Tag: NFL Preseason

Jaxson Dart questions frequent blue-tent visits after scary hit vs. Vikings

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart found himself in a familiar situation during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Dart took a heavy hit from Vikings safety Jay Ward late in the first quarter and was sent to the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation. He quickly cleared the check, returned to the field and threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields two snaps later. Dart finished 3-of-4 passing for 26 yards and the score in New York’s 13-10 loss.

After the game, however, Dart expressed some frustration over how frequently he has been required to undergo evaluations, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio:

“I really respect the rules, and the thought behind, you know, the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things,” Dart told reporters. “But at the same time, I’m still puzzled by just feeling like every time that I get hit, you know, I just find my way in there. Which, at times, I still try to wrap my head around, but that’s all that I’m gonna say about that situation.”

Jaxson Dart continues to draw attention for physical playing style

Saturday’s evaluation was hardly an isolated occurrence.

Dart underwent several concussion checks during his rookie season and missed two games because of a concussion. His willingness to absorb contact has been a frequent topic of discussion around the Giants as he enters his second NFL season.

This time, Dart later explained that the hit from Ward merely knocked the wind out of him. Still, independent concussion spotters can require a player to leave the field when they identify signs that warrant further evaluation.

Dart was asked afterward whether he had simply accepted that frequent trips to the tent could be part of his reality.

“That’s all I’m gonna say about that situation,” Dart said.

The quarterback’s history adds another layer to the scrutiny.

Last season, the Giants were fined $200,000 and former head coach Brian Daboll received a $100,000 fine after an incident involving Dart’s concussion evaluation. Running back Cam Skattebo was also fined $15,000 after entering the tent during the evaluation.

That episode only reinforces why medical personnel are likely to remain especially cautious when Dart takes significant contact.

For New York, the larger concern is keeping its starting quarterback healthy. Dart’s aggressive style and willingness to extend plays helped define his rookie season, but those same traits have also exposed him to punishment.

Saturday provided another example. One play left him headed for an evaluation. Moments later, he was back on the field creating a touchdown.

Dart may remain puzzled by how often he ends up in the blue tent, but the Giants will gladly accept the extra caution if it helps keep their quarterback available when the regular season begins.

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Titans, Brian Callahan hold key advantage ahead of roster cutdowns

The Tennessee Titans may have finished at the bottom of the standings last season, but that disappointing result is already yielding a strategic benefit for 2025. As teams prepare to trim rosters from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday’s deadline, Tennessee holds the top waiver claim spot — a powerful tool that head coach Brian Callahan plans to take full advantage of.

“The benefit of being No. 1 in the waiver claim is that you have first crack at anybody you think upgrades your roster,” Callahan said Saturday, via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “I know [general manager] Mike [Borgonzi] and his crew have been hard at work, they’ve watched every player in the preseason, watched every preseason game of every team, and they have a really good feel for what’s out there.”

That first-overall waiver position applies to all players with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons who are released over the next few days. For Callahan and the Titans’ front office, it represents a rare chance to bolster the bottom half of the depth chart with young talent that other teams were forced to let go.

“You never know what is going to shake free, or not shake free, so you do your due diligence and you are ready for it when it comes,” Callahan said. “There is going to be opportunities to claim some players that will help us, and that will be a part of the ongoing process through Tuesday to make sure we try to find the best 53.”

That process also brings uncertainty for the players currently sitting on the edge of Tennessee’s roster. Making the initial 53-man cut will not guarantee job security, as waiver claims made after Tuesday can bump players off the active list. The churn is expected to be aggressive, particularly for rebuilding teams like the Titans, who are still assessing their roster under a new coaching regime.

This cycle of movement is common across the NFL following final cutdowns, but Tennessee’s position at the front of the waiver line gives them unmatched leverage during a critical evaluation window. For a team that struggled in 2024, the chance to identify and acquire young, developing talent without competing bids could make a tangible difference by Week 1.

Callahan, entering his first year as head coach in Nashville, is overseeing a full-scale rebuild. The Titans are hoping to turn the corner quickly, and hitting on one or two players through the waiver wire could help jump-start that effort.

Whether those additions come on the offensive line, in the secondary, or at key depth positions, Tennessee will have every opportunity to reshape its roster over the coming days. And for Callahan, the work is just getting started.

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No snaps, big questions: Eagles QB3 battle takes unexpected turn

PHILADELPHIA — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s Eagles future became murkier Thursday when he didn’t play a single snap in the team’s preseason finale. Instead, rookie Kyle McCord ran the offense for all four quarters, leaving fans and analysts speculating about what the decision means for Philadelphia’s quarterback depth chart.

