Peyton Manningreportedly ran a "clinic" during his first Denver Broncos training camp practice on Thursday. One report says his accuracy was "impeccable." None of this matters.
We already know Manning can practice in T-shirts and shorts. He's further along than we ever imagined in February. But we just aren't going to learn much about Manning until he starts taking hits again.
Can Manning take hits and get back up? Will his neck injury make him naturally anxious in the pocket?
These are the real questions left with Manning. We won't know the answers until the preseason at earliest and very likely Week 1. It's surprising how everyone assumes that the old Peyton Manning is already back. We know he can run a July practice.
No love for Braylon
Braylon Edwards worked out for the Seattle Seahawks this week. And then they went out and signed Antonio Bryant, who hasn't played a regular season snap since 2009. Pete Carroll apparently only likes reclamation projects once they've been out of the league a few years. Bryant has a realistic chance to make an impact in Seattle, just like Mike Williams did.
This is a career low for Edwards, who probably still isn't healthy coming off a knee injury. We listed Edwards as the best free agent wide receiver available back in May, but it's fair to wonder if the guy is even going to get another shot.
Position Battling
1. Justin Blackmon is officially a holdout in Jacksonville Jaguars camp. This could set him back in his battle against Mike Thomas and Lee Evans.
- Evan Royster took the first snap among the Washington Redskins running backs on Thursday for what it's worth. (With Mike Shanahan at the helm, not much.) The team reportedly is considering adding Cedric Benson or Ryan Grant to the mix.
- Leonard Hankerson appears fourth on the Redskins' depth chart to open camp behind Pierre Garcon, Santana Moss, and Josh Morgan.
Unlucky Team of the Day
The Baltimore Ravens are counting on left tackle Bryant McKinnie to protect Joe Flacco's blindside, but he was absent from camp Thursday because of an unexplained "issue" according to coach John Harbaugh. Somewhere, Vikings fans are nodding.
A Good Day for …
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mark Barron. He reportedly was punched in the face by defensive tackle Brian Price during the offseason, and Price was dealt to the Bears on Thursday. That's the Schiano Way.
- NFL fans that work at home. How cool was it to watch Peyton Manning and Robert Griffin III's practice live yesterday on NFL Network? I know it will sound like I'm a company shill here, but I promise I'd be writing this wherever I worked. For football junkies, live football all day in July is like sweet relief.
Darlington: RG3 ready to work
Robert Griffin III is eager to put the offseason behind him and make good on his promise with the Redskins, Jeff Darlington writes. **More ...**
- Chicago Bears cornerback D.J. Moore, who scored a TV off a fan via Twitter. Love it.
Unsurprising News
Remember when New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks said he'd be ready for training camp and the Giants disputed that timeline? Nicks just recently began running in a wading pool. He's on track to return around Week 1, but once again player optimism about injuries usually is worthless.
Not a good day for ...
1. Pittsburgh Steelers fans hoping Mike Wallaceis in camp anytime soon.
- Josh Freeman will be without his left tackle Donald Penn for at least a few weeks. We hope this isn't retribution for some rookie mistakes made by Freeman while giving Penn a wedding present, as revealed on "The Rich Eisen Podcast."
- The report that indicated Joseph Addai "quit" during his conditioning test with the Patriots is not going to help him get a job. Bill Belichick's decision to cut Addai immediately was Bill Walsh-like.
- Teams talking about dynasties. Our own Dan Hanzus hopefully shut that down.
Only five rookies remain unsigned: Justin Blackmon, Ryan Tannehill, Kendall Wright, and two Oakland mid-round selections.
Day 2 of the Training Camp Buzz is in the books. Thanks for reading and let me know what you want to see next week.
