NFL Player News

Fields will play in the Bears' preseason opener Aug. 13 against the Chiefs, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Not only is Fields entering his first full preseason as the Bears' starting quarterback, but he's also learning new head coach Matt Eberflus' offensive system. In addition, Chicago has quite a few new receivers fighting for roles, so the preseason may be more important for the Bears than for many other teams. Overall, any reps that Fields gets in the preseason can only help his development. Although he's typically being selected outside the top 12 quarterbacks in most redraft formats, Fields' rushing ability gives him the upside to finish well above his average draft position.

Garoppolo (shoulder) went through a throwing regimen on a side field at the same time as the 49ers practiced Tuesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The roughly hour-long session included a variety of passes, including up to 50 yards in the air and numerous 25-yarders while rolling out to the left and right. GM John Lynch noted that Garoppolo is "doing a really job (of) building his stamina in his throwing program that was prescribed all along and working out really strongly and aggressively." After undergoing surgery March 8 to address a torn capsule in his right throwing shoulder, Garoppolo reported to training camp last Tuesday and promptly passed a physical. At the same time, coach Kyle Shanahan announced the 49ers were moving on from Garoppolo to 2021 first-round pick Trey Lance under center, making the veteran QB available via trade.

Jones had his best day of training camp Tuesday, according to Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record and Dan Duggan of The Athletic.

Stapleton reports that Jones completed 16 of 20 passes on a day where the situational focus was on third-and-longs, though the QB did also throw two interceptions to CB Adoree' Jackson. The situation in New York is a bit different this year, as the quarterback seemingly faces a make-or-break season with new head coach Brian Daboll not necessarily tied to Jones. There's also some hope for the rest of the offense to rebound, with offseason additions including first-round pick Evan Neal at right tackle and second-round pick Wan'Dale Robinson at wide receiver. Healthier years from RB Saquon Barkley and WRs Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney could also go a long way toward giving Jones a decent supporting case for the first time in his career.

Beathard (groin) will not play in the Hall of Fame Game against the Raiders on Thursday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Beathard is still recovering from a groin injury suffered in minicamp. The 28-year-old has been limited in practice and isn't quite ready to take the field yet. With Trevor Lawrence also getting the night off , Jake Luton will get the starting nod.

Luton will draw the start Thursday against the Raiders in the Hall of Fame Game, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

With Trevor Lawrence getting the night off, and C.J. Beathard still recovering from a groin injury suffered in minicamp, Luton will get the nod. The 26-year-old will use the opportunity to help prove he deserves to be Lawrence's backup, as Beathard is still currently projected to fill that role.

Murray (illness) is "feeling better" according to coach Kliff Kingsbury and could return to practice by the end of the week, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Murray recently tested positive for COVID-19 but has been participating in meetings virtually. Additionally, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site notes that Murray had his right wrist checked out during Friday's practice, but Kingsbury relayed that the signal caller's wrist is improving. While Murray is unable to practice, Colt McCoy will take Arizona's first-team QB reps.

Pickett moved up to the second-team offense Monday for the first padded practice of training camp, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Pickett reportedly struggled, albeit in a relatively short session during which most of his snaps were hand-offs. The rookie first-round pick had worked with Pittsburgh's third-team offense for the most part so far, with Mitch Trubisky leading the starters and Mason Rudolph handling second-team work. Pickett could enter Week 1 as a gameday inactive if Rudolph outperforms him this summer.

Lawrence won't play in the Hall of Fame Game against Las Vegas on Thursday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

With Lawrence held out and C.J. Beathard (groin) unavailable, it'll be Jake Luton getting the start and Kyle Sloter coming off the bench. Beathard vs. Luton for the backup job may be the only real competition in the QB room this summer, but it's also a crucial time in Lawrence's career as he prepares for his second NFL season with the help of a new coaching staff. The Jaguars also gave him a bit more on-field help this year, signing RG Brandon Scherff and WRs Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in the offseason. We'll likely see Lawrence in action later this preseason, if only for a few drives.

Stafford (elbow) didn't work in team drills Monday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Sean McVay noted that the approach was taken because the QB is "still feeling a little bit of pain." Despite that comment, McVay indicated that he's not too concerned, suggesting that Stafford could push through the pain, but "that's not the goal with somebody like him." With that in mind, consider Stafford day-to-day until he's next able to participate fully in team drills.

Murray has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss at least five days of practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Murray likely will return to practice next week ahead of the Cardinals' preseason opener in Cincinnati on Aug. 12. He recently signed a five-year contract extension for approximately $230.5 million.