Bengals Bytes (8/2): In the zone

Observations from Cincinnati Bengals training camp
The fifth day of Cincinnati Bengals training camp was the feistiest, leading to a couple of skirmishes in the first session closed to the public but open to season ticket and suite holders.

Former Georgia star Odell Thurman has returned to the UGA program
Odell Thurman, one of the most star-crossed and talented players for Georgia this century, has returned to the team in a support staff role. Thurman has joined the team as an intern with the strength and conditioning staff, according to coach Kirby Smart. The team is limited to five full-time members of the strength and conditioning staff, so Thurman will be supplementing that.

Camp report: Eifert sees red again
About half an hour after tearing up the Bengals’ red-zone drills in full pads Tuesday, Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert was back in the weight room on the leg press trying to finish off another Pro Bowl comeback. “I have to do what I have to do to make sure I keep my weight,” said Eifert after more than carrying his weight. “Tomorrow’s an off day so it’s a good time to do it.”

Bengals Training Camp 8/1
Cincinnati Bengals host Training Camp at Paul Brown Stadium Practice Fields 8/1/2017

Tempers flare at Bengals' camp after Vontaze Burfict tackles Giovani Bernard
Things got heated at Bengals practice on Tuesday after linebacker Vontaze Burfict tackled running back Giovani Bernard to the ground. Running backs coach Kyle Caskey quickly walked up to say something to Burfict, who shoved at him. Tight end Tyler Eifert and the offensive line soon ran over, causing a skirmish to erupt that included almost the entire team. Eifert and Burfict appeared to have words for several minutes afterward.

Walkthru: Tracking the Bengals 2017 uniform changes
The collar on the black jersey is now entirely orange, and the collar will be black on the orange and white alternate jerseys. The cut of the jerseys is different, too, this season, but that is the case for every team in the league. The 50th season patch is not considered a uniform change.

Bengals' young cornerbacks finally get a chance to start
Darqueze Dennard knew he wouldn’t get a chance to make an immediate impact when the Bengals drafted him in the first round in 2014. In three seasons, he’s started only four games. William Jackson III was in the same wait-until-later mode when Cincinnati took him with the 24th overall pick last year. A torn chest muscle during training camp wiped out his rookie season.

AFC North Bytes

5 players who have shined at #BrownsCamp so far
After five straight days of practice, the Browns got a day off Tuesday as they continue through the grind of training camp. As such, what better time to look at five players — some expected, some unexpected — who have shined in their own ways before camp resumes Wednesday morning.

Steelers Working Out RB Brandon Radcliff
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Steelers are bringing in rookie RB Brandon Radcliff for a workout on Tuesday. The Steelers are currently without Le’Veon Bell, who is holding out for a new contract and rookie James Conner is dealing with an injury. Radcliff, 24, wound up signing on with the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville back in May. Unfortunately, Radcliff lasted just a month in Indianapolis before he was placed on waivers.

Random Bytes

Dallas Cowboys: Here's the real reason the NFL is waiting to make an announcement on its Ezekiel Elliott investigation
OXNARD, Calif. -- As one of many subscribers to the theory that the NFL simply won't let an Ezekiel Elliott suspension rain on Jerry Jones' parade to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, one thing must be made clear.

Best from Tuesday at NFL training camps 2017 - What you need to know
There were scuffles at Bengals, Patriots and Colts camps. J.J. Watt sat out practice again, while Jaylon Smith practiced in pads again. NFL Nation reporters recap the day with what you need to know from training camps across the league

NFL Training Camps: Updates, Rumors & Analysis for August 1
One main question dominates the early days of training camp: Who is doing what? We want to know whether Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is progressing well after his rotator cuff surgery, and if Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Andrew Luck will be healthy for Week 1. Newton is getting routine maintenance days, but the word on Luck is less encouraging, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported he could miss regular-season time.

Can Weed Make You a Better Athlete?
Cannabis is the perfect medicine for athletes," says retired NFL offensive lineman Eben Britton over the phone, stating matter-of-factly what's still, generally, considered taboo. (In the world of modern cannabis advocacy, you're never talking about "weed," "pot," "marijuana," or [insert slang term here]. It's cannabis.)

Andrew Luck Reportedly May Miss 1st 6 Games Due to Shoulder Injury
Having undergone shoulder surgery in January, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck may not start the 2017 season. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported Tuesday he's "heard plenty of rumblings about [Luck] starting the year on the physically unable to perform list."