NFL Player News

The Seahawks released Smith (knee) on Saturday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

The news comes as a bit of a surprise, as Seattle released third-string quarterback Paxton Lynch on Friday, supposedly leaving Smith as the backup behind Russell Wilson. The Seahawks also released J.T. Barrett on Saturday, currently leaving Wilson as the only quarterback on the roster. Smith hasn't seen a large role under center since his first two seasons in the league. The 28-year-old started in 29 games and threw for 5,571 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions for the Jets in 2013 and 2014. Smith has appeared in 10 games and passed for 611 yards, four touchdowns and two picks over the last four seasons.

Johnson survived roster cuts and will be the Lions' backup quarterback in 2019, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Johnson was battling with Tom Savage for the No. 2 quarterback slot behind Matt Stafford. Johnson was out of the NFL for four years before joining the Redskins last year and seeing a couple spot starts. He provides the Lions with a veteran option should Stafford miss any time with injury.

Jones was cut by the Chargers on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Jones appeared to be the odd man out as soon as the Chargers drafted Easton Stick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The soon-to-be 27-year-old could catch on as a backup with another team.

Savage was released by the Lions on Saturday, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Savage's release comes as a bit of a surprise, with Detroit ultimately choosing Josh Johnson as the backup quarterback. Savage may see some interest from other teams after he showed an ability to step in and start for the Texans last year.

General manager John Elway told reporters that Lock (thumb) will head to injured reserve, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Once Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien were released, the initial impression was that Lock was close enough to returning to be kept on the 53-man roster. Elway clarified on Saturday that the Broncos simply needed the roster spots to hold onto other players. Elway said that Lock is about six to eight weeks away, making injured reserve the logical move. Lock figures to be activated once he's ready so that he can practice, but Elway did not guarantee that -- especially given the other valuable players -- like Theo Riddick and Jake Butt -- also heading to injured reserve.

Walker was cut by the Colts on Saturday, Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Walker was unable to capitalize on the opportunity of securing the roster spot opened up by Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement, completing only 50 percent of his passes this preseason. With Chad Kelly suspended for the first two games of the regular season, it seems increasingly likely the Colts will acquire another quarterback before Week 1 to back up starter Jacoby Brissett.

Driskel (hamstring) is being placed on injured reserve Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Driskel's hamstring injury had not been previously reported, but it appears to be serious enough to land him on injured reserve. The backup quarterback job behind starter Andy Dalton will presumably go to Ryan Finley with Driskel out of the picture.

Hoyer was released by the Patriots on Saturday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Jarrett Stidham's emergence during the preseason made Hoyer expendable, and as a result the veteran immediately becomes one of the top backups available on the open market. Considering the position and Hoyer's experience as a starter, it'd be surprising if the 33-year-old isn't on another roster prior to Week 1.

Stidham is the Patriots' No. 2 quarterback following the release of Brian Hoyer, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

A fourth-round pick in 2019, Stidham fared well enough in his first pro preseason to serve as Tom Brady's backup off the bat.

Allen was waived by the Rams on Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Allen had been making a strong case for the third-string quarterback job throughout the preseason, but came up short in his efforts. The Arkansas product could be an intriguing option as a backup, especially for teams running a similar style to the Rams.