NFL Player News

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said Tuesday it is a "possibility" quarterback Geno Smith (jaw) goes on short-term injured reserve, which means he would miss at least the first eight weeks of the season. However, Maccagnan quickly added it was unlikely Smith would be placed on short-term IR.

Maccagnan suggested Smith would likely miss the first four games of the season. Although, he is expecting Smith to rejoin the team later this week. Smith is recovering from surgery to fix his broken jaw. He suffered the injury in a fight with former teammate IK Enemkpali.

Steelers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has been activated from the team's Physically Unable to Perform list, the team announced Sunday.

Gradkowski had been sidelined due to a sore shoulder, but he was able to practice Sunday.

Browns quarterback Connor Shaw will be out an extended amount of time after sustaining a thumb injury, the team announced Sunday.

Shaw suffered the injury during Thursday's preseason game and he will need surgery to correct the issue.

"I feel for Connor because he has worked extremely hard," Browns coach Mike Pettine said. "He's a competitor and has had a great offseason and a good camp so far. He is good for the quarterback room and it's unfortunate that this injury won't allow him to compete."

Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston went 9 of 19 for 131 yards and an interception during his preseason debut against the Vikings on Saturday.

''It was preseason so it was kind of low intensity, but it was good to get one under your belt,'' Winston said, adding: ''Of course, I had butterflies, but that's just because I wanted to do the right thing.''

Winston rushed for an eight-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer threw a 58-yard touchdown to Cecil Shorts in the opening drive of Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers.

Hoyer, who played just one drive, finished the game 2 for 4 for 67 yards.

''It was more just a new fresh start for me and you want to go out and put your best foot forward, so I think it was just that for me,'' Hoyer said.

Hoyer is battling with Ryan Mallett for the starting quarterback spot. Mallet finished the game 10 for 11 for 90 yards.

Eagles coach Chip Kelly announced that quarterback Sam Bradford will not play in the team's preseason opener Sunday, with Mark Sanchez starting for the team instead, per the team's website. 

Kelly said that Bradford has only being doing 11-on-11 practice for two weeks and that he wants to bring him along at the right pace. Bradford will play in the team's next preseason contest on Aug. 22. 

Jets quarterback Geno Smith underwent surgery Thursday to correct his broken jaw, the team announced.

Smith had plates and screws inserted into his jaw and will remain in the hospital over night. Smith broke his jaw when he got into a fight with a teammate. He is expected to be out for 6-10 weeks. 

Jets quarterback Geno Smith decided to undergo surgery on his broken jaw after receiving a second opinion on the injury, according to ESPN. 

Sources said that Smith, who suffered the injury after being punched by a teammate Tuesday, will miss 6-10 weeks after undergoing the surgery. 

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't play in last season's preseason opener, but all signs point to him playing in this year's first preseason game. 

"I'm not sure how much time I'll play, but I'll be there," Rodgers said, per ESPN. "And I think we're going to go with the starters for a little while."

Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be the backup during the team's next two preaseason games, coach Rex Ryan said according to NFL.com.

Taylor will back up Matt Cassel, while former first-round pick E.J. Manuel slides down to the third spot on the depth chart.