Head Coach Brian Daboll

Q: Do you have an update on (wide receiver Malik) Nabers?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, sore today, we'll back off him, take it day to day, but that's where we're at with him.

Q: Did he have an MRI, X-ray, that kind of stuff, just to confirm the worst is not an option?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, they're still doing evaluation on him but he's a little sore today, so we'll back off him and then we'll just take it from there.

Q: What does he still have to do with those evaluations?

BRIAN DABOLL: The medical people look at them, so I'm not going to get into too much of the details. I think he's okay, he's just a little sore today.

Q: I just meant like, did an X-ray already occur ruling out a fracture?

BRIAN DABOLL: I don't think it's fractured.

Q: What happened?

BRIAN DABOLL: He just twisted up a little bit, wasn't on contact or anything like that, but again, he's a little sore today, we'll just take it day to day and see where he's at.

Q: So, he won't practice obviously? Is there anyone else?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, basically the same as yesterday. (Tackle) Evan (Neal) and (center) John Michael (Schmitz Jr.) will continue to do individual, we'll keep ramping them up. (Quarterback) Drew (Lock) will run off to the side, (tight end Lawrence) Cager's back, (tight end Jack) Stoll will be back. Back off on Malik today, (defensive back Jalen) Mills, (defensive back Elijah) Riley, (cornerback Cor'Dale) Flott, (safety Gervarrius Owens) GO, all those guys will be down still, (inside linebacker) Carter (Coughlin), (inside linebacker) Dyontae (Johnson). I think we back off on (cornerback) Dru (Phillips) a little bit.

Q: What does Phillips have going on?

BRIAN DABOLL: Just his lower, his ankle area.

Q: Is that something from the game?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, he got a little sore yesterday at practice, so we're just backing off him a little bit to give him a day here.

Q: I'm assuming it changes with years and circumstances, but do you have a specific philosophy on playing your starting quarterback in preseason? Because now there's some teams that aren't playing anybody, but what's your feeling on that? I know, (quarterback Daniel Jones) DJ, you said he's going to play on Saturday.

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I think I've almost been part of about 100 preseason games, so they've been all a little bit different. I think each season is a little bit different. Again, if things go the way they need to go these next couple practices, plan on playing him, but I think every season, every year is different, every quarterback is different. It's really all the players, too, what we think we need. So, there's been times where the starting quarterback hasn't played, maybe he's played a little bit more. I think this will be a good game for DJ to get in and play against these guys.

Q: Do you have a general philosophy, not regarding Daniel, but do you think there's an importance, regardless of how much a guy is a veteran, just to get in a little bit?

BRIAN DABOLL: I think it's individual basis. Again, I can't tell you, it's got to be near 100, but every year has been a little bit different. I've worked with a lot of different coaches. Everyone has their own philosophy, but even that from year to year has changed. So, we'll just do what we think this year for our team, what we need to do. And again, we got two good padded practices here today. We'll see where we're at. We'll discuss it at the end of the week, but that's pretty much all those years. It's been a little bit different. What was it? Four preseason games a year, 25 years, somewhere around there. Now there's three, but somewhere around there. I don't how many it is but getting there.

Q: With Nabers, because he's already shown so much, will you be cautious with him just to make sure he's ready for Week 1 as far as whether he'll play in preseason games and how much he'll practice?

BRIAN DABOLL: I'd say if they deem him ready to go and he feels good, we'll continue to work him and get work. Again, he's a rookie. So, if they say, 'give him a few days', we'll give him a few days, but whenever he's ready, then we'll just go and practice.

Q: Do you want to see him and Daniel in a game together before Week 1, or would the joint practices suffice for that time?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, look, if he's ready to play, then he'll play. And if they say, 'we need to back off', we need to back off. So, you'd like to see everybody be able to be out there and play, but you understand this is a contact sport. So, I think every team goes through it. And if the guys are ready to play, they'll play. If they're not, they won't.

Q: You said he got twisted up. Did someone step on him?

BRIAN DABOLL: No, it was just an on-air little route. He just buckled a little bit. I'm hopeful that he's okay.

Q: What has (defensive tackle) Elijah Chatman done to open eyes from the point of 'tryout guy' to first team reps?

