NFL Training Camps 2016: Updates, Rumors and Analysis for August 2

With the first weekend of training camp complete, teams across the NFL are operating at full gear with only five days before the first preseason contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers. 

Training camp isn't truly training camp until the players are in full pads, hits echo beyond the field of play and multiple fights break out between alpha males attempting to set the right tone. 

Vomit-inducing two-a-days might be a thing of the past, but work is being done on 32 fields across the country. 

Each of these camps creates stories within the overarching narrative of the NFL's return. Those tidbits found in multiple camps could have drastic effects on the regular season.

Information is always at a premium, and Bleacher Report provided the biggest stories coming out of Tuesday's sessions—including major injuries to a pair of young and talented cornerbacks, Rob Gronkowski's improved status, a false quarterback competition and a few noteworthy moves. 

William Jackson III's Injury Could Signal Return of Bengals Veteran

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Injuries happen. It's part of NFL life. Although a major injury isn't any less disappointing just because everyone knows and accepts this.  

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a massive blow Tuesday when this year's first-round pick went down with an injury. 

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Bengals' first-round draft pick in 2016, William Jackson III, suffered a torn pectoral muscle. 

Marvin Lewis' squad is one of the few that can actually absorb this type of loss with veterans Adam Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick and former first-round pick Darqueze Dennard on the roster. 

But the organization will consider bringing back a fan favorite if the rookie misses significant time. 

"But Lewis did mention the door is open for a Leon Hall return if the prognosis on Jackson calls for a long rehab period," ESPN.com's Coley Harvey reported. "The team wants to re-evaluate his injury to see how much time he might miss."

Jackson wasn't going to be pressed into action due to the Cincinnati's cornerback depth, but it's always discouraging when an organization's top draft acquisition can't get on the field to start his career. 

Steelers CB Senquez Goldson Could Miss 12 Weeks with Latest Injury

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' Senquez Golson can't catch a break, as injuries continue to mar the young cornerback's career. 

Last year, the former second-round pick didn't play in a single game due to a shoulder injury. He'll now have to wait another three months before he gets back on the field. 

NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Golson "has a Lisfranc injury that could keep him out 12 weeks." 

As a cornerback at Ole Miss, Golson excelled playing in the slot and creating turnovers. The Steelers will look to another recent draft pick to take over at nickel corner. 

This year's second-round pick, Sean Davis, immediately moved into the role with the first-team defense. 

"I did it back in minicamp and OTAs," the Maryland product said, per Mike Prisuta of the team's official website. "Being back out there (with the first unit) felt good."

Davis is a versatile performer who started at both cornerback and safety during his Terrapins tenure. His ability to step in for Golson is a positive, but Pittsburgh's cornerback depth still takes a hit. 

Relying heavily on two rookie corners in Davis and first-round pick Artie Burns could be a recipe for disaster. Then again, Pittsburgh finished 30th in pass defense last year. The rookies might provide a boost to an underwhelming unit. 

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Is Fully Healthy, Ready to Dominate

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The New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is the NFL's top tight end, but he's dealt with numerous injuries during his career. Right now, the 27-year-old unstoppable force feels as good as he has at any point. 

"Sources close to Rob Gronkowski tell me that he is finally feeling great after injuring his pec muscle this offseason," ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini reported. 

The SportsCenter anchor continued: "Also told the injury had him worried but as you can see from his play the last few days at camp...he is ready to go."

A collective shudder could be felt around the league. Teams understand how difficult it is to slow Gronkowski, and it's only going to get harder after the Patriots added Martellus Bennett in an offseason trade with the Chicago Bears. 

While the rest of the league attempts to create mismatches by spreading out defenses with multiple-receiver sets, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is going in the opposite direction. His tight ends will dominate New England's passing attack. 

"I think it gives us a little variety, just in terms of having to match up against one guy is hard, now having to match up against two of them hopefully we can put some pressure on the defense, both in the running game and passing game," Belichick said, per ESPN.com's Mike Reiss. 

