2025 NFL Preseason Buzz: Browns GM Opens Door To Have 4 QBs on Energetic Roster

Signings, accidents, followers getting mad at house owners — between coaching camp and the official begin of the preseason, NFL information has been nonstop.

You may observe together with all the newest and most notable free agent strikes right here. 

This is the newest on what’s taking place across the league this preseason.

Browns protecting 4 backup quarterbacks?

Whereas veteran Joe Flacco was just lately named the Browns’ beginning quarterback, Cleveland nonetheless has third-year signal-caller Kenny Pickett, Tyler Huntley and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders competing for the backup spot. May the Browns actually hold all 4 of them on the energetic roster?

“Truthfully, it isn’t a lot of a call for us,” Browns basic supervisor Andrew Berry mentioned when requested about probably having 4 quarterbacks on the 2025 energetic roster through the group’s Week 3 preseason sport. “We now have a room that we like all the blokes in there. We do not actually see that as an issue. We [see it more] as a chance.”

Harmon, whom Pittsburgh chosen with the No. 21 decide within the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon, was identified with an MCL sprain and can miss no less than one month, in line with NFL Community. Harmon was carted off through the Steelers’ Week 3 preseason matchup in opposition to the Panthers with a knee damage.

Bengals nonetheless deciding on beginning guard

Bengals coach Zac Taylor hasn’t selected a beginning proper guard for Week 1 and does not have a timeline to take action simply but. Lucas Patrick, Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers are nonetheless battling it out for the spot as coaching camp reaches its finish.

“We’ve had guys battling by way of accidents virtually the whole time,” Taylor mentioned. “I don’t suppose any schedule we might have had on would have been in a position to get up as a result of guys have been preventing by way of totally different stuff.”

Taylor introduced Wednesday that Cordell Volson may have season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. Volson had been the second-team proper guard earlier than he obtained harm. He was a starter from 2022 by way of 2024, however he was slated to fill a bench position earlier than he was injured. Patrick and Ford are each day with undisclosed accidents. Because of this, Rivers has been receiving first-team reps at proper guard forward of Cincinnati’s closing preseason sport on Aug. 23.

Hunter was current however solely took half in particular person drills for the Jaguars’ joint observe with the Dolphins on Aug. 21. The 22-year-old rookie — a uncommon, two-way participant — has been coping with an upper-body damage.

“It was extra about being sensible the following few weeks,” head coach Liam Coen mentioned. “The final word aim is Carolina. May he have most likely gone? I believe so. … We’re shifting in the best path.”

Hunter was the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and second general decide within the 2025 NFL Draft. He noticed motion on each offense and protection within the first half of Jacksonville’s preseason sport in opposition to the Steelers on Aug. 9. He began at extensive receiver on the sport’s opening drive, enjoying 10 of 11 snaps and recording two catches for 9 yards. He then debuted at cornerback on the Steelers’ second offensive drive, recording 5 snaps (zero defensive stats).

Jackson left observe early on Aug. 20 with an obvious damage, however all is nicely in Baltimore. 

“Obtained his foot stepped on,” head coach John Harbaugh mentioned. “They did a fast X-ray, and there’s no harm or something like that. I’m certain it’s a bit of sore immediately, so we simply stored him in, however he’s superb. He’s going to be good.”

Head coach Kyle Shanahan introduced that Robinson will serve a three-game suspension this season for violating the league’s substance abuse coverage — a ruling that the 49ers anticipated once they introduced in Robinson. Whereas he was enjoying for the Rams final season, the police pulled Robinson over in November 2024 for driving over 100 mph. He refused a discipline sobriety check, and Robinson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI cost in July. Robinson nonetheless has an opportunity to attraction, however with the NFL season proper across the nook, he’ll seemingly miss the 49ers’ first three video games. 

McGary was carted off the observe discipline on Aug. 20 with a left leg damage. McGary has been Atlanta’s bookend on the best facet of the offensive line, barring damage, since his 2019 rookie season. Final season, McGary ranked twenty ninth amongst offensive tackles with a 73.8 general grade, in line with Professional Soccer Focus. He signed a two-year, $30 million extension earlier this month.

