NFL Player News

New Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is committed to "taking the load off Andy Dalton," reports the team's website. The report said Dalton's pass attempts will drop from last year's 586 and come closer to 407, the number of passes thrown by Seattle's Russell Wilson.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his surgically-repaired knee feels "really good" following OTA workouts. Bradford is coming off last year's torn ACL.

"I think part of it is building up the endurance in my legs," Bradford said. "I can kind of feel a little bit of fatigue today, but I think that's normal just not having been out here practicing like that. That's really what I'm going to work on during this five-week break."

Coach Jeff Fisher was glad to see Bradford able to participate in OTAs.

"We had a plan throughout," Fisher said. "We allowed him to do some things in the skill development, and he did. We got him on the field in the first couple OTAs. Just in the passing fashion he was good. Then today and obviously on Tuesday, he participated in team periods - that was encouraging. He's got a plan for the summer. He's going to get away for a little bit. He needs to get away. He's been here every day, and he'll come back ready to go."

Fisher still believes in Bradford as a franchise quarterback.

"Yeah, there’s no doubt," Fisher said. "He's got the vision, the decision making ability, the arm strength and mobility to put up great numbers."

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill continues to make progress with the new offense, reports the Miami Herald. 

"A lot better today," Tannehill saud Thursday. "Still not perfect. We had a lot less mental errors. It’s exciting to see the progression."

Tannehill also expressed his appreciation for new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

"He's very precise," Tannehill said. "He wants everything exactly like he talked about. That gives me comfort. ... That accountability is raised."

Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr has moved into the No. 2 role behind Matt Schaub and ahead of Matt McGloin, reports ESPN.

"We're trying to expedite his progression, and I've liked a lot of things I've seen out of Derek," coach Dennis Allen said. "He's still got a long way to go and I like the direction he's headed." 

Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater received more snaps than any other quarterback during the team's three-day minicamp, reports ESPN. But it was Matt Cassel that got most of the first-team work.

Still, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he's not afraid to start Bridgewater if he's the best man for the job. And Bridgewater feels like he's learning as he goes.

"It's amazing that I've been able to learn so much in the six weeks that I've been here," Bridgewater said. "I've just been gaining that confidence every day. Just feeling really comfortable right now and knowing that I still have room for improvement and a long way to go to be where I want to be. I'm feeling confident and comfortable right now, but I still have more to learn."

Zimmer said Bridgewater will start if he's deserving. 

"I don't know if it’s a risk," Zimmer said about playing a young quarterback. "I think with that position you have to weigh a lot of different factors: how the defense is, where you’re at in the progression of things, maybe more so at that position than when you’re talking about a safety that handles different things."

Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Thursday that Charlie Whitehurst will be the No. 2 quarterback for the team. The Tennessean reports that Whisenhunt made it clear that he has confidence in him. There was some belief that rookie Zach Mettenberger would have a chance to get the job.

Jake Locker is the Titans' starting quarterback. 

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 28 of 32 passes through the first two days of minicamp according to ESPN, with one of the incompletions being a drop off the hands of Jarius Wright. By comparison, Matt Cassel on Wednesday completed 5 of 14 passes with three batted down.

Bridgewater received high praise from offensive coordinator Norv Turner on Wednesday, a day after head coach Mike Zimmer said the starting quarterback job was wide open. 

Jets quarterback Geno Smith will take 70 to 75 percent of the first-team snaps at training camp next month, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg told the New York Daily News. Smith is clearly ahead of Michael Vick in the quarterback "competition."

As long as Smith doesn't flop, he'll open the season under center.

Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett sported a brace on his knee during warmup drills on Wednesday, suggesting that is the reason for him missing offseason workouts. ESPN notes rookie Jimmy Garoppolo took his reps in team drills, struggling with everything from getting the snap to completing passes. 

Vikings offensive coordinator dispelled the notion that rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater didn't have a strong arm, saying Wednesday that his deep ball has been outstanding. 

"I think in the six-to-eight weeks we've had him on the field, I think he's been put in a position where's he's had to make most of the throws he would have to make," he said per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I think he can make all the throws he needs to make."

Per Turner, Bridgewater has already been allowed to make audibles and has been very instinctive and knows what's being asked of him. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said this week that the starting quarterback job was open heading into training camp.