Tag: Training Camp

Logan Bruss making big strides in Year 3, but will he make the team?

Sean McVay is proud of Logan Bruss’ improvement this summer, but will it be enough to land him a spot on the Rams’ roster?

Logan Bruss was a third-round pick in 2022, the Rams’ top selection in the draft that year. In his two seasons as a pro, he has yet to play a regular-season snap. He tore his ACL and MCL during the preseason as a rookie and last year, he failed to even make the 53-man roster.

His career has not gone according to plan, to say the least, but he’s still fighting to make the team in Year 3. It’s an uphill battle but the good news is Bruss has made some serious improvements.

Through two preseason games, Bruss is the 17th-highest-graded offensive lineman in the NFL, according to PFF (80.7). In 72 pass-blocking snaps, he’s allowed just one pressure and no sacks, while also earning a 76.7 run-blocking grade.

His play has impressed head coach Sean McVay, who has seen Bruss make big strides – even earning first-team reps with Jonah Jackson out.

“He’s played really consistently in the preseason games,” McVay said Tuesday. “We had a big run with our first group at the end of that period right there. He and Steve Avila were in a good combination where they got great removal and created a vertical seam. Now, need to be better defensively there but that was a really good example of just some of the steps that he’s taken. I think he’s improved in his overall production as a protector. He’s always had the athleticism to be productive in the run game, but again he definitely has been a guy that I’ve seen improvement from. … I’ve been really proud of Logan.”

The Rams could use some depth along the offensive line this season, given the injuries they’ve already suffered in practice at both guard and tackle. And with KT Leveston sidelined at the moment, it gives Bruss a leg up on the competition.

Right now, it appears Bruss and Zach Thomas will be the backup guards, a good development for the former third-round pick.

Packers training camp report: Live updates from Practice No. 17 in 2024

Live updates from the 17th training camp practice for the Packers on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

Welcome to the 17th day of training camp for the Green Bay Packers. Matt LaFleur’s team is back in Green Bay for practice on Tuesday following a disappointing couple of days in Denver. On Thursday, the Packers will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Green Bay for a joint practice and the final open practice of training camp.

So, what will Day 17 bring at Ray Nitschke Field?

Here’s everything to know from Tuesday, Aug. 20, the 17th training camp practice of 2024:

Matt LaFleur pre-practice press conference

LaFleur is still deciding if starters will play against the Ravens in the preseason finale.

He thought his team played with energy but had too many “mental mistakes” against the Broncos.

Injury updates

Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hip) will return and work individual periods on Tuesday. Running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains out. Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan might advance to 11-on-11 work on Thursday.

New injuries coming out of the weekend in Denver: Running back AJ Dillon (stinger), offensive tackle Andre Dillard (shoulder), tight end Tyler Davis (shoulder), defensive lineman Spencer Waege (concussion). Defensive end Preston Smith has an illness and isn’t practicing. Linebacker Ralen Goforth suffered a concussion vs. the Broncos and isn’t practicing.

Live news and updates from practice

A roster move: The Packers re-signed fullback Henry Pearson and waived running back Jarveon Howard with an injury designation.

Here’s Edgerrin Cooper, who is returning from a multi-week hip injury:

Love to Doubs for a big play:

Anders Carlson started 2-for-2 on kicks. So did rookie Alex Hale. Greg Joseph missed from 43 yards out.

The Packers kicking competition continues to stink. Greg Joseph, who once looked like the clear front runner, has had a terrible week or so. He’s 1-for-4 to start Tuesday’s practice and now under 80 percent for camp.

Two-minute drive for Jordan Love and the No. 1 offense, which results in a field goal:

Tuesday’s practice ends with a wacky play:

Up next: A joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.

Rookie DB Kamren Kinchens is ‘going to be a factor’ for Rams this season

Rookie safety Kamren Kinchens has had a great summer and Sean McVay says he’s going to play a role for the Rams this season

Every spring in the NFL offseason marks the time for the NFL draft, as former college stars realize lifelong dreams of having a shot to play with the best players in the world. The beauty of the NFL draft is, that no matter how much scouting is done, it’s impossible to know whether these prospects will turn out the way the team selecting them envisions them to be. Every draft produces prospects who fall exceedingly short of expectations, while some burst onto the scene to take the NFL by storm.

