NFL Player News

Sanders and Deshaun Watson will split first-team reps during joint practices ahead of the Browns' second preseason game against the Bills on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sanders is set to start and play throughout the first half in that contest, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Watson drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bears and outperformed Sanders, the latter of whom completed 6 of 11 pass attempts for 79 yards and an interception while adding two carries for three yards in a 34-10 loss. Sanders' interception came early in the fourth quarter, when he overthrew his intended receiver. Sanders will start against Buffalo next week, and the plan is to have him play in the first half while Watson opens the third quarter and Dillon Gabriel gets work in the final period.

Gabriel is in line to play the fourth quarter of next Saturday's preseason game against the Bills, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Shedeur Sanders is set to get the most snaps, with the second-year quarterback marked to play the first half of the contest. Deshaun Watson will see snaps in the third quarter, and Gabriel is set to take the contest home. If Gabriel wants a chance for the No. 2 role, he will need to show out in the little game time he is given.

The Packers waived Drones on Saturday.

Drones signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in early May. The quarterback had just one pass attempt in Thursday's preseason opener against the Steelers, and it did not result in a completion. Drones will now be placed on waivers, and if he clears will become a free agent able to sign with any franchise.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Saturday that Stroud and the other healthy starters will play in Thursday's preseason game against Las Vegas, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Ryans will give his key players some run after holding them out from the preseason opener. Stroud's offensive line crucially appears healthy, including new starters Braden Smith (RT), Wyatt Teller (LG) and Keylan Rutledge (C).

Rourke (ribs) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Rourke was hospitalized during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Titans due to shortness of breath caused by a rib injury. The quarterback's return to practice just two days after the issue is a strong sign that he is past the issue and set to back up Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. Rourke will likely see significant snaps in next Thursday's preseason showdown with the Chargers.

The Texans placed Mertz (knee) on injured reserve Saturday.

Mertz suffered a torn ACL during Thursday's preseason opener against the Chargers. The quarterback's season is over, so a move to injured reserve is not surprising. The Texans signed Brett Rypien in a corresponding move.

The Texans signed Rypien to a contract Saturday.

With Graham Mertz (knee) being moved to season-ending injured reserve, the Texans were looking for another quarterback to bolster depth at the position. Rypien played in one regular-season game for the Bengals in 2025, taking just three offensive snaps. The quarterback will slot behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills as an emergency option.

Dart (undisclosed) was cleared to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Dart was briefly evaluated in the blue medical tent after taking a bit hit from Jay Ward. It was a quick check by trainers, as Dart was given the green light to return and proceeded to throw a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields.

Dart went to the medical tent during the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Dart took a big hit from Vikings safety Jay Ward in the first quarter, and he was evaluated by team doctors shortly thereafter.

Zappe, who's battling rookie Cade Klubnik for the Jets' No. 2 quarterback job, hurt his chances in Friday's preseason loss to the Buccaneers, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Klubnik got the surprise start Friday after Geno Smith was ruled out due to an ankle injury, and he turned in a solid first two drives of the game. Meanwhile, Zappe followed Klubnik and completed six of 10 passes for 55 yards, but two of his incompletions were interceptions, including one pick-six. Zappe will have two additional preseason games to make his case, but Cimini notes the veteran signal-caller appears to clearly be behind Klubnik at the moment.