Storylines From Training Camp: August 18
- Buzzer Beater Sports
- Aug 18, 2022
- 3 min read
Chiefs, Mecole Hardman Avoids Serious Injury
After being carted off with an apparent leg injury during Wednesday’s practice, Chiefs HC Andy Ried informed the media earlier today that the injury is not considered serious. Hardmans week 1 availability is not guaranteed, however, a long absence from the team is not expected.
Hardman was working as the number 3 receiver in the preseason opener against the Bears alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rookie Sky Moore is someone in the Chiefs receiver room to keep an eye on with Hardman’s lingering groin injury.
Jaguars Backfield Getting Healthy
Per Kevin Patra of Around the NFL, Jaguars running back James Robinson expects to be healthy, and ready to go for their week 1 game against the Washington Commanders. He is currently still working on recovering from an Achilles tear that kept him out since last December. He suffered this non contact tear last season against the Jets that ended the second year running backs season. Since then he has been taking his recovery slowly and he and the Jaguars have been sure to not rush him into anything during training camp. He recently participated in 7 on 7 and some more game situations. The hope around Jacksonville is definitely that he will be ready for the teams week 1 game against the Commanders, and new Head Coach Doug Pederson reiterated this in a press conference recently.
Looking to potentially be sharing the back field this season with Robinson for the Jaguars is former first round draft pick, and Clemson team mate of Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne. Etienne is also coming back from an injury in last year's training camp that left him out for his entire rookie campaign. James Robinson and Travis Etienne certainly have the potential to be a dangerous, explosive back field that could be very helpful for the second year QB following his 3-14 rookie campaign. All reports that have been coming out of Jacksonville have been extremely positive about Etienne through training camp, so it will be interesting to see how the two share duties come week one.
Big Season Coming for Michael Pittman Jr.
We saw some of Michael Pittman Jr in the Colts preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills. He and new QB Matt Ryan connected twice on three targets for 30 yards. Of course this small sample does not tell us much, but we certainly should expect a lot from the third year receiver. In joint practices this week, he has been working on this connection with former MVP Matt Ryan, as he is stepping into a sort of leader role amongst the playmakers in Indianapolis.
Explained on the Pat McAfee show:
Joint Practices: Panthers and Patriots
Two of the most intriguing offseason stories collide when the QB battle in Carolina meets the questions surrounding offensive play calling in New England. Joint practices have been going on between the teams, and to no surprise multiple fights have broken out. Things will continue to get interesting when these two play in their upcoming pre-season game on Saturday, with most recent news that Baker will be the Panthers week 1 starter vs the Browns. As for the Patriots, the play calling situation will continue to be ‘a process’, as Head Coach Bill Belichick has been reiterating.
By: Anthony Ametrano and Matteo Ametrano
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