NFL Training Camps 2016: Updates, Rumors and Analysis for August 9

After the NFL's false start Sunday in Canton, Ohio, every team is preparing for its first exhibition contest, with 12 franchises slated to play Thursday, 10 teams on Friday, eight squads on Saturday and one Sunday evening game. 

As such, this week became the first with actual preparation instead of generic training-camp regiments.

Organizations are pulling individuals off PUP lists. Those who have been practicing continue to ready themselves for the opportunity to play against a live opponent. For some, it's just another day in paradise. 

The ability to line up against someone other than a teammate sure beats practices in the sweltering heat. But players actually need to make it to the game. Some won't due to injuries. Others will step up and play at another level. There are even those who won't receive much playing time due to veteran status or being buried on the depth chart. 

This is how the preseason works. 

Until teams actually step onto the field, though, plenty of noteworthy tidbits can be found throughout the league. Bleacher Report identified the biggest stories from Tuesday's practices—including a pair of injuries to key Patriots, Case Keenum's stand, Josh Gordon's struggle, Lane Johnson's uncertain status and a few moves up the depth chart. 

New York Giants Prepare to Start a Pair of Rookies

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Football is a young man's game.

The New York Giants expect their top draft picks to make an instant impact. Over the last three years, the organization's first- and second-round choices combined to start 73 of 96 games. Only 2013 second-round pick Johnathan Hankins didn't start a game during his rookie campaign. 

New York might receive even more production from this year's class, because the franchise's recent third-round pick, safety Darian Thompson, is projected to start alongside Landon Collins. 

Head coach Ben McAdoo confirmed the Boise State product is the favorite to do so after working with the Giants' defensive starters since OTAs. 

"He's a young pro," McAdoo said, per NJ.com's James Kratch. "He's a guy that goes about his business the right way; he's done it since he walked into the building. He's mature, he studies his game, he communicates the game. We expect him to get better with reps."

Thompson isn't the only rookie found among the Giants' first team. The staff listed second-round pick Sterling Shepard as its starting wide receiver opposite Odell Beckham Jr. Shepard is a shifty target who can play outside the numbers or in the slot. He's a handful to cover for any defensive back, including first-round pick Eli Apple.

With Sterling and Thompson expected to start, it's now up to Apple—this year's 10th overall selection—to establish himself in a cornerback rotation that features Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

Even if Apple takes time to develop, the Giants should see plenty of return from its second-day selections.

Patriots Suffer a Pair of Worrisome Injuries

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The New England Patriots didn't make it through Tuesday's intersquad practice with the New Orleans Saints unscathed. 

Wide receiver Julian Edelman and linebacker Rob Ninkovich both left the field with injuries. Edelman's status doesn't appear to be serious, while Ninkovich will miss significant time. 

Tom Brady's favorite target just returned from the PUP list before being frustrated with another injury. 

"Fresh off the PUP list Sunday, WR Julian Edelman took himself out of a drill, slammed his helmet down and left the field on a cart," NFL Network's Courtney Fallon reported. 

However, the receiver pulled himself before he suffered anything significant. 

"Tests on Patriots WR Julian Edelman showed today's scare was just that—a scare," NFL Network Mike Garafolo reported. "Sources say he's OK. We'll see if he even misses any time."

Ninkovich wasn't as fortunate. The veteran defender injured his triceps before leaving the field.  

"Rob Ninkovich tore his triceps," ESPN.com's Mike Reiss tweeted. "It is unknown how long he will be sidelined. If he returns, how much loss of strength affects him is key."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added, "With Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich tearing just his tricep muscle, no surgery is necessary. Rehab. If all goes well, he could return by Oct." 

The veteran defender will be difficult to replace due to his experience in the Patriots system and overall versatility. Another veteran, Chris Long, should be an adequate replacement, while second-year defensive end Trey Flowers could benefit the most. 

"Trey Flowers has pretty consistently stood out as a pass-rusher in camp," NESN's Doug Kyed tweeted.