Tennessee activated Sneed, who had been coping with a knee damage, off the bodily unable to carry out record. Sneed, who’s getting into the second season of a four-year, $76 million deal, had his 2024 season reduce quick after 5 video games resulting from a quad damage. He beforehand received two Tremendous Bowls with the Chiefs in 4 seasons with the franchise (2020-23).

Vikings look to WR commerce market

The Vikings might be with out No. 2 extensive receiver Jordan Addison for the primary three video games of the 2025 season. Between that and mounting accidents, Minnesota is reportedly trying to the commerce marketplace for assist, per NFL Community. Rondale Moore is out for the season for the second yr in a row after struggling a knee damage in a preseason sport, whereas Jalen Nailor is week-to-week with a hand damage. Whereas Justin Jefferson is slated to be again for the primary week of the season, the receiving corps continues to be skinny in Minnesota. Aug. 26 is the deadline to trim right down to 53-man rosters for the common season, which means, the Vikings might have some potential receivers to focus on on groups which are making an attempt to create space popping out of camp and the preseason.

Tampa Bay’s second-year receiver has a “severely strained neck” and can start the 2025 season on injured reserve, per ESPN. The report notes that McMillan might miss the primary 9 weeks of the common season. Final season (2024), McMillan totaled 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns in what was his rookie season.

Indianapolis is rolling with Jones over third-year quarterback and former No. 4 general draft decide Anthony Richardson as its starter to start the common season, per NFL Community. The Colts signed Jones, who was the first quarterback for the Giants from 2019-24, to a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason. Final season, Jones totaled 2,070 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 79.4 passer score in 10 begins (he was launched in November 2024), whereas finishing 63.3% of his passes. He additionally rushed for 265 yards and two touchdowns.

Through the Bengals’ preseason matchup in opposition to the Commanders on Aug. 18, Hendrickson — who is not practising resulting from hopes of signing an extension — mentioned the hold-up relating to an extension with Cincinnati is over “assured cash,” per ESPN. The star defensive finish expressed that the 2 sides are on the identical web page on the size of the deal and common annual wage. Hendrickson, who has totaled 17.5 sacks in every of the previous two seasons and been a Professional Bowler in every of the final 4 seasons, is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2025 season. 

Rams followers can breathe a sigh of aid after Stafford suited up for his first observe of coaching camp on Aug. 18. Whereas Stafford returned to the observe discipline with simply over two weeks left earlier than Los Angeles’ regular-season opener, there may be nonetheless concern about his well being, as he is been coping with a again situation. There additionally wasn’t a ton of readability about his standing, as he remained sidelined by way of the primary month of coaching camp and into the preseason. 

Giants QB Jaxson Dart impressing in preseason does not change group’s plan

One play into the Giants’ fourth possession of their second preseason sport, head coach Brian Daboll referred to as in Dart with out warning. “Critical?” Dart requested, earlier than making a throw that became a 30-yard achieve and jogging again to the sideline, with Russell Wilson returning. It was all about placing the rookie in a scenario he might face in the end within the NFL. “You don’t know what’s going to occur,” Daboll mentioned. “Simply be able to go when your quantity’s referred to as.”

Dart handed that check and has made a powerful first impression as a professional for the reason that Giants traded again into the primary spherical to draft him as their potential QB of the longer term. The group and its followers have loads of optimism about what’s to return, but it surely has not modified the plan for Wilson to start out and Dart to attend within the wings.

“Russ is our starter, and we’re going to maintain creating Jaxson,” Daboll mentioned. “We now have a plan. … We simply need to hold working with him and perceive there’s going to be lots of downs. I do know there [are] some ups proper now, however there’s going to be lots of downs and we simply obtained to continue to grow and speaking, simply hold getting higher.”

