As training camps across the NFL continue, XN Sports will report the top headlines of each day.
With the preseason nearing, 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 Thursday:
Chemistry lacking in Miami
First Mike Wallace was rumored to be on the trading block. Now the Miami Herald suggests the wide receiver is struggling to develop chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Wallace is also dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, which will keep him out of the Dolphins’ preseason opener. It’s looking more and more like a mistake that the team handed him a five-year, $60 million deal last offseason.
CJ2K no more
Rex Ryan has confirmed the Jets will use a backfield-by-committee, with Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell all expected to have significant roles in the running game.
ESPN New York suggests Johnson won’t even come close to nearing the 290 carries mark he averaged with Tennessee. It appears as if Johnson will start, but Ivory will see short-yardage work and Powell will be in on passing downs.
Ertz the red-zone guy?
Second-year tight end Zach Ertz is expected to be the Eagles’ main target in the red zone, according to Philly Magazine. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, that makes a lot of sense.
Neither Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper nor Jordan Matthews are overwhelming physical presences, so it makes sense Ertz would get the nod in that area.
Greene listed as the starter
Shonn Greene — not rookie Bishop Sankey — was listed as the starting running back on the Titans’ depth chart released Wednesday.
Whisenhunt said Shonn Greene is No. 1 RB because he is most experienced.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 6, 2014
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Greene got the nod over the rookie because he’s more experienced. And it should not go unnoticed free-agent signee Dexter McCluster was listed at No. 2.
Keenum the backup?
Case Keenum got the nod as the Texans’ No. 2 quarterback over rookie Tom Savage on the depth chart. According to coach Bill O’Brien, Keenum is “a little bit ahead” of Savage, but it’s “a competitive battle.”
With Ryan Fitzpatrick entrenched as the Week 1 starter, if Keenum wins the backup job it seems unlikely Savage will get a chance to start in his first NFL season. This is definitely something worth keeping an eye on during the preseason.
