Training camps are in full force over the weekend. All NFC North teams are practicing and three of the four are already in pads (third practice). Let’s take a look at the weekend happenings.
Minnesota
Xavier Rhodes
The Vikings gave Xavier Rhodes a 5 year 70 million dollar extension (14 per in new money). Rhodes earned big money as the Vikings number 1 cornerback and Minnesota’s secondary will be happy to have him. Rhodes added the five years on top of the 8 million he makes this year for the fifth year option. Rhodes will be with Minnesota for 6 years 78 million in total (13 per). The top corner makes 5 years 75 million (Josh Norman) so this is a good deal for Rhodes and the Vikings.
Camp
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/7/29/16063600/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-saturday-afternoon-practice
The Vikings practiced in pads on Saturday. Latavius Murray and Jerrick McKinnon are hurt which gives rookie Dalvin Cooks lots of reps. Cooks has looked impressive early in camp with good speed and vision.
Riley Reiff has been hurt and hasn’t practice since Thursday. Rashod Hill is the backup left tackle for the Vikings. They hope Reiff gets healthy and can gel with his new line.
Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter are beasting but going against weak tackles.
Green Bay
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2017/7/29/16047996/packers-saturday-training-camp-practice-live-updates-july-29
Green Bay had their first practice with pads on Saturday with Sunday off. Rookie 3rd round Montravius Adams has a foot fracture and will miss a few weeks after a screw will be inserted into his foot. Trevor Davis is fighting for the 4th WR spot. The running backs are having trouble with fumbles and pass protection. Josh Jones is making an impact early as a coverage ILB. Kevin King earned some first team reps opposite Davon House. Rollins is leading the slot battle over Randall so far.
Former Packer, Tramon Williams signed a one year deal with Arizona.
Detroit
Glover Quin
The Lions inked one extension prior to training camp starting on Sunday. Glover Quin signed a two year 13 million dollar extension with 9.5 million guaranteed. This keeps Quin as the Lions free safety for 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons. Quin earns 6.5 million per season which is a decent increase from his first contract with Detroit. 6.5 million per season puts Quin as the 13th highest paid safety tied with Eric Weddle and Barry Church. Nice deal for Detroit and Quin.
Stafford
No new deal for Stafford yet. We’ll see how far we get into training camp as they negotiate. Stafford should get 26 million per season to top Derek Carr (25 per).
First Lions Practice (Sunday)
The Lions were sloppy in their first practice. Ziggy Ansah remained on PUP but Cornelius Washington and Greg Robinson came off the NFI list and practice. Cyrus Kouandijo was the top left tackle with Robinson limited to individual drills.
Eric Ebron hurt his hamstring. Hopefully this injury doesn’t linger into camp and pre-season or beyond. Rookie Kenny Golladay impressed as the third WR.
The punt return competition is wide open between TJ Jones, Jared Abbrederis, Keshawn Martin, Jamaal Agnew and Jace Billingsley. Golden Tate also fielded some punts but he might be used sparingly given his importance on offense.
Chicago
Pernell McPhee has his knee scoped and will be out a few weeks. Chicago’s defense is dominating camp and the secondary looks improved.
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/30/16065968/chicago-bears-training-camp-notebook-the-defense-dominates-amukamara-fuller-cohen-trevathan-long
Fin