Last season, the Rams appeared to have one of the best draft performances in the league, nabbing multiple instant starters in Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young, none of whom were first-round selections. The Rams, of course, look to have that much success in every draft class, with the 2024 draft as no exception.

One player who was selected by the Rams in April was safety Kamren Kinchens out of the University of Miami. The Rams had a clear focus on improving their secondary throughout the offseason, so they selected Kinchens 99th overall to fit that focus.

Kinchens has already earned some high praise from head coach Sean McVay in his first training camp as a professional.

The Rams are known league-wide as a team that does not play their key players in preseason games. Kinchens was notably not on the field in the Rams’ second preseason game against the Chargers, so the media rightfully had questions as to why the third-round pick did not appear in the game.

McVay told media members, “We’ve been holding him out for precautionary reasons… He’s done a great job. It was really one of those deals that we didn’t feel it was necessary to expose him to possible injury. He’s going to be a guy that’s going to be a factor for us.”

Based on this quote from Coach McVay, it is clear the team has high hopes for what Kinchens could bring to the table for the Rams defense. In the first, unofficial depth chart of the preseason, Kinchens was listed as the backup to fellow safety Kamren Curl. However, with the aging John Johnson III listed as the starting safety opposite of Curl, there is a chance Kinchens gets a real shot to contribute throughout the 2024 season.

The ball-hawking Kinchens recorded 11 interceptions as a two-year starter at Miami, proving to be one of the best safeties at the FBS level during his collegiate career. The Rams finished ranked 30th in the NFL in takeaways last season, a statistic McVay believes Kinchens has a shot to help change this year.

Will Harris elbows his way into Saints’ competition at safety

The New Orleans Saints started Will Harris opposite Tyrann Mathieu on Sunday. Here’s an update on their search for a starting safety:

The New Orleans Saints’ strong safety battle was believed to be between Johnathan Abram and Jordan Howden. At one point that may have been true, but it would be irresponsible to not insert Will Harris into the conversation after Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Harris got the nod ahead of both players when the starting defense took the field.

With Dennis Allen’s lack of commitment to any player, this shouldn’t come as a surprise that players could make a late push to start next to Tyrann Mathieu.

There’s an argument to be made that Harris should be considered the frontrunner. He started the second preseason game, an honor that previously belonged to Abram the week before. Reports from camp have been that Harris was in the mix, and that was on full display on Sunday.

Howden looks to be firmly in last place, and he always felt like the odd man out. Howden is best suited to line up deep downfield, but that’s  a role manned by Mathieu. Howden played at free safety next to Abram with the second unit, a clear display of where he stands in the pecking order at strong safety.

Howden’s missed tackle against Joshua Dobbs at the goal line was the exact mistake he couldn’t afford to make. It was a miscue in tackling and physicality. These are two traits Allen specified he is looking for from the position.

With one preseason game to go, Harris and Abram seem to be the most likely starters. It’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod against the Tennessee Titans next Sunday. All of this uncertainty makes missing out on Justin Simmons sting just a little bit more.

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Saints players try their hands at the viral grip test after training camp practice

New Orleans Saints players tried their hands at the viral grip test challenge after training camp practice. Who has the strongest hands on the team?

A little fun never hurts anybody, especially during the rigors of training camp. And who doesn’t want bragging rights for having the strongest hands on the team?

The New Orleans Saints social media team brought out the grip test after a recent practice session, which allowed for some fun competition for the guys. It’s a viral trend going around the league; the Philadelphia Eagles have also shared their results.

A variety of position groups competed here, starting with many of the defensive linemen all the way to kicker Blake Grupe, which brought some good laughs given his smaller stature. One thing that was interesting was tight end Foster Moreau getting the highest score reaching the 200 number. This surpassed guys like Chase Young, Willie Gay Jr., Carl Granderson and Bryan Bresee who we would assume due to their build and the nature of their position, would receive the higher numbers.

Of this exercise though, maybe the most enjoyable part was the players’ reactions. Hearing many of the guys screaming and yelling like they’re in the weight room is hilarious. Small things like this are what allows players to bond with each other outside of the game, and it’s great to see the many smiles on their faces at such an arduous time of the year.