BRIAN DABOLL: He's done everything we've asked him to do. Again, he's a smaller guy, but he's got some length in his arms. He's got some explosiveness and quick twitch, maybe a little bit different than some of the bigger guys. I think he's developed since he's been here. He had that tryout. I wouldn't say it's unusual, but it's hard to do. So, he's earned some more playing time. We're going to give it to him and try to see him against as good a competition as we can so we can get a good evaluation. Give him some reps against the first team, whether it's our team or Houston, so we can get a fair evaluation of him.

Q: In your scouting experience, does a guy, obviously I'm talking about him being a small-Ish defensive tackle, but a guy who doesn't fit the mold at a position, can he get overlooked because of that? Like, 'oh, this is a small D-tackle, or this is a small receiver or whatever'.

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, I think sometimes. Yeah, certainly. You always want big, fast, long, strong people. That's what this league is. But he was a talented player in college, too, when you went back and watched him. But sometimes that's a tougher jump to make when you lack a little bit of height or size or length or quickness. But you can find good football players anywhere, and he's done a nice job since he's been here.

Q: Dru Phillips, did that happen in practice yesterday or was that from a game?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, he was just tightening up in practice, so we pulled him back.

Q: With JMS and Evan, you said 'ramp them up', so I assume they probably wouldn't be ready for Saturday?

BRIAN DABOLL: We'll see. I'd say probably a long shot. We'll do individuals again today with the pads on, and then we'll see how they did, striking and doing things like that. I'd say probably a long shot. I wouldn't rule them out, but I wouldn't say it's 100 percent either.

Q: When Malik's not on the field now, does that present more opportunities for other guys? Guys like (wide receivers) Wan'Dale (Robinson) and (Isaiah) Hodgins get more first team reps? What do you look for?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, so those two guys, they know all the positions. Veteran players, one has been in the system for a while, and (wide receiver Allen Robinson II) A-Rob has been a number of places, been productive players. So, (wide receiver Darius) Slayton and (wide receiver Jalin) Hyatt and Wan'Dale will get their fair share, and then, whether it's Isaiah or A-Rob or (wide receiver) Isaiah McKenzie, (wide receiver) Gunner (Olszewski) in the slot with Wan'Dale, those guys will get their opportunities. But I would say Slayton and Hyatt and Wan'Dale, they'll be out there as much as they can be.

Q: Did we just a hear a new nickname out of you?

BRIAN DABOLL: No, I've called him (McKenzie) 'little man' forever, but he is little.

Q: Does Wan'Dale turn his head when you say that?

BRIAN DABOLL: I actually called Wan'Dale 'little man' a little bit last year, but then, he's back, so put him back-to-back, we measure them up. I think those might be the only two I'm taller than.

Q: There's an open roster spot, did you fill that or what's the plan?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, we're going to bring in (running back) Lorenzo Lingard, he's a rookie, undrafted free agent, was with Jacksonville (Jaguars) as a running back. So, he'll be out there today.

Q: Are you still of the opinion you don't need to bring in another quarterback for this game?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, we won't do that. I think Drew's getting better, so we will see where he is for this game. He's going to do the same thing, run, but he's feeling better.

Q: Evan Neal said yesterday that part of the reason that he's been up and down and lately he's been more consistent? Is that a concern at all going forward? That it might switch back a little bit?

BRIAN DABOLL: In what regard?

Q: How he's feeling?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, that's been the rehab process. Again, he's a big man, so how he carries it is a little bit different. I think he's strung some good days together. I think that every process is different for these players, so we backed off him when we need to back off him, add more when we can add more. He's been a pro about all of it. If we felt like we needed to back off, he backed up, but he's been pretty comfortable the last couple days of where he's been, how he's feeling, the doctors, the trainers, so that was the next step. So, he's been pretty consistent in terms of his mentality and his approach to rehab and doing everything he can do to get back on the field, but there's always little setbacks here and there when you're a big man and you're putting a bunch of weight on your feet.

Q: Do you think Drew could play Saturday or would you call him a long shot to play?

BRIAN DABOLL: No, I think he could potentially play. I'd say probably a little bit more of a long shot, but I wouldn't rule it out that he goes out there, suits up, and if we need him to go in, potentially be able to go in. That was a little bit different, he's gotten a little bit better, so we'll see where he's at here in the next couple days, and if not, (tight end) Tyree's (Jackson) been taking snaps.

Quarterback Drew Lock

Q: How do you feel physically? What exactly are you dealing with?

