NFL Player News

Rudolph did not play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Bills.

Rudolph has likely already secured the backup quarterback role behind Aaron Rodgers to start the 2026 regular season. Thursday night's contest once again saw a half of Will Howard (head) and a half of Drew Allar at quarterback, leaving Rudolph to rest with Rodgers as they await the regular season.

Green completed five of seven passes for 27 yards while rushing eight times for 66 yards in Thursday's 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots.

Green got his first taste of NFL game action by playing the second half of Thursday's preseason finale after Dillon Gabriel tossed three first-half touchdowns. The rookie sixth-round pick out of Arkansas wasn't asked to do much as a passer, but Green showed off his mobility and finished as the team's leading rusher. Green had 16 rushing touchdowns in two years at Arkansas after scoring 19 across his preceding two seasons at Boise State, but he likely needs some development as a passer, and he's set to open the regular season as the fourth option on Cleveland's QB depth chart behind Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Gabriel.

Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns while rushing four times for three yards in Thursday's 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots.

Gabriel got the start in the preseason finale with the Browns resting anointed Week 1 starter Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The 2025 third-round pick made the most of his opportunity Thursday, throwing touchdown passes of six and 14 yards to Luke Floriea, as well as a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ahmani Marshall in the first half before subbing out for rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green at halftime. Gabriel is third on Cleveland's QB depth chart heading into the regular season, but he started six games during his rookie campaign and could work his way into the mix again, as neither Watson nor Sanders has looked particularly impressive.

Mendoza remains in the mix for the Raiders' starting quarterback job along with veteran Kirk Cousins, Vinny Bonsignore of the California Post reports.

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza opened training camp as the No. 2 QB and has remained there through the preseason, but he has earned some reps with the first-team offense along the way in both practices and exhibitions. He wrapped up his three preseason contests having completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Until coach Klint Kubiak makes a decision, ther potential exists for Mendoza to be under center for Las Vegas in Week 1 versus the Dolphins

Coach Klint Kubiak said after Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers that he hasn't made a decision between Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza regarding who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback, Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reports.

Cousins opened training camp as the Raiders' starting QB and has been listed as No. 1 on the depth chart throughout camp and exhibition season. On Thursday, he started and completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, which seemingly wasn't enough to lock down the job over Mendoza. As a result, this situation remains the top lingering job battle in advance of Week 1.

Cousins completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

The Raiders' presumptive starting quarterback to open the 2026 season drew the start and led the Raiders to field goals on each of his two drives. Cousins' longest completion was a relatively modest 14-yard connection with Tre Tucker, and he also hit top target Brock Bowers for the first time in a game setting for a six-yard gain on the opening possession. Cousins was also efficient in his other preseason appearance against the Cardinals two games ago, seemingly leaving him ready to face off with the Dolphins at home in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Howard (head) is being evaluated for a potential concussion after Thursday's preseason finale against the Bills, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Howard played the entire first half, completing nine of his 15 pass attempts for 69 yards and two touchdowns with just one interception. The quarterback also took three sacks for 22 yards before exiting the game at the half. With Sunday's cutdown approaching, Drew Allar's nine of 18 for 88 yards and no touchdowns, picks or sacks may not have inspired much confidence either. The No. 3 role behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph may default to Allar if Howard is indeed suffering from a significant head injury.

Smith will not play in Friday's preseason finale against the Giants, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Smith and most of the Jets' starters will sit out Friday's contest as the team prepares for Week 1 against the Titans on Sunday, Sept. 13. The quarterback played the opening drive of the team's preseason win over Pittsburgh on Aug. 21, completing all seven of his passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. That will end up being the only action he sees during the preseason, and Week 1 will be his first regular-season start with the Jets since 2016.

Milroe is going to start and play the entire preseason game Friday against the Chiefs, Corbin K. Smith of Emerald City Spectrum reports.

The second-year pro is firmly entrenched as the third quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, so his status for the final preseason contest likely has more to do with developmental reps than anything else. Milroe has struggled so far in the preseason, going 11 for 19 for 88 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Rodgers isn't in uniform for Thursday's preseason contest at Buffalo, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Rodgers thus won't get any in-game reps with Pittsburgh's top wide receiver duo of DK Metcalf (hamstring) and Michael Pittman (hamstring) ahead of the regular season. Because both Metcalf and Pittman returned to the field Monday, the trio will continue to build a rapport during practices in advance of a Week 1 matchup with the Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 13.