Wednesday camp preview: Promising draft picks star for Chiefs, Saints

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AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

The Bills were without tight end Charles Clay at Tuesday night's practice after he was seen having his back/hip area stretched out frequently by trainers during practices Sunday and Monday. Whether Clay is on the field for Thursday's practice will be a story; he missed the end of last season with a back injury. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

An interesting note as the Dolphins head into a rest day after five consecutive days of practices: Miami quarterbacks have thrown just one interception through five training-camp practices. Whether that's great news for the offense or bad news for the defense is debatable. But Miami quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore and rookie Brandon Doughty are doing a solid job of taking care of the football. Injured players will get some time to heal Thursday, particularly at running back, where Jay Ajayi, Isaiah Pead and Damien Williams all had injuries during the first week of camp. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

Can any Patriots defender stop tight end  Rob Gronkowski? He has been dominating at times in practice, and his celebration in which he tosses the football in the air has caught the attention of the defense. The best way to stop the celebrations is to stop Gronkowski, which, of course, is easier said than done. It's back to the grind for the Patriots at practice after a day off Tuesday. -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

Coming off a ragged practice, the offense hopes to respond with a crisp performance Wednesday. Don't be alarmed -- the starting unit is without running back  Matt Forte, left guard  James Carpenter and right tackle  Breno Giacomini. Also remember that quarterback  Ryan Fitzpatrick missed the entire offseason because of a contract dispute. This will be an ongoing process. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens return to practice Wednesday after their first day off in camp, and it will be interesting to see if quarterback  Joe Flacco continues to build chemistry with tight end Benjamin Watson. It was noticeable how Watson caught more and more passes after tight end Dennis Pitta left Monday's practice with a sprained finger. With Pitta sidelined for a few days, Watson will get more chances to gain a rapport with Flacco. This will also allow Maxx Williams, a second-round pick from a year ago, to get more reps with the first-team offense. -- Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

Just in the nick of time, the Bengals are getting a day off Wednesday. The rest comes on the heels of two physical, fully-padded camp sessions. On Monday, the Bengals lost cornerback William Jackson III to a torn pectoral muscle for an undetermined length of time. The team hopes to re-evaluate the injury in the coming days to see just how long the rookie first-round pick's rehab will be. Late Tuesday, second-year tight end Tyler Kroft caused a scare when he went down clutching his left knee at the end of a goal-line drill. Kroft was already relieving Tyler Eifert, who could miss a game or two at the start of the season because of an injury suffered in the Pro Bowl. Cincinnati could learn more Wednesday about the extent of Kroft's injury. -- Coley Harvey

Cleveland Browns

Robert Griffin III continues to stay above any potential fray when it comes to the Browns' starting quarterback job. Either Hue Jackson has made it clear he wants no talk that would generate even an inkling of a quarterback controversy, or Griffin is simply not willing to create a situation like the one he lived through in Washington with the Redskins. Or both. Griffin said he merely goes out every day concentrating on doing what he can on the field. "You can't control when Coach makes a decision, how he makes a decision," Griffin said. -- Pat McManamon

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have cornerback problems. Again. The news of a foot injury that could sideline second-year corner Senquez Golson for much of 2016 is another hit to the team's rebuilding job in the secondary. Golson, a former second-round pick, missed all of last season with a torn labrum. A spotlight will be on this year's second-round pick, Sean Davis, a 6-foot-1 safety who can play some slot corner in Golson's absence. He got work in both spots before Golson's injury. The Steelers like Davis' versatility and are open to trying him out in the slot while veteran Robert Golden gets an extended role, going from subpackage safety to potential full-time starter. -- Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Back in full pads for the first time since last season, the Texans got to work on their post- Arian Foster running game for the first time. Free-agent signing Lamar Miller is expected to take over Foster's heavy workload. Coach Bill O'Brien said they're behind in the run game on both sides of the ball, but will spend training camp catching up. -- Tania Ganguli

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have Wednesday off after holding their annual night practice Tuesday. The day off will allow for injured players such as center Ryan Kelly to get extra treatment. Kelly, the Colts' first-round pick, has missed the past two days of practice with a strained right shoulder. The Colts are calling their starting center day-to-day. It's uncertain if he'll play in Sunday's preseason opener against Green Bay. -- Mike Wells

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tight end Julius Thomas was unable to finish Tuesday's practice because of a left ankle sprain. It appears to be just a minor injury, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Jaguars kept him off the field for a couple of days as a precaution. Remember, Thomas suffered a fractured bone in his right hand in the first preseason game last season and missed the first four games. The offense missed his presence, especially in the red zone. The Jaguars are more talented in 2016, but they still have little margin for error at certain positions, and tight end is definitely one of them. -- Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have a day off Wednesday, and they hope it is a big one for receiver Kendall Wright (hamstring), cornerback Brice McCain (ankle) and interior offensive lineman Andy Gallik (knee). Rookie outside linebacker Kevin Dodd remains day-to-day on PUP, and they will be excited to add him when he's ready, but there is no clear timetable for his return. If Wright remains limited with the injury he suffered Wednesday, veteran Harry Douglas will get chances as the third receiver. Coach Mike Mularkey said there was no drop-off from Wright after he left practice Tuesday. Sustaining that would enhance Douglas' chances of sticking on the roster. -- Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

