2026 NFL Training Camp Live Updates, Rumors and Highlights from Thursday

This isn't a surprise, given that Chris Olave was in the final year of his rookie deal. Moreover, he recorded career highs in multiple receiving categories last season, catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns. 

In January, Olave dealt with a blood clot, but according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, he's a "full go and has no restrictions."

Head coach Kellen Moore told reporters that Olave's recent lack of participation in the offseason program was a contract-related issue. With a new deal, the ascending wideout should be back on the field and ready to lead the Saints' passing attack this year.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may be inspired by the Los Angeles Rams acquiring All-Pros Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie this offseason. Lindsey Thiry's suggestion that the Cowboys' move-maker is willing to trade a premium draft pick for an established playmaker doesn't sound far-fetched. 

Before the 2025 trade deadline, Dallas traded a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Back in March, the Cowboys traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for edge-rusher Rashan Gary. 

Dallas needed pass-rushers to fill a void after dealing Micah Parsons to the Packers, but the organization is clearly operating with some urgency on the trade market.

New York Giants new head coach John Harbaugh said Malik Nabers didn't suffer a simple knee injury, which complicates recovery, but the star receiver is active for training camp, which is a positive sign for his availability.

Although quarterback Jaxson Dart expects the Giants to operate a run-first attack, his connection with Nabers will be one of the keys to unlocking the offense's full potential.

Nabers earned a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie campaign, hauling in 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The 23-year-old called that a "basic" year in which he left plays on the field.

While working his way back into game shape, Nabers has much higher standards for himself and isn't short on motivation as he heads into his third season.

Regardless of who wins the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns will need balance from the ground game. 

As a rookie last season, Quinshon Judkins showed flashes behind an injury-riddled offensive line, logging 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns, but he fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle in Week 16.

Judkins made a full recovery and looks comfortable taking handoffs out of the backfield. He's the Browns' clear-cut lead ball-carrier and has a chance to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards behind a rebuilt offensive line with five new starters. 

How long can Derrick Henry steamroll the competition at this level? He'll do it for at least another year without a thought of hanging up his cleats. 

At 32, Henry is defying the thought that running backs his age experience a sharp decline.

Yes, Henry has fumbled seven times over the previous two seasons, but the bruising ball-carrier has played in every game in the last three seasons and either led the league in carries or logged at least 307 rush attempts in four consecutive campaigns. 

Henry has two more years left on his current deal and could play out the contract and pick up another one in his age-34 term.

During an interview on KNBR, NBC Sports Matt Maicoco discussed the possibility that Ricky Pearsall may need season-ending knee surgery.

On Wednesday, The Athletic's Vic Tafur reported there's "concern" about swelling in Pearsall's knee, which kept him out of practice.

It seems as though Pearsall hasn't shaken off a PCL injury from the previous season. Meanwhile, rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling has made headlines and drawn praise from quarterback Brock Purdy (h/t 49ers Web Zone).

If San Francisco loses Pearsall for the upcoming season, Stribling could open the year in a starting spot alongside free-agent acquisition Mike Evans. Remember, wideout Christian Kirk is dealing with a calf strain. Brandon Aiyuk is on the reserve/left squad list and needs to apply for reinstatement to play anywhere again.

Pearsall hasn't been able to stay healthy, and it might be another tough break for him. In his absence, Stribling could take advantage of opportunities.

In college at Alabama, Jihaad Campbell earned praise for his versatility. He recorded 184 tackles (15.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, five pass breakups and two sacks with the Crimson Tide. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Campbell had a productive rookie campaign, logging 80 tackles (two for loss), three pass breakups and an interception in 17 games (10 starts).

Entering his second season, Campbell will line up primarily at inside linebacker, as the replacement for Nakobe Dean, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He'll work alongside All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun to solidify the middle of the unit.

Campbell missed spring practice because of shoulder surgery, but he's active for training camp.

Back in June, Rome Odunze shared some concerning comments about the "new normal" with his foot after he missed several games in the previous season due to a stress fracture.

On Thursday, Odunze's clarification may be enough to calm some of the worried nerves within the fanbase. Still, once he's back in game action, spectators will be watching his ability to cut and separate from some of the better cornerbacks.

The Chicago Bears traded wideout DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, which means Odunze or second-year pro Luther Burden III could break out to be the team's lead receiver.

The New England Patriots made significant upgrades to their wide receiver group, signing Romeo Doubs and then acquiring A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. As a result, Kayshon Boutte will drop on the depth chart, but he's shining at training camp.

Over the last week, Boutte has made highlight plays on the practice field. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised the fourth-year wideout for how he's handled his situation amid trade rumors.

With Brown and Doubs likely to command the most targets at receiver, Boutte may be a trade candidate who generates a ton of buzz before final roster cuts. In 2025, he caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns. 

Entering a contract year, Boutte's best chance to post career-high receiving numbers would be with another team. He's been a professional in New England but would likely welcome a change of scenery.

In a brutal start to the offseason, the Carolina Panthers lost another young player for the upcoming season. One week after the team placed Nic Scourton on injured reserve, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II suffered an LCL injury during Wednesday's practice, and his rookie campaign is over.

