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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMPatriots training camp opens in Foxboro. Here's what happenedFOXBORO The expectations have restored normalcy.The New England Patriots are contenders from the onset of training camp. Foxboro is a free agent, and trade, destination again. A future Hall of Famer pushed to join New England on the back practice field for the first summer day of camp.Drake Mayes opening pass attempt of the summer was a back shoulder fade, against Christian Gonzalez, to A.J. Brown in front of a packed training camp on Saturday, July 25. What follows over the next weeks, and season, is New England meeting such promising prospects after reaching the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabels first season as head coach.Our job is to re-create the things that we did really well last year, Vrabel said. The culture, the ability to win in different ways and find ways to win. Understand how to win and understand how to prepare, and you know we're going to have a more difficult journey. That's just how it goes each and every year. That's what we're expecting, so we want it that way, and we'll prepare accordingly.Cam Carreiro has rushed to his spot on the hill, as the first fan against the ropes, watching over the main practice field for over a decade. The East Providence native is as veteran to the practice fields as any of those wearing blue and white jerseys. Hes been rewarded for his patience through the end of the Bill Belichick era and a year of setbacks with Jerod Mayo. But the 20-year-old isnt letting New England rest on its laurels.The expectations this season is to make sure that we show the league that we weren't just a fluke of a team last year, and it wasn't just an easy schedule, Carreiro said. We have to come out Week 1 and go to Seattle and come back with that [win] and just have our head on the right shoulders and don't think about last year.Browns arrival, after a June trade with Philadelphia, only reminds Carreiro of how New England once competed. Romeo Doubs opting to sign with the Patriots and DeAndre Hopkins asking to be in Foxboro in a coaching role makes consecutive 4-13 seasons in 2023-24 seem so distant.Tomorrow, I got [Browns] poster for Sunday training camp, Carreiro said. I'm excited to see how he's going to bring his size. He's a huge wide receiver and in a crowded wide receiver room. He's a veteran presence, and we got [Hopkins] here, too. We got DeAndre Hopkins in practice right now. It's just going to be amazing.Maye and Brown didnt connect much, and its hard to gauge offensive success without the pads, on Day 1. But its the duo that instills extra confidence in the fans and team with a rematch against the Seahawks looming in about six weeks.One-on-one over there with [Gonzalez], I tried to start camp off with a bang, Maye said. I got to make a better throw for him. I think its great competition for them two all camp, and [Carlton Davis]. We have two great corners, we have Marcus [Jones] inside, a great secondary.More: Patriots News 24/7Gonzalez is searching for a new contract and was a full participant in Saturdays practice. Robert Kraft said earlier in the day that the Patriots offered to make him the highest-paid corner in the league. A new deal hasnt been inked yet, but Gonzalez was there in a sign of good faith and another star for Patriots fans to see.I tore my ACL, MCL and PCL my freshman year in high school playing football, Carreiro said. I just wanted to find a way to get back into [football], and I got back into it by doing this.This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots training camp opens in Foxboro. Here's what happened0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views 0 ReviewsPlease log in to like, share and comment!
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMArion Carter discusses post-football aspirations at SEC media daysSenior linebacker Arion Carter returns to Tennessee for his fourth season with the Vols in 2026. He represented Tennessee at SEC media days on Monday in Tampa, Florida.The 6-foot-1, 238-pound linebacker discussed his post-football aspirations."I want to be an orthopedic surgeon," Carter said. "I'm a public health major. That's what I'm studying in my undergrad, but speaking on that topic I've made so many great relationships at the University of Tennessee. It's a blessing just to come back and have so much gratitude for that. Just to be a VFL, it is an honor, it is a privilege and it is a blessing."I take advantage of that opportunity and don't take it for granted every day of the week. With those opportunities, I met so many people. I've met so many professors and entrepreneurs that can help lead me in the right direction in that pathway after football."Carter has appeared in 23 games, including 13 starts, at Tennessee from 2023-25. The Smyrna, Tennessee native has recorded 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.More: 2026 SEC football projected order of finish, where Tennessee ranksFollow Vols Wire onFacebookandX(formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Arion Carter discusses post-football aspirations at SEC media days0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMChiefs DB Mansoor Delane shares an update on his shoulder injuryKansas City Chiefs defensive back Mansoor Delane spoke with reporters after practice on Saturday