Here’s what we learned around the NFL on Day 2 of training camps.
Giants’ Nate Solder announces opt-out with heartfelt statement
Offensive tackle Nate Solder announced Wednesday he won’t be suiting up this season. The New York Giants veteran made his announcement via an emotional statement released on Twitter:
Solder’s five-year-old son, Hudson, has been battling a rare form of pediatric kidney cancer since being diagnosed at just three months old. Solder, too, is a cancer survivor.
Chiefs’ Williams opts out
When the Kansas City Chiefs begin their quest to defend their title, they’ll do so without their top running back in Damien Williams.
Williams was integral to the Chiefs’ running success last year and was a star in the Super Bowl — his two touchdowns late in the game helped clinch the victory over the 49ers.
Beasley misses second day of testing with Titans
Tennessee Titans linebacker Vic Beasley didn’t report to camp for COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, and Wednesday brought another no-show, with reports indicating there has been no communication between player and team regarding the veteran pass-rusher’s whereabouts.
Beasley signed a one-year deal with the Titans back in March.
49ers lock up GM Lynch
The San Fransisco 49ers reportedly signed general manager John Lynch to a multi-year extension on Wednesday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Lynch has overseen the 49ers since 2017, taking the club from rebuild to Super Bowl runners-up.
Big Ben is back
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played just three games last season, as elbow surgery ended his season all the way back in September. The veteran QB is back now back at camp, and while his on-field activities haven’t begun just yet all signs point to him being ready and able to get back under centre.
Tua is good to go
It looks like the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback of the future is ready for action now.
Lingering health concerns threatened to drop Tua Tagovailoa’s draft stock back in April after the talented QB’s draft year was cut short due to a serious hip injury.
Patriots’ Patrick Chung talks about why he opted out
On Tuesday, New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung announced he would not play in the upcoming season due to COVID-19 concerns, becoming the sixth Patriots player to opt-out.
The NFL and its players association agreed to terms that would allow camps to open this week, and within that agreement also approved an opt-out plan for players considered high-risk or wishing to remain sidelined for personal and family reasons.
Teams share photos of socially-distanced locker rooms
There’s no doubt that training camp will feel different this year as the sports world copes with the trials of returning during an ongoing global pandemic. So far, things are looking different too. Take the locker rooms, for one thing — social distancing protocols are being put in place in many club facilities.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 29, 2020
The Lions have made changes to each position group’s meeting rooms to allow for distancing:
Players and team staff mask up and urge others to do the same
Important message from Zpic.twitter.com/LxH9IGykzp
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 29, 2020
Welcome Home! pic.twitter.com/zjLXTE924p
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 29, 2020
Really nice to see the practice field in use again. pic.twitter.com/33PRGjGl2z
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 29, 2020
Frank Reich gives us a glimpse at NFL’s tracing technology
Chapelle Russell with the most relatable first-day moment
Tampa Bay’s rookie linebacker was a little starstruck after a run-in with his new quarterback on Day 1 on Tuesday:
Tom Brady said what’s up to me today.. yea that’s the tweet
— Chapelle “Deuce" Russell (@DeuceRussell36) July 28, 2020
— Chapelle “Deuce" Russell (@DeuceRussell36) July 28, 2020
Lol it’s funny how social media gassin my tweet like y’all don’t wanna meet Tom Brady too
— Chapelle “Deuce" Russell (@DeuceRussell36) July 28, 2020
Bengals expected to sign Brandon Allen
The Cincinnati Bengals signed their No. 1 guy Joe Burrow on Tuesday to open camp, and now it looks like they’re closing in on his backup.
Another probable pending signing:
Eagles’ Johnson test positive for COVID-19
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
He’s starting camp on the Eagles’ reserve/COVID-19 list, and will now need to quarantine and follow NFL protocols before being cleared to join the team.
As a league-mandated rule, teams are not allowed to discuss players’ specific medical statuses. In this case, Johnson himself announced his diagnosis.
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