NFL Today - August 24, 2025

Dateline: Sunday, August 24, 2025

Raiders’ Backup QB Injured in Preseason Game Aidan O’Connell, the No. 2 quarterback, broke his right wrist in the second quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the injury. The injury will require surgery and is expected to sideline O’Connell for six to eight weeks. Rookie Cam Miller was drafted in the sixth round from North Dakota State. He stepped in and completed 12 of 24 passes for 102 yards. Carroll said the team might look at trades or waiver claims. They want to strengthen the backup quarterback spot after the rosters are cut to 53 players this week.

**Buccaneers Cut Rookie Safety Shilo Sanders** Tampa Bay released rookie safety Shilo Sanders. He is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. This decision came a day after Shilo was ejected for throwing a punch in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders, who went undrafted in April, had been slotted as the third-string safety. Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, his agents, still believe he will be picked up on waivers. Head coach Todd Bowles stressed that discipline is vital. He indicated the altercation could have played a role in the decision.

Patriots’ Depth Issues Revealed in Preseason Finale New England’s last preseason game showed weaknesses in their roster. Several recent draft picks ended up on injured reserve. Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk will be out after shoulder surgery, and cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. is sidelined with an ACL tear. Veteran safety Kyle Dugger is returning from ankle surgery and getting a lot of preseason reps. However, he’s facing criticism for his consistency. Coach Mike Vrabel said the team plans to add a third quarterback. This follows the waiver of undrafted Ben Wooldridge on Friday.

Injury Watch & Notable Preseason Updates – Teams are wrapping up evaluations before roster cuts. Backup quarterbacks and veterans are shining, trying to secure their spots. – - Key injuries in the league include Seattle’s rookie cornerback Kirby Jackson (hamstring) and Dallas running back Tony Harris (ankle). Both are questionable for Week 1. - Concerns grew about Micah Parsons of the Cowboys after he was on the trainer’s table during the preseason finale. His hamstring status is uncertain for the regular season opener.

Teams will make their final cuts by Tuesday, setting the stage for the NFL’s Week 1 kickoff in early September.