at Missouri Western State University. He provided an update on his shoulder injury recovery while participating in training camp and goals for his rookie season."It's good (shoulder). Just getting better every day," said Delane, who practiced with a no-contact yellow jersey on Saturday. "Biggest thing right now is just getting my feet under me, (getting) back acclimated to the conditioning, being with the team."Delane led LSU with 11 pass breakups while starting 11 games last season, finishing with 45 tackles and 2 interceptions. He expressed his goals to be the best and to face challenges."Chasing perfection. That's my angle. I may not always get it, but I'm trying to get the closest thing to it. There's little room for error, so I'm trying to be the best I can be," said Delane. "I'm a guy; I think I run to the competition." I feel like I have more on the table, more on the plate. So, I just wanted to finish that off. Even coming here, I'm excited to go against the best every day of practice, and that makes me better. So, like I said, game day is easy."During the 2025 college season, Delane earned First Team All-SEC honors and was a unanimous All-American selection. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. Tied for ninth in the FBS with 1.2 passes defensed per game.This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs DB Mansoor Delane shares an update on his shoulder injury0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMESPN analyst breaks down Clemsons heated QB battle ahead of 2026 seasonThe conversation surrounding Clemsonfootballs quarterback room has only intensified since Cade Klubniks departure, but Greg McElroy doesnt believe the Tigers are heading into preseason camp without a clear favorite.Christopher Vizzina and freshman Tait Reynolds will continue competing when practice begins, though the former Alabama quarterback turned ESPN analyst sees the veterans experience giving him a significant edge. While Reynolds has impressed coaches since arriving on campus, McElroy expects Clemson to stick with the player who has spent years developing behind Klubnik.On Always College Football, McElroy pointed to Clemsons history under Dabo Swinney, noting that the Tigers have typically followed a succession plan at quarterback rather than holding an open competition every few years.Cade Klubnik is gone after three years as the starter, and before Klubnik, it was DJ Uiagalelei. Before him, it was Trevor Lawrence. Before him, it was Deshaun Watson, so you understand what that means, McElroy said. You had Kelly Bryant in there as well. But Clemson has not had a big-time quarterback competition in quite a while. Theyve had a bit of a succession plan, a little bit like a monarchy.Vizzina enters his fourth season after appearing in 14 career games. Hes completed 61 percent of his passes for 596 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, while also adding a rushing score. His most extensive action came last season against SMU, when he stepped in for the injured Klubnik and threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start.Reynolds has quickly become one of the most intriguing young players on Clemsons roster. The Arizona native enrolled early and turned heads during spring practice after a decorated high school career that included more than 3,600 total yards and 41 touchdowns as a junior before a hamstring injury limited his senior season.McElroy believes Reynolds has done enough to separate himself from the rest of Clemsons backup quarterbacks, but he still sees Vizzina as the player best positioned to lead the offense this fall.Now its Christopher Vizzina against Tait Reynolds. And Dabo Swinney has been about as clear as it gets the job is Vizzinas to lose, McElroy said. Hes a fourth-year guy with one career start. North of a hundred passing attempts, where he sat and waited behind Klubnik. Look, hes waited his entire career for this, and on tape, you can kind of see a quarterback who knows exactly where the ball is supposed to go. The question has always been whether he can rip it there against people who are trying to get after him.Reynolds is a freshman, and heres the fun part he was a three-star [according to most recruiting services]. Not the five-star hype, not the NIL bidding war, not the recruiting industrial complex just a big, dual-sport athlete that showed up and started making it a bit of a conversation.Is DeAndre Hopkins playing career over, coaching career starting? Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images https://t.co/Insm5Lq0Gjpic.twitter.com/fI1UYDb8Sc Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) July 25, 2026Although Reynolds has made the battle more competitive than many expected, McElroy doesnt believe Clemsons plans have changed entering preseason camp. With a season opener at LSU looming, he expects the Tigers to rely on the quarterback who already has years in Garrett Rileys system and meaningful game experience under his belt.Fall camp will ultimately determine who takes the first snap in Death Valley on Sept. 5, but Reynolds has already accomplished something important by forcing the conversation. Whether or not he wins the starting job this year, the freshman has established himself as a legitimate challenger. For now, though, McElroy believes Clemsons next quarterback is the one who has patiently waited for this opportunity.Contact us@Clemson_Wireon