NFL News and Notes August 4, 2021

Few times in the NFL calendar are as busy as it is in the first two weeks of training camp. Teams are still making adjustments to their rosters, and there always seems to be some juicy storylines that come out, and on Tuesday, there was no shortage of major storylines.

Here is a recap of three of Tuesday’s biggest storylines across NFL training camps.

Phillip Rivers Not Ruling Out a Return

The former Chargers and Colts quarterback retired in January following a 16-year career. But Rivers told the Los Angels Times that he is making a point to say in shape in case there is a situation that presented itself in the NFL this season.

“I’m not quite there,” Rivers told the LA Times. “I’m getting back there. I wouldn’t have made weight if I had to report last week, that’s for sure. But I am getting back into lifting and running, and shoot, I occasionally throw a ball around here in this heat. It’s not too hard to get a good lather going.

“I’m just going to stay ready. I want to make sure I’m very clear: I’m not predicting I will play in December or January, for that matter. One, you’ve got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it’s got to be right. But I have not completely ruled that out.”

Rivers spent the first 15 years of his career with the Chargers and went to five Pro Bowls. The 39-year-old old and ranks fifth in NFL history in total passing yards at 63,440. Last season, Rivers played for the Colts and helped lead Indianapolis to the playoffs, but he was unable to get the Colts past the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card game.

Ironically, Rivers made this announcement on the same day that Colts quarterback Carson Wentz underwent surgery on an injured left foot that will keep him sidelined for at least five to 12 weeks.

Brawl at Giants Training Camp

On the first day of padded practice, a massive brawl broke out at Giants practice that eventually led to starting quarterback Daniel Jones at the bottom of the pile.

After the brawl was broken up, Giants head coach Joe Judge had his players run sprints and do push-ups as a punishment for the behavior. The team then gathered once more as a group for Judge to lecture his team about the behavior before the end of practice.

“Yeah, there are consequences for that kind of stuff,” Jones said. “That is the way it is in a game. You have to keep your cool There are consequences, and it hurts your team. That was the message. I think everyone understands.”

The brawl was sparked after tight end Evan Engram retaliated after a late hit on running back Corey Clement. Safety Logan Ryan quickly came over and leveled Engramfrom behind, and the rest of the team then joined in on the scuffle.

Jones wasn’t injured in the brawl, and he didn’t seem to regret joining in on the scuffle, saying that he’s no different from the rest of the team because he plays quarterback. Still, the Giants likely don’t want to see their starting quarterback involved in a fight.

“We don’t want to get our quarterback hurt,” Clement said. “Pretty sure Daniel knows that as well. I hope he thinks twice before jumping back in there again.”

Vikings Release CB Jeff Gladney After He Was Indicted on Felony Assault Charge

On Tuesday, the Vikings released cornerback Jeff Gladney after a Texas grand jury indicted him on charges of felony assault against a woman.

“Following our review of today’s indictment against Jeff Gladney, we have decided to release Jeff immediately. As we have previously said, we take these matters very seriously and condemn all forms of domestic violence. Due to the legal nature of this matter, we are unable to provide further comment,” the Vikings said in a statement.

Gladney was charged with domestic violence after impeding breathing for “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” causing injury to the women’s neck and throat, according to the indictment.

The NFL league office said that it will continue to monitor the matter and under the personal conduct policy and will continue to follow the legal developments in the case.

Gladney is now an unrestricted free agent.

Keep up with your latest sports news coverage and betting pick previews at the Dunkel Index.