NFL Player News

Coach DeMeco Ryans named Stroud the Texans' Week 1 starting quarterback after Sunday's preseason win over the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Stroud didn't see much volume during Sunday's preseason finale, but he completed two of four pass attempts for 16 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. The touchdown was his first of the preseason, and the rookie No. 2 overall pick will officially begin the 2023 season under center for Houston. In total, Stroud completed 11 of 20 passes for 89 yards, a touchdown and an interception over his three preseason games. Stroud has some rushing potential, but his 2023 fantasy upside is limited because he'll be running an offense that struggled last season while also playing under a first-year head coach.

Stroud completed two of four pass attempts for 16 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's preseason finale against New Orleans.

Stroud started Houston's first two offensive drives Sunday, finishing his brief appearance with a touchdown pass to Nico Collins after going three-and-out on the team's first possession. The promising rookie has been operating the first-unit offense all preseason despite not being officially named Week 1 starter by head coach DeMeco Ryans. Assuming this pattern holds true, Stroud will make his first regular-season start against the Ravens on Sept. 10.

Rypien completed seven of 13 passes for 67 yards and rushed once for two yards during Saturday's 41-0 preseason loss to the Broncos.

While Rypien's anemic stats under center in his final preseason action would normally be enough to call into question his security as Matthew Stafford's primary backup, Stetson Bennett had a significantly worse night, going four of nine for just 14 yards and two interceptions in his three drives. The Rams, who wanted to address their backup quarterback situation after last year's struggles with Stafford out, are arguably worse at the position than last year. While the Rams may feel inclined to keep both players on the roster initially, a dip into the free-agent quarterback market may be on the horizon after mostly uninspiring play in the preseason from Rypien and Bennett.

Bagent is in line for a roster spot with the Bears after the team waived fellow quarterback PJ Walker on Sunday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Bagent initially appeared to be in a battle with veteran Nathan Peterman for Chicago's No. 3 quarterback spot this preseason. However, the rookie turned some heads with his dynamic play under center, including when he completed seven of his team-high 14 passes to go along with four rushes for 23 yards during Saturday's preseason finale against the Bills. Bagent may have even earned himself a role as the team's No. 2 quarterback spot, as he would likely do a better job fitting into a scheme built around starter Justin Fields than Peterman would.

The Bears informed Walker that he will be waived Sunday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Walker signed a two-year, $4.15 million contract with the Bears this offseason, and he appeared to earn the team's No. 2 quarterback spot given his play this preseason. However, it looks like his performance across these contests wasn't enough to separate him from journeyman backup Nathan Peterman and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent. Even if the Bears opt to keep just two quarterbacks on their active roster, it's likely that Peterman and Bagent now will slot into these roles behind Justin Fields. If he's not claimed off waivers, Walker should attract a solid list of teams interested in adding him as a backup quarterback prior to Week 1.

The Raiders waived Garbers on Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Garbers played sparingly in the preseason, completing 8-of-11 passes for 57 yards and one touchdown in two games. He lost out on the backup competition to veteran Brian Hoyer and Aidan O'Connell. He'll look for opportunities elsewhere once he clears waivers.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said Sunday that White has cleared concussion protocol, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

White landed in concussion protocols following Miami's second preseason game and was sidelined for the finale. His absence has allowed Skylar Thompson to remain in contention for the backup spot behind starter Tua Tagovailoa, as McDaniel noted that he's not ready to announce who'll be the No. 2 QB yet.

Stidham completed 17 of 28 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the Broncos' 41-0 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday night. He also rushed once for 20 yards.

Stidham drew the start and got extended run with Russell Wilson sitting out. The veteran delivered a highly encouraging performance, one in which he averaged 8.4 yards per attempt while also showing off his rushing chops on his one carry. Making his night all the more impressive was the fact Stidham played without Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) and Courtland Sutton, and he seems primed to serve as a very effective No. 2 option behind Wilson to open the season.

Grier completed 29 of 35 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 31-16 preseason win over the Raiders. He added 10 rushes for 53 yards and two additional scores.

The Cowboys reportedly informed Grier that he would be cut following the addition of Trey Lance, though he got the chance to audition for a new job around the league while playing the entire game. He certainly took advantage, as he led the Dallas offense on four touchdown drives, which he capped with 15 and nine-yard passing scores as well as rushing touchdowns of two and seven yards. Grier may have to settle for a spot on a team's practice squad, but he should find a new opportunity after this excellent performance.

O'Connell completed 17 of 26 passes for 178 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 31-16 preseason loss to the Cowboys.

O'Connell played the first three quarters of the matchup and wrapped up the first preseason of his professional career. Overall, he completed 43 of 62 passes for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions across three games. O'Connell may enter the season as the Raiders' third quarterback, but he should have a chance to pass Brian Hoyer at some point.