X, and like our page onFacebookfor ongoing coverage ofClemson Tigersnews and notes, plus opinions.This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: ESPN analyst breaks down Clemsons heated QB battle ahead of 2026 season0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COM3 key starters among 4 placed on PUP list by 49ers to start campA quartet of San Francisco 49ers will open training camp on the physically unable to perform list according to general manager John Lynch. Lynch spoke to reporters in a press conference on Saturday and said tight end George Kittle, defensive end Mykel Williams, defensive tackle Alfred Collins and running back Isaac Guerendo will all begin the season on the active/PUP list. That group will all count against the 90-man roster for camp.Here's a quick rundown of each player's injury situation:TE George KittleKittle is still on his way back from an Achilles tear he suffered in the 49ers' wild card win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January. Optimism on Kittle's availability for Week 1 of the regular season has varied, but Lynch on Saturday didn't rule out the possibility the 49ers' star TE will be on the field in Melbourne, Australia for season opener. "George's rehab is coming tremendous," Lynch said via ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "I know you guys have heard from him and he's doing really well. And that's very exciting. He's doing everything possible to be ready for week one. And we're thrilled with his progress."DE Mykel WilliamsIt's still unclear exactly what Williams' timeline looks like as he recovers from a Week 9 ACL tear he sustained last season. The second-year DE won't be able to participate in camp until he's off the PUP list, although it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he stays on PUP when the regular season begins. That would mean he's required to miss at least the first four weeks. A Week 5 return in 2026 after a Week 9 ACL tear in 2025 wouldn't be completely out of the question. For now we'll keep an eye out for updates on Williams who may be doing work on side fields during the team's regular practice sessions. DT Alfred CollinsLynch said Collins is dealing with a shoulder injury, but it doesn't sound like the ailment will keep him out for too long. The expectation is for the second year defensive tackle to be back for the team's second round of training camp practices. It's good news for Collins that he won't miss significant time. He's a player the club will be relying heavily on to improve their defensive line this season after putting together a handful of nice moments as a rookie. Those moments will need to become more consistent and the only way he'll get there is by being on the practice field. RB Isaac GuerendoAn offseason pectoral tear is a brutal blow for Guerendo who was set to enter training camp facing an uphill climb to a regular offensive role and perhaps a roster spot. He figures to be behind rookie third-round pick Kaelon Black and second-year fifth-round selection Jordan James in the team's backup RB pecking order. Guerendo's path to the team was likely going to go through the special teams units. It's not immediately clear when he'll be back, but missing even part of training camp is only going to limit his opportunities to earn his way on to the roster. More 49ers: George Kittle explains why people still doubt 49ers QB Brock PurdyThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 3 key starters among 4 placed on PUP list by 49ers to start camp0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMBarcelona reignite Eli Kroupi Junior interest as Atletico refuse to negotiate for Julian AlvarezBOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesBarcelona are reportedly set to reignite interest in Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi as they continue to struggle to get a deal for Julian Alvarez agreed with Atletico Madrid.A new update from Diario Sport claims that Deco has put Junior Kroupis name back on the table, with Atletico currently unwilling to negotiate for Alvarez.Barcelona have made a bid for the Argentina star but Atletico continue to insist he is not for sale. Meanwhile, Joan Laporta has hinted that Barcelona could move on if the situation remains the same by the end of the month.Junior Kroupi has been touted as a potential alternative throughout the summer but signing him may not be easy either.Bournemouth are eager to keep hold of the 20-year-old and have slapped a lofty 100 million euro price tag on their young star this summer.However, Junior Kroupi is believed to be keen to play for Barcelona, if the opportunity arises, with the Catalans aware they really need to bring in a replacement for Robert Lewandowski before the start of the season.0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMRangers Targetting 14m Right-Back To Ibrox: Does It Make Sense For Them?Rangers Targetting 14m Right-Back To Ibrox: Does It Make Sense For Them?Rangers are considering a move to bring Nathan Patterson back to Ibrox, four and a half years after selling the right-back to Everton for 14m.The 24-year-old has endured a nightmare run with injuries since moving south. Groin problems completely wrecked his 2025/26 season, leaving him with just seven Premier League appearances over the entire campaign. It has been the story of his time on Merseyside. Fragmented form, constant setbacks, and