The NFL’s 2026 training camps saw multiple roster-impacting developments on Back Together weekend, with injuries and a notable signing across camps in the United States. On and around the start of organized team activities and training camp practices, teams in locations including San Francisco, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Washington and Houston dealt with medical updates while the preseason work in Latrobe and other sites showcased emerging performers.
These developments mattered because they altered depth charts and roster planning ahead of the 2026 season and preseason games. Key long-term injuries removed expected contributors from immediate plans, while veteran signings and rookie performances shifted competitive pecking orders at several positions.
Injury developments affecting 49ers, Saints, Colts, Eagles and Commanders
The San Francisco 49ers announced that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall would miss the entire 2026 season after electing to undergo surgery on his right knee to address a PCL injury. That decision eliminated Pearsall from early offensive plans and required the 49ers to adjust wide receiver rotations for practices and preseason preparation.
The New Orleans Saints confirmed defensive tackle Bryan Bresee would miss time after sustaining a torn ACL that required surgery. Separately, the Saints moved Ja’Lynn Polk to the reserve/retired list after Polk, the No. 37 pick of the 2026 draft by the New England Patriots who was traded to New Orleans, missed all of 2026 with a shoulder injury and never appeared in a game for the Saints.
The Indianapolis Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce on the Physically Unable to Perform list while he continued recovery from ankle surgery. The Philadelphia Eagles logged a practice scare when safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a lower-body issue at a session, prompting monitoring into the team’s secondary depth. The Washington Commanders handled multiple short-term setbacks: tight end John Bates was expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury and guard Nick Allegretti left practice after a calf issue, both affecting positional rotations and blocking continuity.
Notable signing: Jadeveon Clowney returns to Houston
The Houston Texans brought back defensive end Jadeveon Clowney the player originally drafted by Houston with the top pick in 2014. Clowney arrived to a defense that, in 2026, had allowed the fewest total yards per game and the second-fewest points per game in the league, and he came off an 8.5-sack season. The signing was positioned as a veteran reinforcement for an already effective unit and changed offseason planning for opposing offenses preparing for the Texans.
Standout performances: Chargers, Bills, Packers and rookies drawing attention
On the offensive side of camp play, Brenen Thompson of the Los Angeles Chargers earned repeated praise from the coaching staff, including Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, after a week of practice where his speed and route work made him a frequent target in quarterback drills. Thompson, a fourth-round pick from Mississippi State, has been described as a quick, aggressive option in the slot and on gadget looks as coaches evaluated tempo and play design.
The Buffalo Bills’ offseason trade for D.J. Moore drew headlines at the position, but it was fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell who consistently impressed during WR route/catch drills, taking all passes from Josh Allen in a sign of early chemistry. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers experienced a personal milestone when right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele legally changed his last name to honor his paternal grandparents; the change added a human-interest element to practice coverage without affecting on-field responsibilities.
Competition dynamics: quarterbacks, contract-year motivations and coaching shifts
The Back Together weekend highlighted several quarterback competitions and room dynamics. Deshaun Watson worked to re-establish himself in Cleveland’s group with quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green present in the mix, describing their shared process: “All four of us are learning together, hanging out together, building that chemistry together.” Watson said his physical readiness improved significantly since his prior injury, adding, “It’s night and day.” He also acknowledged previous struggles, noting, “It’s been tough. It’s definitely been a lot of challenges for myself mentally,” framing his preseason as critical to his prospects in the final year of his contract.
Coaching changes were visible in Latrobe as the Pittsburgh Steelers began practices under head coach Mike McCarthy, who introduced a new cultural descriptor to the team. Veteran linebacker T.J. Watt reacted to the shift, remarking on the different tone in meetings: “To not hear the Tomlin-isms in meetings, to not have that deep, loud voice talking to you in team meetings is different, but it’s been a really good change.”
In Chicago, cornerback Jaylon Johnson framed his 2026 on-field focus around contract implications and performance, stating plainly, “This is definitely a contract year,” even as roster and cap mechanics left open team options in 2027.
Ultimo aggiornamento: 5 agosto 2026. Coverage will continue as teams move into full practice schedules and preseason games, with further updates expected on recoveries, roster moves and emerging standouts.
