HALL OF FAME GAME KICKS OFF PRESEASON
OHIO» Don’t look CANTON, for too many stars on the field Thursday night when the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals kick off the NFL preseason in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game.
Don’t look for many starters, either.
For those who believe four preseason games are too many, seeing their team play in Canton isn’t a welcome sight. Both coaches, Jason Garrett for Dallas and Bruce Arians for Arizona, will covet getting an extra chance to watch their rookies and fringe guys compete. That’s it.
As for the Dak Prescotts, Jason Wittens and Ezekiel Elliotts from Big D, forget it. Same for Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson for the Cardinals.
“This will be about the young guys,” Arians says, although top draft choice Haason Reddick of Temple, who is making a switch from defensive end to linebacker, will see limited action, too.
Rams DL out for season.
CALIF.» Defensive IRVINE, lineman Dominique Easley will miss the season with a torn knee ligament, the team learned Wednesday. His absence left the Rams with just one healthy projected starter for their fifth practice at UC Irvine.
All-pro lineman Aaron Donald still hasn’t reported to camp while locked in contract negotiations with the club. Nose tackle Michael Brockers is healthy, but the Rams’ line is in upheaval during a time when it should be honing new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme.
Easley’s right knee buckled without contact while he chased a ball-carrier Tuesday, ending yet another season for the gifted but oft-injured lineman.
Chargers rookie hurt.
CALIF.» Los COSTA MESA, Angeles Chargers rookie offensive lineman Forrest Lamp tore a ligament in his right knee during the fourth practice of training camp.
Lamp was taken off the field on a cart, and the second-round pick’s injury was diagnosed a few hours later with an MRI exam. The results were another bad break for a franchise that struggled with inordinate injury problems over the past two seasons in San Diego.
Los Angeles is already without first-round pick Mike Williams. The receiver from Clemson won’t practice in training camp after hurting his back during the Chargers’ offseason workout program.
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn didn’t know much immediately after practice about the condition of Lamp, the 38th overall pick out of Western Kentucky. Lamp got off the cart and walked into the Chargers’ medical tent, but was favoring one leg.
Giants Shepard hurts ankle.
EAST RUTHERFORD,
» The New York Giants
N . J . may be without starting wide receiver Sterling Shepard for a little while.
The team’s second-leading receiver last season rolled his left ankle running a short route in training camp practice.
After the workout, coach Ben McAdoo said the injury appeared to be a sprain, but he added that further evaluations were planned.
A second-round draft pick from Oklahoma, Shepard had 65 catches for 683 yards and eight touchdowns last season playing mostly in the slot.
Concussion for Ajayi.
FLA.» Dolphins running DAVIE, back Jay Ajayi was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss several practices. Ajayi, who ran for 1,272 yards last season, was hurt Monday.