NFL Training Camp Delivers Big Moves, Season-Ending Injuries and Rookie Headlines

By Tiffany Williams –

NFL training camps are barely underway, but the league is already getting hit with blockbuster moves, crushing injuries, position battles and career-changing decisions that are reshaping rosters across the country.

From the Houston Texans bringing back the player who once carried the weight of an entire franchise, to the New Orleans Saints losing another cornerstone defender for the season, to the New England Patriots finally getting one of their prized rookies onto the practice field, Sunday’s headlines delivered another wild day across the NFL.

The biggest splash belongs to Jadeveon Clowney.

The former No. 1 overall pick is reportedly heading back to where it all began.

The Houston Texans reportedly are adding Jadeveon Clowney, reuniting with the edge rusher they selected first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. More than a decade after arriving in Houston carrying enormous expectations, Clowney now returns as an experienced veteran looking to bolster a Texans defense that continues loading up for another playoff run.

While Houston celebrated a reunion, New Orleans absorbed another devastating blow.

The Saints announced defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL after suffering the injury during a non-contact play in 11-on-11 drills last week.

Bryan Bresee started all 17 games last season, recording 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 37 total tackles. The former first-round pick out of Clemson also produced 7.5 sacks during the 2024 season before becoming one of the anchors of New Orleans’ defensive front.

Now that season is over before it truly began.

The Saints also found themselves in the headlines for another reason.

According to reports, wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk has retired from the NFL at just 24 years old, bringing an unexpected end to his professional football career.

Meanwhile, another familiar name made it clear he has no plans to follow that path.

DeAndre Hopkins said he is not retiring despite accepting a position as a Georgia Tech assistant, shutting down speculation that his coaching opportunity signals the end of his playing career.

In Arizona, there was finally some encouraging news.

After a frightening injury scare during Friday’s practice, Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III returned to practice Sunday.

Head coach Mike LaFleur told reporters the second-year defensive lineman simply tweaked his knee.

“Walt’s good…which is a good thing for him and the Cardinals as well.”

That represents welcome news for Arizona after Walter Nolen III appeared in only six games during his rookie season before injuries again interrupted his development.

Another Arizona storyline is beginning to heat up.

Despite selecting Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cardinals are not handing him the starting running back job.

Arizona’s first preseason depth chart lists Tyler Allgeier as the starter.

Jeremiyah Love opens camp as the No. 2 running back.

James Conner, who continues recovering from foot surgery, is listed third.

The message is unmistakable.

Nothing will be handed to the rookie.

In Los Angeles, the Rams are taking a cautious approach with one of football’s biggest defensive stars.

Myles Garrett missed his fourth consecutive practice because of soreness.

Head coach Sean McVay indicated there is no reason for concern, but any absence involving one of the league’s premier pass rushers immediately draws attention during training camp.

Buffalo also received encouraging medical news after an anxious Saturday.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a lower leg strain after leaving practice with what initially appeared to be a potentially serious injury.

The veteran defensive back had to be helped off the practice field while trainers examined his right foot before testing confirmed the diagnosis.

For the Green Bay Packers, Sunday was about identity.

Offensive tackle Zach Tom announced he has legally changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele.

Bako-Bewele explained that his new last name combines the surnames of his paternal grandparents, who are Nigerian.

Meanwhile, one rookie wasted absolutely no time making himself noticed in Foxborough.

New England Patriots second-round pick Gabe Jacas officially participated in his first training camp practice after agreeing to his rookie contract.

Within moments, Gabe Jacas had already made headlines.

During a drill, the rookie edge rusher knocked over linebackers coach Mike Smith while Smith held a blocking pad.

It was an energetic first impression from the former Illinois standout, who finished his final college season with 11 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles before becoming the 55th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Training camp is only beginning.

Already, contenders are adding proven veterans.

Young stars are battling injuries.

Rookies are fighting for starting jobs.

Veterans are changing names, changing teams and, in some cases, walking away from football altogether.

The preseason hasn’t even kicked off.

Yet around the NFL, the drama is already operating at full speed, and every practice is producing another headline capable of changing a team’s season before Week 1 ever arrives.