Latest NFL News and Notes: August 16, 2021

NFL teams are back in action with preseason football in full swing! Here's a quick look at the news you need to know as of August 16, 2021.

Fields Impresses, Lance Streaky in Debut

A pair of first-round draft picks, quarterbacks Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers and Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears, made their preseason debuts Saturday. Lance, the fifth overall pick, relieved starter Jimmy Garoppolo after the opening drive, while Fields, the 11th overall pick, entered the game in the second quarter.

All over the place in a 19-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Lance completed 5-of-14 passes and was sacked four times. However, he did complete a highlight-reel pass to Trent Sherfield for an 80-yard score. He also led all passers with a game-high 93.7 passer rating.

"It was super exciting," Lance said of the touchdown pass. "It's kind of what you dream of scoring your first touchdown. Even though it's preseason, it's pretty cool. It was for sure a special moment. I wish I could have capitalized on the opportunities that came after that."

Fields was sharper in leading the Bears to a 20-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. He completed 14-of-20 passes for 142 yards and a score, and he rushed five times for 33 yards and another touchdown.

After the game, Fields was asked about adjusting to the speed of the game.

"It was kind of slow to me, to be honest," Fields said, before adding, "Me going against [the Chicago defense] every day slows it down for me."

Lance will look to bounce back on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, while Fields hopes to stay hot against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

Saints Look for Answers Under Center

After future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees retired this offseason, the New Orleans Saints opted to run with Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston under center. However, neither looked particularly good against the Baltimore Ravens in a 17-14 loss. Hill and Winston each threw an interception, as did third-stringer Ian Book, though Winston did manage a touchdown pass to Lil'Jordan Humphrey.

Turnovers mounted throughout the game, as the Saints turned the ball over six times throughout the contest.

"I'm not making comparisons with the quarterbacks right now," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said after the game. "It doesn't matter who [played better], really, with six turnovers, right?"

Up next for New Orleans is a Monday night showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 23.

WFT Releases Miller

The Washington Football team released running back Lamar Miller Sunday morning despite scoring a touchdown in Washington's first preseason game. Miller ran the ball four times for 14 yards while also grabbing three receptions, one of which was for a touchdown.

While Miller hasn't been nearly as successful as he was in Houston following an ACL tear, there should still be some interest in the 30-year-old. Washington's crowded backfield features Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Peyton Barber, Jonathan Williams, and undrafted rookie Jaret Patterson, making Miller the odd man out.

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