The 2026 NFL training camps are in full swing, with teams across the country gearing up for the new season. As players push themselves to lay the foundation for success, the league is buzzing with news, injuries, and standout performances.
From significant injuries to surprising signings, the training camps are shaping up to be a crucial period for teams to assess their rosters and strategies. Stay tuned for the latest updates and highlights from around the league.
Key Injuries and Setbacks
The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for the entire 2026 season after he elected to undergo surgery on his right knee to address a PCL injury. This is a significant blow to the 49ers’ offense, as Pearsall was expected to play a crucial role. Similarly, the New Orleans Saints will be without defensive tackle Bryan Bresee as he recovers from a torn ACL that will require surgery.
Injuries are not limited to the 49ers and Saints. The Indianapolis Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while he continues recovering from ankle surgery. The Philadelphia Eagles also had a scare after safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a lower-body injury during practice. The Washington Commanders are managing multiple injuries, with tight end John Bates expected to miss several weeks because of a hamstring injury and guard Nick Allegretti leaving practice after hurting his calf.
Notable Signings and Transactions
In free agency news, Jadeveon Clowney is rejoining the Houston Texans, the team that drafted him with the top pick in the 2014 Draft. Clowney is coming off an 8.5-sack season and could make the Texans’ elite defense even scarier. The Texans’ defense fared exceptionally well in 2026, allowing the fewest total yards per game and the second-fewest points per game in the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints moved Ja’Lynn Polk to the reserve/retired list on Sunday. Polk, the No. 37 pick of the 2026 draft by the New England Patriots, was traded to New Orleans but never played a game for the Saints. He missed all of 2026 with a shoulder injury, marking the end of his brief NFL career.
Standout Performances and Training Camp Highlights
Training camp practices are incredibly important for rookies, providing an opportunity to catch the eyes of coaches and earn the trust of teammates. Brenen Thompson of the Los Angeles Chargers has consistently impressed this week, drawing praise from Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Thompson, a diminutive but blazing fast fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State, has shown remarkable skill in capturing the attention of the quarterback room by his attack and ownership of the offense.
The Buffalo Bills have long been looking to get better at wide receiver, and this offseason the team made a splash trade at the position, acquiring D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears. However, it was fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell who stood out on the practice field. Every pass to Bell today in WR route/catch drills came from Josh Allen indicating a strong connection between the two.
The Green Bay Packers’ right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele legally changed his last name to honor his paternal grandparents. Bako-Bewele explained that he wanted a name that represented his ancestry and could be passed down to his future children. This personal touch adds a unique story to the Packers’ training camp.
The 2026 NFL training camps are shaping up to be a pivotal period for teams to assess their rosters and strategies. With key injuries, notable signings, and standout performances, the league is buzzing with excitement as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