The Panthers selected Brazzell in the third round of this year's draft. Averaging 15.2 yards per catch in college, the towering 6'5", 200-pound wideout had a chance to carve out a role as a big-play threat on the perimeter. 

Brazzell's absence may have pushed Xavier Legette on the roster bubble after his two underwhelming seasons. Now, the Panthers have a clear trio of lead receivers with Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Legette atop the depth chart.

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh didn't shy away from his comments at a fan event where he talked about beating his former team. 

The Titans will host the Jets in Week 1. So, given that Gang Green fired Saleh in the middle of the 2024 season, he probably had this game circled once he took the job. The Jets had a 20-36 record on his watch.

Interestingly, Tennessee acquired defensive end Jermaine Johnson II from New York this offseason.

The Titans also signed former Jets players John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jacob Martin, and Tony Adams, all of whom played under Saleh in New York. There will be familiarity and competitive spirit on the field and on the sideline in the season opener at Nissan Stadium.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase told reporters that he plays with feistiness, and he likes to see that in his teammates. 

When asked if it's about "setting a tone" at practice, Chase replied, "Pretty much. Yeah."

The Bengals are headed into a crucial season. Head coach Zac Taylor could be on the hot seat after the team missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

Wide receivers are rarely the tough guys on the field in the middle of skirmishes, but Chase's competitive demeanor may be what this team needs to battle for playoff positioning in a strong AFC North division.

After an All-Pro 2024 season, Kerby Joseph missed 11 games in the following campaign because of a knee injury. When asked about his optimism to play early in the upcoming term, he seemed confident and then deflected to his YouTube channel.

With versatile defensive back Brian Branch on the physically unable to perform list, recovering from a torn Achilles, Joseph's return would be huge for Detroit's secondary. 

Last season, the Lions ranked 26th in passing touchdowns allowed. They need their ball-hawking safety back in center field.

The New Orleans Saints have a surefire No. 1 wide receiver in Chris Olave, though Jordyn Tyson can provide more big plays over the top in the passing game. Quarterback Tyler Shough is building a rapport with the first-year wideout.

In college, Tyson battled injuries that kept him out of action for long stretches. If he stays on the field, buy stock in the Saints offense.

Last year, New Orleans finished 13th in passing yards. Shough should be more comfortable in head coach Kellen Moore's offense with a new explosive playmaker to complement Olave.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs posted a photo of teammate Jameson Williams on Instagram with the caption, "Patiently waiting…"

It could indicate that he's taking a wait-and-see approach during contract talks with the Detroit Lions, though some speculated that this post is about the new Spider-Man movie.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gibbs has had conversations with the team about a long-term extension. Assuming the two sides come to a new agreement, the three-time Pro Bowler will be the highest-paid at his position. 

Early this offseason, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that Gibbs is the "bell cow" of the offense—after the team traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. Primed for a bigger workload out of the backfield, the 24-year-old wants a deserved pay raise, which should come before Week 1.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter provided an update on Shemar Stewart, who left the practice field on a cart Wednesday. 

According to head coach Zac Taylor, Stewart will miss several weeks, but he called that timeline "very fortunate" compared to the initial look of the injury.

The second-year pro can make a noticeable leap in development following the departure of edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal, and Myles Murphy is entering a contract year, but Stewart should be involved in the rotation off the edge. After a delayed arrival last offseason because of a contract dispute, he recorded 11 tackles (two for loss) and a sack in eight games.

On Wednesday, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Tua Tagovailoa suffered a "flare-up" injury. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons signal-caller would miss time with a "tight back."

Tagovailoa took part in team drills on Thursday, which is a sign that he's not dealing with a major issue. Atlanta signed Cooper Rush for veteran quarterback insurance while Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from knee surgery.

After six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa is in line to start for the Falcons. Penix told reporters his doctor gave him a four-week timeline before he could advance to the next stage in his recovery, though he left the door open for an earlier timetable.

If Penix is out until late August, Tagovailoa just needs to stay healthy through the summer to claim the lead position.

Although Kenyon Sadiq missed spring practices because of a minor hernia surgery, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters (via The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt) that he expects the rookie tight end to be a big part of the offense.

Glenn should have high expectations for Sadiq in his first year, but the rookie could have a slow start to the season while splitting snaps with fellow tight end Mason Taylor, who recorded a team-leading 44 receptions for 369 yards and a touchdown last season.

Nonetheless, in his second stint with Gang Green, 14th-year quarterback Geno Smith should be an upgrade over the trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook, who all started at least four games last season. He'll raise the floor for the Jets' passing attack, allowing Sadiq more opportunities to make an impact.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered him a two-year extension, which was "probably the most disappointing" part of negotiations for him, and he wants $50 million per year on his next deal.

If Mayfield gets what he wants, the two-time Pro Bowler's contract would rank at least 13th in average annual value among quarterbacks, which would be fair following another Pro Bowl-caliber year. 

Mayfield won't negotiate during the season. He's betting on himself, aiming for a standout season and a new deal next offseason. It's a good gamble. With him under center, Tampa Bay has won the NFC South title in two of the previous three campaigns.