When the Eagles acquired Thompson-Robinson earlier this offseason, he was expected to serve as QB3 behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. That plan seemed to change on draft weekend, when the front office spent a Day 3 pick on McCord. Suddenly, Thompson-Robinson’s ceiling looked like a practice squad role.

Training camp suggested otherwise. The veteran fought back, often outplaying the rookie in early practices and looking steady in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. At that point, public opinion leaned slightly in favor of Thompson-Robinson.

Momentum shifted after both passers struggled in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Many assumed the finale would provide a true tiebreaker. Instead, Thompson-Robinson never left the sideline while McCord got every rep.

Head coach Nick Sirianni explained after the game that the staff already had enough film on Thompson-Robinson, which opened the door for McCord to take extended snaps. That explanation leaves the competition unsettled, with roster cuts looming.

The Eagles won’t carry four quarterbacks into the season, which means either Thompson-Robinson or McCord is likely headed for the practice squad—or out of Philadelphia entirely. For now, the mystery lingers: did Thompson-Robinson’s night off signal job security, or the end of the road?

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Patriots HC Mike Vrabel vows to find ‘rat’ behind team leak

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots first year head coach Mike Vrabel isn’t hiding his frustration. After reports surfaced that wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk could miss the 2025 season with a shoulder injury, Vrabel vowed Thursday to track down the “rat” leaking news from inside the building,

I’d like to find out where some of these [reports] come from. Some of these rats around here. We’ll figure that out,” said Vrabel in a video posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) by Sleeper’s Carlos A. Lopez.

The Pats head coach declined to confirm the report, but his comments suggested there may be truth to it. Polk was expected to step into a much larger role this season after a quiet rookie campaign. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he recorded just 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns in limited action as a rookie.

The potential loss of Polk is another setback for a Patriots wide receiver group already thin on depth. Veteran Stefon Diggs is still recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in October 2024, leaving New England with major questions just weeks before the season opener. The team could look to add a veteran pass catcher through a trade or via roster cuts around the league.

Vrabel, hired this offseason to help reset a franchise coming off a 4-13 finish in 2024, has made accountability and intensity hallmarks of his approach. Rooting out an internal leak won’t show up in the standings, but it reflects the tone Vrabel is trying to establish as New England rebuilds.

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Broncos rookie linebacker earns praise from Sean Payton amid roster battle

The Denver Broncos’ search for depth at inside linebacker might have possibly revealed an unexpected contender. Rookie Jordan Turner impressed in the preseason, and on Tuesday, head coach Sean Payton publicly praised Turner — a rare nod for someone battling to earn a roster spot.

Turner joined Denver following rookie minicamp in May after going undrafted out of Michigan State in the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons at with the Spartans before transferring, posting 107 tackles, eight sacks, and five interceptions in 42 collegiate games.

In the Broncos’ second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Turner co-led the team in tackles and recorded 1.5 sacks. His effort built momentum in a crowded linebacker room that has seen competition from fellow undrafted rookies Levelle Bailey and Karene Reid.

The Mile High Huddle’s Chad Jensen reported the following remarks from Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach and current Broncos coach.

“Obviously, coming in like that, coming in a little later, I think he’s picked things up pretty well, and that’s a plus. The exposures you get in the kicking game and those other snaps are important, but he has picked things up pretty quickly.”

Denver’s starting duo of Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw brings experience but also injury concerns, leaving the team reliant on depth. Justin Strnad, who started eight games last season, is expected to return as the primary reserve, but roster math will determine if multiple young linebackers can stick.

The Broncos face their final preseason test Saturday against the New Orleans Saints, with final roster cuts due Tuesday. Turner will have one more chance to prove that Payton’s endorsement wasn’t just preseason praise, but a sign he belongs on the 53-man roster.

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Aidan O’Connell’s “disastrous” outing clouds Raiders preseason quarterback picture

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell hasn’t inspired much confidence this preseason. Entering his third year in the NFL, O’Connell continues to look like a backup at best, raising questions about the Raiders’ quarterback depth behind starter Geno Smith.

The 26-year-old threw two interceptions in the preseason opener against Seattle, then followed that up with another costly mistake in Week 2 against San Francisco. His play has left many wondering whether the Raiders can trust him if Smith goes down during the regular season.

Carroll’s critique

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll, whose team faced O’Connell in the preseason, gave a blunt assessment of the quarterback’s issues.

“I thought Aidan continued to little bit — we’re not quite as fast when he’s playing,” Carroll said, according to an article by SportingNews’s Mike Moraitis. “We don’t play as quick from huddle to the snap, still trying to work that out. And he made a poor choice on the throw for the pick, unfortunately. It was a crucial time, that was tough. Just the guy was covered, and if he had to it throw away or take off, we would have preferred that.”

