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All 32 NFL teams are kicking off training camp by holding practices this weekend with club-led fan events, and NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL.com will provide complete coverage through Back Together Weekend. NFL.com provides highlights and buzz below from Sunday’s camp offerings.
Buccaneers adjusting to life without All-Pro OL
2025 brings a new season and a familiar situation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
They’ll start the campaign without All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs, whose knee troubles landed him on the physically unable to perform list to start camp. He’s expected to miss the early portion of the regular season, but on the bright side, the Buccaneers have time to adjust during camp.
“Anytime you lose an All-Pro it’s not good, but on the bright side knowing that we’re in the situation that we’re in, Charlie (Heck) gets a lot of reps with this O-line right now,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said Sunday during an interview with NFL Network’s Sara Walsh and Gerald McCoy. “He’s going against our front with all the pressures and looks that we do every day, which is a lot from coach Bowles. So, kind of thrown into the fire a little bit, but he also has so much time to prep.
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“The offensive line, the more reps they get together the better it’s going to be. We understand that losing Tristan is not great, but trusting Charlie to do his job and all that. We’ve been in this situation before when we lost Luke Goedeke for a little bit last year and had to throw Justin Skule in there. So there’s some game planning stuff, but right now it’s just building chemistry with those five guys up front and for me to communicate clearly what we’re doing protection wise.”
As Mayfield said, it’s never good when a team loses an All-Pro protector. Given it’s late July, though, there’s reason to remain optimistic.
First-round rookie impressing in Tampa
Mayfield hopes the same positive thinking will work for receiver Chris Godwin, who is returning from a season-ending ankle injury that sent him to the PUP list to start camp. In the meantime, Mayfield has other goals to accomplish, including establishing a rapport with rookie Emeka Egbuka.
Egbuka brings a prolific collegiate resume to the Buccaneers after logging 205 catches, 2,868 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns over four seasons with Ohio State.
His arrival, plus the return of Bucs legend Mike Evans and ascending second-year receiver Jalen McMillan have Mayfield feeling confident the Bucs will be just fine.
“I think Mike is finally starting to get some recognition that he deserves. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” he said. “Chris Godwin is consistently an All-Pro. He just does everything the right way, just smart, smart guy. J-Mac came along last year and made some really explosive plays for us and grew up a lot. Building that consistency with you.
… “Emeka Egbuka is an absolute stud. He’s like a young Chris Godwin. You can play him at any receiver spot. He’s going to know what to do. He’s going to do the dirty work for you. He also has the capability as a true franchise receiver. That’s a lot weapons, and we have all the guys that were thrown into the fire last year because of injuries. There’s a lot of experience, a lot of competition in that room.”
As coaches love to state, competition breeds success. Thanks to their depth, Tampa Bay’s explosive passing attack shouldn’t miss a beat in 2025, even if Godwin’s return takes longer than previously anticipated.
Wilson-Slayton connection on display
New Giants quarterback Russell Wilson‘s patented deep balls were on display Sunday with a pretty pass to Darius Slayton.
One of the plays of the day here on a spirited day at #Giants camp. One-hander by Darius Slayton on a ball from Russell Wilson. pic.twitter.com/WoKUpgjSVR
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 27, 2025
“Slayton — you saw that one-handed catch — he’s dominant in a lot of ways,” Wilson later said on NFL Network.