2026 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart
The 2026 NFL training camps are underway, with several teams engaged in critical position battles. The Pittsburgh Steelers are seeing a strong performance from rookie Drew Allar, potentially outplaying Will Howard. The Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks are also dealing with significant competitions, particularly at wide receiver and running back, respectively. Other teams, such as the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, are preparing for their preseason games.
What changed
Developments in the Steelers' quarterback battle and the Saints' offseason moves have added new dynamics to their respective position battles.
Live updates
-
NFL training camp: Position battles intensify across teams
The 2026 NFL training camps are underway, with several teams engaged in critical position battles. The Pittsburgh Steelers are seeing a strong performance from rookie Drew Allar, potentially outplaying Will Howard. The Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks are also dealing with significant competitions, particularly at wide receiver and running back, respectively. Other teams, such as the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, are preparing for their preseason games.
Why it matters
As the NFL training camps progress, teams are focusing on resolving key position battles before the start of the preseason. These competitions will ultimately shape the teams' depth charts and influence their performance in the upcoming season. The Steelers, Browns, Seahawks, Saints, and Eagles are among the teams with notable battles underway.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Steelers' Drew Allar is outplaying Will Howard in training camp.
- The New Orleans Saints have made significant investments in two wide receivers this offseason.
- The Philadelphia Eagles will play three preseason games throughout three consecutive weeks.
Still unconfirmed
- Rico Dowdle may be considered the new RB1 for the Steelers.
- Will Howard's inconsistent performance may lead to him losing his backup role to Mason Rudolph.
What to watch next
- The Steelers' final depth chart announcement
- The preseason performances of the Saints' new wide receivers
- The Eagles' preseason games
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.cbssports.com — Steelers training camp overreactions: Drew Allar outplaying Will Howard? Is Rico Dowdle the new RB1?
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Kalen DeBoer's Message For Players in Position Battles at Start of Fall Camp
- cowboyswire-eu.usatoday.com — Cowboys offer up great news in training camp about $13M underachiever
- www.profootballrumors.com — Offseason In Review: New Orleans Saints
- www.si.com — Packers Stock Report With Half of Training Camp Practices Complete, Preseason Next
- en.as.com — NFL QB battles 2026: Every quarterback competition at training camp
- sports.yahoo.com — Philadelphia Eagles Preseason 2026: Schedule, Players To Watch, And Key Storylines
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Roman Wilson is finally seizing the Steelers role he was drafted to fill
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Steelers may be making a painful Will Howard realization
-
NFL Training Camps Open With Key Position Battles
NFL teams have entered 2026 training camps, focusing on critical depth chart competitions. Notable non-quarterback battles include running back rotations for the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver slots for the Cleveland Browns. In New York, Giants rookies including Arvell Reese are earning positive feedback from veteran teammates early in the process. Teams are currently managing initial practices, some of which are being conducted without pads as the league balances player health with competitive preparation.
Why it matters
Training camp is the primary period for teams to finalize their 53-man rosters. These battles determine starting lineups and special teams roles before the regular season begins. The integration of rookie classes often disrupts established veteran hierarchies.
Still unconfirmed
- The Seattle Seahawks are competing for running back positions.
- The Cleveland Browns are battling for wide receiver spots.
- Arvell Reese is among the Giants rookies creating buzz at camp.
What to watch next
- Results of the first round of roster cuts.
- Transition from padless to full-contact practices.
- Outcome of the Seahawks running back competition.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
- The New York Times — NFL training camp 2026 live updates: Latest news, injuries and more from around the league
- ESPN — 2026 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart
- Sports Illustrated — 8 Things You May Have Missed Across NFL Training Camps This Weekend
- CBS Sports — NFL training camp: Five non-QB position battles to watch, from Seahawks RBs to Browns WRs
- USA Today — NFL training camp live updates for August 3: Highlights, injuries, news and more
- FOX Sports — What To Make Of Padless Practices? 7 Takeaways From 1st Week Of Training Camp
- sportsbookwire-eu.usatoday.com — Titans live practice updates for Aug. 4. Latest news, training camp schedule
- www.nytimes.com — Arvell Reese, Giants rookies creating buzz at camp: ‘They’re going to be huge for us’
-
NFL Training Camps Open with Key Position Battles
NFL teams have entered 2026 training camps with a focus on depth chart competition. Non-quarterback battles are prominent, including running back competitions for the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver contests for the Cleveland Browns. Early reports from the New York Giants indicate that rookie Arvell Reese and other newcomers are making positive impressions on veteran players. Teams are currently navigating early practices, some of which have been conducted without pads during the first week of camp.
Why it matters
Training camp is the primary period where teams finalize their active rosters before the regular season. These position battles determine starting lineups and depth charts. The early phase focuses on conditioning and integration of rookie talent.
Still unconfirmed
- Arvell Reese and other Giants rookies are creating buzz among veteran teammates.
- The Seattle Seahawks are facing a position battle at running back.
- The Cleveland Browns are facing a position battle at wide receiver.
What to watch next
- Official depth chart releases from the Seahawks and Browns.
- Results of the first full-padded practices.
- Roster cuts following the initial camp phase.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
- The New York Times — NFL training camp 2026 live updates: Latest news, injuries and more from around the league
- ESPN — 2026 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart
- Sports Illustrated — 8 Things You May Have Missed Across NFL Training Camps This Weekend
- CBS Sports — NFL training camp: Five non-QB position battles to watch, from Seahawks RBs to Browns WRs
- USA Today — NFL training camp live updates for August 3: Highlights, injuries, news and more
- FOX Sports — What To Make Of Padless Practices? 7 Takeaways From 1st Week Of Training Camp
- sportsbookwire-eu.usatoday.com — Titans live practice updates for Aug. 4. Latest news, training camp schedule
- www.nytimes.com — Arvell Reese, Giants rookies creating buzz at camp: ‘They’re going to be huge for us’