COWBOYS
Spencer, Leary on PUP list
OXNARD, Calif. -- The Dallas Cowboys have placed defensive end Anthony Spencer and guard Ron Leary on the active physically unable to perform list to start training camp.
Both players can practice once they are cleared medically. Spencer is still recovering from knee surgery almost a year ago, and Leary has a hamstring injury.
The Cowboys had their first practice Thursday.
Dallas placed defensive tackle Amobi Okoye on the active non-football illness list. The former top 10 pick from 2007 is trying to come back after being out of football last season.
Spencer had a career-high 11 sacks in 2012 but played only the opener last year because of knee trouble that started in the offseason. Leary started all 16 games at left guard in 2013.
SEAHAWKS
Lynch likely absent
SEATTLE -- Running back Marshawn Lynch is expected to be absent when Seattle opens camp today.
Former Seahawk Michael Robinson, a commentator on the NFL Network, reported Thursday that Lynch will hold out.
"We just talked," Robinson said. "He said he will be holding out from training camp this year with the Seahawks."
Lynch has two years remaining on a four-year deal worth up to $30 million and reportedly wants to get some more upfront money with the knowledge that he could be released after this season and not receive the money on the final year of his deal. He would be due $5.5 million in 2014.
A source confirms Lynch is at risk of being fined $30,000 per day and that after five days he could partially forfeit a $6 million signing bonus.
SAINTS
Payton: New camp OK
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- Coach Sean Payton said the new training camp setup at the Greenbrier resort is "pretty amazing" and that a change in environment should be a good thing.
Payton, speaking after the team reported for camp Thursday, said he also is pleased the list of players who aren't healthy enough to participate in today's first practice is a short one.
Payton declined to specifically address safety Jairus Byrd's rehabilitation from back surgery, saying only that he expects Byrd back "sooner than later." Payton said the same goes for nose tackle John Jenkins.
CHIEFS
Harris, Mauga sign
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- The Chiefs signed offensive tackle Ryan Harris and linebacker Josh Mauga while waiving linebacker DeRon Furr on Thursday before their first full-squad practice of training camp.
The big news of the day is the arrival of Jamaal Charles. The Pro Bowl running back was expected at practice after agreeing to terms on a two-year contract extension that will result in $18 million in additional money and keep him with the Chiefs through the 2017 season.
Outside linebacker Justin Houston is also expected at camp after skipping the entire offseason as he angles for a new deal. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
The Chiefs have placed fullback James Baker on the reserve/did not report list.
PANTHERS
Pair provide depth
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Panthers announced they have signed guard Fernando Velasco and center Kevin Matthews, giving Carolina some experienced depth on the offensive line heading into training camp.
Velasco started 11 games at center for Pittsburgh last season before suffering an Achilles injury. Velasco signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie and spent his first two season on the practice squad. He moved into a starting role in 2012, starting 13 games at center and three at guard.
Matthews is the son of Hall of Fame guard Bruce Matthews. Also an undrafted rookie, he played in 14 games in 2012 but was cut last year in training camp by Washington.
Carolina waived center Jared Wheeler and linebacker Billy Boyko.
BENGALS
Docs clear Hall
CINCINNATI -- Cornerback Leon Hall was cleared to join the Bengals' first practice of training camp Thursday, an encouraging sign for one of the NFL's top defenses.
Hall, 29, tore his right Achilles tendon midway through last season, the second time he's sustained such an injury. He tore his left Achilles in 2011 but was back as the starter the following year.
The cornerback said he'll be rusty in pass coverage and that is the main thing he's working on early in camp.
Defensive tackle Geno Atkins is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and had hoped to participate in the first practice. Coach Marvin Lewis wants to give him a few days to ease in before he's cleared to fully practice.
COLTS
Offense healthy
ANDERSON, Ind. -- The Colts offense is finally intact.
All five players who sustained season-ending injuries last season were back on the field for Thursday morning's first training camp practice, a light walk-through at Anderson University.
For Andrew Luck & Co., the best sight was seeing Reggie Wayne participating. The 35-year-old receiver hadn't worked out with teammates since tearing the ACL in his right knee in October. But his goal was to make it back for the first day of camp, and he did.
Also returning for the first time were running backs Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw and starting guard Donald Thomas. Tight end Dwayne Allen participated in the team's offseason workouts.
The Colts won't be in full pads until Saturday.
JETS
Smith looks sharp
CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Geno Smith was sharp in his first practice of training camp, a good start for the second-year quarterback who is hoping to retain his starting job.
With Michael Vick also in camp to push Smith and provide a veteran backup, Rex Ryan said he was pleased with the Jets' quarterback situation. Smith took the expected 75 percent of the snaps with the first-team offense Thursday and completed 7 of 10 passes in 11-on-11 team drills.
Wide receiver David Nelson said Smith "looked better than I've ever seen him" and added that the quarterback is taking command of the huddle and calling audibles at the line of scrimmage.
Sports on 07/25/2014