NFL Player News

Stafford must pass a final round of COVID-19 testing before Sunday morning being cleared to play in the Lions' game against Minnesota, which begins at 1 p.m. ET, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 32-year-old was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday after landing on the list earlier in the week, but he's still awaiting full clearance to play Week 9. A negative test result Sunday morning would allow him to return without missing a game. Chase Daniel lines up to start for the Lions in the off chance Stafford is unavailable for the divisional matchup.

Stafford was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

It's worth reiterating Stafford still must pass one more round of tests to be able to play Sunday, but all signs seem to be pointing in a positive direction. Expect results regarding the final COVID-19 test to come sometime Sunday morning, which could potentially make the veteran quarterback eligible to start in the divisional matchup against the Vikings.

Darnold (shoulder) will not practice Saturday and is listed as doubtful for Monday's contest against the Patriots, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Darnold appeared to suffer some sort of setback after testing out his injured throwing shoulder earlier this week in practice. As a result, it seems like a foregone conclusion Joe Flacco will make his third start of the season. Through two games, the veteran Flacco has completed just over 50 percent of his passes for 381 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Rush is not expected to start Sunday's game against the Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

It appears as if Garrett Gilbert will take over as the Cowboys' starting quarterback Sunday in lieu of Rush, who is expected to be called up to the active roster sometime this weekend. Given Ben DiNucci's struggles in the same role last week, it'll be interesting to see whether Rush or DiNucci acts as the backup in what figures to be a tough matchup against the Steelers' defense.

The 49ers signed Johnson to the practice squad Friday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Johnson is expected to join the team at practice next week as long as he passes the COVID-19 protocols. The 34-year-old has spent time with 13 different NFL teams, but he only played games with five of those franchises, recording a 55.2 completion percentage and 6.1 yards per attempt over 33 games. Johnson played for the LA Wildcats of the XFL last spring, and he performed well with a 106.3 passer rating. He'll serve as the No. 3 quarterback in San Francisco because Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) is out long term.

Coach Anthony Lynn downplayed Herbert's appearance on the injury report this week, saying the quarterback is merely dealing with normal soreness, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Herbert was listed with a right shoulder injury Thursday and Friday, logging full practices both days. The Chargers aren't concerned, so he should be good to go this Sunday against a Raiders defense that's given up the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Herbert is averaging 303.3 passing yards and 2.8 total TDs per game, consistently putting up good numbers.

The Packers placed Love on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Love was placed on the COVID-19 list alongside Krys Barnes, who tested positive Friday. The rookie first-round pick may either have tested positive himself, or he could be required to quarantine after coming into close contact with someone who has. In any case, Love has been a healthy scratch for the Packers all season, while Tim Boyle has served as the backup to Aaron Rodgers.

Coach Matt Nagy said Friday that Trubisky (shoulder) isn't expected to be placed on injured reserve, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.

Trubisky received word from Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday that he won't need surgery to address his right shoulder injury, taking a long-term absence off the table. The Bears are still considering Trubisky week-to-week, but the fact that he isn't seen as a candidate for injured reserve hints that the team doesn't expect him to miss any time beyond its Week 11 bye.

Coach Anthony Lynn confirmed Friday that Taylor (chest) will back up Justin Herbert against the Raiders on Sunday, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Taylor was inactive for the past two games despite practicing fully, but he'll finally be active again in this battle of west coast teams. He's unlikely to see the field barring an injury to Herbert, as the rookie has hit the ground running as a starter.

When asked whether he expects to be out there for Monday's game against the Patriots, Darnold (shoulder) responded with "Yeah...we'll see..just taking it day-by-day" on Friday, Ralph Vacchianno of SNY.tv reports.

Vacchiano's video clip of Darnold answering the question shows the quarterback being non-commital on his status, though Darnold does begin by answering in the affirmative when asked if he expects to be out there. With the Jets searching for their first win of the season and Monday's home tilt against a Patriots team that has dropped four in a row offering perhaps the best opportunity New York will have to get that win, expect Darnold to do everything in his power to be out there.