NFL Player News

Jackson missed Wednesday's practice due to flu-like symptoms, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't sound too concerned, but it's perhaps worth noting that Jackson has missed an unusual amount of time (mostly practices) due to illnesses throughout his career. The good news for Baltimore is that Jackson got sick early in the week, giving him at least four full days to recover before the Ravens face the Patriots on Sunday night.

Taylor (groin) won't start Sunday's game at New Orleans but could be active as the backup if he's healthy, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn named Brady Cook as his Week 16 starter, with the backup situation depending on injuries to Taylor and Justin Fields (knee). Either way, Taylor isn't assured of seeing the field again this season.

Smith (shoulder/back) is returning to practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith didn't practice at all last week, yet Raiders coach Pete Carroll said the veteran QB had "a really good chance to be back" for Week 16 against the Texans. It's arguably a matchup between the NFL's best defense and worst offense, but Smith's presence would at least be good news for fantasy managers that are relying on TE Brock Bowers or RB Ashton Jeanty.

The Chiefs placed Mahomes (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Mahomes underwent surgery Monday to address ACL and LCL tears in his left knee, with the Associated Press reporting afterward that his procedure went well and Mahomes hopes to be ready for Week 1 next season. QB Gardner Minshew will start Week 16 against the Titans while Mahomes begins his journey to be ready for Week 1 next season.

Cook will start Sunday's game at New Orleans, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, telling reporters that his Week 16 backup will be whichever of Tyrod Taylor (groin) or Justin Fields (knee) is healthy enough to play. Glenn's decision coming this early in the week could be taken as a hint that he wants Cook to finish out the season, though things can change in a hurry if the rookie continues to struggle (he tossed three interceptions Sunday in a 48-20 loss at Jacksonville).

Jackson (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson was rested last Wednesday before returning to a full session Thursday, and there's a solid chance that pattern will be be repeated this time around. The Ravens' upcoming injury report will note whether or not that's case or if the QB is managing an injury issue ahead of Week 16 action.

McKee rushed once for nine yards and completed all three of his pass attempts for 33 yards in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Raiders.

With the Eagles building a comfortable lead by the early part of the fourth quarter, head coach Nick Sirianni opted to hold Jalen Hurts out for the final possession of the afternoon and turned over the offense to McKee. The backup signal-caller proceeded to lead a 17-play drive that chewed up 11:22 of game time but ultimately stalled out deep in Raiders territory on a failed 4th-and-goal run by Tank Bigsby. The appearance was just the second of the campaign for McKee, who is unlikely to get extended run over the final three games of the regular season unless Hurts misses time due to injury or is rested in Week 18 if the Eagles' playoff positioning is secure.

Ewers will start Sunday's game against the Bengals with the Dolphins having decided to bench Tua Tagovailoa, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ewers, a rookie seventh-round pick, will get the chance to draw his first NFL start in place of Zach Wilson, who has operated as Miami's backup for the majority of the 2025 campaign. Per Rapoport, Ewers' opportunity comes as the result of his simply looking more impressive than Wilson in practices. The former Texas standout compiled significant experience as a starter in college and would doubtless have come off the board earlier in the 2025 NFL Draft had it not been for injury concerns, and he now gets a favorable matchup against Cincinnati's vulnerable defense. It's conceivable Ewers may be playing for more than just short-term opportunity, as the Dolphins' decision to bench Tagovailoa with three games left in the regular season signals potential long-term uncertainty despite his having signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract last summer.

Miami plans to bench Tagovailoa for Sunday's game against the Bengals and start rookie Quinn Ewers at quarterback instead, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Tagovailoa's tenure as the Dolphins' starting quarterback comes to an end at least temporarily, and this move could certainly signal long-term upheaval for the team during the offseason. Head coach Mike McDaniel indicated after Miami's 28-15 loss to the Steelers on Monday that Tagovailoa's recent level of play has been unacceptable, as in his last four appearances the 2020 first-round pick has averaged under 200 passing yards per game and compiled just three touchdowns to go with two interceptions. Ewers will get a favorable matchup versus Cincinnati's reeling defense in his first NFL start, but key fantasy options such as RB De'Von Achane, WR Jaylen Waddle, and TE Darren Waller now face more uncertainty in terms of their respective production floors heading into Week 16. Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract last summer and has $54 million guaranteed in 2026 alone, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, but it nonetheless seems entirely possible that the Dolphins explore making a change at the quarterback position this offseason. It's possible Zach Wilson operates as the backup to Ewers, relegating Tagovailoa to third-string duties for the final three games of the regular season.

Bagent (illness) was a full participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice.

Bagent was unable to serve as Caleb Williams' backup quarterback during Sunday's win over the Browns due to an illness. By working in full Tuesday, Bagent is on track to be available against the Packers on Saturday, so Case Keenum will likely revert to the QB3 role.