NFL Player News

McKee (thumb) didn't practice Monday.

It's looking more and more like McKee won't be available for Thursday's regular-season opener against Dallas, as he's still recovering from a fractured thumb. If he doesn't suit up, Sam Howell would likely back up Jalen Hurts against the Cowboys.

Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that Stafford is expected to start Sunday's regular-season opener against the Texans, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Stafford has practiced in full since his return to the field Aug. 18, so while him being named the Week 1 starter was expected, McVay hadn't actually communicated the decision until now. With game day now approaching, the 37-year-old quarterback could begin having a cap on his reps as a form of load management, but barring a tangible setback in his recovery from the back injury that caused him to miss most of training camp and the preseason, fantasy managers will be able to count on Stafford's presence under center, a notable development for Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and RB Kyren Williams. Per Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site, starting left tackle Alaric Jackson (tailbone/blood clots) also is expected to play Week 1.

McKee (thumb) isn't practicing Sunday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia reports.

McKee is dealing with a fractured thumb and hasn't practiced for about two weeks. With Philadelphia's regular-season opener against Dallas taking place Thursday, it's looking likely that McKee won't be ready to suit up. If that's the case, Sam Howell would be in line to serve as the backup QB behind Jalen Hurts.

The 49ers signed Martinez to their practice squad Thursday.

Martinez was apart of the Jets' final cuts this week and now latches on in San Francisco as organizational depth behind Brock Purdy. Martinez logged 102 offensive snaps this preseason and completed just 30 of 51 pass attempts for 352 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while adding three rushes for 26 yards.

The Eagles signed McCord to the practice squad Thursday.

The rookie sixth-rounder wasn't able to crack the Eagles' 53-man roster, but he'll stay in Philadelphia as the team's scout team quarterback. With Tanner McKee in jeopardy of missing Week 1 due to a thumb injury, McCord could be elevated to the active roster to serve as the Eagles' emergency quarterback behind Jalen Hurts and Sam Howell.

Tampa Bay signed Bazelak to its practice squad Thursday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The undrafted rookie couldn't beat out Teddy Bridgewater for a spot on the Buccaneers' final 53-man roster for 2025, but he'll be throwing passes for the team on the practice squad. An injury to Bridgewater or starter Baker Mayfield represents Bazelak's path to an elevation this season.

The Packers signed Tune to the practice squad Thursday.

The Cardinals opted to go with two quarterbacks in Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett on the 53-man roster, making Tune the odd man out. Rather than stay in Arizona on the practice squad, Tune will instead head to Green Bay, where he would be in line to be elevated to the Packers' active roster were Jordan Love or Malik Willis miss any time.

The Cardinals signed Slovis to the practice squad Thursday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Slovis wasn't able to crack the Texans' 53-man roster at the end of training camp, but he'll get a new opportunity with the Cardinals on the practice squad. The BYU product would be in line to be elevated to the active roster if Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett were to miss time.

Cleveland signed Zappe to the practice squad Thursday.

Zappe suited up for and started one game for Cleveland during the 2024 regular season, completing 16 of 31 pass attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed twice for two yards. The 2022 fourth-round pick, who began his NFL career with New England, will remain with the Browns as an emergency option at quarterback.

Coach Kevin Stefanski noted Thursday that Sanders is in line to be the Browns' emergency third QB on game days, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

While the Browns have added Bailey Zappe to their practice squad, the plan remains for Sanders to be the team's No. 3 QB out of the gate this season. With Kenny Pickett now with the Raiders, Dillon Gabriel will open up the campaign as Joe Flacco's top backup.