Full Breakdown
NFL Training Camps Kick Off Early: Cardinals and Panthers Lead the Way
7/23/2026, 6:16:06 AM
Core Event – First Full Squads Report Ahead of the Hall of Fame Game
Veteran players from the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will report to training camp on Wednesday, becoming the first two NFL teams with full rosters this summer. The early start aligns with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on August 6. All 32 clubs are expected to have their veterans in camp by July 28.
Background & Context – Preseason Calendar and New Leadership
The Hall of Fame Game opens the preseason, and the Cardinals will debut rookie head coach Mike LaFleur. The Panthers enter camp as defending NFC South champions after an 8-9 season, looking to build on quarterback Bryce Young under offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Other storylines include the Seattle Seahawks’ appearance on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” premiering August 4, and the league-wide quarterback competition highlighted by the Atlanta Falcons’ battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
Key Player Situations – Injuries and Contract Holds
- Taylor Moton (Panthers) is on the non-football injury list with a blood clot in his lung; the team expects him to miss the regular season.
- Jaycee Horn (Panthers) is recovering from a foot cut and is projected to return soon.
- Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals) has not practiced since the spring and has not agreed to a revised contract, leaving his participation uncertain.
- Aaron Donald (Rams) is training but has not confirmed a return; the Rams said the decision rests with him.
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) is seven and a half months post-ACL/LCL surgery; his health will be monitored during camp.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Panthers indicated Moton’s condition will keep him out of the regular season.
- Cardinals officials noted Brissett’s contract negotiations remain unresolved, making his camp involvement “something to watch this week.”
- Donald back but emphasized the choice is “Donald’s alone.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sources differ on Brissett’s camp status: nbcsports reports no contract agreement, while other outlets have not confirmed his participation.
- Aaron Donald’s return is described as “speculation” by Sports Illustrated, with no timeline provided.
- Mahomes’ readiness is cited as “expected to be fully cleared” by some analysts, yet his own comments acknowledge a “long process.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just the way that I feel during drills from Day 1 to how I feel now doing every drill, I feel those differences,” — Michael Penix
- “I think a fresh start sometimes is not just beneficial for me, but for anyone,” — Tua Tagovailoa
What’s Next – Upcoming Milestones
- August 6 – Hall of Fame Game featuring the Cardinals and Panthers.
- August 4 – Premiere of “Hard Knocks” on HBO, following the Seahawks’ camp.
- July 28 – All 32 NFL teams projected to have veterans in camp.
- September 9 – Regular-season opener, a Super Bowl rematch, kicks off the season.
