Shedeur Sanders will likely miss Cleveland’s second preseason game
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is “unlikely” to play in the team’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as he deals with an oblique injury. Sanders has already been ruled out of Cleveland’s joint practice tomorrow with Philly.
“We’re working through that,” Stefanski told reporters after practice today. “We’re always going to play our young guys a lot in these games, so we’ll see how it shakes out here over the next couple days.”
James Cook signs a four-year extension
Just one day after ending his hold-in, the Buffalo Bills and Pro Bowl running back James Cook agreed on a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the end of the 2029 season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $48 million and includes a $30 million guarantee.
“James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill,” said Cook’s agent Zac Hiller of LAA Sports & Entertainment. “We are extremely thankful to the entire Bills organization and glad we could make that happen.”
“We’re excited with where he’s at, and he’s still a young talent,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane after Cook’s signing. “And as we’ve said in here, don’t think he’s been overtaxed, or a guy that, like, the tread on his tires is getting worn by any means.”
Michael Penix Jr. gets involved in a fight
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. found himself in the middle of a fight that broke out today during the joint practice between the Titans and the Falcons. According to the Associated Press, Penix was thrown to the ground after making “comments he said were delivered in response to ‘words’ from Tennessee players.”
“I don’t know. I was somebody else,” Penix told reporters after practice. “I don’t know where I was at in it. It was a lot of people in it. I know I was down there somewhere. I wasn’t the only one, though… But to see the team have my back and they were there, make sure they protect me. A lot of guys asked me if I was good, and it was good to know that those guys had my back.”
Odell Beckham Jr. doesn’t plan on retiring
Free agent wide receiver and former three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. said on Twitter that he is “not done yet,” and that he doesn’t plan to retire. According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Beckham has received interest from several teams and plans on playing in 2025.
Don’t hope to see Patrick Mahomes this week
After playing just one possession in their first preseason game, the Kansas City Chiefs are not expecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes to play in their game on Friday against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Andy Reid said earlier today.
“Well, we’ll see,” Reid told reporters when asked if Mahomes would play this week. “There’s a good chance he doesn’t, but we’ll see how it goes.”
The Bears will play their starters
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said today that all starters will play in the team’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, scheduled for Sunday, including former number-one overall pick Caleb Williams.
“Our starters are gonna play,” Johnson said while speaking to members of the media. “Everyone’s going to play.”
Johnson added that it’s important for Caleb Williams to get some live game action within the new offensive system that has been installed.
“Well, last week – and really all through camp – I’ve been pretty consistent with the thought of reps, reps, reps are the most important thing to get him up to speed,” Johnson continued. “And by the plan we had a week ago, we were able to get him probably somewhere between 80 and 100 more reps than we would have been able to do had he played in the game. This week, it’s a different schedule, different length of time in terms of in between games and all of that. And, so, our plan right now is the guys that sat out last week will be playing this week.”
Notable injuries and injury updates
Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns
- Quarterback Dillon Gabriel took part in 11-on-11 drills today, while quarterback Kenny Pickett participated in 7-on-7s.
- Cornerback Greg Newsome II is still limited at practice due to a shoulder injury.
Detroit Lions
- Cornerback Terrion Arnold, who won’t be participating in practice this week due to a hamstring issue, is hoping to return to the field next week.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Running back Kareem Hunt was held out of practice with a quad contusion.
- Wideout Hollywood Brown is still not practicing due to a foot/ankle injury.
Miami Dolphins
- Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle took part in the Dolphins’ joint practice with the Lions.
- After linebacker Chop Robinson left practice early on a cart, he took to social media to say that his injury was “nothing serious.”
Minnesota Vikings
- Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is nursing a hamstring injury, will be held out of practice this week and re-evaluated next week.
- Safety Harrison Smith missed today’s practice because of an illness.
New England Patriots
- Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, tight end Hunter Henry, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez didn’t practice today. However, there’s a chance Henry could return to the field tomorrow.
New York Giants
- Wide receiver Malik Nabers didn’t participate in the team’s joint practice with the Jets as he continues to nurse a toe injury.
New York Jets
- Cornerback Sauce Gardner was held out of today’s practice as he deals with soreness in his calf.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. missed practice today due to a lower leg injury.
