NFL Training camp news

Panthers: Starting defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu is likely lost for the season due to a torn right Achilles’ tendon. Kemoeatu was injured minutes into the Panthers’ opening training-camp practice Monday while running during a position drill. He was carted to the locker room, then taken to Charlotte, where the tear was discovered. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said they have yet to determine if they will place Kemoeatu on injured reserve. Recovery time from that injury is several months. The loss of the mammoth run-stopper is a big blow, hitting the Panthers where they have the least depth.

Cardinals: Wide receiver Early Doucet went down with a sprained left shoulder making a spectacular catch during practice at training camp. The injury occurred during the Cardinals’ morning session when Doucet made a diving catch over the middle, then landed hard on the turf.

Broncos: Denver has signed first-round pick Robert Ayers to a five-year deal, leaving Knowshon Moreno, the team’s top pick, as the only unsigned player from their 10-member draft class. Ayers was on the field before the evening practice session running sprints. He then headed into the locker room as his teammates made their way out. The Broncos used their 18th selection to take Ayers, a defensive end out of Tennessee. With the Broncos implementing a 3-4 scheme, Ayers will play a hybrid role as he alternates between the line and linebacker.

Bengals: Cincinnati sustained its first significant injury of training camp when tight end Reggie Kelly ruptured his Achilles’ tendon, a notable setback to an offense that finished last in the NFL. Kelly hurt his left leg during a morning practice and will have surgery on Wednesday. He is expected to be sidelined for at least six months. It is the first major injury for Kelly, an 11-year veteran who has spent six seasons with Cincinnati.

Packers: Cornerback Charles Woodson is giving new Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his 3-4 scheme a stamp of approval. Woodson had 19 interceptions over three seasons in the Packers’ old defensive scheme, where aggressive man-to-man press coverage was the secondary’s calling card. So it stands to reason he might have been hesitant to embrace a new scheme that will change the way the team plays. But Woodson said Monday he expects to be even better this year. He says he likes what he’s seen from Capers so far. Instead of playing receivers tight at the line of scrimmage, Woodson and fellow standout corner Al Harris will be playing a few yards off. That should give them a better chance to read the quarterback and make breaks on passes.

Bills: Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch’s three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy will stand. The league announced that Lynch’s appeal has been denied. Lynch’s suspension begins on Sept. 5 and ends on Sept. 28, a day after the Bills play the New Orleans Saints in their third regular-season game.

Associated Press