2025 NFL Preseason Buzz: Browns GM Opens Door To Have 4 QBs on Active Roster

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.

Browns keeping four backup quarterbacks?

While veteran Joe Flacco was recently named the Browns’ starting quarterback, Cleveland still has third-year signal-caller Kenny Pickett, Tyler Huntley and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders competing for the backup spot. Could the Browns really keep all four of them on the active roster?

“Honestly, it’s not much of a decision for us,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said when asked about potentially having four quarterbacks on the 2025 active roster during the team’s Week 3 preseason game. “We have a room that we like all the guys in there. We don’t really see that as a problem. We [see it more] as an opportunity.”

Steelers lose T Derrick Harmon for one month

Harmon, whom Pittsburgh selected with the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon, was diagnosed with an MCL sprain and will miss at least one month, according to NFL Network. Harmon was carted off during the Steelers’ Week 3 preseason matchup against the Panthers with a knee injury.

Bengals still deciding on starting guard

Bengals coach Zac Taylor hasn’t decided on a starting right guard for Week 1 and doesn’t have a timeline to do so just yet. Lucas Patrick, Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers are still battling it out for the spot as training camp reaches its end.

“We’ve had guys battling through injuries almost the entire time,” Taylor said. “I don’t think any schedule we would have had on would have been able to stand up because guys have been fighting through different stuff.”

Taylor announced Wednesday that Cordell Volson will have season-ending shoulder surgery. Volson had been the second-team right guard before he got hurt. He was a starter from 2022 through 2024, but he was slated to fill a bench role before he was injured. Patrick and Ford are day to day with undisclosed injuries. As a result, Rivers has been receiving first-team reps at right guard ahead of Cincinnati’s final preseason game on Aug. 23.

Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter limited in joint practice

Hunter was present but only took part in individual drills for the Jaguars’ joint practice with the Dolphins on Aug. 21. The 22-year-old rookie — a rare, two-way player — has been dealing with an upper-body injury.

“It was more about being smart the next few weeks,” head coach Liam Coen said. “The ultimate goal is Carolina. Could he have probably gone? I think so. … We’re moving in the right direction.”

Hunter was the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He saw action on both offense and defense in the first half of Jacksonville’s preseason game against the Steelers on Aug. 9. He started at wide receiver on the game’s opening drive, playing 10 of 11 snaps and recording two catches for 9 yards. He then debuted at cornerback on the Steelers’ second offensive drive, recording five snaps (zero defensive stats).

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson OK after injury scare

Jackson left practice early on Aug. 20 with an apparent injury, but all is well in Baltimore. 

“Got his foot stepped on,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “They did a quick X-ray, and there’s no damage or anything like that. I’m sure it’s a little sore today, so we just kept him in, but he’s fine. He’s going to be good.”

49ers WR Demarcus Robinson receives three-game suspension

Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Robinson will serve a three-game suspension this season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy — a ruling that the 49ers anticipated when they brought in Robinson. While he was playing for the Rams last season, the police pulled Robinson over in November 2024 for driving over 100 mph. He refused a field sobriety test, and Robinson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge in July. Robinson still has a chance to appeal, but with the NFL season right around the corner, he’ll likely miss the 49ers’ first three games. 

Falcons T Kalen McGary carted off during practice

McGary was carted off the practice field on Aug. 20 with a left leg injury. McGary has been Atlanta’s bookend on the right side of the offensive line, barring injury, since his 2019 rookie season. Last season, McGary ranked 29th among offensive tackles with a 73.8 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He signed a two-year, $30 million extension earlier this month.

Titans activate CB L’Jarius Sneed 

Tennessee activated Sneed, who had been dealing with a knee injury, off the physically unable to perform list. Sneed, who’s entering the second season of a four-year, $76 million deal, had his 2024 season cut short after five games due to a quad injury. He previously won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs in four seasons with the franchise (2020-23).

Vikings look to WR trade market

The Vikings will be without No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season. Between that and mounting injuries, Minnesota is reportedly looking to the trade market for help, per NFL Network. Rondale Moore is out for the season for the second year in a row after suffering a knee injury in a preseason game, while Jalen Nailor is week-to-week with a hand injury. While Justin Jefferson is slated to be back for the first week of the season, the receiving corps is still thin in Minnesota. Aug. 26 is the deadline to trim down to 53-man rosters for the regular season, meaning, the Vikings could have some potential receivers to target on teams that are trying to make space coming out of camp and the preseason.

Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan suffers neck injury

Tampa Bay’s second-year receiver has a “severely strained neck” and will begin the 2025 season on injured reserve, per ESPN. The report notes that McMillan could miss the first nine weeks of the regular season. Last season (2024), McMillan totaled 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns in what was his rookie season.

