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NFL training camp live: Injury updates, news, highlights for August 5
Joe RiveraJack McKessyNate DavisTom VieraUSA TODAY
Updated Aug. 5, 2026, 4:57 p.m. ET
The early theme of NFL training camp has been injuries
While soft-tissue injuries, bumps and bruises are customary and don’t cause fans or teams major concern, freak accidents, injuries and the dreaded medical tent have all been leading characters in the first few weeks of camp
Jalon Walker Jr. is one of several players to potentially have their 2026 season end before it even began. The Atlanta Falcons’ second-year pass rusher was carted off the field with a leg injury, with reports indicating he may have torn his ACL
That means Walker might join the New Orleans Saints’ Bryan Bresee, Carolina Panthers’ Chris Brazzell and Nic Scourton, and San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall the unfortunate list of players who will look towards 2027 instead of Week 1
While injuries have hurt some, bank accounts have helped others. A number of big-time extensions have come down in recent days, with Falcons running back Bijan Robinson the latest to cash in on an extension. Chicago Bears lineman Darnell Wright also signed a deal on Aug. 4, earning the most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman in NFL history
All that, and the first preseason game has yet to be played
Here’s the latest news, updates and more from NFL training camp on Aug. 5
4:57 pm ET
Aaron Rodgers speaks exclusively to USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell
Can’t get enough of Aaron Rodgers? Already had too much? The Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback and four-time league MVP doesn’t much care either way as he embarks on his 22nd and final season in the NFL
“Most people have made up their mind about me, so it doesn’t matter what I say,” Rodgers told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell exclusively from the Steelers’ training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
“It’s not going to change their mind because most people aren’t listening to the content of your words. They’re wanting to attack your character because they think you’re MAGA or they think you’re whatever tag they put on you – conspiracy theorist, anti-science. They’ve already made up their mind about me before this.”
His public perception was among the many topics Rodgers discussed with Bell. They also broached Rodgers’ reconciliation with his parents; his thoughts on the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal and its ensuing coverage; and his ongoing pursuit of his second Super Bowl trophy − 16 years after he and new Steelers coach teamed up to win one for the Packers
READ MORE
3:50 pm ET
Jaylen Waddle leaves practice
Tom Viera
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Jaylen Waddle left Thursday’s practice with “muscle tightness” but is expected to be fine. The 27-year-old was acquired by the Broncos in a blockbuster trade this offseason and is expected to be a major contributor for Payton’s offense in 2026
3:05 pm ET
Commanders signing WR Stefon Diggs
Jack McKessy
The Washington Commanders and veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million, USA TODAY Sports has confirmed. Diggs joins a Washington receiving corps desperately in need of reinforcements and will slide into a starting role across from veteran Terry McLaurin
The 32-year-old led the Patriots with 102 targets and 85 catches for 1,013 yards in 17 games last year. He also caught four touchdown passes from 2025 MVP runner-up Drake Maye
1:47 pm ET
49ers sign WR KhaDarel Hodge
Jack McKessy
San Francisco announced it signed KhaDarel Hodge in a press release on Wednesday. The 31-year-old wideout will add additional depth to San Francisco’s wide receivers room after the team ruled third-year Ricky Pearsall out for the year with a knee injury. Veteran Mike Evans (quad) and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling (hamstring) also missed practice on Wednesday
Hodge last played four seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, where he played most of his snaps on special teams. He made his first Pro Bowl team last year as a special teamer, and he now reunites with former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, who joined the 49ers’ coaching staff this offseason
12:53 pm ET
Fantasy flag: Where are Commanders’ targets going?
Nate Davis
After ranking 22nd overall (and in points scored) in 2025, Washington’s offense should be better in 2026 − simply by the virtue that third-year QB Jayden Daniels is currently healthy. But it will look different, rookie OC David Blough now calling the plays, and some prominent new players coming aboard − namely free agent additions Rachaad White and Chig Okonkwo. Still, ball distribution looms as a major question here after Deebo Samuel, whojust signed with San Francisco, led the team in targets (99) in 2025 followed by current free agent Zach Ertz (72) and then WR1 Terry McLaurin, who played in a career-low 10 games and had a career-low 60 targets last year while battling multiple injuries.
