Jarrett Stidham Injury News & Updates

Stidham and the Broncos agreed on a two-year, $12 million contract Sunday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Stidham will stick around Denver after spending the last two seasons with the team, most recently operating as the top backup option behind Bo Nix in 2024. The 28-year-old did not attempt a pass this past season and he'll likely remain the No. 2 option again in 2025.

Stidham did not attempt a throw across four regular-season games in 2024 but did register four carries for five yards.

Stidham spent the entire 2024 campaign as the Broncos' backup quarterback after losing out to Bo Nix for the starting job during training camp. All of his appearances came in relief and the most snaps he played was in Week 18 against the Chiefs (nine). Stidham is an unrestricted free agent and will likely serve as the QB2 wherever he ends up signing.

Stidham completed two of four passes for 28 yards in Sunday's 38-12 preseason win over the Cardinals.

The 28-year-old was under center for the Broncos' first possession and led them to pay dirt with a 10-play drive that was capped by a three-yard TD plunge by rookie Audric Estime. Stidham appears set as the top backup to 2024 12th overall pick Bo Nix at quarterback, although Zach Wilson's strong performance Sunday after taking over could cause the Denver coaching staff to at least consider a switch in the No. 2 spot.

Stidham is primed to open the regular season as the top backup to Bo Nix, who coach Sean Payton named the Broncos' starting quarterback Wednesday.

Stidham has been outplayed by Nix, the No. 12 overall pick of April's draft, across two preseason games, so Payton's decision doesn't come as much of a surprise. Nix also boasts ample experience as a collegiate starter, while Stidham's modest arm strength and lack of scrambling potential leave him more comfortable in a reserve role. Barring an injury to Nix, it seems unlikely that Stidham takes the field for Denver this season, though he does seem comfortably ahead of No. 3 quarterback Zach Wilson on the depth chart.

Stidham completed seven of 11 passes for 65 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 27-2 preseason win over the Packers. He added a nine-yard touchdown run on his only rushing attempt.

Stidham watched Bo Nix lead Denver's offense to 10 points on the first two drives, then played the next four drives. The 28-year-old quarterback showed toughness on his touchdown run late in the first half, but that play accounted for Denver's only points during Stidham's time in the game, and he proceeded to throw an interception on the first drive of the third quarter. Stidham seems to have fallen behind the rookie Nix in Denver's quarterback competition heading into next Sunday's preseason finale against the Cardinals, though the team has yet to officially declare a starter for the regular season.

Stidham started Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts and completed four of seven passes for 37 yards and one interception.

Stidham being the first quarterback in the game suggests he's in contention to win the starting job in the regular season after starting Denver's final two games in 2023, but he didn't do himself any favors with his performance Sunday. The 28-year-old quarterback failed to lead the offense to any points in two drives, and Stidham's final pass was picked off. Rookie 12th overall pick Bo Nix played the next five drives and produced 20 points, including a one-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims. Nix's arrow is pointing up in Denver's quarterback competition, but Stidham will have a chance to turn the tide in the next preseason game against the Packers, though Nix is expected to get the start.

Coach Sean Payton announced Friday that Stidham will start Sunday's preseason opener against the Colts, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Per the report, Bo Nix will play after Stidham gets his reps Sunday, followed by Zach Wilson, with Nix potentially getting in some reps with the first-team offense. DiLalla adds that Nix is slated to start Denver's second preseason contest, against the Packers on Aug. 18. While Stidham's name is atop the Broncos' posted unofficial depth chart, that can be taken with a grain of salt, considering that Nix and the team's other rookie skill players are notably listed at the bottom. What's more relevant is that Stidham and Nix have largely split first-team practice reps since camp training began, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. With that in mind, Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post suggests that Nix remains expected to push Stidham for the starting job by Week 1, adding that it would be a moderate surprise if the rookie first-rounder didn't end up getting the nod. For now, however, consider the competition a close one.

Stidham is listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the Broncos' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason Tuesday.

