NFL Player News

Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while rushing three times for 27 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.

Lance played the first three quarters of Thursday's preseason opener as the Chargers rested starting QB Justin Herbert and other key starters. DJ Uiagalelei came in for the fourth quarter. Lance threw an interception on his final pass of the first half but moved the offense pretty well and tied for the team lead in rushing yards. He'll likely feature prominently in the Chargers' second preseason game, which will be Aug. 20 against the 49ers.

Mertz suffered a knee injury in Thursday's preseason opener against the Chargers, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Mertz limped to the locker room at halftime and will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury after coach DeMeco Ryans hinted after the exhibition that it could be an ACL issue. Mertz completed four of seven passes for 23 scoreless yards prior to his departure Thursday. He also rushed three times for 15 yards.

Dobbs completed four of eight passes for 32 yards and added a nine-yard run in Thursday's 16-14 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Dobbs made his Lions debut four days after singing with the team Sunday in the wake of Teddy Bridgewater's retirement. Luke Altmyer got the start Thursday and turned the ball over three times, so the undrafted rookie seems unlikely to challenge Dobbs for the second spot on the depth chart behind Jared Goff once Dobbs familiarizes himself with Detroit's playbook. Dobbs is likely to play more extensively against the Commanders on Aug. 22 in the Lions' second preseason game.

Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and rushed twice for six yards in the Raiders' 27-14 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Thursday.

The highly anticipated professional debut of the No. 1 overall pick officially began on the Raiders' second possession after projected starter Kirk Cousins led Las Vegas to a touchdown on the opening drive. Mendoza's first completion went to Jack Bech for nine yards, and he had a subsequent five-yard connection with fellow rookie Mike Washington wiped out by a holding penalty. Mendoza appeared much more comfortable the second time he had the ball, leading the Raiders on a 10-play, 79-yard march that included a 19-yard completion to Malik Benson and was capped off with a six-yard touchdown pass to Bech. Mendoza played into the fourth quarter and had a solid night overall, but Greg Auman of FOX Sports reports head coach Klint Kubiak said after the game it's still Cousins "job to lose" in terms of the Week 1 starting role.

Altmyer completed 13 of 22 passes for 130 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Thursday's 16-14 preseason loss to the Bengals. He also rushed four times for one yard, ran in a two-point conversion and lost a fumble.

Altmyer played most of the game in his NFL debut, but the undrafted rookie out of Illinois didn't help his chances of winning the second spot on Detroit's QB depth chart. He threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Tarik Black with 1:28 left in the fourth quarter and ran in the ensuing two-point conversion, but Altmyer also turned the ball over three times. The recently signed Joshua Dobbs seems likely to beat out Altmyer for the backup role, but both options will likely see action int he team's next preseason game, Aug. 22 against the Commanders.

Coach Klint Kubiak said after Thursday's 27-14 preseason loss to the Cardinals that the Raiders' starting quarterback gig is Cousins' "job to lose," Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kubiak announced at the outset of training camp that Cousins was the team's No. 1 QB, and nothing between then and Thursday's contest seemingly has changed his mind. Cousins led a touchdown drive on his only possession, which culminated in a 13-yard connection between him and TE Michael Mayer. Meanwhile, 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza fared well himself, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, one TD and one interception. Considering Kubiak's comments, Cousins appears destined to be under center for Las Vegas to begin Week 1 against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Coach Mike LaFleur said Thursday there's "no concern" with Beck's ribs injury, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Beck suffered the injury during last week's Hall of Fame Game but played through the injury and went on to complete 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown against Carolina. He sat out Thursday's preseason game against the Raiders, but it sounds like Beck could be back in game action next Saturday against Dallas. With the Cardinals looking at a likely rebuilding season in 2026, Beck is a good bet to take regular-season snaps.

Stroud didn't suit up for Thursday's 27-7 preseason-opening loss to the Chargers.

Houston rested its starters, including Stroud. Davis Mills led a touchdown drive on Houston's first possession before being replaced by third-string quarterback Graham Mertz, who subsequently injured his knee, prompting Mills to return to the game. Stroud had a forgettable playoff showing last season, but he remains locked in as Houston's starting QB ahead of Mills.

Rourke (ribs) will not return to Thursday night's preseason opener against the Titans, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Rourke completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 scoreless yards before suffering a rib injury, allowing Adrian Martinez to come in to finish out the exhibition opener. Rourke also rushed three times for 14 yards prior to his departure. The second-year quarterback's next chance to suit up will be next Thursday against the Chargers.

Goff didn't suit up for Thursday's 16-14 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Goff sat out the preseason opener, as did Detroit's other key starters. Luke Altmyer and the recently signed Joshua Dobbs split quarterback duties Thursday. Altmyer and Dobbs will likely continue to get most of the preseason playing time as the Lions sort out their depth chart behind Goff in the wake of veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater's retirement. The Lions will continue preseason play Aug. 22 against the Commanders.