NFL Player News

Coach Matt Patricia confirmed Stafford (back) won't be ready to play Sunday against the Cowboys, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Not this Sunday, no," Patricia said, when asked about the quarterback's status.

Patricia said the team has a medical plan in place for Stafford to return, with the quarterback potentially getting back on the practice field later this month. Those comments doesn't sound overly promising for Stafford making it back in Week 12, and Week 13 might also be a challenge with the Lions working on a short schedule for Thanksgiving Day. That said, it's too early for any assumptions beyond the upcoming Sunday, when Jeff Driskel will get another start under center. The 26-year-old completed 27 of 46 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last week's 20-13 loss to the Bears, adding five carries for 37 yards.

Coach Matt Patricia said he doesn't anticipate Stafford (back) will play Sunday against the Cowboys, Tori Petry of the Lions' official site reports.

Reports emerged last weekend suggesting Stafford would likely miss several games, but the quarterback's history of playing through significant injuries created some hope he might avoid a multi-game absence. Patricia's comments suggest that Stafford won't be able to rally in time for Sunday, putting Jeff Driskel on track for a second straight start. The Lions will reveal Stafford's official designation later Friday following their final practice of Week 11.

Rudolph completed 23 of 44 passes for 221 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions in Pittsburgh's 21-7 loss to Cleveland Thursday night. He also ran twice for 15 yards.

Rudolph struggled early managing just 102 yards passing in the first half as the Steelers fell behind 14-0. Injuries to James Conner (shoulder), JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) and Diontae Johnson (concussion) -- all forced out of action and unable to return -- only compounded Pittsburgh's offensive woes. Forced to play from behind Rudolph attempted more passes than in any previous game and the four interceptions matched his season total. Sadly -- with the outcome of the game already decided and just eight seconds to play -- Rudolph was tackled late by Myles Garrett who then grabbed Rudolph's helmet and struck him in the head. Rudolph appeared to be unharmed but will likely be evaluated. Pittsburgh will have 10 days to determine if he can play against Cincinnati. Earlier this season -- in just his second career start -- Rudolph faced the Bengals and completed 24 of 28 passes for 229 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Now with a few more starts under his belt Rudolph should have success against a Bengals pass defense that allows the fourth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Mayfield completed 17 of 32 passes for 193 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Browns' 21-7 win over the Steelers on Thursday. He also scored a one-yard touchdown on his only rush.

For the second time in four days and third straight game overall, Mayfield accomplished a feat that has usually proven elusive for him this season -- a mistake-free performance. The embattled second-year signal-caller wasn't exactly efficient through the air, but he was taken down only once by the typically ferocious Steelers pass rush and connected with Jarvis Landry and Stephen Carlson for one- and eight-yard touchdown passes, respectively. Mayfield also opened the scoring on the night with a one-yard touchdown sneak in the first quarter, only his second rushing score of the campaign. Mayfield now has back-to-back multi-touchdown efforts and will look to keep his solid play going in a favorable matchup against the Dolphins in Week 12, a week from Sunday.

Mahomes (kneecap) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Mahomes was as productive as ever after returning from a two-game absence due to a dislocated right kneecap in last weekend's 35-32 loss to the Titans, completing 36 of 50 attempts for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Perhaps most encouragingly, Mahomes told Adam Teicher of ESPN.com that he felt great physically coming out of the contest, a sentiment supported by the quarterback's ability to take every rep during the first practice of Week 11. With the injury behind him, Mahomes will look to improve his case for repeating as NFL MVP and aim to keep the Chiefs atop the AFC West standings when he takes on the Chargers on Monday night in Mexico City.

Stafford (hip/back) was held out of Thursday's practice, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

With back-to-back absences to kick off Week 11 prep, Stafford is trending in the wrong direction to make an appearance Sunday against the Cowboys. The Lions will hold one more session Friday, at which point they may make a decision on his availability. If Stafford misses a second straight game due to fractures in his back, he'll yield quarterback duties to Jeff Driskel.

Coach Frank Reich said after Wednesday's practice that Hoyer would return to the backup role behind Jacoby Brissett (knee) in the Colts' Week 11 game against the Jaguars, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports. "I'm assuming [Brissett is] going to be good and barring any setback the rest of the week, he'll be the starter," Reich said.

Brissett missed the Colts' Week 10 loss to the Dolphins with a sprained MCL, an injury he sustained the week prior in Indianapolis' loss in Pittsburgh. As a result, Hoyer was pressed into action for his first start since 2019 and struggled mightily against one of the NFL's worst pass defenses, completing only 18 of 39 attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Brissett's ability to practice without any restrictions Wednesday was enough for the Colts to sign off on him playing this weekend, and Reich apparently has no plans on re-evaluating the No. 2 spot on the depth chart in the wake of Hoyer's poor outing. Chad Kelly was elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup in Week 10, but he'll presumably be released or stick on the 53-man roster as the No. 3 option moving forward.

Keenum (concussion) isn't listed on the Redskins' injury report Wednesday.

Out of the NFL's protocol for head injuries, Keenum is set to be active for the first time since Week 8. On Sunday against the Jets and beyond, though, he'll serve as the backup to rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, an arrangement which likely will hold for the rest of the campaign.

Stafford (back) didn't practice Wednesday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to his surprise absence this past Sunday at Chicago, Stafford practiced in a limited capacity. Upon further examination of his back injury, though, multiple fractures were discovered, and he eventually was ruled out. After the contest, coach Matt Patricia said he considers Stafford "day by day, week by week," per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. If Wednesday's session is any indication -- Stafford didn't do much beyond some light throwing on the side -- he seems to be more on the week-to-week side of the equation. Another absence from Stafford in Week 11 against the Cowboys would thrust Jeff Driskel into a starting spot yet again.

Brissett (knee) will be a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports.

Coach Frank Reich verified Wednesday that he expects Brissett to draw the start during Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring any setbacks. With No. 2 quarterback Brian Hoyer coming off a three-interception performance in the Week 10 loss to the Dolphins, Brissett's return to the starting lineup would offer Indianapolis' offense a well-timed chance to get back on track.