Stidham is currently in the lead of Denver's quarterback competition, per the team's first unofficial depth chart, with Zach Wilson listed as the No. 2 man and rookie first-round pick Bo Nix in the No. 3 spot. Preseason depth charts mean little, though, especially given the caveat that not a single rookie is listed higher than as a third-stringer. Competition for the Week 1 starter gig could stretch deep into the preseason for Stidham, Nix and Wilson. If coach Sean Payton opts for all three quarterbacks to get some action during Sunday's exhibition matchup against the Colts, one or two of those signal-callers could have an early opportunity to pull away from the pack.

Stidham said he's "super excited" to compete with Bo Nix and Zach Wilson for quarterback reps at OTAs and believes he could win the starting job, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

Stidham said he's "very confident that I can be the guy for us next year.'' The 2019 fourth-rounder isn't unaccustomed to such situations, noting that he "dealt with this before" when New England drafted Mac Jones in the first round. Now, Stidham finds himself in the veteran role of an offseason competition, with Nix having been selected 12th overall in April's draft, and Wilson still coming along in his development. Coach Sean Payton has made clear that the Broncos are approaching the offseason as a three-way competition for the starting gig, per Legwold.

Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Stidham is joined in the Broncos' QB room by newcomer Zach Wilson, along with No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

After the Broncos released Russell Wilson last month, it was inevitable that they would add QB depth to join Stidham, who started Denver's final two contests last season. While Nix is no doubt being groomed as the team's future starter, it remains to be seen if he'll step into that role immediately. Until then, Stidham and Wilson will presumably both have an opportunity to compete with the rookie for depth chart slotting, but neither veteran signal-caller profiles as a high-percentage fantasy option in either re-draft or dynasty formats.

Coach Sean Payton said Monday that Stidham isn't necessarily in the "driver's seat" but will compete for Denver's starting QB job, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

The broader context of the conversation involved Payton telling reporters that trading up from pick No. 12 to select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft was a "realistic" option for the Broncos. He mentioned the Cardinals being in a good spot as owners of the No. 4 pick -- perhaps a nod to rumors that teams like the Broncos, Vikings and Raiders are interested in moving up for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. With Stidham and Ben DiNucci being the only quarterbacks currently on their roster, the Broncos are sure to bring in more competition even if it isn't in the form of an early first-round pick. Other options could include veteran free agents like Ryan Tannehill and Carson Wentz or third-tier draft prospects like Bo Nix and Michael Penix. The 27-year-old Stidham has one season remaining on a two-year, $10 million contract, following a 2023 campaign in which he started two games and completed 40 of 66 passes for 496 yards (60.6 completion rate, 7.5 YPA), with two TDs, one INT, seven sacks and eight rushing yards.

Stidham completed 20 of 34 passes for 272 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Sunday's 27-14 loss to the Raiders. He also rushed three times for two yards and recovered a fumble of his own.

Stidham found Jerry Jeudy for a 24-yard touchdown during the second quarter. In two games after becoming the Broncos' starter to end the season, Stidham completed 40 of 66 passes for 496 yards and two touchdowns versus one interception. Although he's currently under contract with Denver for the 2024 campaign, it'd be surprising if the team didn't add a starting-caliber quarterback in front of him this offseason.

Stidham completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 224 yards and a touchdown while gaining six yards on six rushing attempts in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Chargers.

Stidham made his first start for Denver on Sunday following the financial benching of Russell Wilson. The former performed well in place of the usual starter, nearly completing two-thirds of his passes without turning the ball over. Stidham's lone touchdown pass went to Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who took a short slant pass in the second quarter and performed a series of maneuvers that resulted in a 54-yard touchdown. It was a relatively quiet fantasy day for Stidham otherwise, who is slated to start the Broncos' final game of the regular season against his former club, the Las Vegas Raiders.

Stidham is slated to start Sunday's game against the Chargers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

According to Rapoport, the 7-8 Broncos plan sit Russell Wilson for the remaining two games of the 2023 season in order to preserve financial flexibility for the franchise this offseason. Stidham thus represents a fantasy lineup option for those who had been considering Wilson in Week 17, or who are otherwise scrambling for QB help down the stretch.

Stidham played the Broncos' final four offensive snaps of Saturday's 42-17 loss to the Lions, attempting no passes during his time on the field.

