NFL Player News

Stafford (rib/right thumb) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Stafford toughed it out Week 15, playing all but garbage time through a rib-cartilage injury and a slight ligament tear in the thumb of his throwing hand. His numbers were respectable enough (22-for-32 passing for 252 yards and one touchdown), but his practice reps will continue to be managed during the stretch run of the campaign.

Carr (groin) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Just under a week after suffering what was believed to be a significant groin injury in Las Vegas' 30-27 overtime loss to the Chargers, Carr's ability to take every rep in practice is a surprising development, but a welcome one for the playoff-hopeful Raiders. Assuming he experiences no setbacks at Thursday's workout, Carr looks like he'll be in the clear to start Saturday against the Dolphins. Marcus Mariota would be the next man up at quarterback if the Raiders have any reservations about using Carr in Week 16.

Allen (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Allen's return to limited activity is a step in the right direction, but Ben Baby of ESPN.com noted earlier Wednesday that head coach Zac Taylor said the team plans to see how the quarterback's knee responds over the next couple of days before determining if he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Texans. Even if Allen gains clearance to play, he could shift into a backup role after Ryan Finley guided the Bengals to an upset win over the Steelers on Monday while Allen was sidelined.

Jones (ankle/hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News noted that Jones looked notably improved at Wednesday's practice compared to last week, a hint that he could be trending in the right direction for Sunday's road game against the Ravens. The second-year pro has missed two of the last three games, the first due to a right hamstring strain and the second due to a left ankle injury.

Jones (hamstring/ankle) participated in Wednesday's practice, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Both Raanan and Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News relayed that Jones looked much better this week than last and appeared to be taking his typical pre-injury practice reps. Jones was also spotted sprinting during warmups. His activity level seems to indicate he's trending toward a return Sunday at Baltimore after missing two of the last three games. In the end, though, the Giants will reveal how much work he handled upon the release of Wednesday's practice report.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Allen (knee) will be evaluated over the next few days before a decision on the Bengals' Week 16 starting quarterback is made, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

While Allen was sidelined for Monday's win over the Steelers, Ryan Finley drew the start and served as a game managing, passing for only 89 yards and a touchdown in the upset victory. The outing didn't necessarily boost Finley's job security, so Allen -- if healthy -- could have a shot at reclaiming the starting role Sunday against Houston. However, Allen will almost certainly need to resume practicing in some capacity Thursday and Friday to merit consideration for the starting nod.

Giants head coach Joe Judge said he hopes to have "some kind of an answer" regarding the status of Jones (ankle) for Sunday's game against the Ravens after Friday's practice, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

The report notes that Judge has gotten "good feedback" on the quarterback from the Giants' trainers, but the coach wants to see how the quarterback looks at practice over the next three days before a decision on his status for the weekend is made. Colt McCoy served as the team's starting signal-caller in the Week 15 loss to the Browns and would be in line to direct the offense again Sunday if Jones can't go.

Johnson (illness) is on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to a positive test, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter notes that if Johnson had been available, the 49ers would have promoted him to the active roster after Nick Mullens (elbow) got hurt. Instead, the team opted to sign Josh Rosen from the Buccaneers' practice squad.

Head coach Doug Marrone said Minshew and Mike Glennon will split first-team reps in practice this week before a decision is made on the Jaguars' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bears, John Reid of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Minshew took back the starting role after shining in relief of Glennon in the Week 14 loss to the Titans, but the former struggled mightily to move the offense for most of the day in last weekend's blowout loss to the Ravens. Though Minshew only turned the ball over once and finished with a 75.9 percent completion rate, 7.8 YPA and two touchdown passes, most of his production came in the second half during garbage time. As a result, Minshew will be forced to compete for his job once again, but no matter who wins the battle, fantasy managers likely will want to avoid the Jacksonville quarterback situation Week 16.

Siemian cleared waivers Tuesday and signed with the Saints' practice squad, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Siemian will serve as the Saints' emergency backup quarterback as they make a playoff push.