Rejoice; the offseason is now officially in the rearview mirror as the Oakland Raiders reported to their Napa Valley Training Complex Thursday morning to open Training Camp 2016.
While the Silver and Black won't open their preseason slate of games until August 12, the coming weeks will be an incredibly busy time for not only them, but the other teams in the AFC West as well.
From starters not healthy enough to open training camp, to rookies continuing to hold out, let's get you caught up on what's happening around the division.
DENVER BRONCOS
After boasting the best statistical defense in the NFL last season, heading into 2016, the Denver Broncos are hopeful that the unit will not only be able to replicate its success, but even improve upon it.
The return of All-Pro outside linebacker Von Miller definitely helps their cause, but when the Broncos opened camp earlier this week, they were forced to place not one, but two, Pro Bowlers on the non-football injury list.
Both outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Aqib Talib were not deemed physically ready to participate in on-field action, and as a result, they were both placed on the NFI list, although they can be taken off and put back on the active roster at any point.
While a timeline for their individual returns is still unclear, the Broncos are hoping that Ware will be available for the start of the regular season, and that Talib will return at some point during training camp or the preseason.
The Broncos open the preseason against the Chicago Bears Thursday Aug. 11 at Soldier Field.
KANSAS City CHIEFS
The Kansas City Chiefs opened training camp this week, but with the noticeable absence of three of their playmakers, two because of injury, combined with the addition of safety Eric Berry out holding out after being unable to reach a long-term deal with the organization.
Neither running back Jamaal Charles nor outside linebacker Justin Houston will participate in training camp as they recover from their respective injuries, and their absences are certainly noteworthy.
Charles is a four-time Pro Bowler, and when he's healthy, he has the ability to be one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Defensively, Houston was a key cog along the Chiefs' defensive front, and although he only appeared in 11 games in 2015, he's just a season removed from notching a career-high 22 sacks.
Both Charles and Houston missed time last season, so their continued absences – while disappointing for the Chiefs – won't come as a huge shock to the team and the players on the roster.
The Chiefs begin their preseason slate of games Saturday Aug. 13 at home against the Seattle Seahawks.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The San Diego Chargers open training camp Friday, but unfortunately for them, their first-round draft pick, defensive end Joey Bosa will not be in attendance.
The former Ohio State Buckeye was selected No. 3 overall in this year's NFL Draft, but an inability to come to terms on some language in his rookie contract has resulted in the physical defensive end missing at least the start of training camp.
Training camp is a vital few weeks – particularly for a rookie heading into his first NFL season – and Bosa will now behind the eight ball as far as adjusting to the professional game and learning the Chargers' playbook.
For a team that struggled defensively as much as the Chargers did in 2015, Bosa's absence will be one of the main storylines surrounding the Bolts until he finally reports to work.
The currently Bosa-less Chargers open the preseason Saturday Aug. 13 when they travel to Nissan Stadium to take on the Tennessee Titans.