Whether it's Jimmy Garoppolo through the first four games or Tom Brady upon his return from suspension, the Patriots quarterbacks will benefit greatly from multiple-tight end sets.

Full Speed Ahead for Jaguars DE Dante Fowler Jr.

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A top-five pick usually gets to enjoy a short honeymoon with his new team before reality smacks him in the face. 

That didn't happen for Dante Fowler Jr. During his first NFL practice, last year's third overall pick tore an ACL. Just like that, Fowler's rookie campaign came to a screeching halt, and many months of rehab defined his first season. 

Nearly 15 months later, the Jaguars haven't placed any restrictions on the talented pass-rusher. Head coach Gus Bradley discussed the team's plan for Fowler, per BigCatCountry.com's Alfie Crow: 

"

I think you are seeing him. We are not holding him back right now. You know I think the challenge for us is how long can he play at that level. You know can he do that 70 plays—can he do that 50 plays? I think we are trying to get a feel for that and it's his conditioning, but it's really with everybody in the D-line. How much can they play and keep our standard? So that is the challenge for him, but I have been impressed with him.

"

Fowler is a physical specimen at 6'3" and 250 pounds—which is part of the reason why the Jaguars spent a high pick on the Florida product—but he needs to turn his potential into production. Just being on the field is a step in the right direction. 

His addition only adds to the excitement for a young Jaguars roster. Fowler essentially serves as an extra draft pick for a dynamic class that featured cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Myles Jack and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. 

When those incoming players are added to the team's free-agent additions—Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson—and young veterans already on the roster—such as Telvin Smith and Johnathan Cyprien—Bradley might have the pieces in place to build a competitive defense. 

Chargers Acquire Stevie Johnon's Replacement

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Wide receiver James Jones is back in the AFC West.

After a one-year stay with the Oakland Raiders and a return to the Green Bay Packers for another season, the 32-year-old wideout needed a new home. 

He found one with the San Diego Chargers after the team announced Stevie Johnson needed a knee operation. Ricky Henne of the Chargers' official website confirmed Jones' signing Tuesday. 

Last year, the veteran target started 15 games for Green Bay and finished first on the team with 890 receiving yards and tied for first with eight touchdown receptions. 

Jones isn't an explosive downfield threat, but the Chargers don't need him to be one. The organization signed speedy Travis Benjamin to provide a consistent vertical presence. Meanwhile, Keenan Allen will continue to grow as quarterback Philip Rivers' favorite target. 

The nine-year pro is a reliable target who can operate outside the hashes or in the slot. He should fill the void Johnson left as the team's third wide receiver. 

Jones is the right fit at the right time. It's also a good thing he landed in gorgeous San Diego since the NFL banned wearing hoodies. 

Browns Quarterback Competition Over Before It Started

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New Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson insists there is an open quarterback competition during training camp, but nothing could be further from the truth. 

Robert Griffin III is the Browns' new starting quarterback, and the way he's being handled only reinforces this fact. 

The 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year continues to take first-team reps, while veteran Josh McCown works with the second unit. 

"Not sure when Jackson officially ends Browns QB 'competition,'" the Associated Press' Tom Withers tweeted. "But it's obvious this is RG3's squad. Taken [first-team] reps in camp so far."

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot confirmed the team's approach: "It doesn't look like much of a competition, and it won't be long before Hue Jackson names [Griffin] the starter."

The Browns head coach previously stated he will name his starting quarterback by the first preseason game, but it seems to be nothing more than a formality. Griffin will get a chance to resurrect his career under Jackson's tutelage and become the 25th Browns quarterback to start since the franchise's return to the NFL in 1999. 

Will Browns LB Barkevious Mingo Finally Realize His Potential?

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Anytime Barkevious Mingo's potential is discussed, it's a weighty subject. More accurately, the conversation usually circles back to one question: How much does the former sixth overall pick weigh?

When an individual physically matures, they're expected to add bulk. For some, a high metabolism makes it difficult to add much-needed size and strength to effectively play the game. Mingo is the perfect example. 