Regardless of the plan is, and at any time when Dart will get his first NFL begin, the 22-year-old Ole Miss product appears to be on board. “I belief them within the course of,” Dart mentioned. “I’ve nice guys round me, nice coaches who’ve received and performed it on the highest stage, so I simply stay up for studying each day.”

Washington activated McLaurin off the Bodily Unable to Carry out record on Aug. 16. He was beforehand listed with an ankle damage. A two-time Professional Bowler, McLaurin is getting into the ultimate season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal and has been executing a hold-in on the group’s facility in hopes of signing an extension. He hasn’t taken half in group observe.

Sanders missed the Browns’ preseason sport in opposition to the Eagles on Aug. 16 with an indirect damage. The Browns are “optimistic” he’ll return to observe subsequent week and play of their preseason finale. As well as, they’ll consider fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who’s coping with a hamstring damage, previous to Saturday’s sport. 

Throughout Atlanta’s joint observe with Tennessee on Aug. 13, the previous’s starter exchanged phrases with Titans defenders after a scoring play, with Penix getting pushed to the bottom by a number of gamers and a battle breaking out.

“I prefer to compete at a excessive stage and once I compete I don’t actually do an excessive amount of speaking,” Penix mentioned of the incident, in line with The Related Press. “So someone say one thing to me and … OK, I throw a landing. ‘Now what y’all speaking about?’ After which I assume not everyone take that the best method. And I believe that’s all it was.”

Gardner sat out the group’s joint observe with the Giants on Aug. 13 resulting from a sore calf. “Sauce wasn’t out (there) immediately,” head coach Aaron Glenn mentioned after observe. “We’ll proceed to judge him and see precisely the place he is at.” Gardner has been one of many Jets’ finest gamers since being drafted fourth general out of Cincinnati in 2022. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the 12 months and was an All-Professional choice in his first two NFL seasons. The 24-year-old Gardner had a barely down season, by his requirements, final yr however continues to be thought of one of many league’s elite cornerbacks.

Nabers didn’t take part within the Giants’ first two joint practices in opposition to the Jets on Aug. 12, and head coach Brian Daboll was not forthcoming about particulars surrounding the highest extensive receiver’s standing. Nabers has been coping with a toe damage that brought about him to overlook spring exercises, although Daboll referred to as it “nothing critical.”

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor sidelined for the rest of preseason

Jets backup Taylor might be sidelined by way of the preseason after latest knee surgical procedure, however the group expects he must be prepared for the regular-season opener. Head coach Aaron Glenn introduced on Aug. 12 after the Jets’ joint observe with the Giants that Taylor had “a minor scope” on the knee that sidelined him the final week of coaching camp.

Inexperienced Bay’s signal-caller had a process for a torn ligament in his left thumb, in line with NFL Community. That mentioned, Love is anticipated to be prepared for the common season. Final season (15 regular-season video games), Love totaled 3,389 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 96.7 passer score, whereas finishing 63.1% of his passes in what was his second season because the group’s full-time quarterback. The Packers completed the 2024 season at 11-6 earlier than dropping to the eventual Tremendous Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles within the NFC wild-card spherical.

Prepare dinner was current and collaborating in Buffalo’s Aug. 12 observe, in line with a number of experiences. The fourth-year working again, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract, has been executing a “hold-in” together with his sights set on an extension. Final season, Prepare dinner, a two-time Professional Bowler, rushed for 1,009 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns. Prepare dinner beforehand sat out of Buffalo’s preseason opener in opposition to the Giants. 

Garrett was reportedly cited for dashing on Aug. 9 after going 100 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone. This quotation comes virtually 3 years after he flipped his Porsche a number of occasions and vowed to decelerate. Garrett, reportedly, will pay a $250 superb and does not have to seem in courtroom. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan estimated that Aiyuk was “on monitor” to return from damage “round” Week 6 this season. Aiyuk sustained a torn ACL and MCL in his proper knee throughout Week 7 of the 2024 season, making his restoration timeline a couple of full yr. With Aiyuk out, the 49ers will depend on TE George Kittle and WRs Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.

