Article 77VZF NFL preseason Week 2: Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy among those expected to play Saturday

NFL preseason Week 2: Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy among those expected to play Saturday

by
Kate Magdziuk,Yahoo Sports Staff
from on (#77VZF)

Week 2 of NFL preseason continues on Saturday with a 10-game slate. As we inch closer to the opening of the regular season, teams are using their second game of the summer in different ways. Many will continue to give their starting units some gametime, while others are sitting them in hopes of keeping injuries away.

This could also potentially be the final action any starter's playing today will see until Week 1. Many NFL teams like to use the final preseason tilt as a deciding-factor in specific position battles. Players know this and realize it's their final chance to impress or at least add some plays to their film reel in hopes of being picked up if they end up being cut.

Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Saturday's NFL preseason schedule.

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Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

Notables playing: QB Jayden Daniels

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Thursday that "a good amount of starters" would be playing on Saturday, and Lions HC Dan Campbell said this week that a number of starters would be getting playing time, though neither coach initially clarified what that number would be.

That would mean Jayden Daniels would start at quarterback and see a bit of action for the Commanders. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta remains out with a hip injury he suffered last week. The team is confident he will be ready for Week 1.

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns

Notables playing: We'll see

Unlike some of the other games on Saturday, this is one that likely won't feature many stars. Amid joint practices between the teams this week, both Bills coach Joe Brady and Browns coach Todd Monken said any first-string appearances will depend on how practice goes: Monken told reporters earlier this week that he and Brady agreed to not play their starters on Saturday if they were satisfied their performance in Thursday's practice.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts

Notables playing: QBsCooper Rush, Jack Strand, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard

With Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for 11-v-11 and Tua Tagovailoa struggling, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski will test out career backup Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand at quarterback on Saturday. Stefanski told reporters earlier this week that Rush and Strand will split halves, likely starting with Rush.

For the Colts, though Daniel Jones has been reportedly killing it in practice, it's not clear yet whether he will step in on Saturday or not.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings

Notables playing: QB J.J. McCarthy

It's currently unclear how the Vikings' quarterback situation will play out. Though head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that Kyler Murray will the QB1, followed by JJ McCarthy and Carson Wentz at second- and third-string, respectively, it's unclear who will get minutes on Saturday. All three quarterbacks, plus Max Brosmer, got snaps last weekend.

After Danny Pinter's injury this week, the Ravens' search for a starting center will come down to Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn following Tyler Lindenbaum's departure in free agency.

New Orleans Saints vs. LA Rams

Notables playing: QBs Zach Wilson, Spencer Rattler, RB Kendre Miller

Puka Nacua been training separately from the team while recovering from an injury to his psoas muscle, and Myles Garrett, who is dealing with swelling in his knee, also practiced separately.

Kellen Moore will likely see his starters rested with positions battles continuing. Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler are expected to see the field as the QB2 fight sees another week.

New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

Notables playing: WR Odell Beckham Jr.

The joint practice this week saw several skirmishes between the teams. Will that continue over into Saturday? Jeff Hafley and John Harbaugh did not reveal whether their respective starters will see the field and how much time they would get if they get into the game.

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Notables playing: We'll see

Among the notable players not in the lineup on Saturday is Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's game. Bears head coach Ben Johnson told reporters on Thursday that Bagent is week to week, and that the backup QB did not travel to Cincinnati with the team. He added the starters will likely not play.

Like the Bills and Browns, both Johnson and Bengals HC Zac Taylor said that the starters were getting more minutes in Thursday's practice, meaning that there is a lower chance for them to take significant snaps on Saturday.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots

Notables playing: QBs Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, Tommy DeVito, RB Tank Bigsby

Following joint practice this week, it's unlikely Mike Vrabel has quarterback Drake Maye and his starters suit up. Same for Nick Sirianni and the Eagles. That would mean game time for Tommy DeVito, Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton as they look to lock in jobs ahead of Week 1.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Notables playing: QBs Justin Fields, Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters earlier this week that he was planning to give the starters somewhere between 8 and 15 snaps in Saturday's game, setting up some more significant time on the field. However, he did say that he would play it by ear.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid noted some "nicks and bruises" to members of his team on Thursday, with defensive end Ashton Gillottee rupturing his plantar fascia and receiver Jeff Caldwell hyperextending his knee. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals

Notables playing: QB Gardner Minshew

After a great first preseason outing that went on much longer than one might expect, Arizona running back and 2026 first-round pick Jeremiyah Love will not be playing in the rest of the preseason while he's dealing with a high ankle sprain. The team is hopeful, however, that Love will be able to return to play in Week 1.

Quarterback-wise, Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur told reporters on Thursday that Gardner Minshew would start the first half of Saturday's game, while QB1 Jacoby Brissett will not play. Rookie quarterback Carson Beck will probably not play either, though LaFleur did not commit to that either way.

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