Wednesday camp preview: Optimism for first-round pick wide receivers

— -- NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Wednesday.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

After performing decently in the first two preseason games, the Cowboys' defense faces its most difficult test with the Seahawks on Thursday night. Russell Wilson's development at quarterback and the continued success of the running game without Marshawn Lynch make Seattle a good barometer for Dallas. Safety Barry Church believes the Cowboys will be able to gauge where they are with the regular-season opener approaching because of how well-rounded Seattle's offense is. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants

Tuesday was a big day for wide receiver Victor Cruz. The Giants threw him right into the fire as he returned from a groin injury and handed him his biggest workload of the summer. It also turned out to be Cruz's most productive day with a team-high seven catches on 18 snaps. Now let's see how Cruz rebounds, and if his legs are willing to cooperate when the Giants get back on the field for another substantial workout on Wednesday. -- Jordan Raanan

Philadelphia Eagles

So far, so good for the Eagles' defense, which has generated a league-leading seven interceptions over the first two preseason games. They faced Jameis Winston for only one quarter in the opener against the Bucs and didn't see Ben Roethlisberger at all last week in their tilt at the Steelers, though. Some players are hoping for a healthy dose of Andrew Luck this Saturday in the dress rehearsal at the Colts. "We don't know how long Luck will be in there but hopefully he's in there while we're in there," defensive end Connor Barwin said. "You obviously want to go against the best, and he is one of the best in the league and that will give us a good idea of where we're at." -- Tim McManus

Washington Redskins

Tuesday represented a good day for rookie receiver Josh Doctson, who ran routes for the first time since May 25, when he started having issues with his left Achilles. Doctson ran only half-speed, but it provided him a chance to plant and cut -- and it gives the Redskins hope that he'll return sooner than later. Coach Jay Gruden said he didn't think Doctson would need to open the season on the physically unable to perform list. Instead, Gruden said Doctson might return for the fourth preseason game, but the confidence level remains high that he'll be back for the season opener. "The progress we see is a very, very good sign for us," Gruden said. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Coach John Fox's policy is to reveal next to nothing when it pertains to injuries, but the Bears will keep close tabs on guard  Kyle Long's shoulder problem in the coming days. Long, who hurt the shoulder in last week's preseason game in New England, has sat out three consecutive practices. Fox was non-committal when pressed on Long's status for Week 1 of the regular season. In more encouraging news, tight end Zach Miller and receiver Eddie Royal both seem close to returning from concussions. Miller and Royal practiced on Tuesday, but each wore the red "no contact" jersey as they attempt to pass the NFL's concussion protocol. -- Jeff Dickerson

Detroit Lions

The Lions appear to be headed back toward full strength -- at least in terms of their skill position players. Running back  Ameer Abdullah continues to be in his normal jersey, while tight end  Eric Ebron and wide receiver  Golden Tate both returned to practice Tuesday. It's unclear if any of the three will play against Baltimore on Saturday, but it should be an encouraging sign for the Lions that they'll have all three when games start to matter on Sept. 11 against Indianapolis. Abdullah, who has yet to play in a preseason game this season, said Tuesday he wants "to play in a game setting, to get back used to playing in a game, since I haven't played in a preseason game yet, that'd be cool." -- Michael Rothstein

Green Bay Packers

The most important thing that happens in Green Bay on Wednesday won't occur on the football field. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are expected to meet with the NFL as part of the league's investigation into the performance-enhancing drug allegations in the December Al-Jazeera report. Said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers: "It'll be nice for those guys to get it behind them and move forward without this hanging over their heads." -- Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

Teddy Bridgewater did some light throwing on Tuesday, and it bears watching how the Vikings handle the quarterback as he recovers from a sore shoulder. Coach Mike Zimmer said he didn't think Bridgewater necessarily needed to play in the Vikings' third preseason game, but considering Bridgewater wanted to play Thursday night in Seattle, the former first-round pick could be hoping to get some work in the team's first game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. -- Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons coach Dan Quinn emphasized the focus for the third preseason game against the Dolphins on Thursday night is improvement in the red zone on both sides of the ball. "So far in the preseason, offensively we've had six red zone trips and scored on half of them, so I want that number to be up," Quinn said. "And defensively, we've let them down there three times, and they've scored twice. That's an area of emphasis for us heading into the game: Can we play better red zone ball?" -- Vaughn McClure

