The NFL has gone camping.
All 32 teams and their players are back to work as the chase for the Lombardi Trophy begins anew. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals get the preseason party started when they take the field for the 2026 Hall of Fame Game.
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And even before a snap of football is played, there have been a number of stories and injuries that may shape the face of the league this year.
In Tampa, quarterback Baker Mayfield seeks a new contract, and he’s none-too-pleased with the way business has been conducted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ front office. Vita Vea, his teammate, is also seeking some big bucks from the Bucs, as he recently requested a trade amidst a standoff with the team.
Jahmyr Gibbs has been notably absent from Detroit Lions camp. While he’s been in the building, Gibbs has been nursing a back injury – something Dan Campbell doesn’t consider to be serious. The electric running back is also seeking a new contract, which may feed into his attendance.
Injuries have already cut short the seasons of several others: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, Carolina Panthers rookie Chris Brazzell, Panthers’ second-year rusher Nic Scourton and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will all be shelved for the 2026 season after suffering injuries.
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Others have more positive prognoses for the upcoming season. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is back on the practice field, as is New York Giants wideout Malik Nabers.
All that, and more, in just over a week’s worth of NFL training camp. Here’s the latest as the league marches towards the HOF game:
06:06 AM ET, August 3 2026, Joe Rivera
The 2026 Hall of Fame Game, played in honor of Pro Football hall of Fame inductees past and present, is set for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 6. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers meet in the first game of the NFL preseason.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL training camp live updates for August 3: Highlights, injuries, news and more
