NFL Player News

Coach Liam Coen announced Thursday that the Jaguars plan to play their starters (including Lawrence) versus the Steelers in Saturday's preseason opener, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Per the report, Coen indicated that getting Lawrence and the Jaguars' key healthy players some game reps this weekend would be beneficial, as they transition to the team's new offensive scheme. That said, Coen didn't specify how long Lawrence would stay in Saturday's game before giving way to some combo of fellow QBs Nick Mullens, John Wolford and Seth Henigan.

Reed (foot) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Reed logged brief stints away from the practice field due to a toe issue earlier in training camp, so it remains to be seen whether the foot injury he's dealing with Thursday is a related matter. By all appearances, though, the third-year wideout hasn't been dealing with any serious injuries. It remains to be seen whether Reed will be cleared to participate in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Thursday that it's still to be determined whether Wilson and the rest of the starters will suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills, but that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will play, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports.

Wilson, who is entering his age-37 season as the Giants' clear starting quarterback after inking a one-year deal with the team, is essentially a known commodity under center, and with top wideouts Malik Nabers (shoulder/toe) and Wan'Dale Robinson (leg) both managing injuries, the team may not see much incentive in having the veteran signal-caller take the field this early in the preseason. The Bills starters will take the field Saturday, though, with the exception of Josh Allen being replaced by backup Mitchell Trubisky under center. Geoff Magliocchetti of SI.com reports that Wilson has made a strong impression early in training camp, especially in having fostered strong relationships with his new teammates.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Thursday that Dart will take the field during Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

Daboll declined to reveal whether Russell Wilson and the rest of New York's starters will suit up Sunday, but the Giants' rookie first-round QB will get a chance to take the field in some capacity. Per Matt Citak of the team's official site, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said Tuesday that Dart is "right on schedule" in terms of his development and "continuing to grow and learn every day," though the team has consistently communicated that Wilson is locked in as New York's unquestioned starter to kick off the regular season, with Jameis Winston available as his top backup.

Thomas (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas missed Wednesday's session due to an illness but was back one day later, giving him an opportunity to log some practice reps ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Steelers. Per Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville, coach Liam Coen indicated Thursday that he has no plans for any of his healthy players to sit out the contest, but it remains to be seen how much action key players such as Thomas will see this weekend.

San Francisco GM John Lynch said Thursday he "doesn't think" Aiyuk (ACL), who remains on the active/PUP list, will be cleared to play Week 1, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Lynch reiterated that there's still no official timetable set for Aiyuk's recovery from right ACL and MCL tears suffered last October, but it's no surprise to hear a lack of optimism regarding his Week 1 availability. Aiyuk has yet to practice in any capacity since undergoing right knee surgery mid-November of 2024, though the 49ers have expressed optimism in his rehab progress and he's remained active in meetings and as an 'unofficial coach' on the sidelines for teammates. Realistic expectations for Aiyuk should probably involve a slow start early in the 2025 regular season, with TE George Kittle, RB Christian McCaffrey, and wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall opening the year as QB Brock Purdy's top playmakers.

Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field with a right leg injury in practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Gardner-Johnson was injured while tackling wide receiver John Metchie. The severity of the injury is unknown, but the 27-year-old is undergoing an MRI to learn more. The seventh-year pro was traded to Houston in March and was expected to start at free safety.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday that he intends for all four of Green Bay's quarterbacks, including Love, to get "meaningful reps" during Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets, Zach Jacobson of 247Sports.com reports.

Love and the Packers' starters may not play more than a handful of series Saturday, especially if the plan is for all of Malik Willis, Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma to get significant playing time, but it will be interesting to see the 26-year-old in action with rookie first-round wideout Matthew Golden, who already seems to have played his way into a starting role alongside Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and TE Tucker Kraft. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Love intends to run more this season rather than look for check-downs, which portends a higher fantasy ceiling after an MCL sprain and groin injury limited his scrambling abilities in 2024.

Rapp (knee) will be sidelined for about a week, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Rapp missed practice last Sunday with a knee issue before returning to the field week, where head coach Sean McDermott said he aggravated the injury. The 27-year-old has plenty of recent injury history, as he dealt with back, concussion and neck problems last season that resulted in three missed games. It seems like the Bills are being cautious with Rapp, but they are now down both of their projected starting safeties heading into Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants since Cole Bishop is already ruled out with a quad injury.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Thursday that Fields (toe) will suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Packers, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Glenn didn't say how much run New York's starting units will get Saturday, so it remains to be seen whether Fields and company will suit up for more than a few drives, but at this stage in the preseason it's uncommon for starters to handle more than a quarter. Fields has been a full participant in 11-on-11 drills since suffering a dislocated toe in practice late July, albeit while wearing a plastic shield on his cleat, but there now appear to be no tangible limitations regarding his activity level. Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that the Jets' passing game has struggled to find its groove throughout the early stages of training camp, so Saturday's preseason opener will represent a chance for Fields to alleviate those concerns.