DREW LOCK: Getting better. Just a little hip stuff. Each day I've felt better waking up. Doing more and more out there on the field. Happy with where I'm at right now, just taking it day by day.

Q: How did you feel the operation went with your offense when you were on the field the other night?

DREW LOCK: Operation was good. I would say some of the plays, obviously, I want back. Especially after watching. Just keep getting better. Keep getting comfortable with everything. Operation was fine. Execution could have been better, for sure. Should have been better.

Q: There was one play earlier where it seemed Malik (Nabers)broke open…

DREW LOCK: Do you know that one? Which one was it?

Q: I don't know. It was early in the first series. I just saw him standing out there like that. I was wondering if you just missed him, or it was not planned to go to him or what?

DREW LOCK: (thinking)…

Q: To be a little more specific, (Head Coach) Dabs (Brian Daboll) said there was one where it was a deeper shot where he said you thought maybe the safety was over the top?

DREW LOCK: Gotcha. I know – normally when you've got a single receiver to one side and they're playing Cover 2. They kind of have a guy high over the top, one low in the middle. You can risk it. You can sling it in there if you want. I think early in the game trying to get a roll. Feeling out the game. Maybe if I'm thinking of the one correctly. But maybe, maybe.

Q: (Senior Vice President/General Manager) Joe Schoen said on the broadcast you could have gone back into the game, but now you're not practicing. Are you more towards being out or could you play?

DREW LOCK: I've been getting better every day. Me and (Head Coach) Dabs (Brian Daboll) have talked. Not ruling out the possibility of playing. Again, go out there, throw, see how it feels. Keep doing that. Did it today. We're going to do it tomorrow. Do it the next day. Do it the next day. If the opportunity is there and we both feel comfortable with it.

Q: How much have you thrown?

DREW LOCK: Yesterday and today. Not, like, 60, 70-yard bombs, but we're slinging it around.

Q: Is it more your hip that you're dealing with or your abs?

DREW LOCK: It's the left side. I would say it's this general area (points).

Q: Did that guy knee you when he held up on that hit?

DREW LOCK: No, no, no. It was actually on the 40-yard fumble play. Yeah, it was that one.

Q: Are you wearing anything like an added hip guard?

DREW LOCK: I'll wear a rib protector, but there's about a four-inch gap there. And he was perfect. He found where we're not padded up.

Q: How confident are you that by the regular season, when that time comes around, you'll be ready to go?

DREW LOCK: 100% confident. There's no worry in that. How I felt yesterday, even how I felt today, there's no worry about that.

Q: Did you hear the crowd cheering when the quarterback change happened?

DREW LOCK: For us or them?

Q: For (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito)…

DREW LOCK: No, I didn't. I'm sure it could have. That could have happened. Absolutely. He played his (butt) off for this team last year, and I went out there and threw a pick. I wouldn't expect them to be boo-ing him when they took me out. So, it is what it is.

Q: What did you see on that play, the interception?

DREW LOCK: Oh, gosh. It's like we were playing with 10 guys out there. Just missed the safety. It is what it is. It's one of those plays it leaves your hand, and you want to just bring it right back.

Q: You knew it when you let it go?

DREW LOCK: Yeah, I did.

Q: Does it hurt to throw it all with it being your side, like the form?

DREW LOCK: If it didn't, I'd probably be out there. That's just as simple an answer as I can give you. If everything was good, I'd be practicing.

Q: But there could be a risk of getting hit there or something…

DREW LOCK: No, no, you can come punch me right now. I'd be all right (laughs).

Q: Is there any worry of other injuries or is it just pain tolerance?

DREW LOCK: I'd say right now it's probably a little bit of both. Honestly, I'm going to go throw, see how I feel doing it, talk to everybody, just take it day by day.

Q: Have you dealt with anything like this before?

DREW LOCK: No, this was a first. That's why it was so weird to me when I was on the sideline and after I made that throw. It was kind of new. It was a new feeling. Shoulders, hands, knees, that's the kind of stuff quarterbacks deal with. It was just a weird hit, weird play, and something new that I'm having to deal with.

Q: When an offense is missing its primary target, like Nabers is out right now, how easily can an offense, overall, adjust to that?

