NFL Player News

Head coach Matt Patricia plans to give Stafford and the rest of the Detroit starters extended playing time in Friday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Patricia stopped short of stating exactly how much run he expects to give his first-team offense, but he did say he wants to get his team into "a regular-season mode," which suggests Stafford should get at least a few possessions Friday. The inability to pinpoint exactly how much Stafford will play obviously renders the quarterback a risky pick in DFS contests, but it could pay off if he stays in the game deep into the second quarter.

The Cowboys waived Sturm on Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Sturm's waiving opened the door for the Cowboys to add safety Jeron Johnson to the mix, and he will now be free to latch on elsewhere if he goes unclaimed through waivers.

Tannehill is preparing for his final action of the preseason Saturday against the Ravens, Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Tannehill has directed a conservative offense through the first two weeks of exhibition play, completing 18 of 23 passes for 132 yards without a touchdown or an interception. The Dolphins would be wise to open things up in their dress rehearsal for the regular season, perhaps letting Tannehill take some shots against a Baltimore defense that held opponents to a 72.4 passer rating last season. The cautious approach the past two weeks was partially a product of Miami's personnel, as outside receivers Kenny Stills (ankle) and DeVante Parker (hand) were limited by injuries. Parker won't play Saturday and isn't a sure thing for Week 1, but Stills finally seems to be healthy.

Mariota looks noticeably faster in practices than he did last season, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Mariota spent last offseason rehabbing from a knee injury, then wore a brace over his leg for the entire season. He's now working without the brace in practice, allowing for a clear improvement in speed and agility. The 24-year-old should see extended playing time in Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh after completing six of 10 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns over the first two weeks of the exhibition schedule. Mariota may even have his full complement of weapons available by Week 1, with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel saying Tuesday that he expects wideout Rishard Matthews (undisclosed) to begin practicing soon.

Goff will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans, Clarence Daniels of the Rams' official website reports.

Goff was held out for the first two exhibition games and probably won't get a ton of playing time in this one. The lack of in-game reps shouldn't be an issue, however, considering Goff is largely surrounded by the same supporting cast from last season, with the exception of swapping out downfield threat Sammy Watkins for Brandin Cooks.

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said Carr and other starters will play into the second quarter of Friday's preseason game against Green Bay, Matt Schneidman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Gruden held out most of his key players for the second week of the preseason in a matchup with a Rams team they'll face again in Week 1. Friday's exhibition will provide a real opportunity to get a look at the Raiders' first-team offense, though Gruden doesn't plan to leave Carr in the game beyond halftime. The 27-year-old quarterback completed two of four passes for 11 yards in the preseason opener against Detroit.

Allen will take most of the first-team reps during practice this week, Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.com reports.

Allen has already been named as the starter for Sunday's preseason game against the Bengals, essentially confirming that he's in the mix for the Week 1 starting job. Teams usually use the third week of the preseason to mimic their regular-season routine, and the Bills are doing just that by treating Allen as the starter all week. Nathan Peterman and AJ McCarron (shoulder) aren't out of the running just yet, but Allen can probably earn the job with strong showing in Sunday's game.

Beathard (foot) didn't practice Tuesday and is considered day-to-day, David Lombardi of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Beathard sprained his foot during last week's preseason game against the Texans and hasn't practiced since, but it doesn't appear too serious. QB Jimmy Garoppolo is on track to play the first half of Saturday's exhibition contest against the Colts, but Beathard could be called upon if healthy. If Beathard can't go, expect Nick Mullens to log extra snaps.

Keenum completed eight of 13 passes for 78 yards and a two-point conversion during Saturday's 24-23 loss to Chicago.

Keenum led Denver's offense to a touchdown and a field goal during his three drives of work, the latter two going for 21 total snaps. There is likely a throw or two that Keenum would like to have back, particularly a missed pass into the end zone to Emmanuel Sanders that forced Denver to settle for a field goal, but the game was an overall improvement for Keenum. If he's able to build on this performance in his third and likely final preseason game, he may be primed to best last season's career year.

Garoppolo and his fellow healthy starters on offense figure to play up to halftime in Saturday's preseason game against the Colts, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Garoppolo is thus an option in DFS formats this week before he sees little-to-no action in the 49ers' preseason finale on Aug. 30. Garoppolo's status as the team's franchise QB was cemented by his lucrative offseason contract extension, and optimism regarding his 2018 fantasy prospects abound due to his strong finish last year after being gifted to the 49ers from the Patriots. Looking ahead, Garoppolo will be supported by a revamped running attack led by Jerick McKinnon (calf) and a pass-catching corps featuring wideouts Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, as well as tight end George Kittle (shoulder). Though McKinnon and Kittle are currently sidelined, they are both expected back by Week 1.