Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) scrambles during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

While there was no tackling allowed during Wednesday’s practice session involving Washington and New England, it didn’t stop tempers from flaring during a pair of scuffles.

The first featured just minor shoving between linemen. But the second, after Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson got tangled up with a Commanders defender, caused players from both sidelines to rush the field as even New England coach Mike Vrabel jumped into the ensuing scrum to break it up. He wound up with blood on his face.

“That’s just how the game goes. Two teams with very competitive coaches, and players are representative of their coach,” Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil said. “We’re out there competing and they’re competing. But just being able to de-escalate situations before they get worse is very professional. Sometimes things happen. Guys start chirping. It’s the game of football.”

New England quarterback Drake Maye liked the fire his teammates showed during the exchanges.

“That’s what we’re trying to build, I think, and it starts with the coach. The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no (nonsense) when we’re out there on the field,” he said. “But also, it comes to a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles, and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle can get us in trouble. But for mentality, I like it. I think that’s what you want. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day, maybe. We’ll see.”

Looking to be elite

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Adding No. 3 overall draft pick Abdul Carter to a defensive front that already featured Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux could make the New York Giants’ pass rush elite.

“They want to talk about our D-line and all this,” Lawrence said, “but we haven’t done anything yet.”

Teammates are already in training camp calling it the best line in the NFL. Not so fast, according to the players involved. Lawrence and Burns have been quick to insist the group has accomplished nothing yet and needs to prove it. Coach Brian Daboll agreed with that by saying hype doesn’t get anyone anywhere.

“Everything looks good with the names that we have and the potential and this and that,” Burns said. “It’s all on us. We can take this as far as we want to go.”

Feeling fortunate

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn escaped serious injury after a car accident on Wednesday morning on the way to the team’s stadium.

He injured his left thumb and missed a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. Panthers coach Dave Canales says Horn will be evaluated daily. Horn will not play in Friday night’s preseason game against the Browns, but the team hopes he can play against Houston on August 16. Horn was alone in his car when the accident happened near the stadium.

He was evaluated by team medical personnel and later seen joking with teammates on the sideline.

ESPN, NFL Network do deal

The NFL has entered into a nonbinding agreement to sell NFL Network and other media assets to ESPN.

The league will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN in return. The deal still requires a final agreement, the approval of NFL owners and regulatory clearance. ESPN plans to include NFL Network in its upcoming direct-to-consumer service. The NFL will continue to own and produce the RedZone channel but will allow ESPN to distribute it. NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football. Viewers are unlikely to see changes until next year.

Draft staying put

ESPN announcedit will continue to broadcast the NFL Draft.

ESPN has aired the NFL Draft since 1980, when the league’s annual selection meeting took place at the New York Sheraton Hotel. Back then, the draft was two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) and took 12 rounds.

Next year’s draft will be in Pittsburgh and is expected to attract massive crowds over the three days. The first round has had its own night since 2010.

ESPN and ABC will each have their own telecasts of the first three rounds on Thursday and Friday. ABC will simulcast ESPN’s coverage of the final four rounds on Saturday.

Browns will start rookie QB

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start Cleveland’s preseason opener Friday night against the Carolina Panthers.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tyler Huntley, who signed with team earlier this week, is also expected to play if he can get up to speed with the playbook. Joe Flacco, Cleveland’s projected starting quarterback this season, is healthy but will not play. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will sit out while rehabbing from injuries, Stefanski said.

“My expectation for Shedeur is no different than the rest of the guys,” Stefanski said prior to the team’s joint practice with the Panthers. “I just expect him to go out and operate. When you get in these preseason games you try to keep it very simple so guys can play very fast. It’s all concepts that these guys know and don’t have to think too much about.”