This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
-Matthew Stafford was activated from Detroit's COVID reserve list, an encouraging development for his training camp prospects. Crucial pass catchers Kenny Golladay and T.J. Hockenson remain on the list for now, however.
-Like Stafford in Detroit, Gardner Minshew was removed from Jacksonville's COVID reserve list Tuesday.
-Although Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) mentioned he would be on a "pitch count" to begin training camp, to this point his throwing program has supposedly gone swimmingly. Now 38 and returning from multiple torn elbow ligaments, Roethlisberger's recovery coincides with a slimmer frame than he's shown in the past. With an evidently renewed off-field focus, Roethlisberger's new, perhaps more disciplined approach can only help his odds of full recovery.
-First-round pick Justin Jefferson was activated from Minnesota's COVID reserve list, setting up the talented LSU product to make his case for the WR2 role out of the gate. Adam Thielen is ticketed for a big role at receiver, but there will be a lot of slack remaining with Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo. Jefferson only needs to beat the likes of Tajae Sharpe and Bisi Johnson.
-The Patriots activated Mohamed Sanu (ankle) from their PUP list, freeing him up to reclaim the WR2 role in New England behind lead receiver Julian Edelman. Sanu played the Atlanta slot before New England traded for him last year, so it remains to be seen how Sanu will hold up with a more outside-oriented role. The ankle flared up before he could make his case, though, and he never had a chance to recover. Sanu will need to hold off 2019 first-round pick N'Keal Harry for outside targets, but Harry's poor results as a rookie probably make Sanu the slight favorite to begin the year. Harry should gain ground with experience, though.
-Cardinals offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert opted out of the 2020 season, leaving a dubious Arizona offensive line a little bit thinner yet. Although Kyler Murray's mobility theoretically helps him manage the pass rush, a cleaner pocket would be helpful for his development as a passer. Gilbert was expected to play at right tackle, where Justin Murray played in his place last year. In light of Gilbert's opt out, Justin will likely compete with rookie third-round pick Josh Jones for the right tackle role.
-Miami receiver Allen Hurns opted out of the 2020 season, deleting from the depth chart a receiver who logged 527 snaps in 14 games last year. Hurns is a journeyman but one who's consistently produced throughout his career, so the void created by his absence isn't insignificant. Players like Albert Wilson, Isaiah Ford and Jakeem Grant will compete for Hurns' snaps, which primarily occurred in the slot.
