NFL Player News

Stafford, who didn't throw during spring workouts as he dealt with a right elbow issue, has resumed throwing in training camp, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

In the process, the veteran QB has been able to begin building his on-field rapport with Allen Robinson, who was signed this offseason to bolster a wide receiver corps that also includes returnees Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson (knee), but no longer currently rosters Robert Woods (traded to the Titans) and Odell Beckham (still unsigned). Per Barshop, as training camp has progressed, the chemistry between Stafford and Robinson appears to be developing, with the report noting that the two connected on a nice play during team drills Saturday, which resulted in the signal-caller finding Robinson between two defenders in the back of the end zone.

Beathard (groin) was working on the side during training camp Sunday, John Oehser and J.P. Shadrick of the Jaguars' official site reports.

Beathard suffered the injury during practice in early June. The injury was severe enough for him to be carted off the field, but he was expected to be available for training camp. Although he is participating, it appears that he is still currently limited by the injury. Beathard is supposed to serve as Trevor Lawrence's backup, although the extra snaps with the offense for Jake Luton and Kyle Sloter could be a detriment to those expectations.

Brissett worked with the first-team offensive line after Deshaun Watson operated behind the unit Saturday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

As has been the case since camp started Wednesday, Watson was first in line behind the starting offensive front, but coaches reserved snaps for Brissett, who is expected to lead the team if/when Watson is suspended. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the potential suspension of Watson and an ensuing change in practice snap counts depending on the terms of the disciplinary action.

Prescott may not see many reps during the preseason, and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't commit to playing his starting quarterback in either of the team's first two exhibition games, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

"We have a plan, really for the first two [preseason games]," McCarthy said Friday. "And then I think we'll evaluate." The coach emphasized that veteran players like Prescott would see plenty of action during joint practices against the Broncos and Chargers, however. "This is the first time I've done this heavy practice against other teams. We're going one (practice) against Denver, two (practices) against the Chargers. When we get past the Chargers game we'll set a plan for the Seattle week. That's what we're looking at." Prescott didn't play in the preseason at all last year while finishing his recovery from ankle surgery, but with the QB healthy in camp this time around, he could see some exhibition game action before Week 1.

Mariota has worked exclusively with the starters in training camp, Steve Wyche of NFL Network reports.

It's possible rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder will get a chance to play at some point in 2022 if Mariota struggles or gets hurt, but the latter is the team's clear-cut starter heading into the season. Mariota has logged 61 career NFL starts since being selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Titans, and Atlanta appears content to lean on his experience early on rather than rush Ridder's development.

Wilson has been up and down early in training camp, Andy Vasquez of NJ.com reports.

Wilson completed 10 of 13 passes during 11-on-11 drills, but he threw two interceptions to go with his trio of touchdown passes in the session. Two of the three touchdowns were caught by Corey Davis, and the third went to rookie first-round pick Garrett Wilson. Interceptions were an issue for Wilson early in his rookie season, but he didn't throw one over his final five starts after tossing 11 in his first eight. Taking care of the football will be a key part of Wilson's development in his second NFL season.

Allen received extra snaps under center during Wednesday's training camp sessions while starting quarterback Joe Burrow was sidelined due to surgery, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Allen and third-stringer Jake Browning were the only two quarterbacks to see action during Cincinnati's practice Wednesday. The two should continue to log additional reps with Burrow's availability uncertain after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix Tuesday. It's unknown if the starter's status for Week 1 is under duress given the uncommon nature of this procedure, but Allen should be the next in line under center in the meantime.

Coach Bill Belichick noted Tuesday that he has observed "dramatic improvement" from Jones, who is approaching his second campaign as a pro, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. "He did a great job last year, but he's starting from a much, much higher point this year from where he started last year," Belichick noted of the 2021 first-rounder.

After overtaking veteran signal-caller Cam Newton ahead of Week 1 last year, Jones completed 352 of his 521 passing attempts for 3,801 yards, with 22 TDs and 13 interceptions. In addition to having a full season as an NFL starter under his belt, Jones has, according to Belichick, made strides in terms of his "physical work and conditioning, mechanics, footwork, understanding of our offense [and] opponent defenses." While Jones figures to helm a New England attack fueled by the RB duo of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, the offseason trade for DeVante Parker and the drafting of speedy Tyquan Thornton has added to a solid array of pass catching targets that also includes returning WRs Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne, as well as TEs Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. With that in mind, there's room for Jones to improve as a fantasy producer in 2022, but his upside on that front hinges in large part upon the team's approach on offense now that long-time coordinator Josh McDaniels has moved on to coach the Raiders.

Lock played with the second-team offense during Wednesday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Pete Carroll believes Lock still has a chance to win the starting job over Geno Smith, who is heading into his fourth season with the Seahawks. Carroll stated earlier in the offseason that Smith's knowledge of the system gives him an edge in the competition. However, Lock has enough tools relative to Smith to make this competition extend through the final preseason game. Through three seasons in the league, Lock has completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 4,740 yards (6.7 YPA), 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Smith handled all the first-team reps during Wednesday's practice while Drew Lock practiced with the second team, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports. "Geno is in the lead," head coach Pete Carroll said. "He's ahead and he ain't looking back."

Carroll admitted that Lock still has an opportunity to win the starting job, but he seems optimistic that Smith can secure the starting role by the end of the preseason. Smith was serviceable over four games (three starts) last season, as he completed 68 percent of his passes for 702 yards (7.4 YPA), five touchdowns and an interception. He also ran nine times for 42 yards and a score. The run game figures to be the focal point of Seattle's offense, but Smith will have some excellent receiving weapons -- Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Noah Fant -- if he does win the job.