NFL Player News

Lock might be able to win the starting quarterback job with a strong performance in Saturday's preseason game against Seattle, according to Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com.

Lock has some buzz after throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on three drives in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings. Then again, Teddy Bridgewater also played well -- 7-of-8 for 74 yards and a TD -- and head coach Vic Fangio has consistently called it a close competition. Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur may have dropped a hint Thursday afternoon, noting that Lock "just needs to play well and continue on the right path. We've seen the improvement. We've seen a young player get better with an offseason and with a training camp." Lock may have nudged ahead, but it seems the Broncos will stick with their original plan of having Bridgewater start the second preseason game, facing the Seahawks this weekend.

Coach Dan Campbell said he may sit some veterans, including Goff, during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Steelers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Goff turned in a middle-of-the-road performance during his preseason debut with the Lions last weekend, completing seven of nine passes for 56 yards in two possessions against the Bills. With a tough matchup against Pittsburgh's defense on deck, and top offensive weapons T.J. Hockenson (undisclosed) and D'Andre Swift (groin) already ruled out, it could be in Goff's best interests to watch Saturday's action from the sidelines.

Gabbert will start Saturday's preseason contest against the Titans, Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gabbert entered last weekend's exhibition matchup against the Bengals after Tom Brady handled a single series, but the journeyman veteran will officially get the start Saturday. After Gabbert, who looks set to reprise his role as Brady's primary backup during the regular season, Ryan Griffin and rookie Kyle Trask also stand to see some action.

Coach Matt LaFleur said it is "probably unlikely" that Love (shoulder) will suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the Jets, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Love turned in a solid performance during his preseason debut against the Texans last weekend, but he sustained a minor shoulder injury in the process, and the Packers aren't taking any risks in his recovery process. Kurt Benkert will be in line to start Saturday's exhibition matchup if Love indeed remains sidelined, while Jacob Dolegala, who only re-signed with Green Bay on Tuesday, would operate as his backup and potential relief option. Per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Love is not practicing Thursday.

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Thursday that Lawrence is likely to start Monday's preseason game against New Orleans, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Urban Meyer called it a "decent chance" on Monday, and Bevell is now using slightly stronger language. Lawrence and Gardner Minshew continue to split first-team reps in practice, but it's telling that the rookie is expected to start the Jags' preseason game for a second straight week. Both QBs were average in the opener, and Minshew remains a long shot to get the Week 1 nod.

Trubisky should get a lot of playing time in Saturday's preseason game against the Bears, Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

With the Bills holding out Josh Allen and other key veterans, Trubisky figures to play at least two or three drives -- and possibly quite a bit more -- in a preseason revenge game for the ages. Davis Webb and Jake Fromm will be the team's other QB options Saturday, with neither posing any real threat to Trubisky's No. 2 standing on the depth chart.

Coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that he won't comment on expectations for Jackson's playing time (or lack thereof) in Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

The Ravens likely want their QB to play at least a drive or two this preseason, but it may not happen if the team still needs more time to sort out its rampant injury issues at wide receiver and along the offensive line. If Jackson does play Saturday, he could be missing three to four starting linemen and each of his top five wide receivers. The third week of the preseason might make more sense, with the Aug. 28 contest against Washington taking place 16 days before Baltimore's regular-season opener in Las Vegas (Sept. 13).

Coach Matt Rhule said Thursday that he's "leaning towards" giving Darnold a small amount of playing time in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Rhule said he'll play several starters, likely including Darnold, though the coach wasn't willing to commit to anything, and did suggest it might be for only a drive or two. It makes sense to give the No. 2 overall pick at least a little bit of work this preseason, given that his team, coaching staff and pass catchers (besides Robby Anderson) are all new to him. If Darnold does play Saturday, he may not have Anderson (hamstring) or DJ Moore (back) at his disposal. Darnold didn't play in Carolina's preseason opener last week.

Coach Matt Nagy said Dalton will play at least a quarter and a half in Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Justin Fields (groin) is expected to play, but Dalton nonetheless figures to play most or all of the first half, presumably gearing up for the team's Week 1 start. While the rookie figures to take over at some point, Nagy still seems to be prepping 33-year-old Dalton for September.

Fields (groin) will practice Thursday, with Bears coach Matt Nagy saying he expects the rookie to play in Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thursday's practice will be light, and the Bears intend to be cautious with management of the rookie's reps, per Chris Emma of 670 The Score. Fields had a passing touchdown and a rushing score in his pro debut last weekend, putting up 17 points in a span of three drive after his first three series had all ended in punts. Nagy said Fields would start to see more reps with the first-team offense, but it didn't really happen this week while the young QB was nursing his minor groin injury.