Chiefs beginning cornerback Watson has been positioned within the concussion protocol following Okay.C.’s preseason opener in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals. Watson missed many of the 2024 common season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win, however after present process surgical procedure, the fourth-year professional managed to make it again in time to assist the Chiefs on their playoff run. The Chiefs are nonetheless coping with accidents to defensive finish Janarius Robinson, who was making an attempt to make the group however broke his foot through the opener. WR Hollywood Brown continues to be not practising owing to points together with his foot and ankle and sort out Ethan Driskell was out of shape on Aug. 11 recovering from an appendectomy. 

Mattison injured his neck throughout Miami’s preseason sport in opposition to the Chicago Bears on Aug. 10 and underwent season-ending surgical procedure later that very same day, per ESPN. Mattison was tackled on a 21-yard go play, and at first was mentioned to nonetheless have soreness in his neck and shoulders after the sport by Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Mattison was then transported to a neighborhood hospital by ambulance and underwent surgical procedure, in line with the report.

Lions security Morice Norris in concussion protocol, “doing nicely”

Following a daunting damage in Detroit’s preseason opener, Norris is again with the group and is “doing nicely” in his restoration, in line with head coach Dan Campbel. Norris is in concussion protocol and might be reassesed in 10 to 14 days. After spending one night time in an Atlanta hospital following the exhibition sport in opposition to the Falcons that ended early due to the damage, Norris flew again to Detroit on Aug. 9 and returned to the Lions’ facility on Aug. 10.

[MORE: Preseason Game Between Lions and Falcons Ends Early After Serious Injury]

The inside of the Eagles’ offensive line may need suffered a brutal damage on Aug. 10. Dickerson was carted off the sector after struggling an obvious damage to his proper leg throughout a observe at Lincoln Monetary Subject. The three-time Professional Bowler could not put weight on his leg as he obtained off the sector.

Jaguars Okay Cam Little hits 70-yard discipline aim in preseason sport

Little made a 70-yard discipline aim to finish the primary half of Jacksonville’s preseason opener on Aug. 9, a kick that might have damaged the NFL document had it occurred through the common season. Little and the Jaguars celebrated extensively. He appeared to know his newest one was good from the onset. He watched intently and pumped his fist because it slid a bit of left and cleared the crossbar by a number of yards — far sufficient that the ball boy caught it within the air. Rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of many first to greet Little on the sector, body-bumping one another in midair.

Indianapolis’ quarterback competitors is again in full swing after Richardson returned to observe on Aug. 9, two days after he dislocated the pinkie on his proper hand within the Colts’ preseason opener in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens.

Richardson was injured on Indy’s second possession when unblocked linebacker David Ojabo drove Richardson into the bottom. He tried to throw on the sideline however didn’t return.

Sanders accomplished 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two landing passes within the first half to Kaden Davis on Friday night time in his preseason debut in opposition to the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8.

A highly-rated draft prospect who endured a dramatic fall into the fifth spherical in April, Sanders entered the sport fourth on the Browns’ depth chart however was pressed into beginning responsibility due to accidents. His standing might change after he led three landing drives in almost three full quarters of motion, displaying large poise and consciousness within the pocket. After the sport, Sanders mentioned he is not apprehensive about how the depth chart shakes out.

[MORE: Browns Won’t Commit to Shedeur Sanders’ Role Next Week After Strong Debut]

Cowboys G Rob Jones goes on IR after breaking neck bone

Dallas put Jones on season-ending injured reserve on Aug. 8. The veteran had been competing with rookie first-round decide Tyler Booker to start out at proper guard earlier than breaking a bone in his neck on July 27. Jones beforehand mentioned he was a two-to-three-month restoration, however the choice to place him on IR ends any likelihood of a return this season.

Jones signed a one-year contract in free company to present the Cowboys added depth of their reconfigured offensive line. Booker, who was chosen twelfth general, was the favourite to start out, however Jones had been performing nicely within the first week of coaching camp and would seemingly have been a key reserve because the Cowboys search for enchancment up entrance.

