In just over a week all 32 NFL teams will be getting settled in at training camp to continue their preparation for the upcoming 2017 season. As we get ready to embark on a new football season, what remains of last year is in the rearview mirror, and the four teams in the AFC West are ready to compete for division title.
Let's take a look at some important dates and news as we head into the weekend.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos first official day of training camp kicks off on July 27 in Englewood, Colo., and will be the first camp under the direction of new Head Coach Vance Joseph. After winning the Super Bowl in 2015, the team regressed to a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs.
With the addition of running back Jamaal Charles, a pair of more experienced quarterbacks, and a solid defense, I'll be scoping out how Joseph utilizes his players in his first season at the helm
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will take the field for their first practice of training camp on July 28 at Missouri Western State University, in St. Joseph, Missouri. It's been a busy offseason for the team as they extended Head Coach Andy Reid's contract, and parted ways with General Manager John Dorsey.
This will be Reid's fifth training camp with the team, and he will do what's necessary to help the team contend for another spot in the playoffs. With a handful of first round picks from the 2017 NFL Draft still unsigned, the Chiefs shortened that list Thursday afternoon with the signing of former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Oakland Raiders and Chiefs will square off on October 19 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Bolts haven't played a preseason game yet, or even reported to training camp, but the dark cloud that shrouded the team's 2016 season is still lingering.
With the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Clemson University wide receiver Mike Williams, who proved to be a dynamic pass-catcher in college, finishing his career as a Tiger with 2,727 receiving yards, 177 receptions, and 21 touchdowns, as well as a College Football Championship Trophy.
Williams was expected to come in and add another dimension to the Chargers offensive attack alongside fellow wide out Keenan Allen, but it seems as though quarterback Philip Rivers will have to wait to use his newest tool as the rookie deals with a herniated disc in his back.
Per NFL.com, it's been reported that Williams could miss substantial time with the injury, and will most likely start training camp and the preseason on the PUP [Physically Unable to Perform] list. This is brutal news for a team that suffered an overwhelming amount of injuries in 2016 to some of its biggest stars.
After going 5-11 last year, the team is looking to rebound and stay healthy, but this isn't the best way to come out of the gate.
