Since the league adopted a three-game preseason schedule, teams have varied in their approach to utilizing warmup opportunities. Some elected to play starters for nearly a half, while others played for a series or two. Some played just a few starters, usually the young guys who can benefit from the experience, and several teams kept all of their starters in street clothes and bubble wrap. With the second round of preseason games in the books, we are left with plenty of uncertainties. All we can do is process the available information. So here we go
Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona sat all defensive starters except linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and rookie corner Willie Johnson. Unfortunately, the coaching staff has not enlightened us as to why these two played. For Johnson, it might have simply been to gain a little more game experience. In the case of veteran Davis-Gaither, it was most likely to further evaluate his play, bringing into question just how strong a hold he has on the job. He and Cody Simon were the off-ball linebackers until the coaching staff started filtering in the rest of the depth chart.
Simon is a player we've been watching since the draft. He has the potential to become an NFL starter. This development could be an indication of that happening sooner than expected.
Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons
We could be looking at a similar situation at the Falcons' safety position. Jessie Bates III was rested, and DeMarcco Hellams is on IR with a fractured ankle. Meanwhile, Atlanta started Jordan Fuller and rookie Xavier Watts versus the Titans. Fuller is a marginal NFL starter who is unlikely to be the long-term answer anyway. The staff could be evaluating how ready the young guy is.
Tyoy Andersen remains on the PUP, so Devine Deablo appears to be locked in at the ILB spot. He, too, was rested against the Titans.
Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens
All is quiet in Baltimore. Their veteran starters sat out, and there appear to be no changes brewing.
Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills
Most of us assumed that the safety competition between Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop had already been decided in favor of Bishop. That could be the case, but if so, it is very interesting that Bishop was the only defensive starter to suit up. He and Hamlin ran with the second team, suggesting the battle might be ongoing.
Rookie corner Maxwell Hairston was initially believed to have suffered a serious knee injury. Further tests revealed a sprained LCL that will cost him some games, but it is not season-ending.
Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers opened with the starting defense, including Nick Scott at strong safety.
Tershawn Wharton appears to have passed Bobby Brown III on the depth chart. Wharton made the start at nose tackle with A'Shawn Robinson and Derrick Brown as the outside tackle spots.
Rookie edge defender Nic Scourton had been pushing for playing time and was likely set to be the third man on the edge. He will miss some time after suffering a collapsed lung during Thursday's practice. That likely means more snaps for fellow rookie Princely Umanmielen.
Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears
The Bears already have injury problems in the secondary. Terell Smith is out for the year with a knee, Jaylon Johnson has been out of practice with a leg, and Kyler Gordon is week-to-week with a hamstring. The team remains optimistic about Johnson and hopeful for Gordon to be ready for the opener.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals
If you love offense, watch all of the Bengals games this year. Their offense is nearly unstoppable, and it needs to be because the defense doesn't look like it could stop a high school team. These are going to be some high-scoring affairs.
Adding insult to injury, the team is now listening to trade offers for Trey Hendrickson because they are too tight to give him guaranteed money beyond this year. For those looking to be optimistic, he has been at camp and practices, wearing Bengals fan gear and acting like an assistant coach with the young guys. For everyone hoping their team will end up with him, Henderson reiterated recently that he has no intention to play under the current contract or without guaranteed money beyond 2025. The Browns are rumored to be among the interested.
One Cincinnati defender managed to impress. Fourth-round rookie linebacker Barrett Carter was everywhere when he got on the field. He turned heads on the field, including a game-high seven tackles and an interception. This guy will be an NFL starter at some point.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns
Denzel Ward left Tuesday's practice with a shoulder issue. He did not practice on Wednesday, but the word is that he suffered no structural damage and is expected to return soon.
Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys played most of their front seven starters. With Micah Parsons still holding out and asking for a trade, Sam Williams joined Marshawn Kneeland as the starters on the edge. Donte Fowler and Payton Turner ran mostly with the second teamers.
Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos
The Broncos played no starters against Arizona. All is quiet on the IDP news front.
Guru's IDP Notes: Detroit Lions
The Lions played good defense early last year. By the end of the season, they were a M.A.S.H. unit struggling to field a lineup. They are already without Levi Onwuzurike for the year and have corners Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Terrion Arnold, as well as tackle Alim McNeill, nursing injuries. Thus, not surprisingly, they are being careful with all of their starters. About the only thing coming out of Detroit concerning the defense is Dan Campbell expressing his concern over the unit's lack of big play production thus far.
Guru's IDP Notes: Green Bay Packers
The Packers' defense is set, so they were content to use the second preseason contest to evaluate the bottom of the depth chart.
Guru's IDP Notes: Houston Texans
Houston rolled out all of their healthy starters for a while. The most impactful note was Henry To'oto'o as the number two linebacker, confirming what we learned a week ago. E.J. Speed remains buried on the depth chart.
M.J. Stewart made the start at safety while C.J. Gardner-Johnson recovers from his knee injury. The team remains hopeful that Gardner-Johnson will be ready for week one.
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