The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For now, Luck on sideline
QB says shoulder feels better, but he’s not ready to return.
Andrew Luck tried to ease all doubts about his surgically-repaired right shoulder Saturday.
He’ll have to return to the field to actually prove it — and nobody knows when that will be.
For the first time in six NFL seasons, Luck will not suit up when his teammates hold their first training camp practice today. Instead, he’ll continue coaching them in meetings and from the sideline, just like he’s done for months.
“It does feel different than it did last year,” Luck said. “I still have a ways to go in terms of regaining the strength, but I know every day it’s improving. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
That’s about the best update coach Chuck Pagano could have received when players reported to the team complex.
General manager Chris Ballard announced Monday that Indy’s franchise quarterback would go on the physically unable to perform list, though he remains hopeful Luck will start the Sept. 10 season opener at Los Angeles.
Raiders: As expected, Oakland opened training camp without Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn, who is holding out because he wants to renegotiate his contract. Penn, 34, Penn is entering the final year of an $11.9 million, two-year contract he signed last offseason.
Rams: Defensive lineman Aaron Donald did not report to camp while seeking a new contract from the Rams, who have spent months in negotiations with their two-time All-Pro. General manager Les Snead intends to continue negotiations on a contract extension with Donald.
Titans: Tennessee agreed to terms with one of the NFL’s last unsigned draft picks — Corey Davis, who was the first wide receiver selected. Terms were not disclosed.
Chargers: Rookie receiver Mike Williams, the seventh overall draft pick, was placed on the physically unable to perform list with a back injury. The team is optimistic Williams can avoid major surgery after he incurred a herniated disk in his lower back. Broncos: Outside linebackers Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett are both out until September, so the team isn’t taking chances with Von Miller. His camp workload already was limited because of his superstar status, and his snaps will be further minimized, coach Vance Joseph said as Ray underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.
Jets: Collette Smith, 44, made her debut as the team’s first female coach during the team’s opening practice of training camp. Smith is serving as a coaching intern on Todd Bowles’ coaching staff through the summer and is working as an assistant under defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson.
Falcons: Wide receiver Devin Fuller will miss the season with a knee injury, marking the second straight year he’s has had a season-ending injury before playing a game. Fuller sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament Friday after missing the 2016 season with a shoulder injury.