A Critical Wednesday as the Preseason Winds Down
With the preseason in its final week, Wednesday, August 20, was a significant day for many teams. From surprising contract extensions to key player injuries and returns, the headlines were filled with news that will directly impact the start of the regular season. Here’s a summary of the most important news and notes from across the NFL.
Bears Show Confidence in Backup QB
The Chicago Bears made a bold and surprising move by signing quarterback Tyson Bagent to a two-year contract extension. This deal, which is reportedly worth up to $16 million with incentives, shows the team’s immense confidence in their backup quarterback. This is a very rare move for a team to make for a backup quarterback before the regular season begins, but after Bagent's solid performance, the Bears felt it was a great way to reward him and secure their backup quarterback position for the next few years.
Bengals and Browns Face Roster Setbacks
In the AFC North, both the Bengals and Browns received some concerning news. For the Bengals, offensive lineman Cordell Volson will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. This is a major blow to a team that is looking to provide better protection for their franchise quarterback. For the Browns, a surprise trade was announced, as they sent defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to the Jets in exchange for draft pick compensation. In a separate deal, the Broncos also acquired wide receiver Devaughn Vele from the Saints, while the Vikings traded defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to the Buccaneers.
The Return of Key Veterans
There was also good news for several teams as some key players returned to practice. The Miami Dolphins activated tight end Darren Waller from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans also activated cornerback L'Jarius Sneed from the PUP list, giving them a much-needed boost in their secondary. These returns are a major positive for both teams as they prepare for the regular season.
An Injury Concern in Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons, on the other hand, received some concerning news on Wednesday. Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the practice field with what appeared to be a lower leg injury. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. The Falcons are hopeful that the injury isn’t a season-ending one, but the team is preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion: A Day of Ups and Downs
Wednesday, August 20, was a perfect example of the wild and unpredictable nature of the NFL. From a surprise contract extension for a backup quarterback to a season-ending injury to a key player, the news that emerged from training camps will have a direct impact on the upcoming regular season. As the final week of the preseason wraps up, teams will be making their final decisions, and fans will be watching closely to see how these news stories play out.