It stands to reason that Daniels will look McLaurin’s way most frequently in 2026 based on the success they had in 2024, when both were healthy. Also, there’s no one else here with a proven track record for a being a high-volume producer. However keep an eye on Okonkwo, who had his best NFL season last year with the Titans (56 catches for 560 yards, both career highs). And he’s currently operating as the ‘de facto WR2’ for Washington
That could all change if the Commanders eventually bring in Brandon Aiyuk (unlikely), Stefon Diggs (more likely?), Keenan Allen or someone else. Still, keep an eye on Okonkwo as a breakout candidate for the upcoming season
10:34 am ET
What do the Seahawks have to do with Michael Jordan’s Bulls?
Nate Davis
ICYMI − and you’re forgiven if so as Seattle is the Siberia of the NFL − but “Hard Knocks,” the league’s annual training camp docuseries from HBO and NFL Films, debuted Tuesday night. It’s not typical for the reigning champions to be featured, but the Seahawks are this year’s subject and for the first time in their history. It’s also unusual to compare Super Bowl winners to Michael Jordan and the dynastic 1990s Chicago Bulls, but head coach Mike Macdonald invoked them in the first episode. In case you’re wondering why − and/or if the ‘Hawks have an MJ-adjacent player − have a look.
10:28 am ET
Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker to miss 2026 season
Jack McKessy
One of Atlanta’s 2025 first-round picks had to be carted off from practice on Tuesday, Aug. 4 with a leg injury. Shortly after, multiple reports indicated that the team feared linebacker Walker had torn his ACL
On Wednesday morning, the Falcons officially announced that he would miss the entire 2026 season due to the knee injury. Walker had 33 tackles and 5½ sacks in 15 appearances as a rookie
10:15 am ET
49ers sign edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo
Jack McKessy
San Francisco is adding depth to its pass-rush attack. Ogbo Okoronkwo is joining the 49ers in training camp as Keion White and Cam Sample have missed time with injuries
Okoronkwo previously played for 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during the Los Angeles Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl season. In seven NFL seasons, Okoronkwo has 17 sacks and 154 QB pressures, per Next Gen Stats
10:14 am ET
Lane Johnson misses fourth Eagles practice
Jack McKessy
The Eagles’ starting right tackle has been excused from four days of Philadelphia’s training camp so far while he deals with a personal situation. Neither Johnson nor the team has provided an update on when he may return
Johnson said at mandatory minicamp in June that he contemplated retirement during the offseason but ultimately decided to return for a 14th season. This year will be his first without legendary Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who announced he was stepping away in February
9:29 am ET
USA TODAY Sports’ 2026 NFL record projections
Nate Davis
You love them, you loathe them, hopefully you anticipate them. And now, after picking all 272 regular-season games (and applying necessary tiebreakers), my record projections for the upcoming NFL season have landed. And while I didn’t love loving the Rams this much − especially with everyone else doing it − I’ve been on that bandwagon for about two years now. But hopefully you’ll enjoy some of the other surprises − which include six new division winners compared to 2025 − whether it appeals to you and your team or not!
8:00 am ET
Latest NFL news
Joe Rivera
7:01 am ET
When does the NFL regular season start?
Joe Rivera
The 2026 NFL regular season starts Wednesday, Sept. 9 with a Super Bowl 60 rematch: the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. ET
6:30 am ET
When does the NFL preseason start?
Joe Rivera
The 2026 NFL preseason games begin with the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, but Week 1 of the preseason starts Thursday, Aug. 13, with six matchups
6:07 am ET
NFL preseason Week 1 schedule 2026
Joe Rivera
Here’s each game during Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason:
2026 NFL preseason schedule
Hall of Fame Game
Thursday, Aug. 6
- Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8 p.m. ET, NBC
Preseason Week 1
Thursday, Aug. 13
- Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions, 7 p.m. ET
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers, 7 p.m. ET
- New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 8 p.m. ET
Friday, Aug. 14
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos, 7 p.m. ET
- New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7 p.m. ET
- Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, Aug. 15
- Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET
- New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams, 4 p.m. ET
- New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4 p.m. ET
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7 p.m. ET
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m. ET