Stidham handed the ball off four times after taking the field for the Broncos' last possession in place of starter Russell Wilson, who was held out for rest while the game's outcome was already decided. Up until exiting the contest, Wilson had played every offensive snap this season, so Saturday's game marked Stidham's 2023 and Broncos debuts.

Stidham completed 17 of 28 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the Broncos' 41-0 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday night. He also rushed once for 20 yards.

Stidham drew the start and got extended run with Russell Wilson sitting out. The veteran delivered a highly encouraging performance, one in which he averaged 8.4 yards per attempt while also showing off his rushing chops on his one carry. Making his night all the more impressive was the fact Stidham played without Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) and Courtland Sutton, and he seems primed to serve as a very effective No. 2 option behind Wilson to open the season.

Stidham has agreed to terms with the Broncos on a two-year, $10 million contract, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

The 26-year-old former No. 133 overall pick, Stidham started the final two games for the Raiders last season after Derek Carr was benched. Stidham showed well in his brief look under center, completing 45 of 70 throws for 584 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also rushed 14 times for 84 yards. Stidham will slot in as Russell Wilson's backup in Denver.

Stidham completed 22 of 36 pass attempts for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's 31-13 loss to the Chiefs. He added seven rushes for 50 yards.

Stidham led the Raiders to a field goal on their first offensive drive, but he otherwise struggled for much of the game. He threw an interception on a forced deep throw to Mack Hollins midway through the first quarter and also fumbled twice -- losing one. Stidham did show some rapport with Hunter Renfrow, which was highlighted by an 11-yard connection in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter to account for Las Vegas' only touchdown of the game. After replacing Derek Carr as the team's starting quarterback in Week 17, Stidham completed 45 of 70 passes for 584 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions across two games. He isn't likely to enter 2023 as the starter, but Stidham may have done enough in his brief audition to secure a backup role.

Stidham (elbow) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Stidham and Davante Adams (illness) both returned to full participation and will thus lead the Raiders' passing attack this Saturday against the Chiefs. It's a game with playoff implications for only one side, but there are a slew of personal milestones in play for Adams and RB Josh Jacobs, the league leaders in receiving touchdowns and rushing yards, respectively.

Stidham (right elbow) is listed as limited on Tuesday's estimated injury report, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Leading a spirited effort this past Sunday versus the 49ers' top-ranked defense in place of Derek Carr, Stidham completed 23 of 34 passes for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also turning seven carries into 34 yards. Stidham has a right elbow injury in the wake of the 37-34 overtime loss, but he at least will be afforded two more chances for all activity this week before the Raiders potentially hand him a designation ahead of Saturday's scheduled 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Stidham completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the 49ers. He added 34 rushing yards on seven attempts.

Stidham was presented with a brutal matchup for his first career start, but the Raiders' new starter performed well despite the narrow loss. The 2019 fourth-round pick put his arm strength on display, routinely connecting on deep balls to Davante Adams (7-153-2) and Darren Waller (3-72-1). Stidham -- an unrestricted free agent in 2023 -- figures to start the regular season finale against the Chiefs after a strong debut under center. If Las Vegas' offense is going to adopt this vertical passing game following its change at quarterback, then Stidham could produce big fantasy totals again with a plethora of receiving weapons at his disposal.

Stidham will replace Derek Carr as the Raiders' starting quarterback this Sunday against the 49ers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Stidham's first career start will come against one of the best defenses in the league, and under the guidance of a coaching staff that oversaw Carr's decline despite the offseason addition of WR Davante Adams. The 31-year-old QB did play much of the season without TE Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow, both of whom should be available to Stidham over the final two weeks of the season. The 26-year-old was a fourth-round pick of New England's in 2019 and has completed only 32 of 61 passes (52.5 percent) for 342 yards (5.6 YPA), two TDs and four INTs in his NFL career.

Stidham completed eight of 13 passes for 72 yards in Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Saints.

Stidham relieved starting quarterback Derek Carr for the final drive of the contest after the Raiders had already fallen down by 24 points. Stidham managed to complete eight pass attempts in his limited playing time, but the offense still failed to make a mark on the scoreboard. He figures to retain backup duties against the Jaguars in Week 9.

Stidham is set to be the backup quarterback with Las Vegas this season, Marcus Mosher of USA Today reports.