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View the Broncos’ roster for preseason game vs. Packers

Here is the Broncos’ roster for their preseason home opener against the Packers today.

Welcome back, Denver Broncos football!

After defeating the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener, the Denver Broncos are now set to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of NFL preseason on Sunday night.

The Broncos made two changes to the roster this week, bringing in defensive back Kaleb Hayes and parting ways with pass rusher Jaylon Allen.

Following those two roster moves, here’s a look at the team’s 90-man offseason roster going into the second week of preseason.

Denver Broncos 90-man offseason roster

Name Position Number
Jarrett Stidham QB 8
Bo Nix QB 10
Zach Wilson QB 4
Javonte Williams RB 33
Samaje Perine RB 25
Jaleel McLaughlin RB 38
Audric Estime RB 37
Blake Watson RB 43
Tyler Badie RB 36
Michael Burton FB 20
Nate Adkins FB/TE 45
Greg Dulcich TE 80
Adam Trautman TE 82
Lucas Krull TE 85
Thomas Yassmin (IPP) TE 86
Hunter Kampmoyer TE 84
Courtland Sutton WR 14
Marvin Mims WR 19
Josh Reynolds WR 11
Troy Franklin WR 16
Tim Patrick WR 12
Devaughn Vele WR 81
Lil’Jordan Humphrey WR 17
Brandon Johnson WR 89
Jalen Virgil  WR 15
Phillip Dorsett WR 13
David Sills WR 87
Michael Bandy WR 83
Mike McGlinchey OT 69
Garett Bolles OT 72
Frank Crum OT 73
Alex Palczewski OT 63
Matt Peart OT 79
Demontrey Jacobs OT 71
Will Sherman OT/G 78
Oliver Jervis OT 64
Quinn Meinerz G 77
Ben Powers G 74
Nick Gargiulo G/C 66
Calvin Throckmorton G 76
Luke Wattenberg C/G 60
Alex Forsyth C 54
Sam Mustipher C 61
Zach Allen DE 99
John Franklin-Myers DE 98
D.J. Jones DL 93
Malcolm Roach DL 97
Angelo Blackson DL 90
Matt Henningsen DL 91
Elijah Garcia DL 95
Eyioma Uwazurike DL 96
Jordan Jackson DL 94
Jordan Miller DL 68
Baron Browning OLB 5
Jonathon Cooper OLB 0
Nik Bonitto OLB 42
Jonah Elliss OLB 52
Drew Sanders (PUP) OLB 41
Thomas Incoom OLB 59
Dondrea Tillman OLB 92
Alex Singleton ILB 49
Cody Barton ILB 55
Jonas Griffith ILB 50
Justin Strnad ILB 40
Levelle Bailey ILB 56
Andre Smith ILB 23
Durell Nchami LB 53
Alec Mock LB 57
Pat Surtain CB 2
Ja’Quan McMillian CB 29
Riley Moss CB 21
Damarri Mathis CB 27
Levi Wallace CB 39
Kris Abrams-Draine CB 31
Tremon Smith CB 1
Art Green CB 28
Reese Taylor CB 35
Quinton Newsome CB 36
Kaleb Hayes DB 46
Devon Key DB 26
Tanner McCalister DB 30
Keidron Smith DB 43
Brandon Jones S 22
P.J. Locke S 6
Delarrin Turner-Yell (PUP) S 32
JL Skinner S 34
Omar Brown S 45
Wil Lutz K 3
Riley Dixon P 9
Trenton Gill P 47
Mitchell Fraboni LS 48

Notes: Drew Sanders (Achilles) and Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL) are currently on the physically unable to perform list. As part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, tight end Thomas Yassmin does not count against the 90-man roster limit. If he makes the practice squad this year, he also would not count against that 16-player limit.

The Broncos have to trim the roster down to 53 players by Aug. 27. After finalizing an active roster, Denver can build a 16- or 17-player practice squad. We will track all of the team’s roster moves on Broncos Wire.

