NFL Player News

Ridder is not expected to play in the Falcons' preseason finale against the Steelers Thursday night, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

The Falcons are not expected to play any of their starters in the final exhibition ahead of Week 1, and instead Logan Woodside is likely to see plenty of reps against Pittsburgh in an effort to convince the coaching staff to keep him around as the QB3 behind Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. In total this preseason, Ridder played 17 offensive snaps, completing seven of nine pass attempts for 80 scoreless yards and a red-zone interception.

Mariota will start Friday against the Colts, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mariota is only expected to play one series before giving way to Tanner McKee, and eventually Ian Book. The Oregon product has struggled at times learning his new team's offense during training camp, but he's fully expected to remain the team's No. 2 option behind Jalen Hurts this season.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said on Thursday that Lance is "most likely" going to remain with the 49ers as the third quarterback, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

Shanahan admitted the team is exploring all options for Lance after he lost the QB2 job to Sam Darnold on Wednesday, but "the most likely option is that he's here." Shanahan did say he'd look to do right by Lance if a change of scenery is needed, but the 49ers were ravaged by quarterback injuries last season and could be hesitant to send one away. Lance's trade value is the lowest it's been at any point. Perhaps a strong showing in the final preseason contest could get another team to surrender a mid-round pick, but San Francisco might not be willing to move on yet.

Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Thursday that Dobbs will open the coming season as the Browns' No. 2 QB, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

With Kellen Mond having been waived Thursday, 2023 fifth-rounder Dorian Thompson-Robinson slots in as the team's QB3 ahead of Week 1. Dobbs thus is next in line for regular-season signal-caller reps in the event that starter Deshaun Watson misses any time.

Hurts is unlikely to play in Thursday's preseason game against Indianapolis, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It sounds like the Eagles will focus on competitions for back-end roster spots, with even No. 2 QB Marcus Mariota expected to play just one series. Hurts can soon turn his focus to the regular season, opening with a trip to New England on Sept. 10 and then a home game against the Vikings four days later (Sept. 14). His toughest matchups are mostly bunched together in early November through early December during a five-game stretch in which the Eagles face Dallas (twice), Kansas City, Buffalo, San Francisco

White is still in the league's concussion protocols despite practicing Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

White entered protocols Monday and after returning to the field Wednesday, it was believed he had been fully cleared. However, the 28-year-old still hasn't made it through every step of the protocol. Head coach Mike McDaniel has stated White will not play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Jaguars, even if he's been cleared to play.

Mond was waived by the Browns on Thursday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Mond was unable to surpass Joshua Dobbs or Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the depth chart during training camp and the preseason and will ultimately be the odd man out even if Cleveland chooses to keep two backup quarterbacks behind starter Deshaun Watson. The 2021 third-round selection will now work to find another opportunity.

Darnold will come in after Brock Purdy during Friday's preseason finale against the Chargers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Darnold was officially named the team's No. 2 quarterback Wednesday, so his entrance behind Purdy and ahead of Trey Lance makes sense. It may be more notable that Purdy will be suiting up after he played in Saturday's game against the Broncos and looked sharp. Darnold will look to cement why he was chosen to be the top backup when he takes the field Friday.

Coach Sean McDermott said Thursday that Allen and the starters will play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bears, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The first unit had a terrible outing in Saturday's preseason loss to the Steelers, so we imagine the coaching staff would like to see some more positive vibes heading into a tough Week 1 matchup against the Jets. Expect Allen's time to still be limited, while those rostering him will hope for a drama-free outing at a time when most of the other NFL starters will be taking a seat.

Purdy, Sam Darnold and Trey Lance are all scheduled to play in Friday's preseason game against the Chargers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan revealed his plan Thursday night, a few hours after it was reported that Darnold had won the No. 2 QB job. Lance is now the subject of trade rumors, yet again, while Purdy is locked in as the Week 1 starter and on track to make his second appearance of the 2023 preseason. Purdy was solid last week against the Broncos, completing five of six passes for 65 yards and adding a carry for eight yards.