Colts QB Daniel Jones named starter

Indianapolis is rolling with Jones over third-year quarterback and former No. 4 overall draft pick Anthony Richardson as its starter to begin the regular season, per NFL Network. The Colts signed Jones, who was the primary quarterback for the Giants from 2019-24, to a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason. Last season, Jones totaled 2,070 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 79.4 passer rating in 10 starts (he was released in November 2024), while completing 63.3% of his passes. He also rushed for 265 yards and two touchdowns.

Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson provides extension talks update

During the Bengals’ preseason matchup against the Commanders on Aug. 18, Hendrickson — who isn’t practicing due to hopes of signing an extension — said the hold-up regarding an extension with Cincinnati is over “guaranteed money,” per ESPN. The star defensive end expressed that the two sides are on the same page on the length of the deal and average annual salary. Hendrickson, who has totaled 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons and been a Pro Bowler in each of the last four seasons, is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2025 season. 

Rams QB Matthew Stafford finally takes the field

Rams fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Stafford suited up for his first practice of training camp on Aug. 18. While Stafford returned to the practice field with just over two weeks left before Los Angeles’ regular-season opener, there is still concern about his health, as he’s been dealing with a back issue. There also wasn’t a ton of clarity about his status, as he remained sidelined through the first month of training camp and into the preseason. 

Giants QB Jaxson Dart impressing in preseason doesn’t change team’s plan

One play into the Giants’ fourth possession of their second preseason game, head coach Brian Daboll called in Dart without warning. “Serious?” Dart asked, before making a throw that turned into a 30-yard gain and jogging back to the sideline, with Russell Wilson returning. It was all about putting the rookie in a situation he could face sooner or later in the NFL. “You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Daboll said. “Just be ready to go when your number’s called.”

Dart passed that test and has made a strong first impression as a pro since the Giants traded back into the first round to draft him as their potential QB of the future. The organization and its fans have plenty of optimism about what’s to come, but it has not changed the plan for Wilson to start and Dart to wait in the wings.

“Russ is our starter, and we’re going to keep developing Jaxson,” Daboll said. “We have a plan. … We just have to keep working with him and understand there’s going to be a lot of downs. I know there [are] some ups right now, but there’s going to be a lot of downs and we just got to keep growing and communicating, just keep getting better.”

Whatever the plan is, and whenever Dart gets his first NFL start, the 22-year-old Ole Miss product seems to be on board. “I trust them in the process,” Dart said. “I have great guys around me, great coaches who have won and done it at the highest level, so I just look forward to learning each and every day.”

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin activated from PUP list

Washington activated McLaurin off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Aug. 16. He was previously listed with an ankle injury. A two-time Pro Bowler, McLaurin is entering the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal and has been executing a hold-in at the team’s facility in hopes of signing an extension. He hasn’t taken part in team practice.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders nursing oblique injury

Sanders missed the Browns’ preseason game against the Eagles on Aug. 16 with an oblique injury. The Browns are “optimistic” he’ll return to practice next week and play in their preseason finale. In addition, they will evaluate fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who’s dealing with a hamstring injury, prior to Saturday’s game. 

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. in scrum at practice

During Atlanta’s joint practice with Tennessee on Aug. 13, the former’s starter 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.”

Jets CB Sauce Gardner sits with sore calf

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.

Giants WR Malik Nabers still dealing with toe injury

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.

Packers QB Jordan Love has thumb procedure

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.

Bills RB James Cook taking part in practice

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. 

Browns DE Myles Garrett cited for speeding

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. 

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk targeting return in Week 6

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 CB Jaylen Watson injured in preseason opener

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. 

Dolphins RB Alexander Mattison undergoes season-ending surgery

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]

Eagles G Landon Dickerson suffers leg injury

The interior of the Eagles’ offensive line might have suffered a brutal injury on Aug. 10. Dickerson was carted off the field after suffering an apparent injury to his right leg during a practice at Lincoln Financial Field. The three-time Pro Bowler couldn’t put weight on his leg as he got off the field.

Jaguars K Cam Little hits 70-yard field goal in preseason game

Little made a 70-yard field goal to end the first half of Jacksonville’s preseason opener on Aug. 9, a kick that would have broken the NFL record had it happened during the regular season. Little and the Jaguars celebrated widely. He seemed to know his latest one was good from the onset. He watched intently and pumped his fist as it slid a little left and cleared the crossbar by several yards — far enough that the ball boy caught it in the air. Rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of the first to greet Little on the field, body-bumping each other in midair.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson returns after dislocating pinkie

Indianapolis’ quarterback competition is back in full swing after Richardson returned to practice on Aug. 9, two days after he dislocated the pinkie on his right hand in the Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Richardson was injured on Indy’s second possession when unblocked linebacker David Ojabo drove Richardson into the ground. He attempted to throw on the sideline but did not return.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders impresses in preseason debut

Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half to Kaden Davis on Friday night in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8.