DREW LOCK: It would depend on the offense. I think with how we practiced today, the skill receivers that we have, if Malik is down or (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) is down, they're able to pick up off of each other. (Quarterback) Daniel (Jones) has played with everybody on this roster right now. If one guy is down, the next guy has to step up, and I think with the skill level on this team, we're able to do that pretty quickly.

Q: As a quarterback, is it tough to, it's like if a guy's your most explosive player, you're probably looking for No. 9 (wide receiver Malik Nabers) a little bit more. Is it tough to retrain your brain? Like, okay, he's not there, now I'm reading the field a little differently, or no?

DREW LOCK: It can be like that depending on the play that's called. But when you're working progression reads or two high, one high reads – yeah, I know No. 9 is over there, but if it's two high and I'm supposed to go this way. Certain man-to-man concepts or alerting them in man-to-man, yeah, that could be a difference, but it just depends on the play.

Q: You've been around, obviously, a decent amount of young receivers in the time you've been in the league. What is your take on Malik and what he brings to the table and how quickly he's getting up to speed as a young guy?

DREW LOCK: Very impressive. He's going to be a game changer the first day he steps out there. People are going to have to worry about him, teams are going to have to worry about him. That's going to help everybody on this team. He's been impressive. He's got a lot of work to do. He's still a rook (rookie). He's got a lot that he needs to prove. He hasn't done it on a Sunday yet, so he's got to prove that to everybody and himself, but he's a confident guy and he's ready to roll.

Q: This team is obviously looking to put together an offensive line. There's a bunch of new pieces, guys moved around this summer: left, right, flipped sides. What have you learned about this group so far?

DREW LOCK: They work good together. It's been fun.

Q: What ways do you know that? How can you tell that they work good together?

DREW LOCK: Countless of things. I can get more specific with you elsewhere, but they're a good group, work well together, they're going to keep working well together, and I'm excited to see where they go.

Q: How much would you get a kick out of seeing (tight end) Tyree (Jackson) take a couple snaps Saturday, if it comes to that?

DREW LOCK: That would be funny. Me and him trained together back when we were getting ready for the Combine. I've seen him with the quarterback dreams. He's moved on. He's working with the tight ends, but, if he had to, he can get back there and do it. The guy can sling it.

Center John Michael Schmitz Jr.

Q: How do you feel?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Feeling good. It's good to be back out there with the team and stuff. Just getting back into things and yeah, it's going good.

Q: What did you have to show them to be able to get back on the field? Was it like a strength thing in your shoulder or just being able to sustain contact?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Overall, just whatever (Head Coach Brian Daboll) Dabs said about the injury. It's just making it feel better and me being comfortable out there. So yeah, that's what I would say.

Q: Do you feel like you're back to your former self?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, like I said, all praise to our trainers out there, getting me back and rolling into things. I feel good and looking to take the next couple steps and yeah.

Q: What was today like? Today was a big one. Taking the contact and one-on-ones and things like that.

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, today I was only easing back into it. I was only doing individual, so I'm looking to progress each and every day and get back in there.

Q: What about the chemistry with (guard Greg Van) Roten?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, obviously to develop chemistry you got to be out there. But it doesn't only happen on the field. It happens in the film room. It happens off the field. It happens with the relationships. You guys going to dinner. It's just little things like that. Getting to know the person. When things get tough, this is what you do it for.

Q: A lot has changed with the look of the line since your last practice. (Guard) Jon (Runyan Jr.) is on the other side, (tackle) Jermaine (Eluemunor) is out wide, Greg's there now. What do you make of all the changes at this point?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, we trust in our coaching staff, and we feel like they're going to put the best five out there and whoever that is they're going to get the job done in that position.

Q: How much has that changed with the chemistry? Having to spend time with those guys now at different spots maybe than they were before?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, I mean obviously that's what comes with the individual reps and working together on a combination block in the field for each and everyone. But they're comfortable out there in multiple positions.

Q: When you went home last year and watched tape of yourself did you sit there and say' this, this, and this are things I have to improve'? And what were they?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: Yeah, you definitely reflect on the season last year. We're moved on and looking to this season but just talked about hand placement, second level, sustaining blocks and there's a couple right there that I really wanted to work on this year. But yeah, now we're moved on to this season and ready to attack this year.

Q: Is this the same shoulders last year but something different?

JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ JR: I'm going to leave that up to Dabs. Dabs will talk about that.