Meyer names Lawrence starter

Trevor Lawrence will start the Jaguars’ season opener at Houston on Sept. 12, one of the least surprising decisions in franchise history. Coach Urban Meyer gave Lawrence the nod over third-year pro Gardner Minshew after two preseason games and a month of training camp.

Lawrence, the top pick in this year’s draft, outperformed Minshew, a two-year starter, at every turn during camp.

Bridgewater wins Broncos’ starting job

Broncos coach Vic Fangio said that Teddy Bridgewater edged incumbent Drew Lock to win the starting quarterback job. The decision comes after Fangio had maintained through training camp that the battle was even.

Bridgewater will become the 11th quarterback to start for Denver since Peyton Manning retired after winning Super Bowl 50.

Other QB news

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made throws in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, his most extensive work since pulling himself from practice July 28 with a strained right shoulder.

♦ Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, competing for a roster spot with the Steelers, was given the starting nod for their final preseason game against the Panthers.

This and that

Jets defensive end Vinny Curry says he has a rare blood disorder that required his spleen to be removed and cause him to miss the entire season.

♦ The Patriots traded running back Sony Michel to the Rams for a conditional fifthand sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft.

♦ Packers receiver Devin Funchess was put on injured reserve and will miss the season after hurting his hamstring in a joint practice with the Jets last week.

♦ Tight end Luke Willson, 31, said he’s stepping away from football, one day after re-signing with the Seahawks.

♦ Linebacker Harold Landry is the fifth person and first starter affected by the Titans’ latest outbreak to be put on the COVID list.