The Eagles’ No. 3 quarterback battle is still up in the air after Saturday’s 22-13 loss to the Browns, with Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson trading two-series stints and both struggling to finish drives. McCord flashed the lone bright moment with a nine-yard TD to Ainias Smith, while Thompson-Robinson was erratic and picked a dangerous time for a turnover. The pair didn’t separate from the field much, and the lurking roster cuts loom large for both players as Nick Sirianni previews tape of the performance.

Meanwhile, Tanner McKee’s standout opener last week provided context for the QB3 competition, and McKee sat this one out as the Eagles prioritized joint-practice reps with Cleveland. With Hurts sidelined, the game underscored how precarious the No. 3 spot is and why fantasy managers should monitor how the coaching staff weighs practice, tape, and in-game decisions ahead of the finale.

Dill on the Browns’ second preseason outing: Dillon Gabriel connected on 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, delivering a crisp 71% completion rate and guiding Cleveland on a sustained opening drive before exiting at halftime. The eye-catching debut came with three Browns scoring drives and a first-half vibe of competence and ceiling, even as a busted-play pick-six lingered as a rough note.

The Cleveland defense stole the show, limiting Philadelphia to 88 yards on 44 plays and feeding off a growing rotation on the line. K.J. Henry’s quick-strike return of a Dorian Thompson-Robinson interception for a TD underscored the depth and potential pass rush. Undrafted receivers like Gage Larvadain and Ahmani Marshall flashed just enough to keep roster chatter buzzing, while Kaden Davis added another layer of reliability in the passing game.

With DTR mixing in, Gabriel’s strong first half promises meaningful competition for snaps in a Browns QB room that figures to hinge on development and depth mindfully. The non-starters formed a blueprint for the 53-man roster: a defense that can rotate without a drop-off and an offense with enough playmaking to keep defenses honest when the starters sit. Fantasy observers should monitor Gabriel’s command, the receiving corps’ growth, and how the Browns balance risk and upside in the final preseason tuneups.

Mazi Smith enters year three with Dallas amid high expectations for a first‑round pick who has yet to fully meet the hype. His athleticism is unquestioned; The Athletic once named him the freakiest lineman in college football, with jaw‑dropping numbers at Michigan and at the scouting combine. Parsons’ enthusiastic reaction at the draft suggested Smith has the backing of Dallas’ defense, a unit desperate for interior disruption. Smith’s 2023 and 2024 stat lines show growth but not the breakout many envisioned, keeping fantasy folks wary but hopeful for a Year 3 jump. The Cowboys’ historical affinity for Michigan linemen provides a cultural backdrop, while off‑field headlines from college still linger. If he can earn more snaps and translate athletic gifts into consistent pressure, his fantasy floor could rise alongside his role in a Parsons‑led defense.

The piece threads in a wider NFL college‑to‑pro angle, noting the Cowboys’ prior first‑round interior DL picks and a Michigan defensive‑lineman pipeline that has yielded big names in recent drafts. It also touches on Smith’s arrest in college and his creative‑writing background, painting a multidimensional portrait of a player who blends power with rare burst. All told, Smith is positioned for a meaningful, perhaps season‑defining, third year — a pivot point for fantasy managers who have watched him steadily grow but wait for a definitive breakout moment.

The Cleveland Browns have successfully claimed defensive end K.J. Henry off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. This move bolsters the Browns' defensive line as they look to improve their performance moving forward in the season.

Henry, who was a standout during his time at Clemson, brings both speed and technique to the Browns' defense. He offers the potential to become a valuable asset, providing depth and competition at a critical position.