Injuries happen, but the Patriots can't afford another of this ilk.

Lane Johnson Faces 10-Game Suspension, Insists Susbstance Is Legal

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The Philadelphia Eagles need to prepare for life without right tackle Lane Johnson even though his immediate future remains murky. 

According to WIP Philly's Darren DeGaetano, the offensive lineman will be suspended for 10 games due to a second performance-enhancing drug violation. The potential suspension has to be highly disappointing for the Eagles after the organization signed the right tackle to a five-year, $56.26 million contract extension in January. The deal included $35.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac.com. 

If the suspension stands, Johnson will suffer a massive financial blow. 

"Lane Johnson, per his contract, a suspension would void the guaranteed money in the [five]-year extension he signed in January," ESPN's Field Yates tweeted. 

As such, it's not surprising Johnson and his representation will fight the ruling. But Johnson's stance isn't about money (at least publicly). The right tackle claims he's innocent based on the supplement he took. 

"Just heard from Lane Johnson, says he took an amino acid that was approved but tested positive for peptide," Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported. "Fighting it as well as company. You're responsible for what goes in your body, but he insists it was approved. Waiting on B sample." 

With Johnson's uncertain status, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson must plan accordingly. The Oklahoma product became the league's highest-paid right tackle this offseason, and he's eventually expected to take over at left tackle. 

Veteran stalwart Jason Peters can still man the blind side even at 34 years old, but an answer at right tackle isn't readily apparent. The Eagles list fourth-year blocker Dennis Kelly as Johnson's primary backup on the team's first depth chart. Matt Tobin and recent fifth-round pick Halapoulivaati Vaitai will also be in the mix.

Have the Browns Found Their Starting Right Tackle?

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A rookie shall lead the way. In Cleveland, a massive draft class is tasked with building a legitimate foundation to stabilize the floundering franchise. The foundation starts along the offensive line. 

The Browns allowed Mitchell Schwartz to leave via free agency—which means the team is now searching for a new right tackle. It's a difficult position considering Schwartz is one of the league's best strong-side blockers. 

Instead, new head coach Hue Jackson and his staff may enter the season with a rookie fifth-round pick as their starter. Spencer Drango has been a standout during training camp. As a result, he sat atop the team's first official depth chart, courtesy of the Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

Drango's rise shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, the Baylor product earned All-American honors twice, Freshman All-American, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and became a finalist for the Outland and Campbell Trophies. 

He's still competing with Austin Pasztor, Alvin Bailey and fellow rookie Shon Coleman. Three of the four received time with the first-team offense in recent days. For Drango, it's about getting comfortable on the right side after being a collegiate left tackle. 

Drango explained the difference, per Cleveland.com's Scott Patsko:

"

All the body mechanics are flipped. Your muscle memory from doing thousands upon thousands of reps, you just don't have that. A lot of guys do both, but I was strictly left tackle (at Baylor). Nothing feels natural. All the body mechanics and all the reps, if you're focused on left tackle your going to do mostly left.

"

Once the 23-year-old blocker gets comfortable in a right-handed stance, he should cement his status as the starting right tackle.

"He's working at it," Jackson said, per Patsko. "He's one of our young players who I'm excited about."

Josh Gordon's Return Dependent on Physical Conditioning

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Even though the NFL reinstated the Browns' Josh Gordon on a conditional basis, the wide receiver still isn't practicing. The organization immediately placed him on the PUP list with a quad injury.

As a result, he's not physically ready to perform, and it's obvious. According to the Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich, Gordon and the coaching staff know he needs to lose weight. 

"He'll be the first to tell you that," Jackson said. "He does. We're working through that process, too."

The young receiver remains engaged during practice, though. 

"I think you can see he is into practice," Jackson continued. "The guy carries a script with him everywhere he goes. He’s making sure that he’s staying in it the best he can."

As long as Gordon is on the sidelines and not on the practice field, his return will take even longer.

The 25-year-old receiver is listed at 225 pounds, but he played little football over the last two seasons. Football shape is particularly hard to achieve. Wide receivers are asked to run all day long, too. These factors could lead to an extended absence. 

