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in Maps Discussion Tue Aug 28, 2018 5:08 amby huangjian123 • Farseer | 342 Posts | 3420 Points
If Antonio Gates is on his way back to the Los Angeles Chargers Washington Redskins Jerseys Womens , general manager Tom Telesco isn't talking about it.
Telesco has a whole lot more to say about the players already settled in Orange County as the Chargers attempt to build on their encouraging relocation season with the start of training camp Saturday.
Telesco repeatedly declined to confirm almost anything Thursday about a potential reunion with the 38-year-old Gates, the star tight end and top receiver in franchise history. The Chargers bade a public farewell to Gates in April, but those plans appear to be changing after tight end Hunter Henry's subsequent season-ending knee injury during offseason workouts in May.
Gates' agent, Tom Condon, told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday that he is "actively negotiating" with the Chargers for Gates' return for a 16th season with his only NFL franchise.
"I've got nothing new for you," Telesco said. "But if we ever do anything, I'll let you know."
Telesco praised the tight ends already on his roster, including new signee Vernon Green and young backups Braedon Bowman and Sean Culkin. The GM also acknowledged he is confident in Gates' ability to keep playing if he chooses.
Gates caught only 30 passes for 316 yards last season in his lowest totals since his rookie season, but much of that decline was attributable to the stellar play of Henry, who became a key target for Philip Rivers in the Bolts' high-powered offense.
Aside from Gates' future, Telesco and the Chargers are heading into training camp with far fewer variables and obstacles than they had last season. The franchise combined its complicated relocation from San Diego with the arrival of a new coaching staff led by Anthony Lynn, leading to a training camp and a September that was particularly draining to the players Youth Rashaan Evans Jersey , coaches and front office.
"Going into training camp right now, it feels completely different than last year," Telesco said. "It wasn't something I really realized, I think, until the last couple of weeks. Last year as we were relocating ... there was so much work that people were doing at this time last year that we're not doing right now. At the time, we say, 'Hey, this is business as usual. There aren't that many distractions.' But as I was coming into work this week and thinking about all the stuff we were doing at this time last year, yeah, it's a little more stability right now."
Indeed, the Chargers appear to be in their most stable position in several years. The front office and top coaches are all returning, and their roster underwent remarkably little turnover in the offseason after the Bolts just missed the playoffs at 9-7.
The contrast is stark with last July John Kelly Color Rush Jersey , when everyone associated with the Chargers was still moving 90 miles north to their new homes and settling in the area while trying to put together a football team. The Chargers started 0-4 before their 9-3 finish.
"Even though you have that football mentality that nothing is going to affect us 鈥?(and) it really didn't feel like it did 鈥?but when you look back, yeah, it was unique, to say the least," Telesco said. "And that's all done now. This is home."
Telesco expects a strong start to camp with coordinators Ken Whisenhunt and Gus Bradley both returning for Lynn.
The Chargers replaced starting safety Tre Boston with promising first-round pick Derwin James, but the rest of the defense returns with remarkable continuity 鈥?and promising cornerback Jason Verrett is back at full strength after losing most of the past two seasons to injury. The offense added veteran center Mike Pouncey, but Gates and Henry are the only significant losses from a unit that finished fourth in the league last season with 376.6 yards per game and led the league in yards passing.
Telesco is particularly interested in the progress of receiver Mike Williams. The seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft missed training camp with a back injury and played in only 10 games, catching 11 passes.
"We're looking for him to step up and contribute this year," Telesco said. "It's why we took him. He had, relatively, a full offseason program this summer, which is really important for every young player Authentic Rashaad Penny Jersey , but especially a receiver. It'll be a big training camp. It's his first. He's like a rookie."
Coach Jason Garrett saw all he needed out of quarterback Dak Prescott on just one drive.
Prescott made the most of his brief appearance in the preseason opener for Dallas by throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to rookie Michael Gallup on his only drive before the San Francisco 49ers rallied with two late touchdowns to beat the Cowboys 24-21 Thursday night.
"I thought it was a good drive by our offense, a good mix of run and pass," Garrett said. "Dak made some good decisions. He made a really nice run too keep the drive alive. We got the one-on-one opportunity down the sideline. Michael made a really good release and it was a good throw and catch."
Nick Mullens threw a 7-yard TD pass to Richie James Jr. with 18 seconds left to cap the comeback. Jeremy McNichols scored on a 1-yard run with 4:24 to go for San Francisco.
San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo didn't fare as well as Prescott in his first game action since signing a $137.5 million, five-year contract this offseason. Garoppolo completed 3 of 6 passes on his one drive.
"We're trying to do something different things and see what works and what doesn't," Garoppolo said. "We haven't been in that situation in a year and you try to get things rolling."
More concerning for the 49ers was the fact that six players left with injuries in the first half with the most concerning ones being shoulder injuries to tight end George Kittle and running back Matt Breida that could sideline them for "some time," according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
"It's what you scares you about training camp, it's what scares you about the preseason," Shanahan said. "You just want the game to end."
Prescott sat out the first exhibition game last season but got one series of action against the 49ers this year and looked sharp. He completed all three of pass attempts and converted a third-and-9 with a 12-yard scramble.
He capped his night with the deep ball to Gallup, who beat Jimmie Ward down the sideline. Ward got the start at cornerback in place of Richard Sherman, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
With the release of three-time Pro Bowl receiver Dez Bryant and the retirement of 15-year tight end Jason Witten, the Cowboys are searching for receiving threats this preseason. Gallup, a third-round pick out of Colorado State Weston Richburg Jersey Elite , has been impressive so far in camp.
"That's a good feeling," Gallup said. "Especially for me being so young and being a rookie and everything, I needed that boost of confidence. It was a good feeling."
NATIONAL ANTHEM
No players on either team kneeled during the national anthem, although 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin did raise his right fist throughout the song. The Niners have been at the center of the protests during national anthem ever since Colin Kaepernick began kneeling two years ago. Eric Reid protested last year but both players are no longer with the team. Linebacker Eli Harrold also kneeled during the anthem the past two years but stood to start this season.
INJURIES
The Niners had a parade of injuries early, starting with LB Malcolm Smith limping off with a hamstring issue on the opening drive. TE George Kittle and backup RB Matt Breida left with shoulder injuries. Thomas and backup tackle Garry Gilliam were sidelined by concussions and Harrold had a lower leg injury.
Cowboys OL Marcus Martin limped off the field in the second half with a toe injury, S Marqueston Huff left with a groin injury, and WR Marchie Murdock had an ankle injury.
NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES
Joe Thomas got the start at linebacker for Dallas in place of Sean Lee and delivered an interception against C.J. Beathard on a tipped pass by Kavon Frazier. ... Cowboys rookie RB Bo Scarbrough had a 28-yard run and scored a 1-yard TD in the second quarter. ... James had four catches for 46 yards and fellow rookie Dante Pettis caught a 53-yard pass .
HELMET FOUL
There was one penalty under the new rule prohibiting players from leading with their helmets. San Francisco LB Elijah Lee was called for the infraction on a tackle against Scarbrough in the third quarter.
NEXT UP
Cowboys: Host Cincinnati on Aug. 18.
49ers: Visit Houston on Aug. 18.
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