The interception Carroll referenced was an ill-advised throw where O’Connell forced the ball into tight coverage. Former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, calling the game on the broadcast, criticized the decision bluntly: “Can’t make that throw.”

Adding an extra layer of intrigue, Raiders general manager John Spytek happened to be in the broadcast booth when the mistake occurred, though he didn’t react publicly.

Stuck as QB2?

Despite his struggles, O’Connell is still expected to hold onto the backup role in Las Vegas. Rookie Cam Miller has shown flashes of potential in limited action but cooled off in Week 2, making it unlikely that he jumps O’Connell on the depth chart just yet.

Still, Miller has displayed enough upside that the Raiders could keep him on the 53-man roster as a developmental option. Fans may clamor for him to get a chance if O’Connell continues to stumble.

What’s next for Las Vegas?

For now, the Raiders are set with Geno Smith as the starter and O’Connell slotted in behind him. But the preseason struggles raise legitimate concerns about what might happen if Smith is sidelined. Carroll’s comments highlight an ongoing problem: O’Connell has yet to speed up his processing and decision-making at the NFL level.

Whether he can adjust before the regular season remains to be seen, but his shaky preseason outings have kept the spotlight firmly on Las Vegas’ backup quarterback situation.

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Mitchell Tinsley shines in Bengals preseason win with two touchdowns

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley made the most of his opportunity Monday night, strengthening his bid for a roster spot in a 31-17 preseason victory over Washington.

The former undrafted free agent caught two first-half touchdowns and led Cincinnati with five receptions for 73 yards. His performance caught the attention of head coach Zac Taylor, who had already made him a captain for the matchup against his former team.

“Baller,” Taylor told NFL.com’s Kevin Patra after the game. “Yeah, he just works hard. He’s become a guy that everybody really respects in the locker room. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard him speak
 He just goes out there and just works, and we respect that. And again, he created the opportunities for himself
 He rewarded himself with touchdowns and catches and extending drives and someone that’s reliable for the quarterbacks in August.”

From practice squad to preseason standout

Tinsley’s road to Monday’s breakout has been anything but easy. After appearing in two games for Washington in 2023, he spent all of 2024 on their practice squad. The Bengals signed him to a futures deal this offseason, giving him another chance to prove himself at the NFL level.

Against his former club, the 25-year-old delivered. His second touchdown came just before halftime, a toe-tapping grab in the corner of the end zone that showcased his awareness and ball skills.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but for me, I try not to focus on all that,” Tinsley said after the game. “I know I put a lot of work in during the offseason and into my craft. Really, it all just came down to me coming out here and executing.”

Burrow’s endorsement

Quarterback Joe Burrow was asked postgame if he thought Tinsley had done enough to make the roster. His answer was simple: “Sure hope so.”

Cincinnati’s wide receiver group is among the deepest in the league, led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. Young players like Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones are also competing for depth roles, making the competition fierce.

Still, Tinsley’s preseason production and Taylor’s praise suggest he has carved out a real chance to stick. Even if the Bengals’ depth chart proves too crowded, his showing may be enough to earn him a spot somewhere in the league.

What’s next

With roster cuts looming, Tinsley’s name is one to watch. His ability to separate, high-point the ball, and finish plays in the end zone has stood out in August. Whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere, he has shown he belongs on an NFL roster in 2025.

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Brian Robinson Jr. trade rumors: 2 potential landing spots for Commanders RB

A young running back could soon be on the move. The Washington Commanders are reportedly shopping Brian Robinson Jr. as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Robinson has been a steady contributor in Washington’s backfield since arriving as a third-round pick out of Alabama in 2022, but with Austin Ekeler entering his second year with the team and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt impressing in camp, the franchise appears ready to move forward without him.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, here are two teams that make sense as trade destinations for the 26-year-old.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans may have an immediate need at running back. KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reported last week that Joe Mixon is “not considered a lock to be ready” for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as he continues to rehab an ankle and foot injury.

With Mixon’s status uncertain, Houston could look to acquire Robinson as a stopgap starter. The Texans are coming off back-to-back AFC South titles and are hoping to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. A reliable lead back like Robinson would stabilize the rushing attack and provide insurance until Mixon is healthy.

Adding Robinson not only addresses a short-term need but also gives Houston another physical runner who fits well into an offense built around balance and efficiency.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Another potential landing spot could be Jacksonville, where the Jaguars appear to be reevaluating their backfield situation. SI.com’s John Shipley reported last month that 2023 third-round pick Tank Bigsby “looked like the focal point at running back” over Travis Etienne Jr. during training camp.

After opening his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Etienne took a step back in 2024, rushing for just 558 yards in 15 games. The Jaguars seem prepared to shift toward Bigsby, but adding Robinson would bring experience and toughness to complement their young back.

