NFL Player News

Coach Matt LaFleur said Love will start Friday's preseason contest against the 49ers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

LaFleur also relayed that Aaron Rodgers will sit out at least Green Bay's first two preseason contests, but that a decision hasn't yet been made about the Aug. 25 game against the Chiefs, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. It remains to be seen how many drives the 2020 first-round pick actually will lead Friday, but whatever snaps Love does take will help prepare him for handling backup duties this season. If the 49ers opt to start second-year quarterback Trey Lance, Friday's contest could prove to be one of the more intriguing matchups on the preseason slate.

Kelley was waived by the Commanders on Sunday.

Kelly joined Washington as an undrafted free agent out of Southeastern Louisiana in May. The 24-year-old threw for 5,124 yards and 44 touchdowns in 13 games during his final year there. This moves leave the Commanders with three quarterbacks on the roster, projected starter Carson Wentz, last year's starter and projected backup, Taylor Heinicke and 2022 fifth-round selection, Sam Howell.

Beathard (groin) was cleared to practice Sunday according to head coach Doug Pederson, Mark Long of the Associated Press reports.

Beathard was carted off the field during an early June minicamp practice, and has been out or limited since. The 28-year-old was considered the favorite to back up Trevor Lawrence, and he'll now work to regain any lost ground to Jake Luton and Kyle Sloter on those expectations, if any.

Lock completed 18 of 27 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's team scrimmage, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Lock spent four of five offensive drives with the second-team offense, where he played against the first-team defense. On the other side of the competition, Geno Smith handled nearly all the first-team reps on offense, where he battled against the second-team defense. Smith completed 10 of 19 passes for 94 yards. Lock had the inferior supporting cast and played against better competition, but he managed to put up better numbers anyway, despite those numbers being mediocre. Head coach Pete Carroll didn't make any judgements following the scrimmage, but Lock may have the edge heading into the preseason, which starts next Saturday against the Steelers.

Smith completed 10 of 19 passes for 94 yards (4.9 YPA) in Saturday's team scrimmage, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Smith played nearly the entire game with the first-team offense against the second-team defense. Meanwhile, Drew Lock operated with the second-team offense and played against the first-team defense, and he managed to complete 18 of 27 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Pete Carroll mostly avoided making any judgements about the quarterback competition in his press conference, but Lock clearly outperformed Smith on Saturday, even if the former's stat line was merely mediocre. There are still three preseason games to settle the competition, the first of which is Saturday, Aug. 13 against the Steelers.

Jackson will not play in the preseason opener against the Titans, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It comes as no surprise that head coach John Harbaugh would hold the dynamic dual-threat quarterback out of the first preseason game, as he is likely trying to protect the engine behind the offense to avoid any risk of injury. Jackson's favorite target Mark Andrews will also miss the game among a handful of other veterans, leaving the second preseason game Aug. 21 against the Cardinals as the most likely 2022 debut for a number of key Ravens players.

Murray (illness) will participate in Saturday's practice, although the expectation is that he'll be eased back into the majority of the team drills, Taylor Bisciotti of NFL Network reports.

It sounds as if Murray will participate in most of the conditioning drills, which is important considering he tested positive for COVID-19 last week. It's unclear whether the Cardinals will use their $230.5 million quarterback during the team's opening preseason contest Aug. 12 against the Bengals, but regardless it certainly seems as if the star signal caller will have no issues heading into the 2023 campaign.

The NFL Players Association has responded in writing to the NFL's appeal of disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson's decision to recommend a six-game suspension for Watson for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Barring a settlement between the NFL and NFLPA, the appeal will be heard by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed to do so Thursday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Citing a source familiar with the appeal, NFL Network's Judy Battista indicated that the league is seeking a one-year suspension for Watson. According to ESPN.com, there's no timeline for when Harvey will hear the appeal, but the report notes that according to the league's personal conduct policy, it's in line to be done on an expedited basis.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury noted Friday that he hopes Murray (illness) will be able to participate in Saturday's Red/White practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Murray tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and has been isolating since then, missing all on-field work in the meantime. The diagnosis comes on the heels of his five-year, $230.5 million extension, which initially included a homework clause that eventually was removed after much scrutiny. Once he returns to action -- be it Saturday or next week -- he seemingly will be available for the Cardinals' first preseason game next Friday, Aug. 12 in Cincinnati, but with three exhibitions on tap he may only make one appearance before Week 1, like he did last year.

Wilson continues to prove himself as a leader and a clear upgrade at the quarterback position, having his best practice of training camp Thursday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

In an end-of-game scenario in practice Thursday, Wilson reminded the Broncos why they made the blockbuster move to acquire the veteran quarterback this offseason. After multiple touchdown drives throughout the practice, Wilson was the one who decided the final plays in crunch time to lead the offense to a win. When discussing play calling in those types of situations, coach Nathaniel Hackett said, "I'm always kind of in his ear, but it's his choice, whatever he's feeling." It's not surprising that the team has placed their trust in the veteran signal-caller, and he will certainly provide a much-needed boost to Denver's aerial attack. Despite losing Tim Patrick to a season-ending ACL tear, the Broncos still have an abundance of talented wide receivers, including Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Additionally, tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich are impressing in camp, providing Wilson with dynamic pass-catching options. The 33-year-old also has an effective run game to lean on when needed in the duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon. Wilson should lead a more balanced offense in 2022, and Denver's pass-catching group should take a major step forward under his leadership.