NFL Player News

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday that he expects Lance (hand) to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Lance hasn't taken team reps at practice this week while wearing a wrap on his right hand, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, but the injury isn't expected to sideline the 2021 first-round pick Saturday. Lance is competing with Taylor Heinicke for the backup spot behind Justin Herbert. Harbaugh indicated that all three quarterbacks will see the field Saturday.

Herbert will start Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

With regard to to the Chargers' approach to the contest, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Thursday, "We're going to play starters on Saturday." As for Herbert, who is in line to make his first-ever preseason appearance, Harbaugh said that the QB is expected to play "a series, could be two," along with the team's other offensive starters. Beyond that, Harbaugh expects both Trey Lance (hand) and Taylor Heinicke to log snaps this weekend.

Bonitto (foot) will be sidelined for Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday that the team hopes Bonitto will be back at practice the following week after having a bone spur removed from his foot. Bonitto suited up for Denver's preseason opener against the 49ers this past Saturday, occupying his customary starting spot at linebacker.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Nix and the majority of starters won't play during Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Payton also said that Nix and the starters would play somewhere in the range of 8-10 snaps during Denver's preseason finale against New Orleans on Saturday, Aug. 23. The second-year signal-caller completed six of 11 passes for 31 yards during the Broncos' preseason opener against the 49ers, and it sounds like he'll get a chance to handle one more drive during the team's exhibition finale. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will split reps versus Arizona, with Nix watching from the sidelines.

Burton has a hamstring injury, head coach Sean Payton said Thursday, Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post reports.

Burton has been sidelined in practice throughout August due to a previously undisclosed injury, which has now been clarified as a hamstring injury. Once healthy, he isn't expected to face competition for the team's fullback role.

Adkins (ankle) won't be ready for the start of the regular season, coach Sean Payton relayed Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reports.

Adkins will be sidelined for more than a month due to a tightrope procedure on an ankle sprain. If he makes the team despite his injury, Adkins would provide depth in a tight-end room that also includes Evan Engram, Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull.

Reed (foot) is not wearing a walking boot at Thursday's practice, though he is not participating in on-field activities, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Reed appears to be making incremental progress in his recovery from a lingering foot injury, though he still appears on track to sit out Saturday's preseason game against the Colts as the Packers continue to prioritize his availability for Week 1. Green Bay's passing offense is heavily depleted at Thursday's practice, with Jordan Love (thumb) sidelined, along with wideouts Reed, Romeo Doubs (back), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Christian Watson (ACL), the latter of whom remains on the active/PUP list.

Horn (thumb) won't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.

Horn injured his thumb in a car accident last Wednesday and required stitches. The team isn't worried about his availability for the regular season, but the standout cornerback won't play in Saturday's preseason game and probably won't be available for the Aug. 21 preseason finale against Pittsburgh, either.

Dekkers was waived by the Saints on Thursday.

The Saints have signed and waived Dekkers twice over the past three months. The rookie quarterback is trying to earn a spot in the NFL after going undrafted out of Iowa Western.

West has a hyperextended knee, David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard reports.

West's likely looking at a short-term injury, per Lombardi, though a more specific recovery timeline hasn't been established for the rookie fourth-round pick. The 49ers begin regular-season play Sept. 7 against the Seahawks. San Francisco's next preseason game is Saturday against the Raiders.