NFL Player News

Mayfield has established himself as the Panthers' best option at quarterback during practice this week, Ellis Williams of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Mayfield has garnered positive reviews since joining Carolina, with his performance through training camp thus far increasing the expectation that he'll ultimately be named the team's starting signal-caller over Sam Darnold. Despite having just three weeks with his new coaching staff, Mayfield's command of coordinator Ben McAdoo's offense reportedly already mirrors that of Darnold. Although coach Matt Rhule isn't expected to officially name a starter until after the second preseason game, Mayfield approaches this Saturday's exhibition opener versus the Commanders with considerable positive momentum.

McCoy will sit out Friday's preseason game against the Bengals, as he rests his arm, Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic reports.

This issue doesn't figure to be a great concern for McCoy, as the veteran quarterback is likely dealing with typical training camp fatigue from consistent throwing. Along with McCoy, Kyler Murray, who is nursing some wrist soreness, is also expected to watch Friday's game from the sidelines. As a result Trace McSorley and Jarrett Guarantano are in line to share QB reps in the team's preseason opener.

Stafford (elbow) is throwing in individual drills Tuesday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Stafford continues to manage elbow discomfort after an offseason injection, returning to practice Tuesday just as coach Sean McVay predicted a day earlier. The 34-year-old QB has been in and out of practice throughout training camp, with the Rams remaining optimistic he'll be ready for Week 1 against Buffalo. There is some chance the elbow is a problem for Stafford all year, potentially impacting his practice availability even if he's able to play in games.

Watson (suspension) will travel to Jacksonville for Friday's preseason game and could see his first live action since the end of the 2020 campaign, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Regardless of how things play out with his suspension, Watson is eligible for training camp and preseason games. Judge Sue L. Robinson recommended a six-game ban, which the NFL now is appealing. The appeal will be heard by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was selected last week by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Expect both Watson and Jacoby Brissett to get some snaps with the first-team offense during camp.

Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Tuesday that McSorley will start Friday's preseason contest against Cincinnati, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Starting quarterback Kyler Murray was sidelined for a part of training camp due to a positive COVID-19 test and is now dealing with a sore wrist, which has limited his participation in practice. However, the decision to start McSorley likely has nothing to do with Murray's availability, as backup quarterback Colt McCoy is also not expected to play, leaving McSorley and Jarrett Guarantano to compete for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart during the preseason opener.

Murray's practice participation has been limited due to a sore wrist recently, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury downplayed the issue, saying it's essentially maintenance rather than a real injury. Murray isn't likely to play in Friday's preseason opener against Cincinnati, though that presumably would've been the case even if his wrist wasn't sore.

Perry (hamstring) signed a contract with the Jaguars on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Perry was waived by the Jaguars with a non-football injury designation at the end of July after he suffered a hamstring strain while training for camp. However, he's now returned to the team and will compete for a roster spot. Per Wilson, the undrafted quarterback out of Brown had the highest athletic score during the 2022 NFL Combine.

Coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday that Winston (knee/foot) is day-to-day, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Allen also revealed that the injury sustained by Winston during Monday's practice is a sprained foot. The quarterback is also in the later stages of recovering from a left ACL tear and has already been ruled out for Saturday's preseason opener against the Texans, which leaves Andy Dalton primed to lead the first-team offense. It remains to be seen when Winston will be cleared to return to game action, considering that the Saints could be cautious in easing him back, but it's a relief to see that the 28-year-old has at least avoided another serious injury.

Smith is listed with the first-string offense on Seattle's initial preseason depth chart, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Smith started the Seahawks' team scrimmage last Saturday, and the first depth chart of the preseason seems to reflect that he remains ahead of Drew Lock in the quarterback competition. During last week's scrimmage, Lock helmed the second-team offense. Seattle's preseason opener, Aug. 13 in Pittsburgh, will serve as the first of three upcoming contests to help fully settle the competition between Smith and Lock ahead of Week 1.

Winston (knee/foot) is believed to have avoided a serious injury but won't suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Texans, Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

Winston suffered a foot injury during Monday's practice and is expected to miss a few days of practice, but it appears that he's managed to sidestep a serious issue. His next chance to suit up for preseason action will come August 19 in Green Bay. Winston is in the late stages of rehabbing from a torn left ACL suffered Week 8 last season, so the Saints could opt for caution. In the meantime, Andy Dalton stands to helm the first-team offense.