NFL Preseason News – Bills, Broncos & Bosa

Now that the calendar has flipped to August, there will be some NFL games on the schedule. The preseason is going to start, and teams are currently working hard in training camp.

Since the NFL towers over the rest of the leagues, it’s never hard to find some pretty big news about football. Here is a look at some of the latest headlines.

Bills’ Hamlin Back

The Buffalo Bills held their first official practice with pads this past Monday. Damar Hamlin was a participant in that event. This was the next big step in his recovery, as his family was in attendance.

Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a Monday night game against the Bengals Jan. 2nd, having to be revived on the field. A scary scene in Cincinnati, ultimately canceling the game.

It wasn’t long, however, that Hamlin was rehabbing at the team’s facility, with his goal to get back on the field. Trainers have cleared Hamlin to resume playing, and he figures to be a big key to the team this season.

Fans in attendance showered Hamlin with cheers every time he did something on the field. He has turned into an inspirational figure throughout the world, and the medical personnel who saved him have received any number of accolades.

Buffalo is currently the +850 third choice to win its first-ever title in the NFL, according to Super Bowl LVIII odds.

Patrick Injured Again

The Denver Broncos were miserable last season, and they were hoping to bounce back in 2023. Sean Payton is the new coach, trying to exhume a moribund offense.

It was the offense suffering a big loss Monday as wide receiver Tim Patrick tore his Achilles at practice. Patrick missed the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL, and will now be absent this season as well. The injuries were on different feet.

The (non-contact) injury occurred during a 7-on-7 drill as Patrick appeared to slip on the surface. It didn’t take long to confirm that Patrick’s season was over.

Denver is also without receiver KJ Hamler (mild heart condition). Hamler isn’t with the team, but he plans to return, with the doctors confident he can do just that. 

Jones’ PED Penalty

The Dallas Cowboys’ running back Ronald Jones has been suspended two games, having failed a (performance-enhancing) drug test. Jones was signed to a one-year deal this past offseason, some depth behind starter Tony Pollard.

Jones had a rough 2022, seeing limited action in a half-dozen games with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a 2020 star, 978 rushing yards as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the title. 

Dallas parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott after last season. He’s still unsigned. The Cowboys do have a number of other options at the position. Jones will be able to be with the team during the preseason, but will be away Sept. 3rd-17th. 

Bosa’s Absence Continues

Defensive end Nick Bosa hasn’t reported to training camp with the San Francisco 49ers, but general manager John Lynch is not concerned. Bosa is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, holding out while awaiting an extension to his contract. 

Lynch has spoken with Bosa throughout the offseason, with both sides confident a deal is going to get happen. Bosa is holding out to ensure any (potential) injury doesn’t interfere with negotiations as the preseason is beginning. 

Any new extension is expected to make Bosa the highest-paid defensive player in the history of the league. Bosa is entering the final year of his rookie pact, and he has transformed the defense in San Francisco.Currently, the Niners are +360 second choice to win the NFC, as per NFL conference odds.