NFL Player News

Winston completed nine of 19 passes for 88 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Buccaneers' 13-12 preseason win over the Browns on Friday. He also rushed twice for six yards.

Winston couldn't muster any scoring drives throughout his seven series, although the five sacks he took certainly didn't help him establish any continuity. The fifth-year signal-caller also was playing without top target Mike Evans (quadriceps), but he did have the rest of his first-team weapons at his disposal. The quality of competition also has to be figured into Winston's struggles, as the Browns are expected to have a top-tier defense in the coming season and were also giving their starters on that side of the ball an extended look. Winston's preseason work is most likely done, with Ryan Griffin and a likely imminent signee (in the wake of Blaine Gabbert's shoulder injury) projected to handle quarterback duties in next Thursday's exhibition finale against the Cowboys.

Mayfield completed 10 of 26 passes for 72 yards with an interception in Friday's 13-12 preseason Week 3 loss to the Buccaneers.

Mayfield, who played the first half, didn't have several starters and the offensive line wasn't very good, but his timing was off and he overthrew several passes while working with guys that will be third and fourth on the wide receiver depth chart. His performance stood in sharp contrast to the one other series he played during the preseason, a sharp opening drive with the same surrounding players in preseason Week 1 against the Redskins. This was likely the last we see of Mayfield until he suits up for the regular-season opener against the Titans.

Allen completed three of six passes for 49 yards and added 17 yards on two rushes during Friday's 24-20 preseason win over Detroit.

The Bills' offense ran hot and cold Friday night, but Allen still managed to -- largely with the help of his veteran backfield -- lead two touchdown drives. Allen wasn't quite as sharp as he's been earlier in the preseason and benefited from a roughing the passer penalty that negated an interception. It was absolutely a tempering of what have become wild preseason expectations for Allen, but that might be a healthy development. Allen is entering his second season in the offense and is now surrounded by skill-position talent superior to what he benefited from as a rookie. He should take a big step as a sophomore, just maybe not as big as has been projected.

Gabbert suffered a dislocated left shoulder during Friday's preseason game against Cleveland, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

It's unclear at this time whether Gabbert will require surgery, but he's likely headed for further testing. He was in line to open the 2019 campaign as the backup quarterback behind Jameis Winston.

Gabbert suffered an injury to his shoulder in Friday's preseason contest against the Browns, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Gabbert knew something was wrong immediately, as indicated by the fact that he called the medical trainers over right away. Apart from the 29-year-old's reaction, it's unclear how serious the injury is or how long Gabbert will need to be sidelined, if at all. The injury could lead the way for third-stringer Ryan Griffin to build off an impressive preseason, including Tampa Bay's victory against the Dolphins last week in which he completed 14 passes for 201 yards as well as a touchdown and set up Matt Gay's game-winning 48-yard field goal.

Stafford is taking part in warmups Friday against the Bills, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

It looks like Stafford could get into some game action during this third preseason contest, which traditionally serves as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. If nothing else, Stafford's participation in warmups lends credence to his claims that last year's back injury is no longer bothering him.

Mayfield will start Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, Ken Carman of 92.3 The Fan reports.

Head coach Freddie Kitchens confirmed Mayfield's status and said he'll make an in-game decision on how much the quarterback plays.

Cousins and the team's other healthy key starters are slated to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

That's not especially surprising, given that most teams tend to give their starters their most significant exhibition action in Week 3 of the preseason, but with a number of squads punting on that trend this year, it's worth confirming Cousins' participation. Per the report, coach Mike Zimmer "has generally played starters through the first half and into the third quarter in the third preseason games he's coached." Then, once Cousins checks out of Saturday's contest, he'll presumably sit out Minnesota's preseason finale, with an eye toward being healthy for Week 1 action.

Minshew completed 17 of 27 passes for 141 passes with zero touchdowns, zero interceptions and a lost fumble in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins. He had one carry for 18 yards.

Starter Nick Foles made his first appearance of the preseason Thursday, but Minshew still saw extended action after taking over early in the second quarter. Despite another middling performance, Minshew has all but sewn up the Jaguars' backup quarterback job -- barring an outside acquisition -- after Tanner Lee was released last weekend. The 23-year-old should see plenty of reps in next Thursday's preseason finale versus the Falcons.

Lock (thumb) may open the season on injured reserve, ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold reports.

Dealing with a severe thumb sprain on his throwing hand, Lock will miss the rest of the preseason and isn't expected to be ready for Week 1. He'll be ineligible for the entire season if the Broncos place him on IR before final roster cuts, while he can return for the second half of the campaign if he's kept on the initial 53-man roster. Either way, Kevin Hogan is in line to open the regular season as Joe Flacco's backup.