Thus, it's vital Gordon gets back on the field sooner rather than later. What's a realistic timeline? "Hopefully soon," Jackson answered. 

Fortunately for the Browns, the organization invested heavily in the wide receiver position during this year's NFL draft. Jackson stated first-round pick Corey Coleman has been fantastic in camp, per 92.3 The Fan's Keith Britton. And former quarterback Terrelle Pryor is running with the first-team offense—as seen on the team's first depth chart, courtesy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. 

Gordon's talent speaks for itself, but anything the Browns receive from him this season is a bonus. 

NFL Clears Dion Jordan to Practice, Needs to Find Role

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Linebacker Dion Jordan is willing and finally allowed to return to the football field. When he actually does and in what capacity remains in question. 

The NFL reinstated the former second overall pick on a conditional basis last month. However, he wasn't eligible to practice until Tuesday. 

"NFL notified Dolphins that LB Dion Jordan is now eligible to begin practicing," a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

The Oregon product is still nursing a knee injury, and a timeline for his return hasn't been established. When Jordan does return, he'll have to earn a spot on the roster primarily through special teams. 

"When you look at what Dion did when he was here in the past—obviously I was one of the guys who was here with him—speaking of special teams, he really excelled in that area," Dolphins special teams coach Darren Rizzi said, per ESPN.com's James Walker. 

Rizzi added, "But there's no doubt about the fact that when Dion was here and played special teams for us a couple years ago, he was a force. He made plays and he was a consistent guy."

Being a special teams standout is a far cry from the player Miami expected when the franchise traded up to select him in the 2013 NFL draft. Jordan can play either defensive end or linebacker, but the team is settled at both. 

The Dolphins' current front office and head coach aren't tied to Jordan. His previous draft status means nothing. This means he needs to get on the field and perform or officially be labeled a draft bust once the franchise moves on from this disastrous relationship.

Dolphins' Laremy Tunsil Finally Takes First-Team Reps

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It took longer than expected, but Laremy Tunsil finally received reps with the Dolphins' first-team offense as a guard, according to Walker. 

This year's 13th overall pick has the talent to be a dominant blocker, but he needed to adjust, even if that meant veteran Dallas Thomas continued to line up at left guard. The Palm Beach Post's Hal Habib noted Thomas shifted to the right side Tuesday with Tunsil's inclusion. 

The Ole Miss product had the skills to be considered the No. 1 overall talent in this year's draft class, but all young players mature at a different pace. 

"Right now, for him, it's mental," head coach Adam Gase said a week ago, per Walker. "We just got to keep bringing him along. Obviously when you go against veteran players—the defensive line—those guys do a great job of setting things up."

Miami's defensive line has the potential to be dominant. Thus, Tunsil is learning the hard way. Plus, there are new techniques the collegiate left tackle must learn. 

"Everything happens quicker at guard—the guys are lined up closer to you," offensive line coach Chris Foerster said, per the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. "You don’t have to deal with space as much. They’re a different type of player."

With Tunsil at left guard and Thomas at right, the Dolphins offensive line can start to settle as the team prepares for its first preseason action Friday against the Giants.

Case Keenum Has Edge to Start at QB for Los Angeles Rams

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HBO's Hard Knocks premieres Tuesday night featuring the Los Angeles Rams, and NFL fans should be excited to watch the team's starting quarterback…Case Keenum?

After the organization made a significant trade to acquire the first overall pick and select Cal's Jared Goff, the incoming quarterback became the expected starter. Instead, Keenum is legitimately in the Rams' plans as the preseason approaches. 

"After spending time with Rams, it's clear there is a real chance Case Keenum enters the season as the starter," Rapoport tweeted. "That's the plan, as of now."

Last year, Keenum threw for 828 yards, four touchdowns and only one interception in six appearances. More importantly, the Rams finished 3-1 during his final four starts.

