Who Should I Start? Clayton Tune or Graham Mertz

Tuesday, January 6, 4:37 PM

The Green Bay Packers released quarterback Clayton Tune on Tuesday and signed QB Desmond Ridder to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Tune made the start in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and went 6-for-11 for 34 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, adding 23 rushing yards on four carries. The 26-year-old won't join the team going into the playoffs this Saturday night against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Jordan Love (concussion) will return as the starter, but Ridder could serve as his backup in the Wild-Card round if Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) isn't ready to return from a right-shoulder injury that he suffered in the Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Tune's start on Sunday for Green Bay was just the second of his career.

Monday, August 25, 6:32 AM

Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz got the start in the team's preseason finale in Detroit on Sunday, and the sixth-round rookie had a very strong showing while leading his team to a 26-7 win over the Lions. With starter C.J. Stroud and primary backup Davis Mills getting the day off, Mertz completed 14 of his 16 pass attempts for an efficient 145 passing yards. He threw a touchdown to Quintez Cephus and led three scoring drives before halftime. He also added 20 rushing yards on two carries. Mertz played ahead of Kedon Slovis, who was on the Texans' practice squad last year and took over for the second half of Saturday's win. Mertz likely secured the third spot on the quarterback depth chart with his strong showing, while Slovis could be headed back to the practice squad.