NFL Training Camp: Devin Smith Injury And Other Updates

May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (84) during organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Just a couple days into the action and already NFL training camp is providing some interesting tidbits for fans to chew on. Here are some of the latest.

Devin Smith setback hurts New York Jets vertical game

Brandon Marshall was the big acquisition for the Jets passing game, but perhaps the most important was 2^nd round pick Devin Smith. Why? Speed. Smith presented something Marshall and Eric Decker don’t have, which is the ability to take the top off a defense. That dimension took a serious hit when Smith suffered broken ribs during practice. It landed him in the hospital and is expected to set him back through most of the remainder of camp.

Bashaud Breeland injury weakens already thin Redskins secondary

Pass defense has remained a serious problem for the Washington Redskins, and a lot of it centers on a secondary thin on talent. One of their few bright spots last season was rookie Bashaud Breeland who led the team with two interceptions and also had 66 tackles and two forced fumbles. He was expected to become a staple at corner moving forward into 2015, but suffered an untimely MCL injury. That puts the rest of his training camp down the drain.

Without him the secondary gets even thinner, relying heavily on veteran DeAngelo Hall and free agent Chris Culliver to carry the load.

Matt Cassel takes early lead in Buffalo Bills QB battle

At times some thought there might be a chance he wouldn’t even make the roster, but the fact is the Buffalo Bills traded for Matt Cassel for a reason. They felt the former Pro Bowler had enough experience and juice in the tank to be at least the functional quarterback they need. That was reflected when the 32-year old took the first team reps at practice ahead of former 1^st round pick E.J. Manuel and free agent addition Tyrod Taylor. There is a long way to go, but it looks like Cassel’s job to lose.

NaVorro Bowman looking to rescue dispirited 49ers defense

Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and both starting corners from last year are all gone for the San Francisco 49ers. Also don’t forget the unexpected retirement of promising linebacker Chris Borland. Suffice to say the defense hasn’t had much to feel good about this off-season, but head coach Jim Tomsula provided some hope.

Having not played a game since January of 2014, All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman reportedly looked “fantastic” in practice. If anybody can rescue this unit and keep it at the customary level its been the past five years, it will be him.

Josh McCown not losing any ground to Johnny Manziel

The Cleveland Browns have not backed off their decision to sign veteran quarterback Josh McCown, believing he’s a much better player than his 2014 washout in Tampa Bay may indicate. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe took it a step further, saying he has the look of a “top 5 quarterback.”

That may be overselling it a bit, but the message it sends is clear enough. McCown is firmly entrenched as the starter, meaning young second-year quarterback Johnny Manziel may have to take the long road back to the starting job, if he ever gets there at all.

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