NFL Training Camps 2015: Updates, Rumors and Analysis for August 19

The second week of the NFL preseason is already just a day away. 

On Thursday night, the Detroit Lions will travel to face the Washington Redskins while the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills square off for a national audience on ESPN. 

Before we get more real football, teams must get through another grueling day of training camp on Wednesday. 

In the following slides, we'll highlight the biggest news, notes and rumors from NFL training camps on August 19. 

Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin Injures Knee

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

The results of a scheduled MRI could have a major impact on the 2015 season of the Carolina Panthers. 

According to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin is headed for additional testing on what head coach Ron Rivera described as a sprained knee—which he suffered during Wednesday's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. 

Video of the injury didn't look good initially. 

Jeff Zell of WCCB Sports had the frightening clip, which showed Benajmin going down in a heap after what appeared to be a non-contract injury. He immediately grasped his left knee in obvious pain. As he left the field on a cart, fears swirled about the possibility of Benjamin tearing his ACL and missing the 2015 season. 

Wednesday night's MRI will give us more information. Until then, Panthers fans must hold their breath.

Another ACL Tear for Dolphins S Louis Delmas

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The last year hasn't been a kind one to the right knee of Dolphins safety Louis Delmas. 

Roughly nine months after tearing his ACL back in Week 14 of last season, Delmas is now dealing with an identical injury. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 28-year-old safety tore the same ACL during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. 

Delmas will miss the entire 2015 season. While a physical, intimidating presence when healthy, Delmas probably has a shaky future in the NFL with no contract past this season and a twice-injured knee. 

Next up on the Dolphins depth chart at safety is Walt Aikens, a 2014 fourth-round pick out of Liberty. He played in 15 games last season, with 16 tackles and one interception. 

Injured Bills Backfield Adds Another Option, Rice on the Radar?

Eric Gay/Associated Press

The beat-up backfield of the Buffalo Bills has added a fresh body.

According to Chris Brown of the team's official site, the Bills signed third-year running back Cierre Wood on Wednesday. After going undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2013, Wood spent time with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old has just three career NFL carries, all coming in 2013 with the Texans. 

The Bills were all but forced to make a move at running back, a position that—when healthy—is one of the deepest in the NFL. But with LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams all dealing with various injuries, Buffalo was left with only Bronson Hill and Ricky Seale healthy on the depth chart. 

Wood has carried 40 times for 198 yards over six career preseason games. 

In related news, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports the Bills are also beginning discussions on the possibility of adding Ray Rice, who remains a free agent. If any team is going to take a chance on the former Pro Bowler, it might as well be Rex Ryan and the Bills. Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News had a source tell him there is "zero" chance it happens. Stay tuned. 

CJRB1? Arians Doesn't Rule out the Possibility

Matt York/Associated Press

While Chris Johnson has been a Cardinal for just two days, head coach Bruce Arians isn't ruling out the possibility of the his newest running back winning the starting job in Arizona. 

"If he wins it," Arians said, via Bob McManaman of azcentral.com. "I'm open to anything once you win it."

Johnson, who turns 30 in September, rushed for 663 yards on 155 carries over 16 games with the New York Jets last season. Once the league's premier home-run hitter at running back, Johnson now strikes out more than he clears the fences. But his speed and experience—along with the workload limitations of Andre Ellington and the inexperience of rookie David Johnson—should allow a real chance for CJ2K to make his mark in Arizona. 

The reality here is that Arians will start the best back come Week 1. It doesn't sound like he cares about much else. Johnson has a handful of weeks and a few preseason games to prove he's that back. 

Falcons Lose Ra'Shede Hageman to Concussion

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons will likely be down an important part of their defensive line when the team takes on the New York Jets on Friday. 

According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, second-year defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman suffered a concussion during Tuesday's practice and will likely miss Atlanta's second preseason game. 

The Falcons selected Hageman in the second round of last year's draft. The 6'6", 318-pounder played in all 16 games last season, registering 17 tackles and a sack. Now a starter for head coach Dan Quinn, Hageman will need to pass through the league's concussion protocol before returning to the field. 

Expect the Falcons to turn to veteran Jonathan Babineaux while Hageman sits. Head injuries can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the young defensive lineman's recovery. 

Saints Expect Two Stars Back for Opener

Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints don't seem at all worried about the respective returns of two players expected to do big things in 2015.

According to Britt McHenry of ESPN, Saints head coach Sean Payton confirmed that running back C.J. Spiller "will be ready" for Week 1. A free-agent pickup and a breakout candidate in the New Orleans offense, Spiller has been recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery performed this month. 

There is also optimism for safety Jairus Byrd, who hasn't practiced in camp. Payton expects him to return before the start of the regular season. The 28-year-old signed a huge contract with the Saints in March of last year, but he has played in only four games with the team. 

Returning both before the Saints kick off with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 would be a huge boost for New Orleans. 

Packers Return Two Projected Defensive Starters

Morry Gash/Associated Press

The Packers defense returned to practice Wednesday with two likely starters on defense back in the mix. 

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, both cornerback Casey Hayward (quad) and linebacker Nick Perry (groin) were back on the practice field after dealing with their respective injuries. 

Hayward is expected to start opposite Sam Shields at cornerback, while Perry will likely see significant snaps at outside linebacker with Clay Matthews playing inside. Both have had problems staying healthy in recent seasons. 

Speaking of which, the Packers should probably just bubble wrap Matthews and store him away until Week 1. 

Eli Dismisses "Highest-Paid Player" Talk

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

A phone call from his upset father forced Eli Manning into dismissal mode Wednesday before Giants practice. 

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, Manning received a call from his dad, Archie Manning, about a report stating the Giants quarterback wanted to become the highest-paid player in the NFL. And dad wasn't too pleased. 

Manning set the record straight. 

"The reports are all wrong," Manning said. "That's never been said, it's never come out of my mouth, I've never said it to my agent, I don't know where people are getting their information."

Regardless, Manning and the Giants remain in talks for a new contract. His contract expires after the 2015 season, leaving the two sides in a tricky, but solvable situation. A new deal will almost certainly come. Manning not requiring top-of-the-mountain money should help.