NFL Player News

The Jets are expected to name Smith their starting quarterback Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

It's not clear if this is a short-term or long-term plan, and the move will not be official until confirmed by either the Jets or head coach Todd Bowles, but it appears Smith is set to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick as the team's primary quarterback.

Prescott will start in Week 8 against the Eagles following the Cowboys' bye week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.

The Cowboys have not committed to Prescott starting the rest of the season, but fellow quarterback Tony Romo is not expected to be ready to play until Week 9 at the earliest, so Prescott will get at least one more start coming out of the Cowboys' off week. The team has little reason to push Romo given Prescott's performance so far, and figures to wait on making a call as to who starts when Romo is finally back to full health.

Head coach Todd Bowles may be considering a switch of signal-callers for Sunday's game versus the Ravens, Rich CImini of ESPN.com reports. "I did re-visit [the situation between Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith]," Bowles said Tuesday.

Down 21-3 late in the third quarter and in the red zone, Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a back-breaking interception and was replaced by Geno Smith on the Jets' ensuing drive. Smith fared OK, completing four of six passes for 31 yards, but his final attempt was picked off by the Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu. Afterward, Bowles merely referred to Smith as a "relief" option, but his state of mind has seemingly been altered following the return trip to the east coast. Before a decision between Fitzpatrick and Smith is made, Bowles will touch base with the coaching staff and general manager Mike Maccagnan.

Smith will continue to be the backup quarterback despite coming on for Ryan Fitzpatrick during Monday's loss to the Cardinals, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Fitzpatrick threw a red-zone interception at the end of the third quarter with the Jets losing 21-3, though Smith wasn't all that much better, completing four of six passes for 31 yards while also throwing an interception. Smith was never a reliable fantasy option when he was the starter, which is why the Jets will continue to roll with Fitzpatrick under center.

Heinicke (ankle) is ready to return to practice, TwinCities.com reports.

Heinicke severed a tendon in his left foot during a freak home accident over the offseason and was placed on the Vikings' NFI list to begin the year. Now eligible to resume practicing, Heinicke will reportedly be back on the field Wednesday.

Prescott completed 18 of 27 passes for 247 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's game against the Packers. He also lost a fumble in the 30-16 win.

In a difficult road environment, Prescott was able to complete 67 percent of his passes and threw for three scores for the first time in his young career. He connected with Cole Beasley for a couple of well-executed short scores, and threw a 20-yard strike to Brice Butler for the other. Prescott lost a fumble for the second straight game and threw his first career interception deep in his own end, but he showed no lack for confidence thereafter and led his team to what was perhaps its most impressive victory yet. The INT, incidentally, came too late to stop Prescott from breaking Tom Brady's NFL record for passing attempts without a pick to begin a career. Tony Romo (back) is nearing full health and could return shortly after the bye next week, but the team's outstanding performance with Prescott at the helm could present the organization's brass with a difficult decision, despite the fact that they had previously indicated the veteran would retain his starting job.

Rodgers completed 31 of 42 pass attempts for 294 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Sunday's game against the Cowboys. He also lost a fumble in the 30-16 loss.

Rodgers was quite efficient and tossed for a season-high in yardage, but two turnovers-- a fumble at the opponent's four-yard line and an interception near midfield-- proved to be crucial to the outcome of the game. He has struggled to consistently produce numbers this season that are comparable to those that have made him a fantasy force over the last several years and will look to break out next week versus the division-rival Bears.

Cousins completed 18 of 34 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Eagles.

Cousins connected with Jamison Crowder and Vernon Davis for first-half touchdowns, and was able to overcome a 64-yard pick-six by Malcolm Jenkins en route to a fourth consecutive victory. Cousins threw for multiple scores for the third time in 2016, and he seemed to benefit from a running game that racked up 230 yards on the ground. With a 8:3 TD:INT ratio during the current winning streak, Cousins will look to keep it rolling against a Lions secondary that was torched by the lowly Rams this week.

Keenum completed 27 of 32 passes for 321 yards, three touchdowns and one interceptions in Sunday's game against the Lions. He added seven yards and a touchdown on three carries in the 31-28 loss.

In a competitive game that was close throughout, Keenum came through with his finest performance of the season. He spread the ball around to seven different receivers, although nearly half of his yardage and two scores came from Kenny Britt. Keenum tossed multiple touchdowns for the third time this season, but he has not reached the end zone in the other three, illustrating inconsistent usage and performance to this point. However, he has had his three most prolific yardage in his last three games, with his production trending up during that span, and he will face a Giants defense in Week 7 that has been susceptible to the pass this year.

Wilson completed 25 of 37 passes for 270 yards without a touchdown or an interception in Sunday's 26-24 win over the Falcons. He also rushed six time for seven yards.

Wilson led three touchdown drives, but all three were finished off on the ground. The dual-threat quarterback still looked much less mobile than usual while playing through sprains in his left MCL and right ankle. Wilson's owners should get used to the reduced production on the ground, as it could be weeks until he's back to 100 percent as a runner.