The NFL preseason is in full swing, with several teams making significant roster moves and facing crucial decisions. The Denver Broncos have named rookie quarterback Bo Nix as their starter for the upcoming preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, impressed in his debut against the Indianapolis Colts, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Broncos head coach Sean Payton stated, ‘I think we’re going to see Bo starting out in Phase I, Stiddy in Phase II, and Zach in Phase III’, indicating a structured approach to evaluating their quarterback options.In Minnesota, the Vikings have made a notable move by signing quarterback Matt Corral after placing rookie J.J. McCarthy on injured reserve due to a full meniscus tear in his right knee. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick, will miss the entire 2024 season following surgery. Corral, a former third-round pick who previously played for the Carolina Panthers and Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, joins a quarterback room that includes Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens. Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson expressed confidence in Darnold, stating, ‘I definitely feel confident in going into Week 1 with Sam as our quarterback’.Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are grappling with a contract dispute involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The standoff has raised concerns about the team’s Super Bowl aspirations, with head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledging, ‘Brandon is a great player, so it’s real hard to be better when you lose a great player’. Despite the uncertainty, 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel remains optimistic, stating that Aiyuk ‘is gonna be a part of this team’. The situation underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between managing player contracts and maintaining a competitive roster.
Key points
- Rookie Bo Nix named starting quarterback for Denver Broncos’ preseason game against Green Bay Packers.
- Minnesota Vikings sign Matt Corral after placing rookie J.
- San Francisco 49ers in contract dispute with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, potentially impacting their Super Bowl aspirations.
J.
McCarthy on injured reserve for the 2024 season.
