The first preseason games are getting closer for the Cardinals and the NFC West. Here’s a look at the latest situations going around in training camp for all four teams.
Robert Nkemdiche is not a name Cardinals fans remember nostalgically. After being injured and eventually just flat out of shape, the 2016 first-rounder was cut by Arizona three years later. Nkemdiche didn’t last long with Miami either, but now he has found another chance in Seattle.
What may stick out to some is how happy Nkemdiche feels to be a Seahawk. Granted, with all that the defensive tackle has done in his life, this new chance would undoubtedly make anyone feel grateful too.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The Seahawks’ team website details the new-mindset Robert Nkemdiche and how he learned “to fall in love with what you’re doing…” A far cry from the criticisms that questioned his passion for football before.
Furthermore, Seattle coach Pete Carroll is steadfast in saying everyone has Nkemdiche’s back as the defender continues towards personal redemption. Honestly, that’s simply something one can’t stay mad at.
L.A. will begin its season down a key offensive starter. Running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles back in July, leaving a substantial dent in the overall offense.
Darrell Henderson and the other backs will have to shine now, a notion that Sean McVay seems confident in. The Rams coach saying he is “really encouraged” by the group’s progress per RamsWire.com.
Meanwhile, the passing game looks like it can go far now that Matthew Stafford is the quarterback. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp will no doubt continue to be reliable wide receivers along with Van Jefferson.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
But there’s also one more, and that’s rookie wideout Tutu Atwell, finally being activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday. Rams fans will finally get to see him work out and they should be excited. Atwell has a knack for speed, appropriate considering the state of receivers in the NFC West. He has so much to show and fans in L.A. will see it soon enough.
(Image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)
The Bird Gang is mostly all here; Arizona had six players return from the reserve/COVID-19 list back on Monday. Offensive lineman Shaq Calhoun, wide receiver Rico Gafford and cornerback Lorenzo Burns remain out as of the writing of this article.
In roster news, the Cardinals now have extra depth in the receiver corps. Former Carolina Panthers wideout Greg Dortch getting signed Tuesday while safety Shawn Williams is now on the active list.
The signing comes following Christian Kirk currently not taking reps at training camp. The only detail regarding the wideout available is coach Kliff Kingsbury saying Kirk has a “minor deal.”
The 49ers can’t help be feel good, there’s cautious optimism with rookie quarterback Trey Lance (more on that in a moment), and Deebo Samuel is back from groin tightness.
But it’s what coach Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff were wearing to practice that was also a source of joy Wednesday. In preparation for general manager John Lynch’s Hall of Fame enshrinement, the staff wore black shirts with Lynch’s #47 in gold. The ceremony officially takes place on Sunday, August 8.
As for practice itself, the new rookie in town continues to light it up. Trey Lance going 7-of-8 during passing drills. Not to mention he’s looking great on long passes as well. But of course, it’s too early to declare Lance a proven starter. Yet, the more this trend continues, the more Niners fans will think otherwise.
Featured Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
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