NFL Player News

Grier has been rotated in as the Cowboys' third-string quarterback during mandatory minicamp this past week, Mickey Spagnola of the team's official site reports.

Grier was placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury in January after failing to find the field during his first season with the Cowboys. The 2019 third-round pick has logged just two games in his NFL career, throwing for 228 yards and four interceptions on 28-of-52 passing as a rookie in Carolina. Grier's current standing on Dallas' depth chart suggests that he will continue to compete for a spot on the team's final 53-man roster this offseason.

Prescott is expected to have more leeway to make plays outside the pocket this season, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The quarterback won't suddenly become a top rushing threat a la Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts, but Prescott's passing numbers throughout his career have been better when he's been on the move. He wasn't allowed out of the pocket as much in 2021 after coming off multiple ankle surgeries the prior offseason and then dealing with a midseason calf issue. In fact, his 99 dropbacks with a rollout or scramble were the fewest of his career over a full season, even though he still posted a quarterback rating of 112.1 on those attempts. The 28-year-old appears to be fully healthy ahead of training camp and looks ready to use his legs again. He could also be more active again as a runner in the red zone in 2022. After scoring exactly six rushing touchdowns in each of his first three NFL seasons, Prescott ran for only one in 2021.

Burrow (knee) is practicing Wednesday without a brace on his left leg, the Associated Press reports.

Burrow wore a brace on his left knee all last season after suffering ACL and MCL injuries as a rookie. The 25-year-old also battled an MCL sprain in his right knee during the Bengals' 2021 playoff run that culminated in a Super Bowl loss to the Rams, but he didn't need to undergo offseason surgery. Burrow has been taking part in spring practices, and though the Bengals haven't yet officially announced that the quarterback has received full medical clearance, everything appears to be trending in the right direction. Burrow was the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL last season (51), but he heads into the 2022 campaign with a revamped offensive line. Cincinnati kicks off training camp July 30.

Ehlinger appears to be firmly slotted into the No. 3 spot on the Colts' quarterback depth chart, Mike Wells of ESPN.com reports.

Ehlinger entered the offseason as the No. 2 QB behind Carson Wentz, who's now a Commander. However, the addition of Nick Foles in May pushed Ehlinger down a notch, as the Colts found the veteran backup they were seeking to complement new starter Matt Ryan.

Jackson is present Monday for the start of the Ravens' mandatory minicamp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Set to earn a $23 million salary in 2022 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- Jackson has been vocal about his desire for a long-term contract. Though the Ravens have yet to work out an extension with the 25-year-old, it apparently won't prompt him to hold out. Jackson was sidelined down the stretch late in the 2021 season due to a persistent right ankle injury, but he appears to be back at full strength as the Ravens gear up for the 2022 campaign.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that Lock is trailing Geno Smith in the quarterback competition following this week's mandatory minicamp, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Carroll also stated that Lock isn't too far behind and will have a good chance to claim the starting job during training camp and the preseason. Smith's main edge comes from his knowledge of the system after three years with the team. Neither quarterback has proven to be effective for long stretches in the NFL, but Lock is certainly capable of getting hot during the preseason and winning the job for Week 1.

Head coach Pete Carroll said following the last day of mandatory minicamp Thursday that Smith is ahead of Drew Lock in the quarterback competition, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Smith had the early edge heading into the offseason program because he had a three-year head start on Lock in Seattle's system. Nevertheless, Carroll reiterated that Lock isn't too far behind, signaling that this battle will extend into training camp. Neither Smith nor Lock is considered a difference-maker under center, so the Seahawks will need to protect the ball to win games this season. Whichever quarterback can avoid turnovers in camp and the preseason has the best chance to emerge victorious.

Beathard (groin) is expected to be fine for training camp, Eugene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Beathard was carted off the practice field with a groin injury Monday, but the issue isn't expected to be serious. Assuming he's ready to play by training camp, the 28-year-old is the frontrunner to serve as Trevor Lawrence's primary backup this year.

Brissett's chances of starting multiple games in 2022 appear to be increasing due to expanding legal issues surrounding Deshaun Watson in addition to the Browns' strained relationship with Baker Mayfield.

The news cycle has once again been busy on the Watson front in the early part of this week, with Sarah Barshop and Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reporting that two new civil lawsuits against the star quarterback have been filed. Brissett presumably appealed to the Browns as a backup option due to his previous experience of having to take on a starting role on short notice while he was a member of the Colts; a similar scenario could very well come into play in Cleveland, considering a league investigation into Watson may now expand given the latest legal developments.

The Browns have excused Mayfield (shoulder) from next week's mandatory minicamp, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Mayfield will remain away from team facilities during mandatory minicamp without being subjected to fines. The 2018 first-round pick also hasn't attended voluntary OTAs, as both he and the team remain in favor of a trade following Cleveland's decision to bring in Deshaun Watson earlier this offseason. Mayfield is continuing to rehab from January shoulder surgery, so it's possible he wouldn't be handling on-field reps even if he were motivated to participate in team activities.