precious little time on the pitch.Rangers target Nathan Patterson return as Everton exit loomsUnsurprisingly, Everton are open to business, though Rangers will not have a clear path to his signature. Bundesliga sides are also keeping tabs on the full-back, whose contract runs until June 2027. His current valuation sits around the 10m mark.Does a return to Ibrox make sense?Rangers need a right-back. That part of the equation is simple enough. The real question is whether Patterson still fits what the club are trying to build. He managed to earn a Scotland World Cup call-up this summer, proving the underlying quality is still there when his body holds up. But international friendlies are a world away from the weekly grind of the Scottish Premiership and Europa League group games.The German interest is an interesting wrinkle. Bundesliga medical teams do not usually take silly risks on damaged goods. If they are willing to put money on the table after looking at his medical record, it suggests his physical issues might be manageable rather than permanent.Financially, this only works for Rangers under specific conditions. Anything over 5m for a player who managed seven league games last season would be foolish. Pure gamble. But a structured deal? That changes things.Smart business or risky gamble?GLASGOW, SCOTLAND MARCH 28: Nathan Patterson of Scotland is seen during an international friendly match between Scotland and Japan on March 28, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)A loan move with an option to buy makes total sense. Give him six months to prove his groin and ankle issues are behind him. If he stays fit, trigger the clause.His pace and athleticism made him a standout talent before he left Glasgow. Those attributes do not just vanish overnight. The talent is still sitting there, buried under four years of frustration and rehabilitation.If Rangers get the structure right, they get an international-quality full-back ready to reignite his career. If they rush into a heavy permanent fee without guarantees over his physical ceiling, they are taking a massive punt they simply cannot afford.0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMBATTER'S BOX: Lady Tigers look for progress in hitting after opening scrimmageUsually in softball, hitting comes around a little later in the season.Pitching and fielding are usually progressing more quickly during the early stages, with batters needing extra s[ace for their timing to come back around.In Tahlequahs first scrimmage, Thursday, July 23, the hitting progressed in a positive direction. Facing off with Eufaula, the Lady Tigers saw several different pitchers with varying success.When we see pitchers of various skill, I want to see us adjust to different velocities, Lady Tiger head coach Chris Ray said. When people change pitchers on us, I want us to adjust to those different velocities and be on time. Early in the game, the Lady Tigers had some good contact and picked up some runs vs. the Lady Ironheads ace pitcher. However, once a new pitcher came, Ray thought it took time to make adjustments.As the season progresses, Ray wants to see the Lady Tigers adjust to different looks more quickly.I felt we had our timing down with their first pitcher, but then they brought in the second, and she was a little different. Her velocity was slower, and she had more east-to-west movement, Ray said. Our timing was a bit off; we got a bit anxious.The Lady Tigers pitching staff consisted of freshman Kylee Cloud, Sophomore Holli Vick, Payton Phillips and Rylee Stark. Ray was happy to see some key players get solid innings with THS top two pitchers gone.I just thought they looked more relaxed, Ray said. In the summer, I thought some of the younger pitchers were pressing a little bit, but I thought they looked relaxed today. We hit our spots a little bit better and I thought we competed better, but they were relaxed.Overall, the first scrimmage was a success in the eyes of Ray. With some players gone for the first scrimmage, the Lady Tigers used some different players at different positions.I expected [some ups and downs] with us running a different lineup out there a lineup we arent used to running, Ray said. I thought we played OK; they didnt panic much and never got out of position.Lady Tigers complete tough battle vs. EHSFacing off with EHS, the Lady Tigers played five innings of varsity play vs. the Ironheads before getting some junior varsity players in on the action.On the mound, freshman Cloud and sophomore Vick split the varsity time.Both worked around early walks to get out of innings when Eufaula was threatening.I thought our pitchers did well all day long, Ray said. We didnt walk too many and kept it around the zone.Varsity play ended with a 6-2 score, with both teams nailing a handful of runs in JV action. The highlight came late when the Lady Tigers squeezed a bunt in a run with a player on third base.I thought we did a good job against their ace pitcher, Ray said. We were taking walks when the opportunity presented itself to us; we didnt chase too much. I just thought our mindset was good against the ace and we only saw her a couple of innings.With some players in different positions, there was a learning curve, but long term, it will help build depth for the season.Defensively, we had a couple of miscues on routine ground balls that we normally [make a play on], Ray said. We just got stuck on our back heels a little bit.0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views 0 Reviews -