Jets rookie TE Mason Taylor faces setback after spectacular begin to camp

Taylor’s spectacular begin to camp might be halted after he suffered a excessive ankle sprain that can sideline him for no less than every week. Taylor, a second-round select of LSU, was one of many standouts all through the primary 9 camp practices. He is the son of Corridor of Fame defensive finish Jason Taylor and the nephew of Corridor of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. 

Prescott’s personal expertise coping with group proprietor Jerry Jones in a number of rounds of high-profile contract negotiations is why he stays assured star defensive finish Parsons might be a Cowboy for this season and past.

“No, not essentially,” Prescott mentioned on Aug. 7 when requested if his thoughts ever goes to a spot the place Parsons may not be his teammate following the two-time All-Professional go rusher’s public commerce request. “… I’ve obtained religion in Jones and the group, as I do in Micah and his group. … I’m going to proceed to consider and be optimistic. And 11’s a Cowboy.”

Gardner-Johnson appeared to endure a big leg damage on Aug. 7 throughout coaching camp. He tried to sort out receiver John Metchie and, after making contact, reportedly fell to the bottom and commenced writhing in ache. The medical employees tended to him because the group and coaches surrounded him. He was finally helped to a cart whereas it appeared that he couldn’t put any strain on his proper leg. Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t have an replace on his situation.

The Chargers are shifting on with out Slater after the offensive lineman’s torn patellar tendon sidelined him for the season. “It’s like a intestine punch,” head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned on Aug. 8. The 315-pound lineman was carted off the observe discipline on Aug. 7 after apparently injuring his left leg. The damage got here almost two weeks after Slater signed a $114 million, four-year extension that included $92 million assured.

With Slater out, Joe Alt will transfer from proper to left sort out, a place he performed at Notre Dame earlier than turning into the fifth general decide within the 2024 NFL Draft.

Titans HC Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy observe

The Titans turned in a sluggish efficiency on Aug. 3, incomes a profanity-laced tirade from Callahan because the session concluded. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 general decide this yr, adopted two strong practices with a tough displaying in group drills. The Titans additionally had penalties and a play that might have been a sack because the protection pressured the younger quarterback. Ward’s closing rep of the day was a go that sailed far over the pinnacle of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That is when Callahan unleashed on the offense, however the Titans referred to as Callahan’s outburst warranted, although, due to an absence of focus and depth on offense.

Payments’ mounting record of accidents grows to fifteen gamers

Head coach Sean McDermott adopted the Payments’ day without work by opening his pre-practice information convention on Aug. 3 by itemizing 15 members of Buffalo’s 91-player roster as both being restricted or not practising. Beginning receiver Khalil Shakir was among the many newest additions and was listed week-to-week with a excessive ankle sprain after he was harm through the Payments’ annual Pink and Blue scrimmage at their residence stadium on Aug. 1. Additionally injured Friday have been WR Josh Palmer (groin), one of many group’s prized offseason free agent additions, and linebacker Shaq Thompson (groin). 

Accidents have significantly hit Buffalo’s receivers, with Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and backup Kaden Prather additionally sidelined. Keon Coleman is the one wholesome projected starter with Buffalo making ready to open the preseason.

Cowboys followers shout ‘Pay Micah!’ at Jerry Jones amid ongoing stalemate

Cowboys followers are rising more and more impatient about the truth that the group has but to succeed in a contract extension with All-Professional edge rusher Parsons, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal. They let Jerry Jones know precisely how they really feel about it too, shouting “Pay Micah!” as Dallas’ longtime proprietor addressed the gang through the opening day of Cowboys coaching camp on Saturday in Oxnard, California, per CBS Sports activities.

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7–10 marketing campaign. They exercised Parsons’ fifth-year choice, protecting him underneath contract by way of 2025 for $24 million — nicely under market worth for simply one of many 5 finest defensive gamers within the NFL. The 26-year-old Parsons, who earned Professional Bowl honors in every of his first three seasons within the league, stays the one participant in NFL historical past to document no less than 12.0 sacks in every of his first three years. 

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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