NFL training camps have started for the 2015 NFL season and we’re already starting to hear about changing roles, injuries and hyperbole about young, promising talents. With the first few days in the books for a lot of teams, a good amount of news has already channeled in.
Let’s break down the latest buzz:
Roddy White Regressing
White already showed signs of regression last season, but now reportedly has had his troublesome knee drained multiple times since the end of last season. White says he’s “not worried” about the knee, but he soon-to-be 34-year old may be finally running out of gas.
Joique Bell Not 100%
The Detroit Lions drafted running back Ameer Abdullah to help their offensive backfield but they were still counting on starter Joique Bell being healthy for 2015. That still may end up being the case, but Bell is definitely not healthy to begin camp. The team placed Bell on the active/PUP list with knee and Achilles issues and can’t be excited about their top rusher being at less than 100%.
Rams Running Game
St. Louis got some good news with rookie running back Todd Gurley not being placed on the active/PUP list to start training camp. Not only does that give Gurley a shot at playing in week one, but the Rams could even get a good look at him in camp and preseason play. Despite Gurley’s rehab from a torn ACL going according to plan, the team is still far from decided on a starter. Tre Mason currently holds that role, but it will be interesting to see how things develop over the next month.
Trent Richardson Failing
The Oakland Raiders brought in veteran running back Trent Richardson as depth and possibly competition behind Latavius Murray. Their latest reclamation project hasn’t gone according to plan. Per reports, Richardson has not impressed despite dropping weight to improve his quickness.
Ryan Kerrigan Extended
The Washington Redskins didn’t have a very good defense from top to bottom in 2014. They did well to ensure one of their star defensive players would be around to help turn that around, though, as the team agreed to terms with pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan on a massive contract extension. Kerrigan was one of the few bright spots for the Washington defense in 2014, as he recorded 13.5 sacks. Kerrigan signed on for a five-year, $57.5 million pact that should give the Redskins a solid presence on at least one side of the field.
Cowboys Have a #1 RB
The Dallas Cowboys seemed to have a plan when they let star running back DeMarco Murray leave in free agency. It sounds like that plan is Joseph Randle. Dallas owner Jerry Jones “expressed confidence” in Randle’s ability to take over the lead role and suggested the team would not pursue outside sources like Ray Rice or Chris Johnson – yet.
Clay on the Inside
The Green Bay Packers started training camp with explosive edge rusher Clay Matthews once again on the inside of their defense. Matthews’ talents are arguably best used on the outside, but once switched to the inside last year, Green Bay’s defense seemed to benefit greatly from it. It will be interesting to track Matthews’ exact role in the defense, as well as the impact of it.
Breshad Perriman Starting?
The explosive rookie was seen running with the starters right away in camp, suggesting he’s already very much in the lead to start alongside veteran Steve Smith. That was probably the plan all along, but due his raw ability, few could have anticipated the jump this early.
Got more hot training camp buzz? Tell us about it in the comments below!
