We've almost reached the halfway point of training camp, and all 32 NFL teams are in the midst of their preparation for the 2017 season. With that preparation comes a price, as the intensity of practice kicks up, and fatigue starts to set in, injuries can happen.
Through the first week of training camp, there's been a flurry of injuries around the league, and a big one just happened within the AFC West.
Let's take a look at the latest news and headlines from this week in the division.
Denver Broncos
With the No. 20 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected offensive lineman Garett Bolles out of the University of Utah. At 6'5", 297 pounds, the former Ute entered the NFL Scouting Combine already receiving high praise for his athletic ability, and it's clear the Broncos are hoping he transforms into their starting left tackle for the foreseeable future.
As Bolles has continued to submerge himself in the NFL lifestyle and playbook, he's expressed his desire to be one of the greats. While the rookie is aware of the learning curve he'll face as he transitions from the college level to the pros, he knows the key to success is consistency. Watching Bolles' progression will be easy considering he'll face the Silver and Black twice a year, with the first appearance coming in Week 4 at Sports Authority Field in Denver.
The Broncos will travel to Soldier Field in Chicago on August 10 to take on the Chicago Bears in their first preseason game.
Kansas City Chiefs
There's no denying the Chiefs have been of the better teams in the NFL the past few seasons, and the defense has been a strong point throughout the team's training camp. With impressive playmakers at a bevy of positions, the defense held its ground during Thursday's goal line scrimmage.
According to Chiefs.com, the defensive line and linebackers group were an impenetrable force that stood like a brick wall on the goal line. Running backs had nowhere to go, which is a good sign for a team that ranked 26th in run defense last season.
A season ago, the Raiders were unable to defeat the Chiefs in either of their regular season meetings. The two teams will collide October 19 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Chiefs will square off against the San Francisco 49ers August 11 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for their first preseason bout.
Los Angeles Chargers
Here we go again; when will the "injury bug" call a cease fire on the Chargers?
In 2016, the Bolts were forced to place an outrageous 26 players on the injured reserve list, and the 2017 campaign is trending in the same unfavorable direction.
After drafting former Clemson University wide receiver Mike Williams with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the dynamic playmaker started dealing with back issues, which have kept him off the field, but that's just the half of it.
In the second round, the Chargers looked to bolster their offensive line by selecting offensive tackle Forrest Lamp with the No. 38 pick, but it looks like the team will have to wait until next year to watch him participate in his first game.
According to Chargers.com, about halfway through the team's practice Wednesday, Lamp went down on the field and had to be carted off; later the injury was confirmed as a torn ACL in his right knee. This is devastating news for a team looking to rebound from a less-than-ideal season last year.
The Bolts will participate in their first preseason action August 13 against the Seattle Seahawks in their new home, StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
