NFL Training Camp Updates: Injuries Mount, Contract Holdouts Continue as Preseason Nears

As the NFL prepares for the 2026 regular season, training camps across the league are entering their second week with significant developments regarding player health and contract negotiations. Teams are finalizing their strategies ahead of the preseason opener, which is set for Thursday, Aug. 6.

Injuries have already impacted several rosters. The San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints are dealing with season-ending setbacks, including losses to wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. Additionally, Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks due to a knee injury sustained on Monday.

Off the field, contract disputes are keeping key players off the practice field. Notable running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are currently holding out as they seek new agreements before the regular season commences. Their absence could affect team chemistry as the preseason approaches.

Quarterback competitions are also drawing attention. The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly evaluating Kyler Murray against J.J. McCarthy, while the Cleveland Browns are deciding between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Other battles include Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta, and Kirk Cousins facing off against Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas.

The road to the Super Bowl 61 kickoff formally begins with the Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. This contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC, which is owned by Comcast Corporation. The media giant, currently trading with a market capitalization of approximately $87.15 billion, stands to benefit from the increased viewership associated with the return of live football.

Week 1 of the full preseason schedule starts on Aug. 13, featuring matchups such as the Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Green Bay Packers. The regular season is slated to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with a Super Bowl 60 rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.

What to watch

• Aug. 6: Hall of Fame Game telecast on NBC (Comcast Corporation).
• Aug. 13-15: NFL Preseason Week 1 games across various networks.
• Sept. 9: Regular season kickoff featuring Seahawks vs. Patriots.
• Updates on the contract status of holding running backs Gibbs and Robinson.
• Weekly injury reports regarding Bryant and other sidelined players.

Source: original release