Who Should I Start? Mike White or Graham Mertz

Tuesday, September 16, 10:08 AM

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed free-agent quarterback Mike White to their practice squad. The former fifth-round pick has started seven games across his four-year career, completing 61% of his passes for 2,247 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. With Joe Burrow (toe) sidelined for at least the next three months, Jake Browning was the only healthy quarterback on the active roster. While some speculated Cincinnati might pursue names like Jameis Winston or even Kirk Cousins, the move signals confidence in Browning as the starter, with White brought in strictly as depth. From a fantasy perspective, White remains off the radar, but he profiles as the insurance option the Bengals want behind Browning.

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.