Stidham will operate as Derek Carr's backup in 2022 after Nick Mullens was traded to the Vikings on Monday. Head coach Josh McDaniels likes to work with two quarterbacks only, placing Stidham as the next man up.

Stidham got the start under center Sunday with Derek Carr (rest) sitting out. He completed 10 of 15 pass attempts for 68 yards while rushing four times for 16 yards and a touchdown in a 26-20 preseason win over the Vikings.

Stidham was acquired in what appeared to be a sweetheart deal between his former employer (Patriots) and his new team and head coach in Las Vegas this past offseason. The former fourth-round pick flashed his rushing abilities on an 11-yard scramble for a touchdown. Stidham wasn't much of a runner in college, totaling just 224 rushing yards on 211 attempts. The 24-year-old did have a nose for the end zone at Auburn (nine rushing touchdowns), so he could provide a unique set of fantasy stats as a pocket passer should Derek Carr miss time at any point during the regular season.

Stidham completed eight of 15 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed once for a 12-yard touchdown during the Raiders' 27-11 preseason win over the Jaguars in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Stidham got the starting nod with Derek Carr held out of the contest, and he put together a solid performance despite playing without any of the team's top pass-catching options. The 2019 fourth-round pick just arrived in mid-May via trade from the Patriots, but his familiarity with head coach Josh McDaniels' playcalling and scheme appears to currently afford him the upper hand in the battle for the No. 2 quarterback job over journeyman Nick Mullens. Stidham will aim to continue making his case in the Raiders' next preseason contest, Sunday, Aug. 14 against the Vikings.

The Patriots are trading Stidham and a 2023 seventh-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick, found himself the odd man out of New England's quarterback room, which includes rookie fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and veteran Brian Hoyer as options behind Mac Jones. The move reunites Stidham with coach Josh McDaniels, and sets him up to compete with Nick Mullens and Garrett Gilbert for the top backup spot behind Derek Carr.

Following the Patriots' selection of Bailey Zappe in the fourth round of the recent NFL Draft, Stidham has added competition for a roster spot, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

With veteran Brian Hoyer also in the backup mix behind starter Mac Jones, it looks like Stidham could be the odd man out in the Patriots' signal-caller equation, with Zappe's spot with the team presumably secure. Stidham, a 2019 fourth-rounder out of Auburn, is approaching the final year of his rookie contract.

Stidham (back) has been activated off the Patriots' PUP list, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

Stidham returned to practice on Oct. 20, which means he was nearing the end of his 21-day window to be activated. He is now set to back up Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer as the team's No. 3 quarterback.

Stidham (back) was designated to return from the PUP list and returned to practice Wednesday, Andrew Callahan of Boston Herald reports.

Stidham will have a 21-day period to be added to the active roster, but if he isn't, then he will return to the PUP list for the remainder of the season. Brian Hoyer has been operating as the backup quarterback behind Mac Jones, but Stidham will have a good chance of reclaiming that job when he is officially activated.

The Patriots moved Stidham to the reserve/PUP list Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Stidham will be inactive for the first six weeks of the season after being moved to the reserve/PUP list, leaving the Patriots with just one quarterback -- Mac Jones -- on their current roster. They will have to make a move to add a backup before Week 1, but Stidham should reclaim that role when he is healthy.

Stidham underwent surgery Wednesday for a back injury and is expected to miss around 12 weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Stidham was placed on the PUP list last week and it appears he may wind up on the same one when the regular season rolls around. Even when he's cleared for action, Stidham ranks third, at best, on the Patriots' depth chart at quarterback behind Cam Newton and 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones, so his absence shouldn't have many fantasy ramifications.

Coach Bill Belichick said Thursday that Stidham (shoulder) will "miss a little time" due to his current injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

The Patriots placed Stidham on the PUP list due to pain experienced in his shoulder and back, for which the team is reportedly considering surgery. In a corresponding move, New England claimed former Packers quarterback Jacob Dolegala off waivers, giving the team another option, alongside Brian Hoyer, to take reps behind Cam Newton and Mac Jones.

Stidham was placed on the PUP list Wednesday while experiencing pain in his right shoulder and back, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

The 2019 fourth-round pick apparently experiences the pain while throwing, and surgery is being considered to address the injury. Stidham remains without a timetable for his return, though he seems unlikely to be back on the field in the near future.

