement, seventh-year veteran Mike Boone or undrafted rookie Jaden Shirden may have a shot to make the initial 53-man roster, especially if Brooks needs a little more time to get up to full speed coming off a serious knee injury.
As for Penny, he had his best seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, leading the league in rushing yards per carry (6.3) in 2021. Penny noted battles with injuries, which limited his workloads and time on the field. He played in 45 games over six seasons with the Seahawks (42 contests) and Philadelphia Eagles (three contests).
Penny hangs up his cleats with 348 carries for 1,951 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.
LB A.J. Klein Retires After 11 Seasons
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On his 33rd birthday, linebacker A.J. Klein announced his retirement via Instagram.
Klein was a 2013 fifth-round pick out of Iowa State. After four seasons in primarily a backup role with the Carolina Panthers, he started in 42 out of 43 games with the New Orleans Saints between 2017 and 2019.
After a stint with the Saints, Klein played a key role in the Buffalo Bills' 2020 defense, recording career highs in tackles (75) and sacks (five).
In 2022, Klein suited up for three teams: the Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. He played his last down on an expiring contract with the Bills last season.
As a rotational defender in Carolina and Buffalo, Klein made plays as the glue guy for Sean Dermott's defensive units.
The 11-year veteran finishes his career with 465 tackles, 45 for loss, 15.5 sacks, 20 pass breakups, four interceptions with a pick-six, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Lions DL John Cominsky Tears MCL
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The Detroit Lions have likely lost a key rotational defensive lineman for the regular season.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, John Cominsky tore his MCL. He'll undergo surgery and could miss five to six months of action.
With that recovery timeline, Cominsky could return if the Lions advance to the playoffs.
Detroit's front seven has been the strength of its defensive unit.
Last season, the Lions allowed the second-fewest rushing yards and generated the highest percentage of overall pocket pressure. Cominsky contributed to those strong numbers with 36 tackles, two for loss, two sacks, and 12 pressures in 16 games (11 starts).
With Cominsky sidelined, Josh Pascal, a 2022 second-rounder, could make a significant third-year leap in a versatile role across the defensive front.
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