With training camp and preseason generating excitement in the NFL, let’s examine the latest developments around the league. Notably, the situation involving Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns has taken a surprising turn, along with additional headlines from various training camps.
Sanders’ arm talent is already garnering attention in Cleveland. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing that’s doing so.
The rookie quarterback was held out of Browns training camp on Saturday due to reported arm soreness. While such an injury alone wouldn’t typically raise concerns in early August, speculation is growing that something more significant may be at play, especially with Sanders competing in a crowded four-man battle for the starting job.
According to cleveland.com, Sanders threw only during individual drills on Day 9 before alerting coaches to discomfort in his arm and pulling himself from team sessions. That move stands out, according to veteran Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot. She noted that the former Colorado star would not sit out unless it was absolutely necessary, given what’s at stake in camp. Clearly, something is off.
The timing is significant. Cleveland is entering an important week that includes joint practices with the Carolina Panthers, followed by a preseason opener against Carolina on August 8—a crucial period where practice repetitions will be more important than ever.
The rumors are already swirling. Kurt Benkert, a former NFL quarterback, fueled the speculation by stating on Twitter/X, “This is what they do before a trade.” Is the injury simply a minor health hiccup, or are the Browns quietly positioning Sanders as a trade chip before preseason action ramps up? Buckle up—it’s officially intrigue season in Cleveland.
Should the Las Vegas Raiders inquire, if nothing else for due diligence?
NFL Training Camp Ramblings
Training camp is in full swing, bringing with it a blend of hopeless optimism, cryptic coach-speak, and the annual “Best Shape of His Life” narratives, all colliding at ludicrous speed. Here’s the latest buzz from around the league—with a little extra “Ramble” spice:
In Tampa Bay, second-year running back Bucky Irving is already receiving exceptional treatment. Rumor has it that he is “special enough” to manage a full-blown RB1 workload, including carries, catches, brunch reservations, and IRS paperwork, among other tasks.
In Jacksonville, Liam Coen has seemingly discovered the secret to assembling an elite group of running backs. The Jaguars plan to keep four on the roster: Travis Etienne Jr. will manage the screen plays, Tank Bigsby will power through defenders, Bhayshul Tuten is designated for big plays, and LeQuint Allen Jr. has been assigned the crucial role of third-down specialist. Imagine the Avengers, but with fewer capes and more handoffs.
Tyjae Spears in Tennessee is creeping closer to “100 carries” territory, which isn’t quite a Derrick Henry workload, but definitely enough to merit an ice bath or two. In Baltimore, speedster Keaton Mitchell has fast-tracked his way into the Ravens’ offensive scheme, presumably via teleportation.
Atlanta insists it “really does” believe in Kyle Pitts, which could mean they’re finally ready to let the unicorn run free… Or perhaps they’ve just realized he can contribute on special teams as well. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Cedric Tillman appears set to take on the role of the Browns’ WR2—signifying that he will soon embrace the long-standing tradition of being open and not receiving passes.
Stay tuned. The chaos of training camp has just begun, and reality is still weeks away from shattering everyone’s favorite preseason daydreams.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images