The Patriots placed Stidham (undisclosed) on the PUP list Thursday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Stidham isn't ready to participate in the start of training camp practices, though it remains to be seen what sort of issue he's dealing with. Given that Cam Newton and rookie first-round pick Mac Jones are solidified above Stidham on New England's depth chart, missing time could only impact the 24-year-old's chances of winning out against Brian Hoyer for the No. 3 gig.

The Patriots' selection of Mac Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft could present a threat to Stidham's roster spot, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

With 2020 starter Cam Newton having been re-signed this offseason and Jones now on board to be groomed to be the team's long-term answer at QB, Stidham's role with the Patriots is currently unclear. That could change if either Newton or Jones are forced to miss time, but if all three approach the season healthy, then New England's coaching staff will have to make a call on whether to keep three signal-callers. In such a scenario, it's possible that Stidham could be the odd man out.

Stidham finished the 2020 season with 22 completions on 44 passing attempts for 256 yards, with two TDs and three interceptions in five appearances.

Stidham, who also logged seven carries for seven yards, spent the bulk of the campaign as Cam Newton's top backup and remains under contract with New England through the 2022 season. The future role of the 2019 fourth-rounder has yet to be determined, with the Patriots facing plenty of offseason personnel decisions, including whether or not to try to retain Newton, who's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. The team could also look elsewhere in free agency and the draft, so it's way too early to get a handle of Stidham's 2021 fantasy prospects.

Stidham completed four of 11 passes for 44 yards in Monday night's 38-9 loss to the Bills, when he entered the game on the Patriots' second drive in the third quarter in place of teammate Cam Newton.

Stidham was called into the game after Newton struggled before him, completing five of 10 passes for just 34 yards. Although Newton did score another rushing touchdown, New England's inability to build drives, along with the state of Monday's blowout defeat, presented an opportunity to get Stidham some game reps. With little to play for in Week 17 versus the Jets, the Pats could well decide to start and evaluate Stidham to close the campaign, but official word should be worthwhile to watch for over the course of the week.

Stidham could get playing time over the final two weeks of the regular season, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reports.

Bill Belichick never wavered in his commitment to Cam Newton as the starting quarterback while the Patriots were competing for a playoff spot, but the coach sounded a bit more open to the idea of playing Stidham after Sunday's loss to Miami officially ended the longshot wild-card bid. In fact, Belichick said "we'll see" when reporters asked him if he'd take a look at Stidham over the final two weeks of the season. The coach has a bit of extra time to make his decision on a Week 16 starters, as the Patriots will host the Bills on Monday Night Football.

Coach Bill Belichick confirmed Friday that the Patriots have no plans to install Stidham as their starting QB at this time, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Stidham replaced veteran signal-caller Cam Newton with 10:12 remaining in Thursday night's 24-3 loss to the Rams and proceeded to complete five of seven passes for 27 yards. Despite Newton's struggles in Week 14, the Patriots have no plans to make a QB switch in advance of the team's Dec. 20 tilt against the Dolphins. At 6-7, New England's playoff hopes are slim, but it's clear that Belichick believes Newton gives the team a better chance to win at this stage of the season.

Stidham entered Thursday night's 24-3 loss to the Rams with 10:12 remaining and completed five of seven passes for 27 yards while adding one rush for three yards.

The second-year signal-caller saw fourth-quarter action for the second time in four days, but the context was significantly different Thursday. In Sunday's 45-0 win over the Chargers, Stidham came in for mop-up duty for a resting Cam Newton, while Thursday, it could easily be inferred the substitution took place as a result of Newton's ineffectiveness as much as anything else. With Newton also dealing with what appears to be a nagging abdomen injury that may not necessarily completely heal despite the extended time between Thursday and a Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins on Dec. 20, Stidham appears to have a reasonable chance of taking the reins of the offense for that contest. However, given the Patriots' typically secretive nature about personnel, there may not be any insight until New England officially begins preparations for that contest sometime next week.

Stidham completed two of three passes for 61 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 45-0 win over the Chargers.