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMRiders football making steady weight room progress throughout summerThe unsung hero during offseason training is the work football teams do in the weight room.Over the summer, Hulbert football has been making very solid progress, according to head coach Chad Botts. Adding a weight training program during the school year is rubbing off into the offseason training, with good advances over the summer.With two daily sessions one in the morning and one at night the Riders have had a lot of chances to improve without passing the ball.Numbers are going up and players are looking like football players, Botts said. Summer has been going well; weve had good numbers attending our workouts.According to Botts, two key members of the offensive and defensive lines have been making steady progress.Dustin Potts has been consistent; his max numbers have increased in all areas, Botts said. Shane Russell may be one of our strongest and continues to increase his numbers.Outside of the anchors of the offensive and defensive line, Botts highlighted a trio of players who have been leading the effort in the weight room. Sophomore Rick Monroy and seniors Maverick Kerr and Bo Thayer are getting valuable experience, both physically and mentally.They have benefited from being consistent and pushing themselves in their workouts, Botts said. It causes mental and physical toughness, which is a need in football. It has to be a key ingredient for us to have success; it could be the difference in the fourth quarter when it matters.The season officially starts for the Riders, Monday, Aug. 10, with the first official practice. Once the season opens, HHS wants to keep putting the foot on the gas in the weight room.We preach that bigger, faster, stronger are the ingredients to success in football and athletics overall, Botts said. We will stand on that and keep preaching it.0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views 0 Reviews -
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMBo Nix named one of NFL's most overrated quarterbacks despite overall successBo Nix named one of NFL's most overrated quarterbacks despite overall success originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Denver Broncos spent nearly a decade in mediocrity following the retirement of Peyton Manning. Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock and Russell Wilson were all given the chance to be the leader of the team.All of them failed.However, the fortunes of the entire franchise turned around as soon as the team used its first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Despite Nix being the sixth quarterback drafted in the first 12 picks that year, the Broncos felt like they got their guy.In two seasons under Sean Payton, Nix has gone 24-10 as a started in the regular season while leading the team to the AFC Championship Game last year. Unfortunately, a broken ankle in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills ended his season.But not everyone is impressed with the way Nix has played in his first two seasons in the league. Nix, and the Broncos as a whole, have their doubters, prompting the quarterback to issue this famous line after a win over the Green Bay Packers last season.Count Garrett Podell of CBS Sportsamong those doubters as he recently named Nix one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the league. Here was his analysis:"Bo Nixis an incredibly unique quarterback. He led the NFL with 612 passing attempts in 2025, but he failed to crack 4,000 yards passing, thanks to an average of 6.4 yards per attempt that ranked 28th among 33 qualified quarterbacks. That average was sandwiched in between washed versions ofAaron Rodgers(6.7 yards per pass attempt) andKirk Cousins(also 6.4 yards per pass attempt).Nix's inconsistencies helped produce sluggish victories against the Kansas CityChiefs' third-string quarterback,Chris Oladokun, on Christmas in Week 17 (20-13), and a 19-3 home win over theLos Angeles Chargers' backups. The young quarterback's lumps directly led to Denver struggling to consistently drive the football down the field. Three of the top four teams with the most punts in the 2025 regular season -- theBrowns(93),Titans(78) andRaiders(74) -- missed the playoffs andfired their respective head coaches. The fourth team in that group isNix's Broncos, with 75 punts. He benefits from a strong offensive line and a strong defense.Add in the ankle injury, and it will be interesting to see what happens next in his career."It's easy to knock the statistics that Nix has posted, but it's tough to argue against his winning ways. To credit the defense and a good offensive line takes away from what Nix has brought to the team. All of the quarterbacks mentioned above had the benefit of a good defense and couldn't even get the team to the playoffs, let alone with some games.There is no doubt that Nix, combined with Payton, has been what has brought the team back to prominence. To suggest that Nix has been a mediocre player who is just along for the ride is simply incorrect.HOT READ:Broncos could add final piece to Super Bowl puzzle with this three-team tradeNix is a great leader who came prepared to play in the league based on the career he enjoyed in college. He was paired with one of the best