There was an organic kind of background music playing as Washington's first sessions of training camp kicked off on Wednesday, July 27. It included fans buzzing on the sidelines and coaches giving encouragement on the field intertwined with the noises of players hitting sleds and bringing balls out of the air. One sound though was notably missing. 

"I don't know if you guys noticed, but you guys didn't hear the clack of the helmets today," Head Coach Ron Rivera said. "That's typically what happens when you don't have these Guardian caps on." 

The Guardian cap isn't a piece of equipment that possesses the pizzaz of say, the Commanders new burgundy matte helmet, but its presence comes with a lot of important talking points. This season marks the first time the NFL is mandating their use. The league is requiring the head ware be worn by offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers for every preseason practice between the start of training camp up until the second preseason game. 

NFL health and safety research suggests that there is an elevated risk of concussions during this time when more players are in the mix trying to prove themselves when physical drills are frequent. The soft-shell Guardian cap, which attaches over a football helmet, is designed to absorb some of the shock a helmet hit. 

Though it's in the early days of the cap's use in a widespread, mandated way, Rivera seems ready to embrace the tool that aims to put player wellbeing first. 

"I wouldn't be surprised if at some point it's going to be mandated through OTAs and minicamp," Rivera said. "I don't know where it'll go as far as the regular season, but if this comes out and this really helps reduce it [concussion], then I'd imagine we would continue to find ways for player health and safety."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Thursday, July 28, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey wrote about how Carson Wentz's attitude has impressed as training camp gets underway.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux talked about Jahan Dotson's excitement towards learning from Terry McLaurin.
• ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz building his confidence on the first day of camp.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier gives five position battles to watch ahead of training camp.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras looks at his top position battles to watch.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about Antonio Gibson wanting to be known exclusively as a running back.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about why Terry McLaurin was so excited to be throwing with Carson Wentz.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about how Curtis Samuel feels about the 2021 season.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Ron Rivera's confidence in the Commanders' growth ahead of training camp.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras takes a look at the Commanders' defensive line ahead of training camp.
• ESPN's John Keim also writes about the quarterback position as the Commanders prepare for training camp.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also writes about Carson Wentz's rating in Madden 23.
• NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay gives his take on the Commanders' training camp.
• USA Today's Bryan Manning takes a look at the Commanders' wide receivers.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux and Peter Hailey give their takes on the odds for the Commanders' 2022 season.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd writes about Booger McFarland's comparison for Chase Young.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras writes about the Commanders' offensive line ahead of training camp.
• The Washington Post's Caroline Pineda writes about Brian Robinson adding his skill set to the Commanders' backfield.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras takes a look at Jamin Davis' second season.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Media Round Up | Ron Rivera sees Brian Robinson as 'big, strong, powerful downhill runner'
• Carson Wentz focused on building chemistry to start camp
• Quick hits from Ron Rivera's introductory training camp press conference
• Hail Mail | Training camp is finally upon us
• Commanders players begin reporting for training camp
• Commanders place Chase Young, Logan Thomas, Tyler Larsen, Chase Roullier on PUP list; Cornelius Lucas placed on NFI list
• Washington Commanders announce open voting for fans to help select Fight Song lyrics and team mascot as part of the team's inaugural season under a new name and brand identity
• Full list of Commanders Madden 23 ratings revealed
• Training camp preview | Running back
• Training camp preview | Defensive line
• Training camp preview | Safety
• Training camp preview | Offensive line
• Top safeties Washington will face in 2022
• Jon Allen rated as top 5 defensive tackle in Madden 23
• PFF's Mike Renner predicts breakout season for Sam Cosmi
• Training camp preview | Tight end
• Top 5 wide receivers Washington will face in 2022
• Terry McLaurin rated as top 10 WR in Madden 23
• Training camp preview | Linebackers