NFL Player News

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that Marcus Mariota has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee, which puts Hartman in position to be the Commanders' backup quarterback for the rest of the preseason.

Mariota picked up the injury during the Commanders' 20-7 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday, and follow-up tests confirmed a sprained MCL. Hartman didn't have the best performance in the Commanders' preseason opener, completing eight of 15 passes for 80 yards and an interception while turning three carries into 13 yards. Given that he's been Washington's emergency QB3 since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in April 2024, Hartman figures to be ahead of Athan Kaliakmanis to be the team's backup quarterback behind Jayden Daniels while Mariota is sidelined, though the Commanders may bring in a veteran quarterback to compete for the QB2 job.

Mariota is expected to miss the rest of the preseason due to a sprained MCL in his knee, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mariota sustained the injury in the first quarter of the Commanders' 20-7 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday. Sam Hartman and undrafted rookie Athan Kaliakmanis are the other two reserve quarterbacks on the training camp roster, so the Commanders could look to acquire another QB via free agency or trade to provide depth behind Jayden Daniels. Mariota will focus on rehab and recovery over the next few weeks, and head coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism Sunday that Mariota will be available for the Commanders' regular-season opener against the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Payton completed four of nine passes for 37 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and added three rushes for 45 yards in the Eagles' 24-7 preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday.

The rookie fifth-round pick is strictly a developmental project, but Payton flashed some playmaking ability while saving the Eagles from a shutout with a late six-yard touchdown pass to Erik Ezukanma. Payton also accrued a team-high rushing yardage total with the help of a game-long 17-yard run, making it an eventful pro debut overall. Payton should continue to have ample second-half opportunities over Philadelphia's final two preseason games.

Huntley completed six of seven passes for 76 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Ravens' 24-7 preseason win over the Eagles on Saturday.

With Lamar Jackson inactive Saturday, Huntley started the game and was highly efficient during his time in the game. The veteran did take sacks on back-to-back plays during the opening possession, but he also recorded 29- and 18-yard completions in the contest. Huntley is seemingly locked in to serve as Jackson's primary backup again in 2026, so it's uncertain how much more action he'll see in the Ravens' final pair of exhibitions.

Dalton started Saturday's 24-7 preseason loss to the Ravens and completed three of six passes for 20 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The veteran backup found out earlier in the week he'd get the starting call to open the Eagles' preseason schedule, per Jeff Neiburg of The Philadelphia Inquirer, but it could be Tanner McKee who opens Philadelphia's second preseason contest. Dalton played on the first three possessions before giving way to McKee, yet neither quarterback did anything to distinguish themselves on a sluggish night for Philadelphia's offense. Dalton's next opportunity to make a case for the No. 2 job comes next Saturday night on the road against the Patriots.

Dart completed three of four passes for 26 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 13-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

The second-year quarterback started the Giants' exhibition opener and saw work on the first two possessions. He was briefly evaluated in the blue medical tent after taking a hit when running back Tyrone Tracy missed a block in the first quarter, but he re-entered the contest. He proceeded to finish off his day with an off-balance 15-yard touchdown toss to rookie wideout Malachi Fields as Dart scrambled out of the pocket to avoid pressure. Dart didn't pick up any yards on the ground, continuing a focus on reining in the reckless playing style that led to him being checked for concussions on five separate occasions in 2025. He should still do damage with his legs once the regular season begins after gaining 487 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, but with more skill-position talent around him on the roster and better protection from an upgraded offensive line, Dart may not feel compelled to scramble as often in 2026.

Bagent completed 13 of 22 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown with an interception in Saturday's 34-10 preseason win over the Browns. He added seven yards on his lone carry.

Caleb Williams got the day off in the Bears' preseason opener, and Bagent played the entire first half while leading two scoring drives, the first of which ended in a 25-yard TD toss to depth wideout Maurice Alexander in the second quarter. Bagent remains ahead of Case Keenum, who took over to begin the second half, on the QB depth chart, but it would take an injury to Williams for either to see meaningful action in 2026.

Rattler went 8-for-11 on pass attempts for 42 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a preseason loss to the Jaguars on Saturday.

Rattler's completion percentage was fine, but he averaged only 3.8 yards per attempt, and his longest completion went for just nine yards. He also was sacked twice, with one sack resulting in a lost fumble, and all of his completions came on his final drive of the game during the second quarter. Tyler Shough, who is projected to start behind center for New Orleans this season, didn't play, and Zach Wilson had arguably the most impressive QB performance for the Saints on Saturday by completing 11 of 16 pass attempts for 145 yards and a touchdown. Per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, New Orleans is expected to play mostly backups again next Saturday versus the Rams in the team's second preseason contest, so Rattler may have another chance to start and potentially make a positive impression.

Shough didn't log any action in the Saints' preseason opener versus Jacksonville on Saturday.

Shough, who is slated to be New Orleans' starting QB this season, was among a number of the team's projected starters who didn't suit up. Spencer Rattler, Hunter Dekkers and Zach Wilson all got a chance to lead the team's offense Saturday, and Wilson was arguably the most impressive by completing 11 of 16 pass attempts for 145 yards and the Saints' only passing touchdown. According to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints are expected to again play mostly backups next Saturday in their second preseason contest against the Rams, so Shough may not suit up then either. However, Shough should still get meaningful reps since the Saints have joint practices against both the Cowboys and Rams next week.

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears. He added four rushing yards on three carries and lost a fumble.

The veteran QB may have gotten a leg up on Shedeur Sanders in the battle for the Browns' starting job. Watson played the entire first half and led his team on its only two scoring drives of the day, including one capped by a 14-yard TD run by rookie wideout KC Concepcion early in the second quarter. Watson did cost Cleveland a potential third score, however, coughing up the ball on a sack in Chicago territory. Sanders and Watson will continue their competition in next week preseason's contest against the Bills, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports, with Sanders starting and Watson playing the second half this time around. Another solid effort from Watson could be enough for coach Todd Monken to name him the Week 1 starter.