NFL Player News

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Thursday that Mafah and Jaydon Blue will both "get a ton of work" during the preseason and that they are "in a heated battle" for the top backup spot behind Javonte Williams, Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Blue was listed ahead of Mafah on the team's initial depth chart, but both second-year pros will have a chance to make their respective cases for the backup role during the preseason. Williams is locked in atop the depth chart after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign, while both Blue and Mafah appear to have leapfrogged Malik Davis in the pecking order at running back.

Beck won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Raiders due to a rib injury he sustained in the previous Thursday's preseason game against the Panthers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Beck practiced through soreness all week and the injury isn't considered serious, per Rapoport, but the Cardinals are nonetheless opting to hold the rookie third-round pick out of action for the second of Arizona's four preseason contests. Beck impressed in the Hall of Fame Game, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown while playing the entire first half. Jacoby Brissett, who is expected to be Arizona's Week 1 starter, is set to start Thursday's preseason tilt. Beck's next chance to see preseason action will come Aug. 22 against the Cowboys.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Thursday that Blue and Phil Mafah will both "get a ton of work" during the preseason, Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Blue and Mafah are "in a heated battle" for the top backup spot behind Javonte Williams, per Schottenheimer. Dallas' initial depth chart lists Blue second behind Williams, ahead of Mafah and Malik Davis. Blue was a fifth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2025, going two rounds ahead of Mafah. The Cowboys will kick off preseason play Saturday in Seattle.

Garrett (knee) is working on a side field with trainers at practice Thursday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Garrett and Puka Nacua (groin) are getting in a star-studded side session Thursday as they work their way back from their respective injuries. Both standout contributors are expected to be available well before the Rams kick off regular-season play Sept. 10 against the 49ers, but Garrett is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs.

Nacua (groin) is working on a side field with trainers at practice Thursday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Barshop initially didn't spot Nacua (who is dealing with what has been described as minor groin soreness) among the Rams' practice participants, but the star wide receiver was soon seen working out on a practice field alongside Myles Garrett (knee). It's encouraging that Nacua is on the field in any capacity at this point, though it will likely be at least a few days until he's cleared to practice with his teammates, per earlier reports. Nacua is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener at Kansas City.

Nacua (groin) doesn't appear to be participating in Thursday's practice, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Nacua's absence isn't unexpected, as initial reports after he left Tuesday's practice due to a groin injury suggested that the star wide receiver could be sidelined "a few days." He looks unlikely at this point to suit up in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, but there has been no indication that Nacua's availability for Week 1 against the 49ers on Thursday, Sept. 10 is in question.

Bagent is in line to start and play the first half of Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Head coach Ben Johnson named Bagent the starter for Saturday's game and added that Caleb Williams won't play Saturday and may not see action at all in the preseason. Bagent is firmly penciled in as Williams' backup in a quarterback room that also includes Case Keenum and Miller Moss.

Williams won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Ben Johnson revealed Thursday that the Bears plan to sit "a number" of their starters, with Williams among those getting the day off. Per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson seems to be leaning toward resting Williams for the entire preseason, though a final determination on the starting quarterback's status for the second and third preseason games has yet to be made. Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum and Miller Moss are the other QBs on Chicago's roster, and Finley reports that Bagent is on track to play the first half of Saturday's preseason opener.

Wiggins (leg) is expected to resume practicing prior to Baltimore's second preseason game against the Vikings on Aug. 22, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Wiggins won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles, but he isn't expected to face a long-term absence after being carted off during Tuesday's practice due to a left leg injury. Subsequent tests revealed no structural damage for Baltimore's 2024 first-round pick.

Rattler will start Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars, per Saints head coach Kellen Moore.

Rattler will get the first opportunity to make his case for the backup role behind Tyler Shough. Zach Wilson is competing for the second spot on the Saints' quarterback depth chart as well, and New Orleans also has Hunter Dekkers in the QB room. Rattler and Wilson are likely to both see plenty of preseason action as the Saints sort out their backup QB situation.