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Training camp confidential: Pro Ducks lighting it up in the NFL

ByDale Bliss|
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Franklin has his best day with the Broncos

An Oregon all-time great at wide receiver, Troy Franklin turned in his best day of practice as the Broncos ramp up preparation for their first preseason game Saturday at San Francisco.

In his second year in the league Franklin seems to be finding his stride. A fourth-round pick last year, he caught two touchdown passes as a rookie, one in the playoffs. In three years with the Ducks he grabbed 160 passes for 2,483 yards and 25 touchdowns.

In Tuesday's move-the-ball period to close practice, Franklin shined with a diving catch to set up a field goal.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said, “You know, guys mature as they get more experience,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “He’s certainly playing faster and making more plays, so we’re real excited about him. He’s really stood out. He said he put on some weight, so that’s a good combination.”

Justin Herbert RAW today at Chargers practice

Fifth-year pro and all-time NFL leader for passing yards and touchdowns in a quarterback's first five seasons, Chargers star Justin Herbert will be mic'd up at practice Wednesday. Jim Harbaugh will no doubt be caught saying something eccentric.

Shedeur Sanders draws the start for Browns opener

Cleveland travels to Carolina Friday for their NFL preseason opener, and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start the game, according to a story by ESPN.

Sanders has gotten the fewest practice reps in the competition with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. The exhibition start is an attempt to see what they have in the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders rather than an endorsement of his progress.

Quick hits: Bidding for a larger role in the Rams' offense, Terrance Ferguson missed practice Monday with a groin injury.

Reports say Dallas Cowboys undrafted free agent Traeshon Holden keeps making plays in practice.

Chase Cota pulled down a nice catch in drills at Browns' camp, while Dillon Gabriel continues to struggle with tightness in his hamstring and accuracy issues.

Browns social media is roasting the Heisman Finalist from Mililani, Hawaii, who completed 72.9 percent of his passes last season with the Ducks.

At Commanders camp, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury offered a positive assessment of first-round draft pick Josh Conerly, the former Oregon left tackle.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says that Steeler coaches are raving about their first-round draft pick, Duck defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. "I'll tell you who's buzzing about it quietly and internally are these coaches, Dulac said. "They love this guy. From what they have seen, they're thinking this pick is a home run."

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