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Matt Barkley QB | JAC
Matt Barkley: Signs with Bears practice squad
The Bears signed Barkley to the practice squad Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
In advance of Week 1 last season, the Cardinals dealt for Barkley with the aim of developing him within head coach Bruce Arians' system. While Barkley received negligible reps during the regular season, the offseason was a different story, and he proceeded to complete at least two-thirds of his passes in the last three preseason games. However, it wasn't enough to stick in Arizona. After his release Saturday, the Bears have decided to inquire about the 2013 fourth-round pick.
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Taylor Heinicke QB | LAC
Vikings' Taylor Heinicke: On NFI to start season
Henicke will start the regular season on the non-football injury list, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reports.
Heinicke was originally given a timetable of three months for a return when he had surgery to repair a torn tendon in his ankle. Placement on the NFI list to start the season means that he'll miss at least the first six games, which he likely would've anyway.
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Sam Bradford QB | MIN
Vikings' Sam Bradford: May not start until Week 2
Shaun Hill is expected to start Week 1 against Tennessee despite the acquisition of Bradford, with Bradford hopefully able to start Week 2 against Green Bay, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Bradford will have just four practices before Week 1 after joining the Vikings in a trade, so he may not be able to learn the offense in time. However, the plan is tentative and could change based on how Bradford fares in practice this week. It's also possible both quarterbacks could play in Week 1.
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Blaine Gabbert QB | KC
49ers' Blaine Gabbert: Will start in Week 1
Head coach Chip Kelly said Saturday that Gabbert will be the 49ers' starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.
All 43 of Gabbert's preseason snaps occurred with the first-team offense, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, while Colin Kaepernick's 49 were scattered about. While the expectation came to pass, the decision was likely more about Gabbert's decision-making than anything. In the end, his exhibitions reps yielded 146 yards and one touchdown on 55 percent passing to go with five carries for 33 yards.
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Sam Bradford QB | MIN
Vikings' Sam Bradford: Traded to Vikings
Bradford was traded to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
With Teddy Bridgewater going down and the Vikings looking to make a push to the playoffs, they're giving up a first-round pick and more for Bradford. Not only does the acquisition put the Vikings in a good position to make a push for the playoffs, but it also puts Bradford in a good position to excel with a reliable running game in the form of Adrian Peterson as well as a solid core of receivers led by Stefon Diggs and Charles Johnson. In a more formidable offensive attack on a playoff contender in Minnesota, Bradford has the potential to have one of the most efficient and productive seasons of his career.
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Brad Sorensen QB | MIN
Brad Sorensen: Released by Vikings Friday
Sorensen was cut by the Vikings on Friday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Sorensen resigned with the team Wednesday following Teddy Bridgewater's gruesome leg injury. He hoped to compete with Joel Stave for the backup role, but the team has opted to go with Stave. Shaun Hill figures to lineup under center in Week 1.
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Brian Hoyer QB | LV
Bears' Brian Hoyer: Posts efficient performance in preseason finale Thursday
Hoyer completed 12-of-16 passes for 112 yards while rushing once for three yards Thursday against the Browns.
Playing mostly with offensive backups, Hoyer wisely locked in on his best option, Kevin White early on, leading to a very efficient performance, and he also led the team on a drive that ended in a touchdown. Should Jay Cutler miss any time this season, Hoyer has the potential to be one of the better backups in the league.
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Paxton Lynch QB | PIT
Broncos' Paxton Lynch: Tosses two scores in preseason finale
Lynch completed 13 of 22 passes for 214 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in Thursday's preseason loss to Arizona. He added 12 yards rushing on three carries.
Head coach Gary Kubiak said after the game that Lynch has made some impressive plays this preseason, but that consistency is still the main issue. Lynch made some big throws with pressure in his face or while avoiding the rush, but also threw a pick-six when Arizona switched up coverage on him - knocking Denver out of the game. He's probably done enough to warrant being the backup to start the season with a shot at supplanting Trevor Siemian at some point.