For quarterback Trevor Lawrence and an offense looking to re-establish consistency, Robinson could provide a spark. Whether used as the lead runner or in a one-two punch with Bigsby, he would give Jacksonville much-needed flexibility and depth at a critical position.

Outlook

Robinson’s power running style and proven production make him an intriguing option for teams seeking help in the backfield. With Washington looking to reset its roster, the coming weeks could determine whether he finds a new home in Houston, Jacksonville, or elsewhere as the season approaches.

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Texans linebacker dominates preseason opener

Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed wasted no time in the preseason opener, turning his debut into a tone-setter for DeMeco Ryans’ defense. The former division rival signed a one-year, $5 million deal in April and backed it up immediately, earning a 92.0 PFF grade while impacting every level of the field.

Speed’s night popped on contact and in coverage. He delivered a heavy first-quarter hit, blew up a screen for a three-yard loss, and later deflected a pass—quick, decisive plays that changed momentum and series flow. The range and processing that fueled his 2024 breakout carried over, reinforcing why Houston pegged him as a low-risk, high-reward add.

Around him, the Texans’ linebackers look more well rounded than a year ago. Defensive captain Azeez Al-Shaair anchors the group, Christian Harris aims to stack a healthier season, and Henry To’oTo’o logged meaningful snaps with steady improvement. Depth pieces Jake Hansen and Jamal Hill add competition that should keep the room sharp as August unfolds.

Experience matters in the middle, and the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker brings it into his seventh NFL season. After a career year with the Colts—highlighted by 141 combined tackles, 13.5 stuffs (including seven tackles for loss) and an interception—he arrives as the team’s oldest linebacker, a presence that can raise the floor for younger teammates.

If this is the preseason baseline, the arrow is up. Speed’s range, recognition, and physicality give Houston options in pressure looks and sub-packages, and his opener pushes him closer to a full-time role. With play-time incentives in his contract and a clear path up the depth chart, he’s positioned to become a difference-maker for the Texans once the regular season kicks off.

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Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay injured during Training Camp

Steelers CB Darius Slay Injured at Training Camp Practice

The Steelers’ secondary depth took another hit on Monday when Darius Slay suffered an ankle injury during training camp practice. The setback comes with starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey already sidelined, raising new concerns ahead of the team’s joint sessions with Tampa Bay later this week.

Slay’s Injury Compounds Cornerback Issues

Slay went down during team drills and did not return to the field. While the team has not released official details about the severity of the injury, his absence will be felt in an already thinned cornerback group. Ramsey has been out for the past week, missing valuable preparation time.

Notably, Slay’s durability has been a talking point in the past. As reported by FOX Sports Radio’s Adam Caplan, the veteran underwent arthroscopic knee surgery late in 2023, which could raise questions about his mobility. “You have to wonder how well he can run 
 and the Eagles learned this with James Bradberry, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago,” Caplan said. While those comments referred to his time in Philadelphia, they highlight the physical challenges Slay has battled in recent years.

Without two of their top defensive backs, the Steelers are relying on less experienced players to step into bigger roles. Cameron McCutchen, Kyler McMichael, and Daryl Porter are among those vying to prove themselves during this stretch.

Opportunity for Young Corners

The competition for roster spots at the bottom of the depth chart is heating up. For players like McCutchen, McMichael, and Porter, this is a prime opportunity to make their case to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Slay’s and Ramsey’s absences open additional reps in both team and individual drills, allowing these young corners to showcase their skills against Pittsburgh’s top wideouts.

What It Means for the Steelers’ Defense

The Steelers entered training camp with one of the NFL’s more intriguing defensive backfields, combining veteran experience with promising young talent. However, the simultaneous losses of Slay and Ramsey create potential ripple effects that could extend into the early regular season.

  1. Depth Concerns – Without their two most established corners on the field, Pittsburgh risks overexposing younger players in live game situations.

  2. Scheme Adjustments – Austin may need to simplify coverage schemes or lean on more zone concepts until his starters are fully healthy.

  3. Increased Safety Responsibility – Minkah Fitzpatrick and the safeties may be tasked with more coverage support, which could impact blitz packages.

  4. Roster Pressure – If the injuries linger, the front office could explore adding a veteran cornerback before Week 1.

While injuries are an unavoidable part of training camp, losing two key players at the same position is a test of a team’s resilience and roster depth.

Looking Ahead to Tampa Bay

The Steelers will now shift their focus to joint practices with the Buccaneers before their preseason matchup in Pittsburgh this weekend. Tomlin has yet to announce which starters will suit up, but this game represents a key evaluation point for the coaching staff.

The preseason schedule is reaching its midpoint, making every rep critical—especially for those fighting for a spot in the secondary. While the team waits for updates on Slay’s status, the next few days could be defining for several fringe roster hopefuls.

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