The injury situation at guard will bear watching as the Broncos return to practice Wednesday. Ty Sambrailo (hyper-extended elbow) and Sam Brenner (concussion) are each expected to miss some time. Coach Gary Kubiak said Sambrailo, who has moved over from left tackle to left guard, could miss "a few days, and Brenner is under the guidelines of the league's concussion protocol. It means rookie guard Connor McGovern is getting the kind of look he might not have expected when camp opened. If Sambrailo has not returned to the field by early next week, McGovern might well start the preseason opener on Aug. 11. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are encouraged by the play of rookie defensive lineman Chris Jones early in training camp. Jones, a second-round draft pick and the Chiefs' top choice, has been particularly impressive as a pass-rusher. He swatted down a pass in practice on Tuesday. "He's got great wingspan,'' defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said. "When his hand goes up, you don't have a lot of daylight in there to see." -- Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders, who took Tuesday off after four days of practice that included the last two in pads, made official what had been expected when they formally released running back Roy Helu Jr., off injured reserve, where he was placed on Friday. "We hoped to get a little more last year out of him," coach Jack Del Rio said Friday of Helu, who rushed for 39 yards on 17 carries and had nine catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in nine games. Helu had elective surgery on both hips this offseason. Now fifth-round draft pick DeAndre Washington is getting second-team reps behind Latavius Murray, and undrafted free agent Jalen Richard is also opening eyes in camp, which resumes today.  -- Paul Gutierrez

San Diego Chargers

Fans will get their first opportunity Wednesday to see wide receiver James Jones, whom the team signed to fill the void left by Stevie Johnson's injury. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Jones provides experience, versatility and playmaking ability, adding a veteran presence to a young group of San Diego receivers. -- Eric D. Williams

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

It is hard to get a rhythm for the beginning of a training camp. After opening the first two days without any offense vs. defense work, the Cowboys put the pads on Monday and Tuesday and now have a day off. The schedule allowed Tony Romo to get two full days of work in pads. When the Cowboys return to work Thursday, they will have a stretch of four days of practice, culminating in the Blue/White scrimmage on Sunday. Jason Garrett said he thinks the routine will work well as the players get their football legs underneath them early in the summer. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants

The tight-end competition is heating up in East Rutherford, and it appears to be a three-man race with Larry Donnell and Matt LaCosse both off to a strong start. They join Will Tye, who started the final seven games of last season and has shown flashes of being a playmaker. Don't sleep on LaCosse. He had another strong practice Tuesday to build off a strong spring and continues to be in the first-team rotation. -- Jordan Raanan

Philadelphia Eagles

There's a chance guard Brandon Brooks (hamstring) will take the field Wednesday for his first training-camp practice. Stefen Wisniewski, playing in Brooks' place, has "looked great," according to offensive coordinator Frank Reich. "He's met or exceeded expectations." With Brooks signed for five years and $40 million, though, Wisniewski would have to displace Allen Barbre at left guard. -- Phil Sheridan

Washington Redskins

The Redskins won't have a full practice Wednesday but will have a walkthrough and a special teams session. It'll be interesting to see how their special teams shake out, especially at kick returner. They have a number of options, including  Rashad Ross, Chris Thompson, Keith Marshall and Dashaun Phillips. Even Bashaud Breeland has caught kickoffs during practice. Ross was the primary returner last season, but Washington needs another option in case he's not active in games. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Wednesday is shaping up to be a busy day at Bears camp. Quarterback Jay Cutler is scheduled to speak after practice, followed by offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, whom John Fox promoted from quarterbacks coach in January. Because the Bears limited offseason access to Loggains, who answered questions one time, not much is known about his philosophies. Loggains, who is Cutler's sixth coordinator since 2009, is expected to keep the same offense Adam Gase used in 2015, but unlike last year, Chicago is without former Pro Bowlers Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett. Loggains previously called plays in Tennessee, but improving Chicago's offensive production will be his most difficult coaching task to date. -- Jeff Dickerson

Detroit Lions

One of the biggest storylines so far in camp has been Matthew Stafford's efficiency and comfort level in the offense. His early rapport with Golden Tate, as well as newcomers Anquan Boldin and Marvin Jones, has been on point, and he seems to be in command of the offense that coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is constructing. The offensive line has not been good so far, and Stafford's protection is going to be an issue, but he appears to be heading toward continuing his consistent play from the end of last season. The Lions return to practice Wednesday night after taking Tuesday off. -- Michael Rothstein

