2025 NFL Preseason Buzz: Shedeur Sanders “unlikely to play” Towards Eagles

Signings, injuries, fans getting mad at owners — between training camp and the official start of the preseason, NFL news has been nonstop.

You can follow along with all the latest and most notable free agent moves here. 

Here’s the latest on what’s happening around the league this preseason.

During Atlanta’s joint practice with Tennessee, the former’s starting quarterback exchanged words with Titans defenders after a scoring play, with Penix getting pushed to the ground by multiple players and a fight breaking out.

“I like to compete at a high level and when I compete I don’t really do too much talking,” Penix said of the incident, according to The Associated Press. “So somebody say something to me and … OK, I throw a touchdown. ‘Now what y’all talking about?’ And then I guess not everybody take that the right way. And I think that’s all it was.”

Gardner sat out the team’s joint practice with the Giants on Aug. 13 due to a sore calf. “Sauce wasn’t out (there) today,” head coach Aaron Glenn said after practice. “We’ll continue to evaluate him and see exactly where he’s at.” Gardner has been one of the Jets’ best players since being drafted fourth overall out of Cincinnati in 2022. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and was an All-Pro selection in his first two NFL seasons. The 24-year-old Gardner had a slightly down season, by his standards, last year but is still considered one of the league’s elite cornerbacks.

After an impressive preseason debut, Sanders’ next game action might not come for a bit after injuring his oblique at practice on Aug. 13, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters. The injury occurred when Sanders was throwing early in practice, with the team holding him out for the remainder of Aug. 13’s joint session with the Eagles. Following the practice, reports surfaced that Sanders officially strained his oblique and is “unlikely to play” on Saturday against Philadelphia. 

Nabers did not participate in the Giants’ first two joint practices against the Jets on Aug. 12, and head coach Brian Daboll was not forthcoming about details surrounding the top wide receiver’s status. Nabers has been dealing with a toe injury that caused him to miss spring workouts, though Daboll called it “nothing serious.”

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor sidelined for remainder of preseason

Jets backup Taylor will be sidelined through the preseason after recent knee surgery, but the team expects he should be ready for the regular-season opener. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced on Aug. 12 after the Jets’ joint practice with the Giants that Taylor had “a minor scope” on the knee that sidelined him the last week of training camp.

Green Bay’s signal-caller had a procedure for a torn ligament in his left thumb, according to NFL Network. That said, Love is expected to be ready for the regular season. Last season (15 regular-season games), Love totaled 3,389 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 96.7 passer rating, while completing 63.1% of his passes in what was his second season as the team’s full-time quarterback. The Packers finished the 2024 season at 11-6 before losing to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round.

Cook was present and participating in Buffalo’s Aug. 12 practice, according to multiple reports. The fourth-year running back, who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, has been executing a “hold-in” with his sights set on an extension. Last season, Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler, rushed for 1,009 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns. Cook previously sat out of Buffalo’s preseason opener against the Giants. 

Garrett was reportedly cited for speeding on Aug. 9 after going 100 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone. This citation comes almost 3 years after he flipped his Porsche multiple times and vowed to slow down. Garrett, reportedly, can pay a $250 fine and doesn’t have to appear in court. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan estimated that Aiyuk was “on track” to return from injury “around” Week 6 this season. Aiyuk sustained a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee during Week 7 of the 2024 season, making his recovery timeline about a full year. With Aiyuk out, the 49ers will rely on TE George Kittle and WRs Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.

Chiefs starting cornerback Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol following K.C.’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Watson missed most of the 2024 regular season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win, but after undergoing surgery, the fourth-year pro managed to make it back in time to help the Chiefs on their playoff run. The Chiefs are still dealing with injuries to defensive end Janarius Robinson, who was attempting to make the team but broke his foot during the opener. WR Hollywood Brown is still not practicing owing to issues with his foot and ankle and tackle Ethan Driskell was out of practice on Aug. 11 recovering from an appendectomy. 

Stafford was supposed to practice on Aug. 11 but once again did not participate. The 37-year-old has yet to practice in training camp or the preseason this summer while dealing with back soreness. Head coach Sean McVay said last weekend that Stafford would participate in individual work Monday morning, but Stafford instead attended practice in street clothes, continuing the team’s practice of being cautious with the veteran QB and his back.

