We have officially completed the first full week of NFL training camps. Day 7 offered a quieter walk-through and teaching day for several teams, but there was still plenty of news to track across the league. From a brewing Browns quarterback controversy and a Cardinals rookie running back bumping up the depth chart, to a Bills safety injury scare and the Packers' cornerback battle shifting, here is your Day 7 around-the-league intel report.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Rookie RB Love Gets 1st-Team Reps, Brissett Struggles
In Glendale, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love worked with the first-team offense ahead of incumbent Tyler Allgeier, despite the official depth chart still listing Love at RB2. Trey Benson was absent from practice, raising questions about his standing as training camp intensity ramps up.
Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett struggled during team drills, overthrowing several targets and opening the door for further evaluation at the quarterback spot behind the starter. On the defensive side, linebacker Eku Leota received first-team reps and consistently impressed the coaching staff with his explosive first step off the edge.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson Battle Heating Up
The biggest quarterback story in the league right now is unfolding in Berea. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has split first-team reps evenly between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in padded practices, creating an electric atmosphere at Browns camp.
The organization is reportedly targeting a late-August decision (around August 22) on who will take the reins for Week 1. Adding fuel to the narrative, Deion Sanders took a subtle swipe at Shedeur's critics during a media session, asking "Where have they gone?" as the rookie continues to showcase poise and precision under pressure.
3. Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Battle Shifts
A notable development in Green Bay: cornerback Carrington Valentine left practice early with an apparent lower-body injury, leading to rookie Brandon Cisse taking over first-team boundary reps.
The Packers' cornerback competition is now officially a fierce three-way battle between Valentine, veteran Benjamin St-Juste, and the rapidly emerging Cisse. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is stressing versatility and aggressive coverage as the preseason opener approaches.
4. Buffalo Bills: Gardner-Johnson Injury Scare
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson sent a brief wave of concern through Bills camp when he left practice with a non-contact lower-body injury.
Head coach Joe Brady addressed the media post-practice, describing the team as "fortunate" that initial evaluations ruled out structural damage. No definitive timetable has been set for his return, making this a critical situation to monitor as Buffalo transitions to Jim Leonhard's aggressive new 3-4 defensive scheme.
5. Los Angeles Rams: Teaching Day & Stafford Rest
The Rams took a measured walk-through approach on Day 7, opting for zero pads or full-contact work to keep legs fresh.
Quarterback Ty Simpson received significant first-team reps while veteran Matthew Stafford rested, displaying encouraging early chemistry with rookie wideout CJ Daniels. On the defensive front, defensive end Myles Garrett remains sidelined with minor lower-body soreness but is expected to return for the next block of padded sessions.
6. Indianapolis Colts: Jones & Richardson Navigating Padded Work
Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are hard at work navigating their first week of fully padded practices in Westfield.
Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and defensive tackle Colby Wooden have been standout performers, consistently winning their individual matchups. Meanwhile, kicker Blake Grupe is currently leading the kicking competition over Spencer Shrader for the Colts' special teams unit, displaying strong range and accuracy from beyond 50 yards. For more detailed team insights and statistical breakdowns, check out the latest ATS Stats NFL Picks.
7. NFL QB Battle Recap After One Week
A comprehensive league-wide check on the most competitive quarterback competitions heading into August:
- Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson : Reps split 50/50; definitive Week 1 decision expected by August 22.
- Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy vs. Max Brosmer : Continuing to split first-team reps evenly with high efficiency in red-zone drills.
- Atlanta Falcons: Passing game reps managed carefully with veteran experience meeting high-upside rookie development.
- Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson : Both thriving in structured padded work and showcasing distinct scheme fits.
What's Next
The first preseason game of the 2026 slate : the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton : is now just three days away (Thursday, August 6: Panthers vs. Cardinals). Expect front offices to finalize practice squad projections, evaluate bubble players, and lock in game-planning for the first wave of exhibition action.
For entertainment and informational purposes only : not betting advice. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Follow ATS Stats on Google News.
