NFL Player News

Bridgewater (knee) has been a standout performer during the first week of OTAs, ESPN's Rich Cimini reports.

The most important takeaway here is that the left knee Bridgewater had surgically repaired back in September of 2016 is no longer bothering him. New York is still hoping that third overall pick Sam Darnold will show enough readiness for the NFL to start right away, but Bridgewater could certainly beat out 38-year-old incumbent Josh McCown if Darnold needs more seasoning. Don't expect this quarterback battle to be settled until preseason at the earliest.

Tannehill participated in team drills Wednesday without a brace on his surgically repaired left knee, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Nine months removed from reconstructive surgery, Tannehill was expected to participate in OTAs this week without restrictions, so Schad's report seemingly supports that notion. Given the extent and nature of his injury, it wouldn't be surprising if the team manages Tannehill's snaps under center during training camp in an effort to keep him healthy for the start of the regular season. Given the other options on the roster (Brock Osweiler, David Fales and Bryce Petty) the Dolphins seem to be all in on Tannehill bouncing back from the injury and reclaiming his starting role in 2018.

Hackenberg was traded to the Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a conditional 2019 seventh-round pick.

Hackenberg was the odd man out during the start of OTAs on Tuesday, as he saw fewer reps than each of the other three Jets quarterbacks. The former Penn State standout was probably going to be released anyway this offseason after New York acquired Teddy Bridgewater and drafted Sam Darnold with the third overall pick. Hackenberg has been limited to just preseason action in each of the past two seasons, and chances are he'll end up being released by the Raiders, who already had three quarterbacks on their roster, before the start of this regular season.

Mariota didn't use a knee brace during the team's OTA session Tuesday, but he has yet to make a decision whether or not he will wear it during the season, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Mariota's availability isn't in question, but wearing a brace could hinder his mobility and output on the ground during the 2018 campaign. More information on that front should surface as the regular season nears, though the issue shouldn't have a large overall impact either way.

Watson (knee) was seen participating in throwing drills during OTAs on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This is the first time Watson has been seen participating in any football activity after going down with a torn ACL last season, which is another encouraging sign as training camp approaches. Head coach Bill O'Brien has said Watson is on track to participate in the team's training camp in July, and the fact that the second-year quarterback is already on the field throwing certainly supports that claim. Barring any setbacks, expect Watson's workload to gradually increase as the offseason moves along in anticipation of a potential return as the starting quarterback Week 1.

Bridgewater (knee) participated in team drills during OTAs on Tuesday, Connor Hughes of NJ.com reports.

Bridgewater was the second quarterback to take snaps during team drills after Josh McCown, with rookie Sam Darnold bringing up the rear, but that order is likely insignificant this early in the offseason. Regardless, it's another encouraging sign for the quarterback in his recovery that he is continuing to be a participant in the Jets' offseason programs, especially considering that reports surfaced in March that Bridgewater may be held out of the majority of offseason training. Those concerns seem to have been put to bed here. Bridgewater said his surgically repaired left knee "feels great" after Tuesday's drills. As Bridgewater's health improves, he'll continue battling for positioning on New York's quarterback depth chart with McCown and Darnold.

Tannehill (knee) isn't expected to have restrictions at OTAs this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Tannehill is more than nine months removed from having reconstructive surgery on his left knee, as he initially suffered a partial tear of his ACL in December of 2016, then aggravated the injury during the first week of training camp last year. He seems to be recovering on schedule -- or even a bit ahead -- but it still won't be surprising if the Dolphins manage his workload during training camp. The team is counting on a full rebound, considering Brock Osweiler, David Fales and Bryce Petty are the only other quarterbacks on the roster. Tannehill will be playing without Jarvis Landry at his side for the first time since 2013, but the Dolphins did at least sign a pair of capable slot targets in Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson. The team also used draft picks on tight ends Mike Gesicki (second round) and Durham Smythe (fourth), hoping to find an upgrade on the departed Julius Thomas, who remains unsigned.

Morris was claimed off waivers Monday by the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Morris was waived by the Seahawks three days ago after spending a month under contract with the team, his fifth as a pro. With Brandon Weeden and Joe Webb the only quarterbacks on the Texans' roster behind Deshaun Watson, Morris has a shot to compete for a backup job this offseason.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien said Watson (knee) is on schedule to participate in training camp, NFL Network's Will Selva reports.

O'Brien seemingly has been optimistic about all of his team's injuries throughout the offseason, particularly when discussing Watson and J.J. Watt (lower leg), two of the team's three most important players (along with DeAndre Hopkins). The second-year quarterback has yet to participate in any form of football activity, but the Texans haven't ruled out an appearance at some point during OTAs or mandatory minicamp between late May and mid-June. Watson will be 10 months removed from tearing the ACL in his right knee when Week 1 rolls around, and he's believed to have avoided any additional damage which could complicate the rehab process. The Texans initially predicted a timeline of eight or nine months, giving him a shot to be ready at the start of training camp. As things currently line up, Brandon Weeden likely would be the Week 1 starter if Watson were to suffer a late setback.

Morris was waived by the Seahawks on Friday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Morris' release came just under a month after he was signed by Seattle. If he goes unclaimed in the waiver process, he'll become a free agent able to sign with any team.