Mattison injured his neck during Miami’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 10 and underwent season-ending surgery later that same day, per ESPN. Mattison was tackled on a 21-yard pass play, and at first was said to still have soreness in his neck and shoulders after the game by Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Mattison was then transported to a local hospital by ambulance and underwent surgery, according to the report.

Lions safety Morice Norris in concussion protocol, “doing well”

Following a frightening injury in Detroit’s preseason opener, Norris is back with the team and is “doing well” in his recovery, according to head coach Dan Campbel. Norris is in concussion protocol and will be reassesed in 10 to 14 days. After spending one night in an Atlanta hospital following the exhibition game against the Falcons that ended early because of the injury, Norris flew back to Detroit on Aug. 9 and returned to the Lions’ facility on Aug. 10.

[MORE: Preseason Game Between Lions and Falcons Ends Early After Serious Injury]

The inside of the Eagles’ offensive line may need suffered a brutal harm on Aug. 10. Dickerson was carted off the sector after struggling an obvious harm to his proper leg throughout a apply at Lincoln Monetary Area. The three-time Professional Bowler could not put weight on his leg as he received off the sector.

Hunter noticed motion on each offense and protection within the first half of Jacksonville’s preseason recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 9. The 22-year-old two-way star began at large receiver on the sport’s opening drive, enjoying 10 of 11 snaps and recording two catches for 9 yards. He then debuted at cornerback on the Steelers’ second offensive drive, recording 5 snaps (zero defensive stats), and he returned later for a number of extra performs.

Hunter, the second general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft, was listed because the Jags’ beginning large receiver and their backup cornerback (behind Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis) on the group’s newest depth chart. 

Jaguars Okay Cam Little hits 70-yard area aim in preseason recreation

Little made a 70-yard area aim to finish the primary half of Jacksonville’s preseason opener on Aug. 9, a kick that may have damaged the NFL file had it occurred throughout the common season. Little and the Jaguars celebrated broadly. He appeared to know his newest one was good from the onset. He watched intently and pumped his fist because it slid somewhat left and cleared the crossbar by a number of yards — far sufficient that the ball boy caught it within the air. Rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of many first to greet Little on the sector, body-bumping one another in midair.

Indianapolis’ quarterback competitors is again in full swing after Richardson returned to apply on Aug. 9, two days after he dislocated the pinkie on his proper hand within the Colts’ preseason opener towards the Baltimore Ravens.

Richardson was injured on Indy’s second possession when unblocked linebacker David Ojabo drove Richardson into the bottom. He tried to throw on the sideline however didn’t return.

Promising however removed from excellent was rookie first-round draft choose Dart’s evaluation of creating his preseason debut at quarterback within the Giants’ nine-point win over the Buffalo Payments on Aug. 9. The 22-year-old led three scoring drives on 4 first-half possessions, which led to 2 area targets and a landing. Dart completed 12-for-19 for 154 yards, together with a 29-yard landing cross to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, whereas including three carries for twenty-four yards.

The outing supplied the Giants with an encouraging glimpse into not solely their future with Dart, but in addition of the current, with veteran Wilson additionally making his enjoying debut. The 36-year-old is New York’s anticipated starter.

Sanders accomplished 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two landing passes within the first half to Kaden Davis on Friday evening in his preseason debut towards the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8.

A highly-rated draft prospect who endured a dramatic fall into the fifth spherical in April, Sanders entered the sport fourth on the Browns’ depth chart however was pressed into beginning obligation due to accidents. His standing might change after he led three landing drives in almost three full quarters of motion, displaying great poise and consciousness within the pocket. After the sport, Sanders mentioned he is not fearful about how the depth chart shakes out.

[MORE: Browns Won’t Commit to Shedeur Sanders’ Role Next Week After Strong Debut]

Cowboys G Rob Jones goes on IR after breaking neck bone

Dallas put Jones on season-ending injured reserve on Aug. 8. The veteran had been competing with rookie first-round choose Tyler Booker to begin at proper guard earlier than breaking a bone in his neck on July 27. Jones beforehand mentioned he was a two-to-three-month restoration, however the resolution to place him on IR ends any probability of a return this season.

