All articles tagged with #backup quarterback
Dallas' backup QB race between Joe Milton and Sam Howell remains neck-and-neck heading into the final preseason game, with Milton delivering two strong showings and Howell contributing plays. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the competition is close, and Dallas aims to minimize meaningful snaps for backups in the regular season, though Prescott's injury history keeps the discussion active as rosters trim to 53 by August 30.
Chiefs fall 16-15 to the Buccaneers in preseason Week 2 as Harrison Butker nails three field goals (including a 58-yard and a 69-yard kick) but misses a late 43-yard attempt and a point after; rookies and veterans alike flash in limited action, with Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Mason Thomas providing pass-rush intrigue, rookie Kahlil Benson showing durability concerns at right tackle, and the backup QB battle between Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier continuing. Jalen Royals took a lead role with six catches for 51 yards, boosting his bid for a No. 4 receiver spot.
The Eagles’ bid to name a clear No. 2 quarterback remained unresolved after a 24-7 preseason loss to the Ravens. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee offered little on eight drives, totaling 77 yards and no points, while fifth-round rookie Cole Payton sparked the lone scoring drive. Head coach Nick Sirianni called the game vanilla but stressed the competition isn’t decided and will continue next week.
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota left Friday's preseason game with a sprained MCL and will miss the rest of the preseason; it remains unclear if he'll be healthy enough for Week 1, with Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis as the other QBs and the team weighing adding another healthy quarterback for the final tune-ups.
Zach Wilson started for the Saints in their preseason opener against the Jaguars, throwing for 145 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers on 11-of-16 attempts for a 118 passer rating. He connected on a 28-yard play-action score and added two deep throws (37-yard and 28-yard) to help set up a field goal, making a strong case for the Saints’ backup role behind Tyler Shough. The piece also notes his journeyman NFL path and personal life update with the birth of his daughter.
Washington edged the Dolphins in the preseason as seventh‑round QB Athan Kaliakmanis showed comfort, arm strength and poise, signaling he could be a viable backup behind Marcus Mariota and potentially earn a 53-man roster spot with more reps in the upcoming games.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy says he still believes he can be a starter in the NFL, but 2026 puts him as Kyler Murray’s backup after Minnesota’s decision. He emphasized he can’t control the outcome, will stay ready and continue developing, and will get a preseason chance against the Giants to showcase his abilities for future opportunities either with Minnesota or elsewhere.
The Chargers’ preseason opener against the Texans will reveal how the roster shakes out: a tight backup QB competition between DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance, with both likely to see action; a left guard battle in which Jake Slaughter, Kayode Awosika, and Branson Taylor will compete for the slot (Slater’s knee issue opening the door); and ongoing battles for cornerback depth and a potential fifth edge rusher (Kennard vs. Nadame Tucker) as teams trim to 53 players.
Kyler Murray being named Minnesota’s starter leaves J.J. McCarthy as a likely backup; a trade to the Chargers or Rams could be possible, but more plausibly he’ll wait for an injury opportunity (post Week 9) or remain with Minnesota, using his favorable contract to stay a valuable fallback option.
In the Raiders’ first 2026 depth chart, Fernando Mendoza is listed as the backup to Kirk Cousins, with Aidan O’Connell as the third-string and undrafted rookie Jacob Clark fourth. The setup suggests a plan to start with Cousins and no immediate quarterback competition for Mendoza, though Mendoza’s status could shift as the season progresses.
The Detroit Lions signed veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs to a one-year deal to back up Jared Goff after Teddy Bridgewater retired, reuniting him with new OC Drew Petzing. Dobbs, who has tied to Detroit and Petzing in the past, is 3-12 as a starter and started eight games for the Cardinals in 2023, with a stint with the Patriots in 2024. With Luke Altmyer in the mix, Detroit plans to add a veteran QB to the room.
The Detroit Lions announced Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from the team, with retirement not confirmed, leaving them to search for a veteran backup behind Jared Goff while undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer develops. Coach Dan Campbell said the team will add a veteran quarterback to bolster depth and praised Bridgewater’s character and preparation.
Daniel Jones starred in the Colts’ night practice, going 21-for-28 with three touchdowns and showing mobility after his Achilles injury, while the backup quarterback competition behind him remains unsettled as Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard struggle with snaps and accuracy; undrafted Ulysses Bentley IV is emerging as a potential roster contributor with receiving ability, and the kicking duel between Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader stays tight amid improving but uneven performances.
Titans quarterback Will Levis, who’s competing with Mitch Trubisky to back up Cam Ward, says he knows he’s among the NFL’s 32 best quarterbacks. He points to his early-career tape, insists he’s grown into a more mature, confident player in Year Four, and believes he’s a dang good QB who could be a starter, with improvement still ahead.
Matthew Stafford looks razor sharp in his 18th season at Rams camp, hinting the offense could top last year, while Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett compete for the backup role amid questions about readiness; the revamped secondary, featuring Trent McDuffie, should bolster the defense, and Myles Garrett’s size makes him a notable presence. A lighter note from camp included Moneybagg Yo chatting with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.