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Steelers Newcomer ‘Steals’ QB1 Spot from Aaron Rodgers After Outstanding Preseason – Locker Room Shaken

Gerry Dulac: Skylar Thompson helped answer Steelers' QB question for them |  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh, PA – August nights in the preseason aren’t supposed to matter. The stars sit, the depth chart feels like cement, and fans wait for September. But sometimes, a name climbs out of the shadows and shakes everything. This August, that name is Skylar Thompson.

Three games, three statements. Against Jacksonville, Thompson delivered with ice in his veins: 20 of 28 passes, 233 yards, and three touchdowns — a performance that felt like a spark in the dark. One week later, against Tampa Bay, he stumbled — 10 of 15, 113 yards, one interception — the kind of night backups usually disappear into. But instead of folding, he rose. In Carolina, he was nearly flawless: 11 of 13, 152 yards, one touchdown, finishing with a rating over 140 and silencing anyone who doubted he could bounce back.

Put it all together and the numbers feel less like preseason fluff, more like a résumé: 41 completions on 56 attempts, 498 yards, 4 touchdowns, just 1 interception. A quarterback rating north of 115. By every metric, one of the sharpest preseason arms in the league.

But numbers only tell half the story. On the sideline, teammates leaned in. In the huddle, voices grew louder. Energy followed him — the kind that can’t be charted, only felt.

And so, the whispers turned into a question: Is Skylar Thompson ready to be more than a camp body? Is he ready to be QB1 material?

The Steelers suddenly have a decision no one saw coming. With depth shaken, with health uncertain, Thompson has carved his way into the conversation. Maybe he’s the backup Pittsburgh didn’t expect. Maybe, just maybe, he’s more.

For now, one truth remains: in a league that rarely forgives mistakes, Skylar Thompson turned three preseason nights into a promise. And promises in Pittsburgh have a way of echoing louder than the scoreboard.

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Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."