NFL Player News

Zappe completed 12 of 14 passes for 79 yards in Thursday night's 20-9 preseason-opening loss to the Texans.

Zappe played the entire first half as well as New England's opening drive of the third quarter, leading the team to just three points. Although he didn't average much yardage, Zappe completed a high percentage of his passes, which should help his case to remain Mac Jones' backup this season.

Stroud completed two of four passes for 13 yards and an interception in Thursday night's 20-9 preseason-opening win over the Patriots.

Stroud started in his first NFL action and was sacked and picked off on the opening drive. The second pick in this year's draft played only two series before giving way to Davis Mills, who completed nine of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown and lost a fumble. Stroud should get more playing time next Saturday against Miami.

Smith isn't slated to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Vikings, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Smith handled the initial throws with the first-team offense during pregame warmups before leaving most of the QB reps to Drew Lock. As a result, Smith's next chance for some exhibition action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Cowboys. It's unclear if the Seahawks will give him any snaps during the preseason, but he likely doesn't need them after turning a comeback 2022 campaign into a three-year, $105 million extension with the team back in March.

Jones isn't slated to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Texans, NFL Network's Judy Battista reports.

Though Jones is in uniform ahead of the contest, per Mark Daniels of MassLive, he's among the players not expected to take the field Thursday. In Jones' anticipated absence, Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham are available to handle the Patriots' QB reps.

Jones didn't throw in initial warmups prior to Thursday's preseason game against the Texans, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With that, Lazar indicates that it looks like the Patriots will roll with some QB combo of Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham on Thursday. Assuming that's the case, Jones' next chance to see exhibition action would occur Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Packers.

Jackson is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles, with coach John Harbaugh noting Thursday that none of the Ravens' established starters will play in the contest.

Though the team's key veteran starters, including Jackson, will sit this one out, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com relays via Harbaugh that some of the Ravens' key young players such as Zay Flowers could potentially suit up Saturday. Jackson's next chance to log preseason game action will occur Monday, Aug. 21 against the Commanders.

Wilson will start Saturday's preseason game in Carolina, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wilson also started the Jets' preseason opener against the Browns, in which he completed three of five passes for 65 yards. Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers reportedly won't be in consideration to take the field until New York's preseason finale, so Wilson should continue to see action ahead of third-stringer Tim Boyle. Coach Robert Saleh declined to confirm whether the starting offense will see the field versus the Panthers.

Richardson will start Saturday's preseason contest in Buffalo, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Richardson has been dominating first-team reps as of late, after having alternated with Gardner Minshew earlier in training camp. The Colts haven't yet named a starter for Week 1, but the rookie first-round pick will get a chance to showcase his talents under center Saturday. If Richardson can flash some of the playmaking abilities his high-end athleticism makes possible in preseason action, it could be hard to keep him off the field for long.

Allen and WR Stefon Diggs aren't scheduled to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Colts, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Coach Sean McDermott said Thursday that he plans to play most of his starters but will hold out the two most important players on offense. Allen made just one preseason appearance last summer and attempted three passes.

Cousins isn't likely to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Seahawks, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Goessling suggests that the Vikings are unlikely to play many established players versus Seattle, with Cousins and Justin Jefferson likely to be spectators Thursday. Assuming that's the case, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall will be available to handle the team's quarterback reps.