Badgers in the NFL: Training Camp Updates

It’s hard to believe, but the NFL season is set to begin next Thursday. The uncertainty surrounding the season due to Covid-19 along with no preseason games has really lessened the hype for the 2020 campaign. Nevertheless, pro football is back next week and with 53-man rosters set to be finalized on Saturday, lets take a look at some news coming out of training camps around the league.

• James White, RB (Patriots): White was named a team captain for the Patriots on Thursday. Entering his seventh season with New England, White will once again be the Pats’ best pass catching back and a key weapon for new quarterback Cam Newton.

• Dare Ogunbowale, RB (Buccaneers): Ogunbowale is a name to keep an eye on as roster cut day approaches. The Bucs’ signing of Leonard Fournette has made the running back room very crowded in Tampa Bay. Ogunbowale is a great special teams player, so Fournette’s signing may amount to nothing, but it’s going to be close.

Editor’s note: after Kevin submitted this, Ogunbowale was indeed cut by the Bucs. We’ll keep you posted on who picks him up. Tampa also cut D’Cota Dixon BECAUSE APPARENTLY THEY HATE US!

• Corey Clement, RB (Eagles): After playing only four games last season due to a shoulder injury, it looks like the former Super Bowl hero is going to make the Eagles’ 53-man roster. Clement will likely see most of his playing time on special teams this season.

• Alec Ingold, FB (Raiders): The second year fullback was mic’d up during camp:

• Rob Havenstein, OT (Rams): After an injury plagued 2019 season, Havenstein returns as the Rams’ starting right tackle and reports out of camp are optimistic about a bounce back year.

• Olive Sagapolu, DT (Lions): Just three days after releasing him, the Lions resigned Sagapolu on Monday. The second year defensive tackle spent last season in the XFL and on Detroit’s practice squad and is right on the cut line for the 53-man roster.

• Ryan Connelly, LB (Giants): Connelly had an unlucky rookie season in 2019, tearing his ACL right as he was earning more playing time and making plays for the Giants at inside linebacker. The former walk-on is expected to be one of two starters at inside linebacker for the G-Men this season.

• Jack Cichy, LB (Buccaneers): After missing almost all of 2019 due to a elbow injury and two years removed from an ACL tear, Cichy is finally healthy and pushing to make Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster.

Rookies

• Jonathan Taylor, RB (Colts): Running behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, Taylor is poised for a huge rookie season for the Colts. The second round pick has earned high praise from veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who compared Taylor to his former teammate Michael Turner, a two-time Pro Bowler.

• Zack Baun, LB (Saints): Baun was seen at practice on Thursday, after missing multiple practices due to an unspecified injury. This is obviously good news for the Saints’ third round draft pick, who figures to be a difference maker as a pass rusher in 2020.

• Chris Orr, LB (Panthers): Orr is another name to watch out for as 53-man rosters are finalized this weekend. The undrafted rookie is really pushing to make the cut, despite having no preseason games to showcase his skills.