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Packers' final preseason sprint: 23 players on the roster bubble
1 hour ago•Source: Packers Wire
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Daboll Pushes Titans to Improve Downfield Passing Amid Ward's Preseason Struggles
Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll says the team’s downfield passing must improve, highlighted by Cam Ward’s uneven preseason (8-for-12, 69 yards) and a meager 1.2 average depth of target. Ward has faced accuracy issues while working with a revamped offense, and rookie Carnell Tate has been targeted but not yet produced. Daboll has focused on fundamentals and high-leverage situations (red zone/3rd down) as Ward develops, suggesting Ward may struggle to support multiple fantasy-reliable receivers in 2026.
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Day 20 of Raiders training camp featured rookies stacking late-camp reps as they push toward roster spots: Mike Washington Jr. earned first-team backfield reps and delivered in the red zone; QB competition between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza continued, with Cousins connecting on a 55-yard TD to Tre Tucker and a red-zone strike to Michael Mayer, while Mendoza showed growth and confidence; rookie Trey Zuhn III flashed positional versatility along the offensive line; on defense, Maxx Crosby, Tristin McCollum, and UDFA Cian Slone stood out in pressure drills and Treydan Stukes earned more first-team reps as Rob Leonard praised his speed and instincts, signaling a possible starting role if the trend continues ahead of the preseason.
Rams remain undecided on Stafford's backup after strong preseason showings
Rams coach Sean McVay says he’s still undecided on who will back up Matthew Stafford, with rookie Ty Simpson and 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett both delivering solid performances in the first two preseason games; Simpson is set to play in the preseason finale against the Chargers, while Bennett’s snaps aren’t guaranteed, as the team weighs the QB2 role behind Stafford.
Cardinals waive RB Trey Benson after knee setback
The Arizona Cardinals waived/injured running back Trey Benson (knee) and he would revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers. Benson, a 24-year-old back who has 92 career carries for 451 yards and 1 TD, has been competing for touches behind James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Jeremiyah Love, and the team signaled a cautious approach to his recovery as roster decisions loom.
Canales signals Panthers will roll RBs in Week 1
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Watson to Lead Browns as 2026 Season Opens
Deshaun Watson will start Cleveland’s 2026 season, coach Todd Monken announced after a spring/summer QB competition with Shedeur Sanders and Watson’s full recovery from an Achilles injury. The Browns have rebuilt their offense around Watson’s experience and health, but face a road-heavy early schedule and lingering questions about accountability amid a $230 million guaranteed contract that could be Watson’s last in Cleveland.
Watson’s Booed Return Forces Browns Into Start-or-Cut Dilemma
Watson’s rough showing against the Bills and his public rebuke of Browns fans who booed him complicate Cleveland’s QB plans. With coach Todd Monken expected to name a Week 1 starter, the Browns face a binary choice: start Watson again or cut him, given his $230 million investment and injury history. A rebound in upcoming road tests at Jacksonville and Tampa Bay could keep the plan intact; a poor showing could force a change.
Penix Joins Falcons’ QB Competition in Full Swing
Fully cleared after an ACL injury, Michael Penix Jr. enters a real quarterback competition with Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta, as the Falcons begin 11-on-11 practice and a crucial three-week evaluation ahead of the Sept. 13 opener vs. the Steelers, with Penix’s live arm drawing attention even as Tagovailoa remains the favorite.
Patriots' depth tested as backups spark and stumble against Eagles
Patriots win 24-21 in the second preseason game, but depth issues showed up on defense (tackling, edge pressure, and coverage at linebacker), the injury-hit offensive line, and limited early work for some backups. Still, second-year receivers flashed (Kyle Williams and Efton Chism), Lan Larison boosted the third-back spot, Behren Morton served as emergency punter and helped drive the late scoring march, and Andy Borregales was perfect after a rough previous outing, leaving questions about roster depth ahead of the final preseason games.
Steelers Bet on Two QB Prospects Ahead of Cutdown as Rodgers Near Retirement
Despite Friday’s preseason loss to the Jets, the Steelers reportedly plan to keep both Drew Allar and Will Howard on the roster past the 53-man deadline, hoping two young quarterbacks give them a better shot to find the next starter behind Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph’s future could hinge on a potential trade, with free agency looming in 2027, as the organization weighs keeping two backups behind Rodgers this season.
Ravens Embrace Detail-Driven, Communicative Regime, Bateman Says
Rashod Bateman and Ronnie Stanley say the Ravens’ first offseason under head coach Jesse Minter has shifted to a detail- and communication-focused approach from top to bottom, a change from the Harbaugh era. Players say the staff emphasizes the small things, teaches them to trust training and calls, and aims to play faster and smarter, with a 2026 season showing whether the new method translates into success.