Overview
- Jameson Williams missed his second straight practice Monday, Aug. 17, and coaches said he is being held out as a precaution for a minor shoulder issue that is not expected to be serious.
- Newly signed center Cade Mays suffered a broken bone in his wrist and is expected to be sidelined for the opening weeks of the regular season, creating a clear short-term hole on the offensive line.
- Cornerback Nick Whiteside was kept out of practice with a hamstring issue and guard Ben Bartch did not practice as the team continues a cautious approach to players returning from injury.
- Coaches used Williams' absence during recent practices to give reps to backups such as Tay Martin and Tom Kennedy at receiver and to other depth players in the secondary.
- With a preseason game at Ford Field set for Saturday and a final exhibition on Aug. 29, the injuries compress the evaluation window and increase pressure on coaches to sort the roster and prove dependability.