NFL training camp storylines put Aaron Donald and QB battles on watch
CBS Sports says NFC camps open with Aaron Donald speculation, lefty QB fights, rookie roles and injury questions driving the buzz.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The NFL training camp storylines in the NFC are already crowded, with CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell pointing to Aaron Donald’s possible Rams return, quarterback competitions in Atlanta and Minnesota, rookie pressure points and injury recoveries as teams report for camp.
All 32 teams are due in camp by the end of the week, according to CBS Sports, starting a 44-day stretch before the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks open the season on Sept. 9.
What are the biggest NFL training camp storylines in the NFC?
The Rams have the flashiest watch. CBS Sports reported that Los Angeles enters 2026 with the best Super Bowl odds at +550 after trading for 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who set the league’s single-season sacks record. Donald, retired since 2024, said the move “for sure got me thinking” when asked about a comeback.
Quarterback drama is also front and center. In Atlanta, new coach Kevin Stefanski has Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa competing after both former top-10 picks arrive with injury history. CBS Sports noted Penix is working back from another torn ACL, while Tagovailoa was released by Miami after a season in which he threw a career-high 15 interceptions.
Minnesota has its own camp fight. J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in 2024, is set to compete with Kyler Murray after CBS Sports Research said McCarthy finished last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating in his debut season. Murray has missed 30 of a possible 68 games over the last four seasons, according to the report.
Which rookies are under pressure right away?
Arizona’s Jeremiyah Love comes in with an immediate spotlight after the Cardinals used the third overall pick on him. CBS Sports said Love’s rookie deal includes $53 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money for any running back in the league before playing a game. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett told reporters James Conner and others remain part of the running back mix.
Carolina’s Monroe Freeling is also being thrown into a hard job. General manager Dan Morgan told reporters the 19th overall pick will move to right tackle after Taylor Moton landed on the non-football injury list with a blood clot in his lung. Freeling started 18 games at Georgia, all at left tackle, according to CBS Sports.
In Green Bay, Matthew Golden has a cleaner path to targets after the Packers let Romeo Doubs leave in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to Philadelphia. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich told The Athletic he is excited about Golden and expects a big year.
Which injury situations could swing camps?
Detroit begins camp with safety Kerby Joseph and safety Brian Branch on the physically unable to perform list, according to CBS Sports. Joseph’s 2025 season was cut to six games by a knee injury, while Branch’s ended after 12 games with an Achilles rupture.
The Giants are watching Malik Nabers after a torn ACL that also included a full meniscus repair and another procedure to remove inflamed scar tissue. CBS Sports noted New York did not place him on the PUP list to open camp, raising hopes that he could be available for Week 1.
Other NFC questions are broader but no less urgent. Dallas is rebuilding a defense that allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025, while Chicago is replacing several takeaway-heavy defensive backs. Philadelphia, meanwhile, must pair Jalen Hurts with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion after the Eagles posted their lowest scoring, total and rushing offense numbers of Nick Sirianni’s tenure, according to CBS Sports.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.