Jones signed a one-year contract in free company to present the Cowboys added depth of their reconfigured offensive line. Booker, who was chosen twelfth general, was the favourite to begin, however Jones had been performing properly within the first week of coaching camp and would possible have been a key reserve because the Cowboys search for enchancment up entrance.

Jets rookie TE Mason Taylor faces setback after spectacular begin to camp

Taylor’s spectacular begin to camp can be halted after he suffered a excessive ankle sprain that may sideline him for at the least per week. Taylor, a second-round pick of LSU, was one of many standouts all through the primary 9 camp practices. He is the son of Corridor of Fame defensive finish Jason Taylor and the nephew of Corridor of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. 

Prescott’s personal expertise coping with group proprietor Jerry Jones in a number of rounds of high-profile contract negotiations is why he stays assured star defensive finish Parsons can be a Cowboy for this season and past.

“No, not essentially,” Prescott mentioned on Aug. 7 when requested if his thoughts ever goes to a spot the place Parsons may not be his teammate following the two-time All-Professional cross rusher’s public commerce request. “… I’ve received religion in Jones and the group, as I do in Micah and his group. … I’m going to proceed to consider and be optimistic. And 11’s a Cowboy.”

Gardner-Johnson appeared to endure a big leg harm on Aug. 7 throughout coaching camp. He tried to deal with receiver John Metchie and, after making contact, reportedly fell to the bottom and started writhing in ache. The medical workers tended to him because the group and coaches surrounded him. He was finally helped to a cart whereas it appeared that he couldn’t put any stress on his proper leg. Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t have an replace on his situation.

The Chargers are transferring on with out Slater after the offensive lineman’s torn patellar tendon sidelined him for the season. “It’s like a intestine punch,” head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned on Aug. 8. The 315-pound lineman was carted off the apply area on Aug. 7 after apparently injuring his left leg. The harm got here almost two weeks after Slater signed a $114 million, four-year extension that included $92 million assured.

With Slater out, Joe Alt will transfer from proper to left deal with, a place he performed at Notre Dame earlier than changing into the fifth general choose within the 2024 NFL Draft.

Titans HC Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy apply

The Titans turned in a sluggish efficiency on Aug. 3, incomes a profanity-laced tirade from Callahan because the session concluded. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 general choose this yr, adopted two strong practices with a tough displaying in group drills. The Titans additionally had penalties and a play that may have been a sack because the protection pressured the younger quarterback. Ward’s ultimate rep of the day was a cross that sailed far over the top of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That is when Callahan unleashed on the offense, however the Titans referred to as Callahan’s outburst warranted, although, due to an absence of focus and depth on offense.

Payments’ mounting checklist of accidents grows to fifteen gamers

Head coach Sean McDermott adopted the Payments’ time off by opening his pre-practice information convention on Aug. 3 by itemizing 15 members of Buffalo’s 91-player roster as both being restricted or not training. Beginning receiver Khalil Shakir was among the many newest additions and was listed week-to-week with a excessive ankle sprain after he was damage throughout the Payments’ annual Pink and Blue scrimmage at their house stadium on Aug. 1. Additionally injured Friday have been WR Josh Palmer (groin), one of many group’s prized offseason free agent additions, and linebacker Shaq Thompson (groin). 

Accidents have significantly hit Buffalo’s receivers, with Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and backup Kaden Prather additionally sidelined. Keon Coleman is the one wholesome projected starter with Buffalo making ready to open the preseason.

Cowboys followers shout ‘Pay Micah!’ at Jerry Jones amid ongoing stalemate

Cowboys followers are rising more and more impatient about the truth that the group has but to succeed in a contract extension with All-Professional edge rusher Parsons, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal. They let Jerry Jones know precisely how they really feel about it too, shouting “Pay Micah!” as Dallas’ longtime proprietor addressed the group throughout the opening day of Cowboys coaching camp on Saturday in Oxnard, California, per CBS Sports activities.

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7–10 marketing campaign. They exercised Parsons’ fifth-year possibility, preserving him beneath contract by means of 2025 for $24 million — properly under market worth for simply one of many 5 greatest defensive gamers within the NFL. The 26-year-old Parsons, who earned Professional Bowl honors in every of his first three seasons within the league, stays the one participant in NFL historical past to file at the least 12.0 sacks in every of his first three years. 

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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