coaches of this generation and together, the two have been able to create some magic. Instead of the glass-half-empty take pointing to Nix's ankle, you can also look at the addition of Jaylen Waddle to the offense and imagine how much better Nix could be in 2026.More Broncos Content4 reasons to doubt Broncos as Super Bowl champions in 2026Broncos could catch league by surprise at position considered biggest weaknessRecent move by Saints should end any trade talks with Broncos surrounding all-time greatBroncos' starting running back given huge motivation just ahead of training camp0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMMcVay says Aaron Donald is still contemplating a return to the Rams. They won't rush his decisionLOS ANGELES (AP) Aaron Donald is still determining whether he is ready and able to return to the Los Angeles Rams, but coach Sean McVay says the team will welcome the superstar defensive lineman if he decides to end his two-season retirement.While the Rams reported to training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Saturday, McVay said he has no idea whether one of the greatest defensive linemen in recent NFL history will decide to resume his career.If that is something that he wants to do, were going to try to be able to make that happen, McVay said. But I genuinely do not have an answer on whether he is or he isnt. I know hes preparing himself to be able to make that decision, and I know if he feels good, hes going to be ready to rock. If not, he doesnt owe us anything.McVay said Puka Nacua is expected to practice in training camp while the Rams work on the next contract for their All-Pro receiver, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The coach said NFL MVP Matthew Stafford is fully healthy, but still will sit out multiple practices in training camp as part of a modified preparation schedule to keep the 38-year-old quarterback fresh for the long season ahead.The Rams also confirmed first-round pick Ty Simpson had formally signed his four-year, $25.4 million rookie contract as he begins a training camp competition with Stetson Bennett for the backup job behind Stafford.But McVay was eager to talk about a player who wasn't reporting to the Loyola Marymount dorms Donald, who anchored the Rams' defense for a decade before he retired somewhat abruptly in March 2024.Donald apparently began to entertain the idea of a comeback early last month after the Rams acquired superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett in a trade with Cleveland. The prospect of lining up next to one of his few contemporary peers compelled the now-35-year-old Donald to begin an extensive workout program aimed at returning him to football shape.He is going through his process, and he is putting himself in a position to make a decision, McVay said. He's earned the right to be able to do that. ... He's very diligent. Anything that he does, he does all-in, and so he's going through a very strict regimen and process that's similar to what he did when he played. See how his body responds and feels, and then we'll see when we have more information whether or not we're going to give it a go, or whether or not he's going to continue to enjoy what he's been doing for the last couple of years.Donald hung it up nearly 2 1/2 years ago after a very successful decade spent entirely with the Rams in St. Louis and Los Angeles. He racked up a team-record 111 sacks as the heart of the Rams' defense, winning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times while earning eight All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl selections.Donald led the Rams to a championship in the 2021-22 season, making the decisive defensive plays in both the NFC title game and the Super Bowl victory over Cincinnati in their home SoFi Stadium.Donald has stayed close to the game and the Rams during his two years of retirement, living mostly in Los Angeles while regularly returning to his native Pittsburgh. The current Rams are eager to see whether they're about to add another star.I mean, him being the greatest of all time, I'm sure he'd have a pretty good impact, right? defensive lineman Braden Fiske said. "It's only been two years, but if you've seen the (workout) videos, it doesn't seem like he's lost too much of where he's at. ... If that's what he chooses to do, I'm sure we'll be waiting for him. We're just letting him handle his process. That's totally on him. I don't want to be the pushy one. If it happens, great. If not, you know, we'll play some good football."Fiske is among the linemen whose snap counts could be affected if Donald returns, but the Rams appear to be wholeheartedly excited about the prospect of adding Donald to a roster already considered to be among the Super Bowl favorites.When asked if Donald's comeback decision might not be made until midseason, McVay reiterated that the Rams will support whatever Donald wants to do.I think if AD makes the decision to come back, he's going to want to play the whole year, just knowing how he is and the mindset that he has, said left guard Steve Avila, who played with Donald as a rookie in 2023. I don't think he'd be halfway in, halfway out with being part of the team, and that's just what you expect from someone as great as him.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL0 Comments 0 Shares 41 Views 0 Reviews
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