The 28-year-old signal-caller gives head coach Jeff Fisher options. The organization doesn't need to rush Goff if he's not ready. To Keenum's credit, he hasn't looked over his shoulder. 

"I'm putting up blinders, man," he said, per ESPN.com's Steve Dilbeck. "I'm not worried about anything. I'm in a great spot for myself. Whatever happens is going to happen. I understand other people have to do their jobs, but I’m going to go and do my job."

Keenum can put on blinders, but he's at the mercy of Goff and the coaching staff. If this year's No. 1 overall pick starts to ascend at any point during the preseason, he'll be named the starting quarterback. But that hasn't been the case. 

"To my surprise, Goff isn't anywhere close to being ready to play as a starting quarterback at this stage of training camp," NFL.com's Bucky Brooks wrote last week. 

Right now, it's Keenum's job. Ultimately, his performance doesn't matter, because the Rams will be Goff's team. What does matter is the veteran's future. A strong performance can garner further opportunities—whether they come in Los Angeles or elsewhere. 

Mark Sanchez Gets First Chance to Earn Broncos' Starting QB Spot

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In an expected move, the Denver Broncos named veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez their starter to open the team's first preseason contest against the Chicago Bears, according to Andrew Mason of the team's official site. 

For most franchises, they contemplate how long their starting quarterback should play. Some won't even trot their QB1 onto the field. Others will have their signal-callers only play a series or two. For Sanchez, he'll be on the field for the entire first quarter.

Since this is a wide-open competition, each of the Broncos quarterbacks will see significant time. After Sanchez, Trevor Siemian will take over in the second quarter. Finally, the team's first-round pick, Paxton Lynch, is expected to play the entire second half. 

"It's live. That's a part of (the evaluation)—what are you going to do with a live rush and how you adjust to that," offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. "We practice as fast as you can, but it’s a lot faster out there."

What's most important right now isn't how Sanchez or even Siemian performs. Lynch's extended playing time serves as an opportunity to build his confidence with much-needed developmental reps. Coaches often worry about injuries, but the experience the rookie gains will be invaluable. 

"The more I can play [Lynch], the more I can find out about him," head coach Gary Kubiak said, per Mason. "If the game is rhythmic like I hope, then hopefully he plays a whole half. We've kind of been practicing that way, too; he practices a lot at the end of practice."

Meanwhile, Sanchez's goal remains the same: be efficient and effective. If he does, the 29-year-old signal-caller will start more than one preseason contest. 

Antonio Gates Sees Plenty of Potential in Chargers' Rookie Tight End

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While the San Diego Chargers' first-round pick, Joey Bosa, remains embattled in a contract dispute, the team's second-round selection is on the field and making a positive impression. 

Tight end Hunter Henry is a burgeoning presence within the Chargers offense. His approach to practice caught Antonio Gates' attention, per the team's official site: 

"

I try to focus on what he's capable of doing and how he can help us from an offensive standpoint. His toughness, to me, is something that stands out about him. A guy that understands the game, which is rare for a younger guy that comes into this league. He has a great feel for the game, great at getting separation, obviously, in the running game, he's very efficient. 

From a younger guy, from a rookie, [it's] very impressive. You can tell in the classroom he has the intangibles…of wanting to be a starter in this league. He's going to keep growing.

"

Gates is a Hall of Fame-caliber tight end, but the Chargers want Henry on the field. The team plans to extensively use this year's top-rated tight end prospect. From the onset of OTAs, head coach Mike McCoy said the staff wouldn't "hesitate to put him in there," per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams. 

A similar dynamic between Gates and former Charger Ladarius Green never fully materialized. Green signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. It's now Henry's turn to complement the 36-year-old target and eventually replace him. 

Until then, the Chargers will lean heavily on two-tight end sets. Last season, San Diego threw the ball 60.6 percent of the time. The staff wants to be more balanced on offense this year, and the Arkansas product's presence helps make its goal a realistic possibility. 

Bosa will continue to steal the headlines until he signs, but more should be paying attention to Henry's contributions.