Target Category: NFL
Day 9 of NFL training camps is in the books, and the countdown to the preseason opener has reached its final 24 hours. With the Hall of Fame Game set for Thursday night in Canton, the Browns made a major quarterback announcement, key injuries reshaped depth charts in Dallas and Philadelphia, and the Seahawks’ defense sent a message in a dominant practice session. Here is your complete Day 9 around-the-league intel report.
For ongoing data updates, team trends, and matchup analysis as we approach the regular season, explore the latest ATS Stats NFL coverage.
1. Cleveland Browns: Monken Reveals Preseason QB Plan
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken announced that Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will each start one of the first two preseason games. One will start against the Chicago Bears on August 15, the other against the Buffalo Bills on August 22. The leader of the competition following those games is expected to start the preseason finale against the New England Patriots on August 27. A final decision on the Week 1 starter is not required until the regular season opener on September 13. This is the clearest timeline we’ve seen for the most-watched quarterback competition in the league.
2. Indianapolis Colts: Richardson vs. Leonard : Neck and Neck for QB2
The battle for the backup quarterback job behind Daniel Jones remains neck and neck between Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Richardson has struggled with snap handling and consistency but has flashed his trademark playmaking ability. Leonard is viewed as the safer, more controlled option. General Manager Chris Ballard currently intends to keep both players on the 53-man roster despite Richardson’s active trade request. Daniel Jones continues to impress, hitting deep balls in practice and commanding Frank Reich’s offense with confidence.
3. Seattle Seahawks: Defense Dominates Day 9 in Full Pads
The Seahawks’ defense stole the show on Day 9, holding the starting offense without points in multiple scrimmage series despite moderate air quality issues from nearby wildfires. Ty Okada, Ernest Jones IV, and Uchenna Nwosu all made standout plays. Offensively, Cooper Kupp hauled in two red zone touchdowns and demonstrated strong blocking, while quarterback Jalen Milroe continued to show efficient progress. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury noted room for improvement in the run game. Backup offensive tackle Bobby Hart left practice with an apparent leg injury.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Princeton Fant Out for Season, Secondary Injuries
The Cowboys suffered a significant blow as tight end Princeton Fant is out for the season following a torn ACL and partial MCL. Safety Alijah Clark is dealing with an ankle injury, while Jonathan Bullard is managing a hamstring issue. The Cowboys are now reshuffling their depth chart along the offensive line and in the secondary as training camp rolls on.
5. Carolina Panthers: Legette Carted Off with Stinger, Pickett to Start HOF Game
Wide receiver Xavier Legette was carted off the field with a stinger but is not believed to be concussed : a positive outcome for the Panthers’ receiving corps. Kenny Pickett has been named the starter for Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, with rookie Haynes King expected to follow in relief.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Smith and Lemon Held Out with Hamstring Issues
The Eagles held out wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon with hamstring injuries as a precaution. Britain Covey also left Tuesday’s practice early. The Eagles are being cautious with their skill position players as they evaluate Sean Mannion’s new offensive scheme.
7. Los Angeles Chargers: Slater Leaves Practice with Injury
Left tackle Rashawn Slater left practice with an undisclosed injury, a situation the Chargers are monitoring closely given his importance to the offensive line. Jim Harbaugh’s squad is evaluating the left guard battle between Branson Taylor and others as they prepare for the preseason.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck to Start HOF Game
The Cardinals have named rookie Carson Beck as their starting quarterback for the Hall of Fame Game, ahead of veteran Gardner Minshew. This gives Beck the first opportunity to make his case in Arizona’s quarterback room. Head coach Mike LaFleur’s decision signals a long-term view of the position.
9. Hall of Fame Game Preview: Panthers vs. Cardinals : Tomorrow Night
The 2026 NFL preseason officially kicks off Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 PM ET in Canton, Ohio. Kenny Pickett and the Panthers will face Carson Beck and the Cardinals in a game that will feature mostly backups and roster hopefuls. Neither team plans to play their primary starters extensively, making this a showcase for depth players fighting for roster spots.
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