NFL Player News

Redskins backup quarterback Kirk Cousins played most of the first half against the Patriots, completing 9 of 13 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Cousins hit wideout Aldrick Robinson for a 10-yard score late in the first quarter.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith played two series in the preseason opener against the Colts, and he acquitted himself well. Smith completed 4 of 6 passes for 33 yards and added a 10-yard run while leading the Jets to a field goal.

He was replaced by Michael Vick, who will need Smith to stumble to have a chance at the starting job. Smith will play his second preseason game Saturday, Aug. 16 at Cincinnati.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Thursday he doesn't think rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will gets reps with the first-team offense Saturday at Detroit. Pettine said the plan is for Brian Hoyer to take all the reps with the first-team offense in the preseason opener.

Although Matt Cassel will start Friday's preseason opener for the Vikings, rookie Teddy Bridgewater will get snaps with the starters against the Raiders, coach Mike Zimmer told 1500ESPN.com.

"When the lights come on, it's a different deal," Zimmer said. "It will be good for [Bridgewater] and how he reacts to seeing defenses that he hasn't seen very much of. How he has to readjust the blitz, how he has to get the ball out and make the right calls; how he plays under pressure. I anticipate he's going to play very well."

The Rams likely will hold out quarterback Sam Bradford from Friday's preseason opener against the Saints, reports ESPN.com. Bradford has shown "no signs of trouble" with his surgically repaired knee, but the team is playing it safe.

"He's done everything we needed to see right now at practice," coach Jeff Fisher said. "So he's going to play in the preseason; unlikely that he's going to play this week. ... It's not because he can't; it's because it's our choice."

Browns coach Mike Pettine told reporters that quarterback Brian Hoyer will start Saturday's preseason opener against the Lions, but Johnny Manziel could get reps with the starters. Hoyer is starting because "he's done nothing to have that taken away from him," Pettine said.

The coach added Manziel might start the second preseason game against Washington.

The Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart Tuesday and Matt Cassel was listed as the No. 1 quarterback. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater was listed second on the quarterback depth chart, per ESPN.

While Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is enduring some rookie struggles during training camp, offensive coordinator Norv Turner continues to remain bullish about the first-round pick.

"I think he’s playing at an awfully high level," Turner said when asked about Bridgewater’s interceptions in camp, per The Star Tribune. "There’s no full speed rush like a game, but I’m excited about what Teddy’s doing."

Quarterback Andy Dalton's six-year extension with the Bengals includes a $12 million signing bonus and a $5 million roster bonus, reports Pro Football Talk. The contract has a base value of $96 million, and he can earn $19 million more through incentives.

Dalton is now signed through 2020.

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel opened Monday's practice with the starters as he continues to push Brian Hoyer in an intense camp battle, reports ESPNCleveland.com. Manziel picked up momentum with a strong performance in Saturday's scrimmage.