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Watch: Willie Gay Jr. mic’d up at New Orleans Saints training camp

Newcomer Willie Gay Jr. was mic’d up at a recent New Orleans Saints training camp practice. Here’s a day of work from his perspective.

The New Orleans Saints finally placed a microphone on a new addition. After getting perspective from offensive players back to back in Rashid Shaheed and Cesar Ruiz, the Saints dipped back into the defensive pool with Willie Gay Jr. Alontae Taylor was the first player to be mic’d up at Saints training camp and also the last defender.

Throughout the video, you can see the energy he goes through practice with. He’s racing Dennis Allen, dancing, and talking with anyone in earshot about more dancing and the music playing.

There were no pads worn for this practice, which was uncomfortable to Gay because the Saints had worn pads so many days in a row at that point. Gay is already endearing himself to fans who watch this video.

“I look good in Black and Gold,” Gay said. “I didn’t look this good in red and yellow.”

Gay is new to the team, but he’s clearly connected fast and fits right in. His attitude and talent make him a strong fit in the middle unit of the Saints defense.

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Chiefs vs. Lions: Cornell Powell scores impressive 64-yard touchdown

Veteran WR Cornell Powell scored a 64-yard touchdown in the #Chiefs’ preseason home-opener against the Detroit #Lions on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have some difficult decisions to make with their wide receiver position after the preseason after seeing several of their pass-catchers put together exceptional performances over the last few weeks.

In an exhibition matchup against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, veteran receiver Cornell Powell became the latest player to put himself in the conversation to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

Powell scored an impressive 64-yard touchdown after catching a pass from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun, which helped give Kansas City a two-score lead in a hotly-contested preseason tilt.

Check out this video of Powell’s score against the Lions, which was posted to Twitter by the NFL’s official account:

Originally selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft, Powell has played in Kansas City for his entire NFL career.

Expect to see Powell continue competing for a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster through the rest of Kansas City’s preseason.

Chiefs vs. Lions Preseason Week 2: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know about the #Chiefs’ preseason matchup against the #Lions on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Detroit Lions in their second exhibition game of the 2024 NFL preseason at 3 p.m. CST on Saturday, August 17.

This matchup will be a good opportunity to see what the Chiefs’ offense can do without one of their newest wide receiver additions, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown after an injury in last week’s game took him out of the starting lineup.

According to head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes and Kansas City’s first-stringers are expected only to play the first half. Still, fans in Chiefs Kingdom should expect to see big plays from first-round pick Xavier Worthy and surprise standout running back Carson Steele during the matchup against the Lions.

Below are important game details about this preseason matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions

When: Saturday, August 17, 3 p.m. CST

Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kanas City, Missouri

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV  (free 7-day trial) or NFL+

Broadcast:

TV: KSHB-TV (NBC) or NFL Network

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Ari Wolfe (play-by-play), Trent Green (color commentary), Kimmi Chex and Matt McMullen (sideline)

Referee:

Land Clark

Opponent wire site:

Lions Wire

2024 Preseason Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Saturday, Aug. 8 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 6 p.m. CST on NFL Network
2 Saturday, Aug. 17 vs. Detroit Lions 3 p.m. CST on NBC
3 Thursday, Aug. 22 vs. Chicago Bears 7:20 p.m. CST on NFL Netowrk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peyton Manning visits Broncos-Packers joint training camp practice

Peyton Manning was in attendance when the Broncos hosted the Packers for a joint practice on Friday.

The Denver Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers for a joint training camp practice on Friday with a special guest in attendance.

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning — who won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos following the 2015 season — was on hand to watch Bo Nix lead Denver’s offense and Jordan Love lead Green Bay’s squad.

Nix is technically still competing with Jarrett Stidham for the starting job, but the rookie is widely expected to win QB1 duties this summer. Nix had a pretty solid showing with the GOAT in attendance.

Manning, 48, played the final four seasons of his NFL career with the Broncos and he still lives in the Denver area and he attends the team’s home games when his schedule allows it. Manning launched Omaha Productions in 2020 and that keeps him busy juggling various projects, perhaps most notably including ESPN’s ManningCast during the regular season.

After he made an appearance at Friday’s practice, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Manning also show up to Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos’ showdown with the Packers will be nationally televised.

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