As training camps across the NFL continue, XN Sports will report the top headlines of each day.
With the preseason nearing, there is no shortage of intrigue and optimism, key injuries, and potential holdouts, as well as late offseason signings.
Here are the top five headlines for Wednesday:
Revis hemisphere
When Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson jarred at each other about who was the NFL’s best corner, one point Sherman critics pointed out was that the Seattle All-Pro only plays on the left side of the ball. New Patriots corner Darrelle Revis is also following that blueprint.
Revis has lined up only on the left side during training camp practices as opposed to only shadowing the offense’s No. 1 wideout. It makes you wonder if the Pats are following Seattle’s scheme to a T, with Revis on the left and former Seahawks corner Brandon Browner manning the right side.
Bennett suspended
The Bears have suspended tight end Martellus Bennett after getting involved in a fight with first-round draft pick Kyle Fuller during Monday’s practice. General manager Phil Emery announced Bennett would be fined one week’s salary and suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.
This is quite the strange turn of events. You expect players to get into brawls, but suspensions — that’s way less common.
Teams checking in on Holmes
After receiving little to no interest from teams throughout the offseason, two teams have shown an interest in veteran wide receiver Santonio Holmes the past few days.
Bears worked out veteran WRs Santonio Holmes and Ben Obomanu, per sources, but not appear to be signing either for now.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2014
Former #Jets WR Santonio Holmes worked out for the #Bears today, as they search for another WR. He’s also drawn interest from #Browns.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2014
Holmes worked out for Chicago, which will be without third wideout Marquess Wilson for at least the first few weeks of the season. The Browns are likely preparing for 2014 without Josh Gordon on the roster.
Austin primed for bounce-back year?
Miles Austin has been plagued by injuries his last few seasons in Dallas, but all signs point to the wideout being listed as No. 1 or 2 on the Browns’ depth chart this coming season.
Austin has remained healthy through training camp, and he’s received praise from the coaches throughout. If the team is without Gordon, he’ll be the top target ahead of Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins.
Best rookie receiver?
There were a number of highly touted wide receivers scooped up in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Buffalo traded up for Sammy Watkins. The Bucs nabbed Mike Evans. The Giants took Odell Beckham Jr. The Saints moved up for Brandin Cooks.
But Eagles running back LeSean McCoy believes the best rookie wideout overall didn’t come off the board until the second round.
McCoy told Philly Magazine that Jordan Matthews is going to “the best of the class.” Matthews has received a lot of praise throughout camp and the offseason, and McCoy said “he looks amazing.”