The Cleveland Browns outside linebacker finished last season at 227 pounds, according to Cleveland.com's Tom Reed. At said weight, Mingo struggled at the point of attack and never showed the strength necessary to be a consistent presence against the run or pass. 

As such, the former first-round pick dedicated himself to adding weight this offseason. He's bulked up to 251 pounds, and he's seen positive results at the start of training camp. 

"Mingo said weight he gained in offseason has helped him thus far in camp, more physical, stronger at point of attack," the Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich tweeted. 

Everyone could see his potential coming out of LSU, but it's never translated to the pro game. In three seasons, he's only registered seven sacks. Due to his disappointing play, the Browns drafted Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah in the second round of this year's draft to provide a presence at outside linebacker. 

But injuries happen in the NFL, and Mingo is about to receive a second chance. Veteran Desmond Bryant tore a pectoral muscle during offseason workouts, and Ogbah will return to defensive end, according to the Medina Gazette's Scott Petrak. 

The Browns need Mingo's newfound girth to translate because Cleveland's defense needs a presence at outside linebacker opposite Paul Kruger.

Tyrann Mathieu Extension Provides Long-Term Stability for Cardinals

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The Honey Badger does care. And the Arizona Cardinals cared enough about their young defensive superstar to lock him down with a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension, per Fox Sports 910's Mike Jurecki. 

The deal makes Tyrann Mathieu the league's highest-paid safety. But labeling him just a safety does a disservice to Mathieu's talent and his value to the Cardinals. 

"How good is [Mathieu]? Charles Woodson only player in NFL history with 50 [interceptions and] 20 sacks," ESPN.com's Ed Werder tweeted. "Told me Mathieu capable if he can stay healthy." 

The defensive back's health is a concern since he has yet to start a 16-game slate, and he's coming back from a torn ACL he suffered in December. 

His presence on the field can't be denied, though.

Mathieu is the prototype for a modern NFL defender. He can defend deep third and deep half, play nickel corner, provide support in the box, stop the run or blitz the quarterback. He's the football equivalent of a Swiss army knife. 

With the Honey Badger signed for the long term, three-fourths of the Cardinals' starting "No Fly Zone" secondary is locked up through the 2018 campaign. 

Atlanta Falcons Find Pass-Rush Help

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Dwight Freeney isn't ready for his career to end—nor should he be. The pass-rusher can still get after the quarterback, which has value. 

He might be 36 years old, but teams continue to search for those who can provide edge pressure. The Atlanta Falcons, in particular, desperately need help in this area.  

The two parties are a perfect match for each other, and they're expected to reach a deal later this week. 

According to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, Freeney will fly to Atlanta Thursday with the intention of signing with the Falcons. 

Last season, Freeney registered eight sacks in 11 contests for the Arizona Cardinals. He's no longer a full-time player, but the Falcons can use him as a pass-rush specialist. 

Quite frankly, Atlanta is awful at applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Over the last two seasons, the NFC South squad managed a measly 31 sacks. To put that number into context, 22 teams registered more sacks during the 2015 campaign. 

Plus, Freeney can serve as a mentor to last year's top-10 pick, Vic Beasley. Both are highly athletic and quick as lightning. With these two in place, Atlanta shouldn't finish last in sacks. 

Rookie QB Paxton Lynch Turns Heads at Broncos Camp

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The Denver Broncos' three-headed quarterback monster continues to define this year's training camp. The goal is to find a competent starter who won't make critical mistakes and lose games. 

The team might consider playing this year's first-round pick, Paxton Lynch, sooner than expected. 

Lynch continues to improve on a daily basis. With each passing day, he proves the NFL game isn't too big for him. 

After putting together two good practice days, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak praised the young quarterback because he "really, really stepped up," per the Denver Post's Cameron Wolfe. 

This should be encouraging for Broncos brass, as Lynch was projected as a long-term project when Denver traded up to select the Memphis signal-caller with the 26th overall pick. 

Concerns arose based on Memphis' offensive scheme and the lack of NFL-caliber reads and throws found within it. 

If Lynch continues to take the right mental approach while utilizing his immense physical gifts and consistently improving, the rookie will force his way into the lineup.