As training camps across the NFL get underway, XN Sports will report the top headlines of each day. (Here are training camp previews for each division)
Wednesday already featured no shortage of intrigue and optimism, between injuries and holdouts, as well as late offseason signings.
Here are the top five headlines for Wednesday:
Charles holding out
Last year Jamaal Charles single-handedly carried the Chiefs offense with 1,287 rushing yards, 693 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. Now, he wants his salary to match his production.
Charles is holding out from Chiefs training camp until the team restructures his deal, according to NFL Media. With Alex Smith under center and Dwayne Bowe the only quality receiver, the team can ill afford to try and compete with Charles.
Barring a contract breakthru, #Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles will not report for training camp today. He believes he’s outplayed his current deal
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2014
Gronk is back
After back-to-back injury plagued seasons, Rob Gronkowski has been cleared by Patriots doctors and will avoid being placed on the active/PUP list.
This news follows previous reports this offseason that Gronk should be ready to suit up for Week 1. If placed on the PUP list, he would have to sit out at least the first six regular-season games.
Jets sign veteran DL
Jason Babin has 45 sacks over the past four years, and now he’ll join an already-stacked Jets defensive front. The Jets signed the 34-year-old veteran defensive lineman to a two-year deal on Wednesday.
Last year Babin recorded 7.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hurries for Jacksonville, and is a quality depth signing for Rex Ryan.
Wayne cleared
After tearing his ACL a season ago, Colts wideout Reggie Wayne has passed a physical and cleared to participate in training camp.
Reggie Wayne says he has been cleared. Just like Vick Ballard said earlier today. — Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) July 23, 2014
It’s a huge return for the Colts offense, which lost LaVon Brazill after he was suspended for violating the NFL’s drug policy. Wayne headlines a receiving corps that includes Hakeem Nicks, T.Y. Hilton and Da’Rick Rogers.
Davis caves
Vernon Davis was expected to be a training camp holdout, but the 49ers tight end has reported to camp anyway.
Vernon Davis has reported to #49ers training camp, as pictures on C.J. Spillman‘s Instagram account confirm.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) July 23, 2014
Davis was believed to want a pay raise, but has two more years remaining on his current six-year, $42.705 million contact. Showing up is a sign that the team was unwilling to pay him, as it has other players such as Alex Boone and Michael Crabtree to potentially pay.
