NFL Player News

Jackson will not play in the preseason opener against the Titans, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It comes as no surprise that head coach John Harbaugh would hold the dynamic dual-threat quarterback out of the first preseason game, as he is likely trying to protect the engine behind the offense to avoid any risk of injury. Jackson's favorite target Mark Andrews will also miss the game among a handful of other veterans, leaving the second preseason game Aug. 21 against the Cardinals as the most likely 2022 debut for a number of key Ravens players.

Murray (illness) will participate in Saturday's practice, although the expectation is that he'll be eased back into the majority of the team drills, Taylor Bisciotti of NFL Network reports.

It sounds as if Murray will participate in most of the conditioning drills, which is important considering he tested positive for COVID-19 last week. It's unclear whether the Cardinals will use their $230.5 million quarterback during the team's opening preseason contest Aug. 12 against the Bengals, but regardless it certainly seems as if the star signal caller will have no issues heading into the 2023 campaign.

The NFL Players Association has responded in writing to the NFL's appeal of disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson's decision to recommend a six-game suspension for Watson for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Barring a settlement between the NFL and NFLPA, the appeal will be heard by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed to do so Thursday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Citing a source familiar with the appeal, NFL Network's Judy Battista indicated that the league is seeking a one-year suspension for Watson. According to ESPN.com, there's no timeline for when Harvey will hear the appeal, but the report notes that according to the league's personal conduct policy, it's in line to be done on an expedited basis.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury noted Friday that he hopes Murray (illness) will be able to participate in Saturday's Red/White practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Murray tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and has been isolating since then, missing all on-field work in the meantime. The diagnosis comes on the heels of his five-year, $230.5 million extension, which initially included a homework clause that eventually was removed after much scrutiny. Once he returns to action -- be it Saturday or next week -- he seemingly will be available for the Cardinals' first preseason game next Friday, Aug. 12 in Cincinnati, but with three exhibitions on tap he may only make one appearance before Week 1, like he did last year.

Wilson continues to prove himself as a leader and a clear upgrade at the quarterback position, having his best practice of training camp Thursday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

In an end-of-game scenario in practice Thursday, Wilson reminded the Broncos why they made the blockbuster move to acquire the veteran quarterback this offseason. After multiple touchdown drives throughout the practice, Wilson was the one who decided the final plays in crunch time to lead the offense to a win. When discussing play calling in those types of situations, coach Nathaniel Hackett said, "I'm always kind of in his ear, but it's his choice, whatever he's feeling." It's not surprising that the team has placed their trust in the veteran signal-caller, and he will certainly provide a much-needed boost to Denver's aerial attack. Despite losing Tim Patrick to a season-ending ACL tear, the Broncos still have an abundance of talented wide receivers, including Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Additionally, tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich are impressing in camp, providing Wilson with dynamic pass-catching options. The 33-year-old also has an effective run game to lean on when needed in the duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon. Wilson should lead a more balanced offense in 2022, and Denver's pass-catching group should take a major step forward under his leadership.

Burrow (appendix) is considered day-to-day and has been present for meetings at training camp, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Burrow presumably was able to continue working on the mental side of the game within a few days of undergoing surgery last Tuesday (July 26). Early reports suggested he could be miss two or three weeks, but it won't be shocking if it's a bit less than that. The relatively minor surgery, an appendectomy, shouldn't end up having too much impact on either his perceived fantasy value or his in-season performance.

Trask was inconsistent while taking extra reps in Wednesday's practice, a day off for Tom Brady, Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The second-year signal-caller will see extensive action once again this preseason beginning with the Bucs' exhibition opener against the Dolphins on Aug. 13, a game head coach Todd Bowles has already announced Brady will not suit up for. Trask ramped up for that opportunity in Wednesday's session, and Knight notes the Florida product's performance was a true mixed bag. Trask threw a pair of end-zone interceptions and saw another would-be pick dropped, but he also completed impressive downfield throws to Vyncint Smith and Cade Otton and earned some encouraging words from his head coach. "(Trask) is doing everything he's supposed to be doing, but he's confident in where he's going, he's understanding things," Bowles said. "We're putting him in a lot of situations where he's getting some experience at, and that's all we can ask for right now."

Luton completed 10 of 17 passes for 94 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions during the Jaguars' 27-11 preseason loss to the Raiders in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

The third-year signal-caller played with a largely inexperienced receiver corps that was missing top options Christian Kirk, Marvin Jones, Zay Jones and Laviska Shenault, so his numbers were more than serviceable in that context. Luton was thrown into the fire as a rookie back in 2020 and completed just 54.5 percent of his passes, and after spending part of last season with the Seahawks, he's back in Jacksonville competing for a backup job against C.J. Beathard (groin). Luton could have another solid opportunity in front of him in the second half during the Aug. 12 preseason matchup against the Browns even if Trevor Lawrence starts that contest.

Stidham completed eight of 15 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed once for a 12-yard touchdown during the Raiders' 27-11 preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Stidham got the starting nod with Derek Carr held out of the contest, and he put together a solid performance despite playing without any of the team's top pass-catching options. The 2019 fourth-round pick just arrived in mid-May via trade from the Patriots, but his familiarity with head coach Josh McDaniels' playcalling and scheme appears to currently afford him the upper hand in the battle for the No. 2 quarterback job over journeyman Nick Mullens. Stidham will aim to continue making his case in the Raiders' next preseason contest, Sunday, Aug. 14 against the Vikings.

Carr sat out Thursday's Hall of Fame Game win against the Jaguars, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

As did a number of Carr's top options in the passing attack, namely wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller (undisclosed). In particular, the waiting game for the first Carr-Adams connection since 2013 at Fresno State will have to wait until Sunday, Aug. 14 versus the Vikings, at the earliest.