NFL Player News

Minshew and other starters won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the 49ers, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Minshew was competent but unspectacular this preseason, completing 16 of 33 passes for 212 yards in two games, without any touchdowns or turnovers. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce named the 28-year-old as his Week 1 starter Sunday, leaving Aidan O'Connell as the backup QB heading into a season opener on the road against the Chargers (Sept. 8). In the meantime, Minshew and O'Connell both will sit out the final preseason game, leaving Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman to handle QB snaps.

Stidham is primed to open the regular season as the top backup to Bo Nix, whom coach Sean Payton named the Broncos' starting quarterback Wednesday.

Stidham has been outplayed by Nix, the No. 12 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, across two preseason games, so Payton's decision doesn't come as much of a surprise. Nix also boasts ample experience as a collegiate starter, while Stidham's modest arm strength and lack of scrambling potential leave him more comfortable in a reserve role. Barring an injury to Nix, Stidham is unlikely to see extended action for Denver this season, though he does seem comfortably ahead of No. 3 quarterback Zach Wilson on the depth chart.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Watson (arm) was limited in practice due to "general arm soreness," Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski added that he hasn't yet made a decision on Watson's status for Saturday's preseason finale against the Seahawks, though Kelsey Russo of the team's official site reports that the coach said earlier this week that starters "should expect to play." Per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, Jameis Winston handled all the first-team reps at practice Wednesday with Watson being held out. Stefanski mentioned that he's "not overly concerned" about Watson's health.

Lock (hip) didn't participate in team drills Wednesday, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

The Giants' No. 2 quarterback injured his hip during the team's first preseason game against the Lions, and he's yet to return to the field. While Lock remains sidelined, expect Tommy DeVito to take snaps as New York's second-string quarterback.

Head coach Sean Payton announced Wednesday that Nix will open the regular season as Denver's starting quarterback, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Nix began the offseason in a competition with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting gig, but after a strong preseason, the rookie will officially line up under center Week 1 on the road against Seattle. The 12th overall pick boasts five years of experience as a collegiate starter and could adapt to the speed of the NFL quicker than the typical rookie quarterback, especially given that his short-field accuracy makes him a perfect fit for Payton's offensive scheme. In last Sunday's preseason win over Green Bay, Nix completed eight of nine passes for 80 yards, including a two-yard touchdown throw to Tim Patrick. Per Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, Payton hasn't yet decided whether Nix and the Broncos' other starters will play in Sunday's exhibition finale against Arizona.

Perry signed a contract with the Jaguars on Wednesday.

Perry's addition comes as C.J. Beathard is sidelined due to a groin injury and is not expected to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Falcons. The former has spent time in the organization as recently as last season, and should be able to provide reps in practice and is an option to suit up in Friday's game.

Wilson said Wednesday that he and other key players will play in Saturday's preseason game at Detroit, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

The Steelers apparently will deploy their first-string offense for a third time in as many preseason games, although in Wilson's case, it'll be just his second appearance because he dealt with a calf injury in late July and early August. While Wilson is still considered the favorite to get the Week 1 start, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests that the 35-year-old could split first-team reps with Justin Fields in this weekend's exhibition finale.

Cowboys owner Jerry jones said Tuesday that Lance will have a spot on the 53-man roster, Saad Yousuf of The Athletic reports.

Jones' comments aren't a big surprise with NFL teams now allowed to more easily carry three quarterbacks, but Lance is still in the running to take the No. 2 job from Cooper Rush and emerge as Dak Prescott's primary backup this season. Lance's mobility and athleticism have been on display this preseason, but he's only attempted 102 passes since being selected third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the 49ers. Lance's ability to read defenses and manage game situations remains a work in progress.

Head coach Dan Campbell stated Tuesday that he'd like Hooker to start Saturday against the Steelers, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Hooker is currently in a battle with Nate Sufeld for the backup quarterback job behind Jared Goff. The second-year pro was arguably the better performer in the Lions' win over the Chiefs last Saturday, completing 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards while he also rushed for a touchdown.

Coach Shane Steichen said that Colts' starters, including Richardson, will play into the second quarter of Thursday's preseason finale against the Bengals, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Richardson didn't see any action in this past Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, but he's in line to play a quarter or more Thursday. Once he gets his reps in versus Cincinnati, the QB's focus will then turn to preparing for a Week 1 start against the Texans on Sunday, Sept. 8.