The 24-year-old took over during the fourth quarter with New England leading 38-0, and he found Gunner Olszewski for a 38-yard touchdown for the final score of the day. Stidham previously saw game action Week 7 with the Patriots on the other end of the blowout, and he should continue to operate as the team's No. 2 quarterback while Cam Newton remains healthy.

After replacing Cam Newton early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 33-6 loss to the 49ers, Stidham completed 6 of 10 pass attempts for 64 yards and a pick.

Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, coach Bill Belichick noted that he took Newton out of Sunday's game (with the Patriots trailing by 27 points) in order to give Stidham more experience, adding that he's "absolutely" staying with Newton as the team's starting QB heading into Week 8 .

Stidham is slated to back up Cam Newton in Sunday's game against the Broncos, Erik Scalavino of the Patriots' official site reports.

The team made veteran QB Brian Hoyer inactive Sunday, which confirms that Stidham is now viewed as the team's top backup signal caller now that Newton is back in action following a one-game absence.

Stidham's teammate, Cam Newton, was removed from the Patriots' reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

With that, Newton is in line to start Sunday's game against the Broncos, while Stidham is now slated to revert to a backup role in Week 6, along with fellow QB Brian Hoyer.

Stidham entered the Patriots' 26-10 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter and completed five of 13 passes for 60 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also gained three yards on two rushes.

Stidham took over for Brian Hoyer and had an eventful last quarter-plus. The second-year signal-caller saw his first pass attempt picked off by Tyrann Mathieu, but the interception was subsequent nullified by a pass interference penalty. However, he'd have no such luck later in the evening, when Mathieu got his hands on a ball that deflected off Julian Edelman's hands and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with 8:48 remaining. Stidham's one bright spot came on a four-yard touchdown toss -- the first of his career -- to N'Keal Harry to cap off his first drive early in the fourth quarter. With Hoyer not doing much to stand out in his own right Monday, it's possible Stidham gets the starting nod in Week 5 against the Broncos if Cam Newton (illness) remains sidelined for that contest.

Stidham won't get the call in place of Cam Newton (illness) if the Patriots' Week 4 game against the Chiefs goes ahead, as Brian Hoyer will get the nod instead, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Positive COVID-19 tests on both teams, including Newton, caused the game to be postponed. The NFL hopes to merely delay the game by a day or two, though that was the initial plan regarding the Titans/Steelers contest as well, which eventually got cancelled and will be made up during a later week. In either case, Stidham is still another injury away from starting snaps.

Stidham and the Patriots will not play the Chiefs during their scheduled Sunday time although the NFL hopes to move the game to Monday or Tuesday after players from both sides tested positive for COVID-19.

Stidham might be thrust into a pivotal role should the game eventually be played after Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Cam Newton had tested positive for COVID-19. Chiefs practice squad QB, Jordan Ta'amu, also tested positive for COVID-19 according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, thus kicking-starting the delay. Brian Hoyer had been the only active QB besides Newton for the Patriots through the first three weeks, but it was Stidham who was projected to be the starting signal caller prior to the offseason signing of former MVP. If this game is played Monday or Tuesday, it's not clear who will act as the starting QB as of this moment.

Stidham (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Raiders, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Stidham is the No. 3 quarterback behind Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer, so he'll watch Sunday's game in street clothes. Newton is the unequivocal starting QB for the Patriots, and as long as he stays healthy, Stidham -- a 2019 fourth-round pick -- will focus on developing this season.

Stidham (hip) wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Stidham lost the starting job to Cam Newton during training camp, but he'll be available as a backup for Sunday's game season opener the Dolphins. We have yet to see much of Stidham, as he threw just four passes in his 2019 rookie season, but he's on standby in case Newton -- who played just two games last year due to a foot injury -- suffers another injury

Though he's been managing a hip issue, Stidham has been able to practice this week, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

The report notes that the QB saw his most extensive work of late during Thursday's practice session. Though the Patriots have yet to name a starting QB, the general consensus among the team's local beat writers is that Cam Newton has pulled away in the competition.

Stdiham (hip) got more work at Tuesday's practice, but he still doesn't appear fully healthy, according to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com.

Meanwhile, Cam Newton is drawing strong reviews from New England beat writers, solidifying his status as the favorite for the Week 1 start. Stidham still has a bit of time to make his case, but the nagging hip/leg injury isn't helping.

