NFL Player News

Stafford (thumb) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Tending to a sprained right thumb in the aftermath of Sunday's win over Washington, Stafford was withheld from the Lions' first Week 11 practice Wednesday. He was back on the field Thursday, however, with Kyle Meinke of MLive.com noting that the quarterback donned a supportive device to protect the torn ligament in his thumb. Meinke notes that though Stafford only threw about nine light passes during the open portion of the practice, the Lions remain optimistic that he'll be able to tough it out and play Sunday against the Panthers. Even if that's the case, Stafford could find himself without two of his top weapons, as running back D'Andre Swift (concussion) and Kenny Golladay (hip) failed to take part in Thursday's practice.

Bridgewater (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

For a second consecutive day, Bridgewater's practice reps were capped due to the sprained right MCL that he suffered this past Sunday against the Buccaneers. After Thursday's session, coach Matt Rhule told Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site that Bridgewater is "extremely limited now, but he's moving around well" and "hasn't really opened up yet. He's preparing as if he's going to play." With a game-time decision seemingly on tap, Bridgewater still has a chance to suit up Sunday against the Lions, but if he's unable to Rhule will turn to one of P.J. Walker or Will Grier.

Lock (ribs) will return to a limited practice Thursday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Per James Palmer of NFL Network, Lock -- who didn't practice Wednesday -- is in line to see some reps during the team portion of practice Thursday. While the QB's return to the field bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Dolphins, Lock will have to escape practice (both Thursday and Friday) without any setbacks in order to garner the start this weekend.

Bridgewater (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

The Panthers are expected to manage Bridgewater's reps in practice all week while he recovers from an MCL sprain in his right knee, an injury he suffered in the team's Week 10 loss to the Buccaneers. More clarity on Bridgewater's status heading into this weekend's game against Detroit should arrive at the conclusion of Friday's practice, but if he can't go, either P.J. Walker or Will Grier would be in store for their first start of the season.

Mayfield and the Browns face several challenges in preparation for Week 11 against the Eagles, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Mayfield hasn't been pressured much the last two games, but the 11th-ranked Eagles defense is third in the NFL with 31 sacks, five behind the league-leading Steelers, who sacked Mayfield four times in a 38-7 loss Week 6. Additionally, Mayfield hasn't fared well against pressure in 2020. Per Pro Football Focus, he ranks 38th with a 30.8 rating against pressure. Part of the problem is Mayfield holds the ball too long and spends too much time in the pocket. He's 38th in the NFL in average time to throw (2.83 seconds) and pocket time (3.01). One more challenge for the Browns' quarterback is starting right tackle Jack Conklin being placed on the reserved/COVID-19 list. The obvious workaround for the Browns, who rank fourth in rushing, is putting the ball in the hands of running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt against Philadelphia's 26th-ranked run defense.

Taylor was a nonparticipant at Wednesday's practice due to a rib injury, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Taylor was able to suit up behind starting QB Justin Herbert for last Sunday's game against the Raiders, but he appears to still be battling the rib issue that forced him to miss games early in the season. The veteran will look to get healthy, but it appears he'll only have a chance to see the field again this season with an injury or poor play from Herbert. If Taylor misses Week 11, Easton Stick would assume backup duties for the contest.

Lock (ribs) didn't practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Coach Vic Fangio noted that Lock's ability to play Sunday against the Dolphins will depend on a few factors that will be evaluated as the week rolls along, while adding that the team wants the quarterback to see some practice reps in advance of the weekend. As long as Lock sits out or is limited at practice, however, Brett Rypien will continue to see added first-team work in his place.

Coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Walker and Will Grier will receive equal reps in practice this week before the Panthers settle on a clear No. 2 quarterback, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Walker served as the top backup last weekend in the Panthers' blowout loss to the Buccaneers, and he ended up seeing action after Teddy Bridgewater exited with an MCL sprain in his right knee. The former XFL star struggled in limited action against a tough Tampa Bay defense, completing just two of four passes for 12 yards. Though the Panthers are hopeful Bridgewater will be ready to play Week 11 against the Lions, the backup competition between Walker or Grier will need to be monitored closely in the event Bridgewater's status remains in question heading into Sunday's contest.

Matt Rhule said Wednesday that he intends to give Grier and P.J. Walker even practice reps this week before settling on a clear No. 2 quarterback, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Top quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee) managed to begin the week with a limited practice, but his status for Sunday's game versus the Lions remains in question while he works through a sprained MCL. Whomever of Grier or Walker successfully wins the backup competition this week therefore will need to be monitored closely, particularly in fantasy leagues that start multiple quarterbacks.

Bridgewater (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

As expected, the Panthers capped Bridgewater's reps as the team kicked off preparations for a Week 11 matchup with the Lions. There's a decent chance he maintains this activity level all week to keep pressure off the MCL sprain in his right knee. Assuming the Panthers opt to keep Bridgewater sidelined Sunday, coach Matt Rhule will have a decision to make between reserves P.J. Walker and Will Grier at quarterback.