Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly gay player, made a solo tackle and registered a quarterback hit in his preseason debut. The rookie defensive lineman met with the media afterwards.
As training camps across the NFL continue, XN Sports will report the top headlines of each day.
With the preseason in full swing, 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 Saturday:
Cam’s “thump”
How serious is Cam Newton‘s ankle injury? The Panthers’ quarterback opened up about it, telling the Charlotte Observer it’s like a thump — the type that hurts you for a second but then goes away.
This definitely makes you wonder if it’s been troubling him during training camp and if it will effect his ability to scramble in 2014, or if it’s just something that’ll soon be forgotten. It’s just another grain of salt in the wound that the Carolina offense has gone through the past few months.
Perfect Stafford?
Matthew Stafford has yet to throw an interception during Detroit’s training camp, according to the Detroit Free Pass. It’s reportedly been an area of emphasis under new Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
Stafford threw 19 picks a season ago, and Lombardi has been trying to help the quarterback make better decisions. So far, it looks like Lombardi’s tips have been paying dividends.
Jones, Herman suspended
Add another name to the list of players suspended for using PEDs this offseason. Dolphins safety Reshad Jones will join teammate Dion Jordan on the sidelines for the first month of the season after he was found to have violated the NFL’s drug policy.
It’s another blow to Miami’s defense, which may now have to turn to defensive back Jimmy Wilson for the first four weeks of the season.
Sticking with the theme of suspensions — Giants guard Eric Herman was also found to have violated the PED policy. This could hamper his chances of making the roster now.
Big season for Kelce?
The Chiefs need pass-catchers, and perhaps tight end Travis Kelce will be one of the players to step up. Coach Andy Reid praised the second-year tight end for being a “standout” in the team’s preseason game.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid mentions Kelce, DAT, Wilson, Cyrus, Sean Smith, Jaye Howard, Bronson and the o-line as standouts.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 8, 2014
Kelce has a chance to thrive because there’s no sure-fire No. 2 receiver behind Dwayne Bowe. He could emerge as a go-to option for Alex Smith, who has limited down-field passing skills.
Moore on the bubble
It doesn’t seem so long ago that Denarius Moore was looking like he would be the next great Raiders wide receiver. Fast forward to training camp this year, and ESPN.com suggests Moore is on the roster bubble.
Moore has had steady production in each of his three NFL seasons, of course all of them with pedestrian quarterbacks. There were rumors that Moore could be traded at some point. He’s entering the final year of his contract.
