Health is key for AFC North teams entering training camp

The Cincinnati Bengals came away with the AFC North crown in 2015, but both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens entered the year with hopes of a Lombardi Trophy too. Injuries, among other problems, derailed the Ravens in a big way while the Steelers had their own fair share of struggles.

Joe Flacco's year ended on injured reserve after he tore his ACL and Ben Roethlisberger battled through a separated shoulder in the postseason. The health of both teams will be key in training camp if they are to keep pace with the Bengals, a team that has been a buzzsaw in the regular season but struggled to break through with a playoff victory.

Terrell Suggs, Dennis Pitta, Steve Smith and Breshad Perriman are also working their way back from injuries. For the Ravens, the goal will be getting all of these players up to speed without jeopardizing their health.

First-round tackle Ronnie Stanley is primed to step into the starting left tackle role, so keep an eye on his development throughout camp and the preseason. Linebacker Kamalei Correa, Baltimore's second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is also expected to get a lot of snaps and contribute this season.

The wide receiver battle in Cincinnati is the main one to watch. We know that A.J. Green is established atop the Bengals' receiver depth chart, but after losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, every spot after Green's is wide open.

With the departure of former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who took over as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, it remains to be seen what offensive changes will take place with a familiar face in charge of the unit. Ken Zampese was promoted to offensive coordinator after serving as the Bengals' quarterbacks coach for over a decade.

Tight end Tyler Eifert is recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to miss all of training camp. But the team is expecting to have Darqueze Dennard, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury late last year, back and ready to contribute in his third year.

The Browns made significant changes this offseason, including the hiring of new head coach Hue Jackson and the acquisition of quarterback Robert Griffin III. It remains to be seen whether these moves will bring stability to an offense that desperately needs it.

With the return of Josh Gordon, the offense is an interesting one to watch, especially with the assimilation of 14 new draft picks during training camp. Many of them will be battling for roster spots as the season approaches, but wide receiver Corey Coleman and defensive end Carl Nassib are both expected to contribute as rookies. The Browns will need quality production out of both in order to improve this season.

A few key players were nursing injuries this offseason. Cornerback Joe Haden had an ankle injury and tight end Gary Barnidge was recovering from a sports hernia, but both are expected to be ready for training camp.

The Steelers' pass defense was a liability last season, finishing 30th in the NFL for yards allowed per game. They addressed that weakness by drafting cornerback Artie Burns in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and Pittsburgh fans will finally get an idea of what Burns can do when the team hits the practice fields for camp.

Another player Steelers fans are likely eager to get a glimpse of is tight end Ladarius Green, who joined the team as a free agent this offseason. Green fills the void left by Heath Miller's retirement, and he's likely an upgrade over Miller in the later years of his career.