Green Bay Packers

Former first-round pick Datone Jones' transition from defensive end to outside linebacker is worth watching. Linebackers coach Winston Moss said Jones "was a little awkward in the OTAs, but I've been impressed with him in training camp." After a day off on Tuesday, the Packers are likely to put Jones and the rest of the pass-rushers through one-on-one drills again. Jones' record in the drill so far is just 2-4, but according to Moss, "He's really starting to feel comfortable, really starting to play with some more instincts. I like what he's doing. We're asking a lot of him right now." -- Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

As the Vikings return from a day off, coach Mike Zimmer said he'd like to start formulating a depth chart. It will be particularly interesting to see what that means for the offensive line, where the Vikings have been alternating first-team snaps between John Sullivan and Joe Berger at center. They've also been giving time to both Andre Smith and T.J. Clemmings at right tackle; Smith figures to have the edge there, but it could be easier to tell where things stand starting Wednesday. -- Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

When the Falcons get back to work Wednesday, there will be some buzz about the arrival of veteran pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, who joins the team Thursday. Before that happens, the Falcons need to iron out the kinks on offense. Quarterback  Matt Ryan has had a handful of interceptions, including a pair of them Tuesday. Coach Dan Quinn said he's not overly concerned about Ryan's mistakes with much experimentation ongoing. But Ryan's play is always worth monitoring regardless. Year 2 in Kyle Shanahan's system should be better for him. -- Vaughn McClure

Carolina Panthers

Defensive end Kony Ealy was scheduled to meet with an independent doctor to see where he stood in the concussion protocol, so stay tuned on his return. Cornerback Bene' Benwikere will remain on PUP, but it appears he is getting close to returning. The Panthers are back on the field at 9:25 a.m. after their first day off following five straight practices. -- David Newton

New Orleans Saints

The Saints get back to work Wednesday after their first day off, and we'll see if second-year pros Andrus Peat and Garrett Grayson can keep up their momentum. Peat, New Orleans' top draft pick in 2015, has looked very good all camp while playing left tackle and right guard. A 6-foot-7, 316-pounder, he has been in noticeably better shape all summer and seems to have better confidence and technique, especially in 1-on-1 pass-rush drills. Grayson, a quarterback who essentially redshirted last year, has been more hit or miss. But he continues to develop and had his best practice session to date Monday after having a pretty good one Sunday. -- Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Starting Wednesday, first-round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves III will begin rotating in with the first-team defense. He hasn't been practicing with the 1's because he has been learning the nickelback position after having played outside his whole career in college. "We've been focusing on getting him as much work as we can inside right now," defensive coordinator Mike Smith said. "Then we'll get him an opportunity, once we feel he has a comfort level inside, we'll move him and give him some snaps outside." Hargreaves will rotate some days outside and some days inside until the Bucs determine where he fits best. -- Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals headed into a day off on a high note after safety Tyrann Mathieu signed a five-year extension worth $62.5 million. The day was slightly marred, however, by nose tackle Corey Peters limping off the field during practice. He returned this year from an Achilles' injury suffered last training camp. Arizona will return to camp Thursday, when coach Bruce Arians will address the injury situation. -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams practiced in pads for the first time Tuesday, and Case Keenum, as expected, got the reps with the first-team offense, and  Jared Goff worked with the 2's. Goff, the No. 1 overall draft pick, looked fearless, which is probably a good thing in the long run, even if it means some of his throws will be off-target in the meantime. Goff gets constant instruction. After every play, one of the coaches is in his ear making a point and teaching. It seems clear from watching and from talking to people here that the Rams will work as quickly as possible to get him ready to play, whether that's Week 1 or soon thereafter. -- Dan Graziano

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners put the pads on for the first time Tuesday and will now get the day off Wednesday to recover. That recovery time is something coach Chip Kelly is emphasizing, and it will be necessary, according to safety Eric Reid. Reid was quick to point out Tuesday how practicing with pads on in Kelly's uptempo practices is much different than without them. "Tempo is one thing, tempo with pads is a completely different thing," Reid said. "You notice it much earlier, like individual drills. You are doing all your drills, you have the extra weight, you feel it earlier." -- Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks

It's still unclear when the team will get back running back Thomas Rawls and tight end Jimmy Graham. Both players started camp on the PUP list, but coach Pete Carroll said their situations would be re-evaluated during the first break, which is Wednesday. In Rawls' absence, Christine Michael, Alex Collins and Zac Brooks have rotated with the first team. Luke Willson has replaced Graham at tight end, and Nick Vannett has received additional reps. Rawls and Graham are expected to be ready for Week 1, but how they'll look when they return remains a question. -- Sheil Kapadia