Stidham (hip) practiced Sunday, but didn't participate in team drills, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

While Stidham reportedly deals with some hip/leg discomfort, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com suggested Sunday that "it feels like Stidham's status in the QB picture is fading the last two practices." Meanwhile Howe notes that Newton, the favorite to be the team's No. 1 QB in Week 1, has "sustained momentum from the end of last week." That's a notion echoed by Andrew Callahan of The Springfield Republican, who believes that Newton is on "the fast track" to becoming the team's starting signal-caller.

NFL Network's Mike Giardi notes that Stidham has been dealing with some leg/hip discomfort and it could be several weeks before the QB is back to 100 percent, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

That said, this sounds like an issue that Stidham plans to work through, with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels indicating Friday, "I'm pretty sure he'll be ready to roll the next time we practice." Stidham has been competing with Cam Newton for the Patriots' starting QB job. It's a gig that Newton is favored to land, and if Stidham's hip/leg issue persists at all, it won't help his chances of prevailing. On the plus side, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that precautionary tests Stidham took Thursday at a local hospital came back negative

Jeff Howe of The Athletic relays that from what's been told, the leg injury that Stidham suffered Friday "doesn't sound overly concerning."

With that in mind, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels believes that Stidham will be ready to practice the next time the Patriots are back on the field, which is slated to be Sunday. If that's the case, at that time Stidham will continue to vie with Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer for the Patriots' starting QB job, an assignment that Newton is favored to secure.

Stidham is dealing with a leg injury and isn't expected to do much work, if any, at Friday's practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Any absence will free up more first-team reps for Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer. Recent reports from Patriots camp suggest Stidham has been struggling, but it's possible his leg injury is part of the problem.

Stidham tossed three interceptions during Tuesday's practice, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Stidham reportedly outplayed Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer on Monday, but it was a different story on the second day of padded practice as the second-year pro had eight completion and three INTs on his 11 pass attempts. Newton remains the favorite for the Week 1 start, while Hoyer may be part of the competition in name only. Stidham lands somewhere in the middle, hoping to make an impression over the next few weeks.

Stidham, Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer split the Patriots' QB reps "fairly evenly" during Monday's practice, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Howe notes that Stidham "had the best day of the trio" Monday, but we wouldn't read too much into that, as we'd expect Newton -- the favorite to claim the team's top QB job -- to have sharp practice sessions of his own, as he grows more comfortable with New England's offense.

The Patriots have signed Cam Newton to compete with Stidham and Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback job, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

The 2015 NFL MVP profiles as the favorite in his competition against a 2019 fourth-round pick and a veteran journeyman, but the door could open for Stidham if Newton isn't sharp during training camp. Given that he's coming back from major foot surgery and also has a troubling history of shoulder injuries, there's no guarantee the 31-year-old Newton will look like the prime version of himself. The Patriots' patient approach to their post-Tom-Brady quarterback situation might be interpreted as a sign of confidence in Stidham, who was sharp last preseason but only saw mop-up duty (four pass attempts, one pick-six) once the games counted.

The Patriots' signing of Brian Hoyer suggests Stidham has a good chance to earn the starting quarterback job, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

It's a good sign for Stidham that the team signed Hoyer instead of a more accomplished veteran, though there's still time to add further competition to the quarterback room before Week 1. WEEI's Ryan Hannable reports that Hoyer's agent said the 34-year-old was told he'd have a chance to compete for the starting job, presumably squaring off against Stidham this summer. The 2019 fourth-round pick beat out Hoyer for the backup job last offseason, prompting the Patriots to release the veteran at the end of August.

With Tom Brady officially a member of the Buccaneers, Stidham and Cody Kessler are currently the only QBs the Patriots have under contract for 2020.

That said, it seems likely the team will add a quarterback or two via trade, free agency or the NFL Draft. Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, Stidham, who turns 24 in August, "is considered mature beyond his years" and "has shown a knack for making plays on the move," but it remains to be seen if the Patriots will look create a scenario in which the 2019 fourth-rounder has a chance to immediately claim the top job, or one in which veteran competition is brought in with an eye toward affording Stidham added time to develop into a reliable NFL starter.