The crowd of burgundy and gold on the edges of the field has offered a boost for Commanders players in the first two weeks of training camp. 

"Fan support means a lot. Just seeing 'em out here," Carson Wentz said. "Especially the last couple years with COVID and different protocols and all these things. Being personal with people was definitely kinda limited for a lot of reasons, for a lot of people."  

For players, the fan presence has stood as a wholesome and heartwarming bookend for practices. They come out of the locker room to spurts of cheering and positive words. That walk out to practice often turns into a jog as if players are being carried by the encouragement of the sideline support. Just about two hours later, not long after the whistle blows to signal the end of practice, players make their way over to the fans to sign autographs, take pictures and interact.   

It's perhaps a simple, obvious part of the pro sports world. In the wake of the pandemic though, fan engagement comes with a revamped sense of appreciation -- on both sides. And for every player, who has a unique journey to this team, the support means something different.  

"It's cool. I don't know how to explain it. It's nice to have people root for you," Taylor Heinicke said. "And I think it all pretty much came from that Tampa Bay [Buccaneers] pylon dive and that game."  

In fact, several fans in attendance have repped the "The Legend of Taylor Heinicke" shirt while at camp, which features a stylized image of the pylon dive. For a player with an underdog story that had one of its most exciting chapters during the pandemic, the fan support out at training camp is special.   

"I'm just trying to do the best out there and do what I can," he said.  

Just like it is for players, training camp for fans marks a beginning – the start of their rally for the season ahead, a movement that multiplies as they make the move from Ashburn to Landover.   

"I look forward to seeing FedExField continue to get rocking and rocking," Wentz said. "Hopefully we can bring them something to cheer about."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Saturday, August 6, 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 Ethan Cadeaux writes about how players are looking forward to the Aug.6 practice at FedExField.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also looks at why a few Washington players switched jersey numbers for the season.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about a leaner Antonio Gibson who is confident heading into year 3.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the similar paths of Percy Butler and Washington Legend Brian Mitchell
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how Kendall Fuller's standout knowledge of the playbook, football IQ has set him up for success at camp so far
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about rookie Percy Butler's adjustment to NFL life and dad life.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Taylor Heinicke's love of LEGOS.
• The Washington Post's PJ Morales writes about the hunt for the team's next starting dual-returner.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Antonio Gibson's confidence entering Year 3.
• NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay provides a look back at Ryan Kerrigan's career in Washington.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the sounds of the first few days of training camp.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Dyami Brown's epic in Day 3.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the positive Day 2 outing for the Commanders' secondary.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about the glimpses of Curtis Samuel magic that offer hope for the future.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about how Carson Wentz's attitude has impressed as training camp gets underway.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the humble approach that is fueling the Commanders defense.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also talks 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.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Brian Robinson is becoming more than a downhill threat
• Training camp notebook | Inside Sam Howell's 'awesome' relationship with Taylor Heinicke
• Media roundup | Taylor Heinicke praises Sam Howell's arm strength, says the rookie QB 'can sling it'
• Training camp notebook | All about rest and recovery
• Media roundup | Charles Leno calls Brian Robinson a 'natural running back"
• Washington Commanders to induct Mike Bass into Ring of Fame during 2022 season opener
• Kendall Fuller: Commanders secondary can be 'as good as we wanna be'
• Training Camp Notebook | Curtis Samuels suits up, Cole Turner establishes chemistry with Carson Wentz
• "I absolutely love it, being out here in the uniform": Military members enjoy Salute Day at the Park
• Terry McLaurin provides roadmap for Jahan Dotson's development
• Cole Holcomb proud of Jamin Davis' growth
• Training Camp Notebook | RBs found open lanes in first padded practice
• Antonio Gibson looking 'spry' in return to team drills
• Training Camp Notebook | Defense shines to start Week 2 of camp
• 4 standouts from Week 1 of Commanders' training camp
• Kam Curl gives inside look at intense defensive competition
• Kerrigan: Love from Washington fanbase 'made my career'
• Ryan Kerrigan pens letter to announce retirement
• Ryan Kerrigan announces retirement, will sign one day contract with the Commanders