NFL Player News

Coach DeMeco Ryans suggested Monday that Stroud and other starters will play in Friday's preseason game against the Steelers, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Ryans didn't mention Stroud by name but said Houston's starters will get playing time. While there may be some exceptions, Stroud likely will handle at least a drive or two, perhaps giving fans a chance to see him connect with WR Stefon Diggs for the first time in a game environment.

Smith (knee/hip) is participating in practice Monday, Gregg Bell of The News Tribune reports.

Smith is throwing at practice in full pads, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. That constitutes the veteran signal-caller's first on-field activity since suffering knee and hip injuries last week, but medical examinations done last Thursday and Saturday didn't reveal a serious issue. The Seahawks' preseason opener is coming up on the road versus the Chargers on Saturday, but it remains to be seen whether Smith or backup Sam Howell will be considered to suit up.

Minshew outplayed Aidan O'Connell during Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports

Minshew got the first reps with the first-team offense -- something that's rotated between him and O'Connell throughout training camp. The former proceeded to throw a pair of TD passes, while O'Connell didn't have any and was picked off twice. It's only one practice, but Gutierrez suggests that Minshew may be pulling ahead in the competition between himself and O'Connell. Still, the ongoing job battle bears close watching this preseason, with the Raiders likely to play their starters more than a lot of other teams will.

Daniels is expected to play in Saturday's preseason opener on the road against the Jets, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Daniels has been the Commanders' first quarterback during the full-team sessions during training camp and appears likely to be the starter against New York. The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is battling with Marcus Mariota for the starting job in Washington this season, but Daniels seems to have the edge heading into the preseason.

Smith (knee) is expected to practice sometime next week, Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle reports.

This was expected after imaging Friday revealed the veteran quarterback didn't sustain any significant injuries to his knee or hip. While the Seahawks will likely be cautious with their starting quarterback, it seems likely Smith will return to the practice field in some capacity earlier next week.

Wilson (calf) remains in a competition with Justin Fields to serve as the Steelers' starting quarterback early in training camp, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Wilson has dealt with a calf injury over the first few days of training camp, which has allowed Fields to see increased playing time with the first-team offense. While coach Mike Tomlin recently indicated that "nothing has changed" in regard to Wilson being in "pole position" for the starting job, Fields has made plays with his arm and legs early in camp and could force the team's hand if his strong play continues throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason. Wilson recently returned to practice, but he's been brought along slowly as a precautionary measure, and his grasp on the starting job could slip if his injury lingers over the coming days and weeks.

Fields has impressed early in training camp and is still attempting to make a case for the starting quarterback job, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.

Fields has seen increased work with the first-team offense over the first few days of training camp since Russell Wilson has been hampered by a calf injury. While coach Mike Tomlin recently said that Wilson continues to have "pole position" in the quarterback competition, Fields has posed a challenge for Pittsburgh's defense through his versatility as a passer and runner. While Wilson remains the favorite to start with just over a month remaining until the regular season, Fields should continue to have the chance to compete for the job during preseason action.

Haener, who developed a rare form of skin cancer on his facial area, will have a procedure Monday to address the issue, Luke Loffredo of the USA Today reports.

The reports notes that Haener is expected back at practice Wednesday, following the Saints' off day on Tuesday. Once the 2023 fourth-rounder returns to the field, he and fifth-round draft pick Spencer Rattler are in line to compete for backup slotting behind top QB Derek Carr.

Smith isn't expected to miss time, as testing Thursday revealed no significant problems with his knee and hip, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

There was perhaps a brief moment of panic Thursday evening when Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald told reporters that Smith would undergo testing for multiple issues. It now sounds like the QB may just be dealing with soreness in his knee and hip, rather than anything that would threaten his Week 1 availability. The Seahawks may nonetheless hold Smith out of practice temporarily, which would give Sam Howell a chance to work with the starting offense.

Rypien completed 11 of 15 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. He added one rush for nine yards.

Rypien took over on the Bears' second possession and was masterful during his time in the game, averaging 11.1 yards per attempt while connecting with Collin Johnson (20, nine yards) and Tommy Sweeney (22 yards) for his trio of touchdown tosses. The journeyman signal-caller joined Chicago when free agency opened, and although he's generally been perceived as the No. 3 quarterback, Thursday's showing suggests he could conceivably usurp Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 job if he can put together an impressive enough body of work this preseason.