NFL coaching camps proceed to deliver readability for groups molding rosters.
However not all of the information from camps is sweet, particularly for the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Days forward of the beginning of the primary main slate of preseason video games, Yardbarker NFL writers dish on the largest disappointment within the camp of every AFC workforce.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Valdes-Scantling, who has battled drop points all through his profession, has struggled to catch passes, together with throughout drills with no defender overlaying him. Regardless of his regarding efficiency, it is attainable the assured cash in Valdes-Scantling’s contract may end in him nonetheless making the workforce as Buffalo’s No. 4 or 5 extensive receiver.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Heart Aaron Brewer | Per the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones, “there have been a collection of timing points and inaccurate snaps between” former Titan Brewer and QB Tua Tagovailoa. There’s time to scrub issues up and construct a greater connection, however it’s not a great first impression for the workforce’s new beginning middle, who signed a three-year, $21 million deal within the offseason.
NEW YORK JETS | Edge-rusher Will McDonald IV | Edge-rusher Haason Reddick’s holdout has opened the door for McDonald — a 2023 first-round choose who had an underwhelming three sacks as a rookie — to earn a extra distinguished function. Nonetheless, McDonald “hasn’t flashed a lot in camp,” according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, and finds himself behind 2022 fourth-rounder Micheal Clemons on New York’s first unofficial depth chart.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | WR JuJu Smith-Schuster | The Tremendous Bowl LVII champion has had a disappointing coaching camp and is getting reps with the third-team offense, according to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston. Though New England would incur $9.6 million in lifeless cash by releasing Smith Schuster, it is onerous to think about that his disastrous tenure with the workforce will final for much longer. — Colum Dell
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS | QB Zach Wilson | Apparently, the flop with the New York Jets is trailing Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix within the beginning QB competitors and possibly gained’t catch up. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider reported Wilson — who has had one session with the first-team offense— has struggled with accuracy issues on his deep ball.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | WR Kadarius Toney | At first of camp, Toney — who completed third on the workforce in drops (5 in 15 video games) final season, per Pro Football Reference — took snaps at working again to turn into a possible gadget man. Nonetheless, he has missed a number of practices with an ankle injury which will damage his probabilities of making the roster.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | QB play | Per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, QBs Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell have floundered. On Monday, head coach Antonio Pierce signaled he needs one of many passers to tug away in Saturday’s preseason opener vs. the Vikings.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | QB Justin Herbert’s damage | On Thursday, the Chargers announced Herbert is anticipated to overlook two weeks after struggling a plantar fascia damage in his proper foot. He is sporting a strolling boot. It is not a season-ending damage, however Herbert lacking reps isn’t best, particularly in his first season underneath new head coach Jim Harbaugh. — Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS | QB Lamar Jackson | The reigning NFL MVP has missed practices with an sickness and struggled when he participated. Jackson has had a few “interception-filled” days, which might be a credit score to the protection, a rocky begin for him or a mix of the 2.
CINCINNATI BENGALS | WR Ja’Marr Chase’s holdout | Chase hasn’t practiced since camp opened as a result of he’s due simply $1.055M in base wage in 2024 and desires to be paid after registering 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 TD catches over the previous three years. Nonetheless, proprietor Mike Brown hinted that subsequent offseason “is a better time for [a new contract],” leaving Chase’s standing for the beginning of the season in query.
CLEVELAND BROWNS | RB D’Onta Foreman’s damage scare | On Thursday, Foreman was immobilized and airlifted to a hospital in Virginia after struggling a neck damage in follow. It’s a reminder that accidents may even occur this time of 12 months. Foreman was released from the hospital after X-rays and CT scans got here again destructive.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Extensive receiver depth | Since camp opened, the Steelers have launched extensive receiver Marquez Callaway and misplaced rookie extensive receiver Roman Wilson, who’s week-to-week with an ankle damage. Pittsburgh already had a necessity at extensive receiver, however now the workforce is much more determined for somebody to ascertain himself because the No. 2 possibility reverse George Pickens. — Aaron Becker
AFC South
HOUSTON TEXANS | Security Jalen Pitre | The 2022 second-round choose struggled final season, permitting an above-average 111.1 passer ranking, and issues do not look like going significantly better at first of coaching camp. Along with being victimized in one-on-ones by wideout Tank Dell, he has lined up at nickel nook, the place he may keep.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Security Nick Cross | The third-year security entered camp as the favourite to win the free security job over Rodney Thomas and Ronnie Harrison Jr., however his play in camp hasn’t stood out. In the meantime, the Colts have not proven a lot belief in Cross, giving reps to robust security Julian Blackmon as an alternative.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | Proper sort out Javon Foster | Chosen within the fourth spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft, Foster was anticipated to compete for a backup and rotational function alongside the offensive line. Nonetheless, even with starter Anton Harrison in concussion protocol, Cole Van Lanen has been taking first-team snaps forward of Foster.
TENNESSEE TITANS | Security Jamal Adams | A free-agent acquisition throughout the offseason, the three-time Professional Bowler seems extra like a complementary piece than a beginning security. Maybe the current addition of Quandre Diggs, his former Seattle Seahawks teammate, will gentle a fireplace, however for now, he is behind Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden on the depth chart. — Mike Santa Barbara
