NFL Player News

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Garoppolo will start Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs but will likely only handle one series, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Garoppolo is listed as the starter on San Francisco's first unofficial depth chart, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News, and he remains to favorite to start Week 1 under center. As preseason action approaches, the question is how many opportunities rookie first-round pick Trey Lance will get to showcase his explosiveness, and whether Garoppolo can avoid making mistakes. After Garoppolo opens Saturday's exhibition match, Lance is expected to finish out the first half.

Jones won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Jones figures to be joined on the sideline by a bunch of other starters, as Giants coach Joe Judge said he'll handle the first preseason game the way teams used to handle the last one. That could mean we see Jones in the second and third preseason games, though it's also possible the Giants restrict him to a lone appearance. While the team upgraded its WR room significantly this spring, the offensive line remains a likely weakness.

Dalton will start Saturday's preseason opener against Miami but may be removed after one drive, Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports.

It sounds like Dalton will play one or two drives, depending on what happens with the first. Meanwhile, rookie Justin Fields is scheduled for far more playing time, likely replacing Dalton in the first/second quarter and then playing into the second half. Matt Nagy has made multiple comments about Dalton being his starting quarterback, but an impressive August from Fields could have the Bears coach singing a different tune come September.

Both Cam Newton and Jones are expected to play in Thursday night's preseason opener against Washington, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

It's uncertain how much work each of the team's top two QBs will see in the contest, but Reiss notes that given that coach Bill Belichick previously has indicated that Newton is the team's starting quarterback for now, it seems likely he'll take initial snaps Thursday. In any case, this remains a job competition worth monitoring, with Jones still having some time to gain ground or even supplant Newton in advance of Week 1.

Coach Matt Nagy said Fields will play "past halftime" and possibly into the fourth quarter during Saturday's preseason opener against Miami, Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports.

Andy Dalton will get the start, but Fields may also play a series with the first-string offense, depending on what the veteran QB does with the opening drive. While Dalton continues to get most of the first-string practice reps, Fields still has time to make his move before Week 1. It sounds like the rookie will have plenty of chances to leave an impression Saturday night.

Lawrence and Gardner Minshew both will play in Saturday's preseason opener against Cleveland, with Jaguars coach Urban Meyer saying he'll wait until Thursday night to determine his starter, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

The two QBs are listed as co-starters on the initial preseason depth chart, both getting reps with the first-team offense throughout training camp. While it will still be a big surprise if Minshew ends up winning the Week 1 starting job, it'd be much less surprising to see him under center for the first drive of the preseason opener Saturday night.

Lawrence and Gardner Minshew are listed as co-starters at quarterback on Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart of training camp, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

The two QBs opened training camp splitting reps with the first-team offense, so it's not a major surprise that head coach Urban Meyer will continue with that mindset entering Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns. Lawrence has made a strong impression early in camp despite the expected rookie hiccups, putting him in a strong position to earn the starting job over the next few weeks.

Tannehill isn't expected to suit up for Friday's preseason game in Atlanta, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports. "As of now, I don't anticipate Ryan playing," Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday.

Tannehill's anticipated absence isn't unexpected considering franchise cornerstones typically don't log much preseason action. Having said that, Vrabel likely wants to see Tannehill under center at some point due to the change at offensive coordinator from Arthur Smith to Todd Downing and the offseason acquisition of Julio Jones (undisclosed).

Prescott (shoulder) hopes to participate in team drills Monday and play in the Cowboys' Aug. 21 preseason game against the Texans, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gehlken adds that the quarterback is slated to undergo an MRI in the coming days. Given his optimism about playing in the team's third exhibition game, Prescott's MRI may only be precautionary in nature.

The Texans' unofficial depth chart lists Taylor as the team's No. 1 quarterback, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Taylor's presence atop the depth chart isn't overly surprising, considering that he's continuing to log first-team practice reps while Deshaun Watson's future with the franchise remains unclear. Currently listed behind Taylor on the unofficial depth chart are Jeff Driskel and rookie Davis Mills, followed by Watson. At this stage, unless things change in a hurry, Taylor is trending toward being the team's starter in Week 1.