THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday 08/04 - Stafford is tough tough

rams

• Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking it easy after banging his thumb on a helmet following Monday's practice. The original thought was that he would miss a few days even though his x-rays were negative, but Stafford was out on the field doing some light work during Tuesday's practice. Peep the bandage on his thumb. Brace yourselves for reports of him being "so tough."

Rams QB Matthew Stafford warming up throwing to the end zone. There’s a small bandage on his right thumb after his hand collided with a helmet yesterday. pic.twitter.com/f0RuBondC6

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 3, 2021

dolphins

• Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hopes that jump in Year 2 sets his career rolling a la Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Whether he does that or not has yet to be seen, but his teammates seem to be on board. Safety Eric Rowe said, "I just believe it's that year-two jump that everyone needs to make from their rookie year... Now seeing training camp, a lot more deep routes, they're allowing him the opportunity to throw it deep."

vikings

• While the rest of the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks are on the COVID-19 list, Jake Browning, a practice squad guy, is prepared to take advantage of his opportunity. "I've been preparing like that for two years, so the opportunity presented itself. I felt like I was ready."

bears

• I mentioned yesterday that Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields was highly professional during his presser, something guys can struggle with during their first year. He was super honest and forthcoming in explaining how he's been preparing, and mentioned that having two 10-year QBs in Andy Dalton and Nick Foles only helps him get better. So I'm here to gush about him some more. "I'm constantly growing," he said. "A lot of people are anxious to see me play, but greatness doesn't happen overnight." Food for thought.

broncos

• The Denver Broncos are still trying to decide who will start at quarterback for the season. Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock are still neck-and-neck for the position, but offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur says he's seeing a push from both. I think it would be more beneficial if one was better than the other, but what do I know?

Does OC Pat Shurmur see separation between Lock/Teddy B? "I've seen both guys getting better. This is the best version of Drew I've seen. He's done a really good job. And I expected Teddy to come in ... Teddy's got experience, he's got experience in multiple offenses." #9sports

— MikeKlis (@mikeklis) August 3, 2021

colts

• Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz had surgery on Tuesday for a foot injury that's apparently been plaguing him for years. While he has to sit out anywhere from one month to three, the good news is, it's one and done. There are no other concerns with Wentz's foot, and it's onto recovery followed by the rehab process.

ravens

• The Baltimore Ravens expect their starting quarterback Lamar Jackson to be off the COVID-19 list this weekend after testing positive for the second time in less than a year. To make things seem better and to get the heat off of the anti-vaxxer, Harbaugh mentioned that the backup QBs are getting a ton of reps and are getting better. "The fact that those two guys have gotten those reps, they've had to deal with all these pressures, all these blitzes, they've been in there with the ones and twos. It's got to be good for us from a depth standpoint, developing those guys." Well yeah, but it really doesn't help if your starter isn't getting reps with the wide receiver group that he desperately needs to practice with. ​

steelers

• I feel like every year, we're thinking, "Is this the year when Ben Roethlisberger is outta here," and we never really get our wish. While it's been widely speculated that 2021 could either be it for Roethlisberger in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform or in an NFL uniform in general, the team is saying that they haven't ruled out a return in 2022. "It's not written in stone that this is his last year," owner Art Rooney II said. ​

• Speaking of Steelers quarterbacks, reports from Pittsburgh have been very complimentary on former Washington QB Dwayne Haskins. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been very favorable of Haskins as well.