Carolina Panthers

While much of the focus has been on the back spasms of Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, not much has been said about backup Ed Dickson missing the past week of practice with a groin injury. Dickson has been a valuable part of Carolina's two-tight-end set. With Olsen back in full pads on Tuesday after sitting out a week, Dickson continued to work on the side. He likely will miss Friday's preseason game against New England. The positive of this is Scott Simonson, Braxton Deaver and Beau Sandland have gotten a lot of much-needed work. -- David Newton

New Orleans Saints

Two guys who have been coming on strong in the last week or two are safety Jairus Byrd and running back C.J. Spiller -- two veterans who haven't found success yet in New Orleans because of injuries. It's hard to expect either to return to peak form at this stage of their careers. But anything close would be a huge bonus for New Orleans. -- Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs had their first of two joint practices with the Browns, and once again coach Dirk Koetter said the offense had "no juice." There were definitely some kinks to iron out lining up against a 3-4 defense. Meanwhile, the kicking woes continue for Roberto Aguayo, who missed three of six field goal attempts in Tuesday's practice. He's struggling a little bit right now," Koetter admitted. Aguayo has missed two field goals and an extra point so far this preseason. -- Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are using this week to simulate a game week, as their third preseason game is Sunday. After two subpar performances by the offense, this weekend's game will be critical to see if the offense can progress while playing more than a quarter. Coach Bruce Arians pointed out this week that Arizona has won games in the second half before, trying to prove that the Cardinals' two first-quarter performances weren't enough to be an indication of things to come. But general manager Steve Keim said the Cardinals need to step it up sooner rather than later. "We can't just go out there when the season starts and turn the switch on. We have to continue improve in practice every day, continue to use our urgency and play at a high tempo." -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

It's the Rams' last full week of training camp in Irvine, California, and it is a big week for players on the bubble. By Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT, rosters will be cut from 90 to 75, so those on-the-bubble players really have to show something this week. Rams coach Jeff Fisher, when asked if he had a message for that group, said: "There's really no need for a message. If they don't realize that there's a cut-down after the third preseason game, they're probably not smart enough to play and help us play. ... Some of them maybe get an opportunity with other clubs. And then some of them will come to the realization that their childhood goal is over, and I need to go on with my life." -- Alden Gonzalez

San Francisco 49ers

While the primary focus on the 49ers has centered on who will start at quarterback, the team hasn't shied away from having open competition to identify its five best offensive linemen. On Tuesday, the Niners opened practice with Anthony Davis at right guard with the starters in place of Andrew Tiller. Two plays in, rookie Joshua Garnett checked in to get some work at left guard. It remains to be seen if either will get a shot with the starters on Friday night against Green Bay, but it's another reminder that this group could look very different come the start of the regular season than it did at the start of camp. -- Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks

One player who could see his first preseason action Thursday night is running back C.J. Prosise. The third-round pick has been slowed by a hamstring injury, but he has been practicing and has a chance to suit up against the Cowboys. "If he continues to progress the way he is, then we'll have a chance to see him in the game, yes," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. The Seahawks would love for Prosise to emerge as their third-down back going into the regular season. -- Sheil Kapadia

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

The Bills' trend of one-step forward, two-step backward continues. The team is expected to give wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot) and linebacker Manny Lawson (pectoral) their first action of the preseason Friday at Washington, but Buffalo lost three players to injury at Tuesday's practice: starting right tackle Jordan Mills (knee), top slot cornerback Nickell Robey (quad contusion) and No. 3 wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion protocol). With running back Mike Gillislee also out this week with a concussion, the Bills are struggling with injuries and would be thrilled to get through Friday's game without another injury. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have an interesting decision to make with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake, who is returning from an Achilles' injury. Thursday's third preseason game may be the last chance for Miami to debut Wake in the preseason because many veteran starters sit in the fourth preseason game. Coach Adam Gase said Wake will go through pregame warmups and be a game-time decision against the Falcons. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

The Patriots are high on third-round draft choice Joe Thuney of NC State, who has been the starting left guard from the first day of spring practice. Said coach Bill Belichick, "I think he's certainly moving toward being able to lock something down [in terms of a starting job]. I don't think we're there yet, but I think he is certainly gaining on it. He has had a good preseason; had a good spring." -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

If the Jets aren't satisfied with their current personnel at outside linebacker, they have the option of re-signing Calvin Pace, a longtime starter for them. Pace, 35, has been working out with the hope of resuming his career. He won't help the team speed -- a priority in the offseason -- but he's smart and can play 20-30 snaps a game. They probably wouldn't consider Pace unless rookie Jordan Jenkins (calf) is out for an extended period. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Wide receiver Breshad Perriman said he expects to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Bills. He participated in his first practice Tuesday after being activated off the physically unable to perform list. Perriman indicated that he's just as fast as he was before partially tearing his ACL in June. He has yet to play in a preseason or regular-season game since the Ravens used the No. 26 overall pick on him 16 months ago. "I know that it will be worth the wait, in my eyes," Perriman said. -- Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

