This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Now nearly a week into training camp for most teams, news about competitions for roles has started to trickle in. Injuries remain worth noting, but still nothing to panic over in most cases, yet.
- Likely the biggest news of the day, the Vikings' Kirk Cousins is in the COVID-19 protocols. It's likely not a notable issue, as backup Kellen Mond tested positive and Cousins is presumed to have simply been a close contact. Keep it in the back of your mind, but it can also be presumed that he won't miss any meaningful action.
- One running back depth chart was clarified while another was muddied a bit. Qadree Ollison has been working as the second running back in Atlanta, behind Mike Davis. Although Davis is presumed to be the lead back, this is a somewhat ambiguous backfield. Ollison appears to be the dart throw to take late in drafts, ahead of the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson, Javian Hawkins and Caleb Huntley. Meanwhile, former Falcon, Devonta Freeman signed with New Orleans. But he likely won't even be the primary backup to Alvin Kamara. Instead, if he can make the team, he figures to mix in for a few carries a game with Latavius Murray. Don't mistake the name value for fantasy value.
- A few injury notes out of Miami. Will Fuller and Mike Gesicki are both sidelined. Fuller is dealing with a foot injury, but is day to day rather than week to week. This doesn't appear to be a concern, but given Fuller's history of missing time it's worth acknowledging. Gesicki's dealing with an undisclosed injury. There's not too much to elaborate on until we know more details, which hopefully emerge in the coming days.
- Zack Moss entered Bills camp still recovering from offseason surgery on his left ankle. He appears to be nearing 100 percent health — if he's not already there. According to reports, he hasn't appeared to struggle with the injury. He's also told official team reporters that he's cleared any mental hurdles associated with getting back on the field.
- Travis Kelce exited practice Thursday with hip and back tightness. As was noted at the time, it likely wasn't anything to worry about. That turned out to be accurate, as he returned to the field Saturday.
- Speaking of returns to practice, Michael Gallup was on the practice field Saturday after injuring his ankle in practice Wednesday. With Amari Cooper sidelined until at least mid-August, Gallup should have plenty of time to get reps as one of the top two receivers in Cowboys' camp.
- The strange offseason and career of N'Keal Harry has another chapter. The disgruntled third-year wideout who requested a trade this offseason reported for Patriots camp and is practicing with the team. Speaking to reporters Saturday, Harry noted that he worked on getting more agile during the offseason, rather than relying on his size and physicality to beat defenders. That could suit him well in the Patriots offense, but he'll have to compete with Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne for a role.
- Finally, the battle for the third wide receiver role is underway in Seattle. D'Wayne Eskridge was the presumed favorite for the role after being selected in the second round of this year's draft. However, he's been sidelined by a toe injury and has yet to participate in training camp. That has opened the door for Freddie Swain, who's only a second-year player himself. He posted 13 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season, but may not have much opportunity to build on that, assuming Eskridge can take the field soon.
