NFL Player News

Though he's been managing a hip issue, Stidham has been able to practice this week, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

The report notes that the QB saw his most extensive work of late during Thursday's practice session. Though the Patriots have yet to name a starting QB, the general consensus among the team's local beat writers is that Cam Newton has pulled away in the competition.

Gabbert served as the first-team quarterback in Wednesday's practice with Tom Brady getting a veteran's day off, putting together a productive session while connecting with a wide array of pass-catchers, Carmen Vitali of the team's official site reports.

Among the veterans, Gabbert and fellow signal-caller Ryan Griffin are arguably in contention for most anonymous/forgotten skill players on the Buccaneers roster, considering who they're battling to back up. However, Gabbert had a prime opportunity to make his case for the job Wednesday in Brady's absence, and the 30-year-old took advantage by connecting with the likes of Scotty Miller, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate, Justin Watson and LeSean McCoy during the session. Gabbert was slated to serve as Jameis Winston's primary backup last season before suffering a preseason shoulder injury that knocked him out for the season, and the battle between he and Griffin to serve as Brady's No. 2 could come down to the wire this summer.

The Raiders are considering Mariota day-to-day with an unspecified injury, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

The report suggests his current issue isn't related to the ankle and shoulder injuries he dealt with during the offseason. Whatever the case, Mariota doesn't seem to be putting much pressure on Derek Carr, who will enter Week 1 with the starting job. Mariota could eventually make starts if Carr struggles and/or if the Raiders aren't competing for a playoff spot.

Watson has shown an ability to adapt well to the personnel changes to the Houston offense thus far during training camp, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

With DeAndre Hopkins no longer around and Carlos Hyde being replaced as the top running back, Watson is the key to Houston qualifying for the postseason and making a deep run. Houston head coach Bill O'Brien said the quarterback has "a really good grasp of our offense" and is "playing at a really high level." Watson, who is in his fourth year with Houston, feels that his prior starting experience has helped with incorporating the new additions to the offense, which now includes veteran weapons like Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb and David Johnson.

Cousins has displayed increased accuracy as training camp has progressed, Arif Hasan of The Athletic reports.

Cousins has a number of incumbent receivers to throw to, most notably Adam Thielen, but the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs to the Bills has opened up a significant number of reps. Rookie first-round pick Justin Jefferson likely is the long-term answer as the No. 2 WR, but 2019 seventh-rounder Bisi Johnson has been working ahead of him so far in camp. During two campaigns with Diggs on board, Cousins completed a healthy 68.7 percent of his passes and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt, marks that could be less stable as he incorporates Jefferson into what remains a run-heavy scheme.

Rodgers has looked like his usual self during Packers training camp, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Rodgers may not have the receiving depth he'd like, but if his on-field play of late is any indication he hasn't lost a step. At Sunday's practice in particular, he connected with Davante Adams and Jake Kumerow on back-to-back 40-plus-yard touchdowns before closing the session with a two-minute drill that concluded with a successful 47-yard field goal by Mason Crosby. Due to the makeup of the skill-position ranks, the Packers may run more than ever for a Rodgers-led squad with Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and rookie second-round pick AJ Dillon composing the backfield. Still, the aforementioned Adams is on board, Allen Lazard came on strong last year as the No. 2 WR, and a variety of young talent otherwise populates the wide receiver and tight end ranks.

Stdiham (hip) got more work at Tuesday's practice, but he still doesn't appear fully healthy, according to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com.

Meanwhile, Cam Newton is drawing strong reviews from New England beat writers, solidifying his status as the favorite for the Week 1 start. Stidham still has a bit of time to make his case, but the nagging hip/leg injury isn't helping.

Carr has looked sharp throughout training camp, with no hint of Marcus Mariota making a push for the starting job, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Carr established career highs in a slew of passing categories last year, but the Raiders missed out on the playoffs for a fifth time in his six pro seasons, with their offense struggling in the red zone (52.8 TD percentage - 22nd) and their defense struggling in every area of the field. Mariota is the highest-paid backup QB in the league, so while he may not have a shot at the Week 1 starting job, he could be called in as a midseason replacement if Carr isn't playing well or the Raiders aren't in the mix for a playoff spot. Rookie wideouts Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards should help Carr's cause, but it appears Tyrell Williams (torn shoulder labrum) will be trying to play through an injury for the second year in a row.

Walker remains locked in a battle with Will Grier for the Panthers' backup job, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

While Teddy Bridgewater is locked into the starting role, the backup job is still being contested. Walker started strong in the XFL for the Houston Roughnecks before the season was cancelled, posting 15 touchdowns and helping lead his team to a 5-0 record to begin the season. The 25-year-old has never played in a regular-season NFL game, however, and he could have a difficult time vaulting Grier since the team invested a 2019 third-round pick in the West Virginia product. It's unclear if the team will keep three quarterbacks on the roster or utilize the extra roster spot on a different position.

Allen took part in practice Monday after missing Sunday's session due to a false positive COVID-19 test, Jourdan LaBarber of the Bills' official site reports.

Several Bills got burned by the false positive test, and while the Bills' quarterback wasn't super pleased with the development, he was able to move on quickly with the rest of his teammates. Bills coach Sean McDermott later stated that this was a good dry run for the team in terms of surprises that may happen in an unusual NFL year.