As the Bengals return to practice Wednesday, tight end Tyler Eifert, who has been rehabbing all offseason, will see how his injured ankle responded to jogging, which he did for the first time on Monday. Eifert said his goal is working through the daily stiffness and soreness that has accompanied the injury. "It's just working through that soreness and trying to push it without having a setback," he said. "You just have to trust the process and do what you can to get ready." -- Katherine Terrell

Cleveland Browns

Trade chatter about wide receiver  Josh Gordon is persistent. Several teams have called the Browns about acquiring him, but the Browns have not said yes. Gordon? He wants to play for the Browns. "This is where I want to be and I'm happy to be with Cleveland," he said. -- Pat McManamon

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cornerback continues to be an evolving position for the Steelers. Veteran Keenan Lewis, cut by New Orleans last week, was scheduled to visit the Steelers, his former team, on Tuesday night. The Steelers could use an established third cornerback to complement William Gay and Ross Cockrell, but Lewis has been rehabbing for nearly a year from hip and knee surgeries. Pittsburgh's medical evaluation of Lewis will be crucial. Meanwhile, cornerback Senquez Golson (Lisfranc) said he expects to be fully healthy by November. That's good news for the Steelers, who drafted Golson in the second round of the 2015 draft and gave Golson some first-team nickel corner snaps before the injury. -- Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

The Texans have one of the best front sevens in football, but their secondary is strong too. One of the players who has stood out in practice and the first two preseason games is cornerback Kevin Johnson.  An injury kept the 2015 first-round pick out of the team's offseason program, but he has returned to the field stronger than last season. Keep an eye on him this week against the Cardinals. -- Sarah Barshop

Indianapolis Colts

New Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie isn't sure he'll play in Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles. He completed his first practice with the Colts on Tuesday. Cromartie said he plans to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Lions on Sept. 11. "That's about 19 or 20 days away," he said. "I will be ready for that, there's no question about that." -- Mike Wells

Jacksonville Jaguars

With nose tackle  Roy Miller (quad) likely sidelined for the remainder of the preseason and backup Abry Jones (quad) banged up, the Jaguars will give defensive end  Tyson Alualu some reps inside during practice and against Cincinnati on Sunday night. Alualu's versatility and ability to play inside and outside -- and be consistent at both spots -- is one of the things that makes him such a valuable player along the defensive front. -- Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

The unexpected retirement of tight end Craig Stevens leaves the Titans in a bind. He was by far the team's best blocking tight end, a starter in a two-tight-end base set for a run-heavy offense. Now the Titans will sort through lesser options, or be left to ask Delanie Walker and Anthony Fasano to do more dirty work. -- Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Just one day after coach Gary Kubiak said Trevor Siemian would start at quarterback in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Siemian did not throw in practice Tuesday because of a right shoulder injury. Siemian, however, was in uniform and took part in run-game drills. He also showed some range of motion in the shoulder as well, raising his arms several times to signal audibles in drills. He still looks on track to play against the Rams so that means, more importantly for him, he's still on track to start the regular-season opener Sept. 8 against the Panthers. With quality work against the Rams, Siemian should hold serve and keep the job. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

The sense in the organization is that the return of safety Eric Berry, the unsigned franchise player, isn't far off. The Chiefs remain hopefully Berry can play when the regular season begins on Sept. 11. "I think it's important to see what kind of shape he is in and then gradually bring him back into the football speed of things,'' coach Andy Reid said. "I don't think it's the end of the world if he doesn't play in the last preseason game. The most important thing is to put eyes on him and see what kind of shape he is in so we don't put him at risk out there." -- Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

The late Al Davis loved speed. So imagine what the current incarnation of the Raiders would do with Usain Bolt if the world's fastest human decided to try his hand at football. "Usain," said Oakland quarterback  Derek Carr, "if you want to run a go-route, we're all good with that." -- Paul Gutierrez

San Diego Chargers

With guard D.J. Fluker suffering from a sprained right foot and unavailable for Sunday's contest against the Vikings, undrafted rookie Spencer Pulley could get the start at right guard. The Vanderbilt product began offseason work playing center, but he has worked at all three interior offensive line positions for during training camp. "I really focus on knowing the playbook and understanding the offense, so that when you're out there I just play fast," Pulley said. -- Eric D. Williams