A highly-rated draft prospect who endured a dramatic fall into the fifth round in April, Sanders entered the game fourth on the Browns’ depth chart but was pressed into starting duty because of injuries. His status could change after he led three touchdown drives in nearly three full quarters of action, showing tremendous poise and awareness in the pocket. After the game, Sanders said he’s not worried 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 pick Tyler Booker to start at right guard before breaking a bone in his neck on July 27. Jones previously said he was looking at a two-to-three-month recovery, but the decision to put him on IR ends any chance of a return this season.

Jones signed a one-year contract in free agency to give the Cowboys added depth in their reconfigured offensive line. Booker, who was selected 12th overall, was the favorite to start, but Jones had been performing well in the first week of training camp and would likely have been a key reserve as the Cowboys look for improvement up front.

Jets rookie TE Mason Taylor faces setback after impressive start to camp

Taylor’s impressive start to camp will be halted after he suffered a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for at least a week. Taylor, a second-round pick out of LSU, was one of the standouts throughout the first nine camp practices. He’s the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor and the nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. 

Dak Prescott remains upbeat Micah Parsons will stay with Cowboys

Prescott’s own experience dealing with team owner Jerry Jones in multiple rounds of high-profile contract negotiations is why he remains confident star defensive end Parsons will be a Cowboy for this season and beyond.

“No, not necessarily,” Prescott said on Aug. 7 when asked if his mind ever goes to a place where Parsons might not be his teammate following the two-time All-Pro pass rusher’s public trade request. “… I’ve got faith in Jones and the team, as I do in Micah and his team. … I’m going to continue to believe and be optimistic. And 11’s a Cowboy.”

Texans S C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffers significant leg injury at camp

Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a significant leg injury on Aug. 7 during training camp. He tried to tackle receiver John Metchie and, after making contact, reportedly fell to the ground and began writhing in pain. The medical staff tended to him as the team and coaches surrounded him. He was eventually helped to a cart while it appeared that he couldn’t put any pressure on his right leg. Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t have an update on his condition.

Chargers T Rashawn Slater‘s season-ending injury “a gut punch”

The Chargers are moving on without Slater after the offensive lineman’s torn patellar tendon sidelined him for the season. “It’s like a gut punch,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Aug. 8. The 315-pound lineman was carted off the practice field on Aug. 7 after apparently injuring his left leg. The injury came nearly two weeks after Slater signed a $114 million, four-year extension that included $92 million guaranteed.

With Slater out, Joe Alt will move from right to left tackle, a position he played at Notre Dame before becoming the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Titans HC Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy practice

The Titans turned in a sluggish performance on Aug. 3, earning a profanity-laced tirade from Callahan as the session concluded. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick this year, followed two solid practices with a rough showing in team drills. The Titans also had penalties and a play that would have been a sack as the defense pressured the young quarterback. Ward’s final rep of the day was a pass that sailed far over the head of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That’s when Callahan unleashed on the offense, but the Titans called Callahan’s outburst warranted, though, because of a lack of focus and intensity on offense.

Bills’ mounting list of injuries grows to 15 players

Head coach Sean McDermott followed the Bills’ day off by opening his pre-practice news conference on Aug. 3 by listing 15 members of Buffalo’s 91-player roster as either being limited or not practicing. Starting receiver Khalil Shakir was among the latest additions and was listed week-to-week with a high ankle sprain after he was hurt during the Bills’ annual Red and Blue scrimmage at their home stadium on Aug. 1. Also injured Friday were WR Josh Palmer (groin), one of the team’s prized offseason free agent additions, and linebacker Shaq Thompson (groin). 

Injuries have particularly hit Buffalo’s receivers, with Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and backup Kaden Prather also sidelined. Keon Coleman is the only healthy projected starter with Buffalo preparing to open the preseason.

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

Cowboys fans are growing increasingly impatient about the fact that the team has yet to reach a contract extension with All-Pro edge rusher Parsons, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. They let Jerry Jones know exactly how they feel about it too, shouting “Pay Micah!” as Dallas’ longtime owner addressed the crowd during the opening day of Cowboys training camp on Saturday in Oxnard, California, per CBS Sports.

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7–10 campaign. They exercised Parsons’ fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2025 for $24 million — well below market value for easily one of the five best defensive players in the NFL. The 26-year-old Parsons, who earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons in the league, remains the only player in NFL history to record at least 12.0 sacks in each of his first three years. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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