NFL Player News

Siemian (shoulder) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Troy Renck of ABC 7 Denver reports.

Siemian has increased his practice workload throughout this week, culminating in comfortable-looking deep throws during Friday's session. While that shows good progress following last weekend's injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Siemian is slated to undergo a thorough on-field workout Saturday before a final decision is made on his status, ESPN's Jeff Legwold reports. Knowing that, more clarity regarding the Broncos' expected starter this weekend should surface relatively soon.

Brissett is slated to undergo surgery on his right thumb Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Per the report, this was the plan for Brissett once top QB Tom Brady returned from his suspension. Look for Brissett to be officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns later Friday, with IR presumably a possibility, depending on the length of his expected recovery from the procedure.

Siemian (shoulder) looked comfortable throwing again at Friday's practice, which included some 30-yard tosses, The Denver Post reports.

Siemian, who also threw passes during Thursday's session, appears to be trending toward active status following last weekend's injury to his non-throwing shoulder. The fact that he appeared comfortable throwing deep Friday seemingly suggests he wouldn't be very limited if he were indeed available this weekend, but his status will have to be confirmed in the buildup to Sunday's kickoff against the Falcons.

Gabbert completed 18 of 31 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in Thursday's 33-21 loss to the Cardinals. He also tallied 70 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushes.

Although he was impressively effective throughout the night on the ground-- including a game-long 24-yard run that was part of an 82-yard scoring drive-- it was Gabbert's two mistakes through the air that played a key role in the loss. The veteran signal-caller's first misfire came late in the second quarter on a pass intended for Garrett Celek that ended up in the hands of Calais Campbell, giving Drew Stanton and the Cardinals the ball on the 49ers 21-yard line. Stanton parlayed the mistake into a 21-yard touchdown on the very next play, knotting the game at 7-7. Gabbert then gave the Cardinals the ball deep in his own end again on the first play of the fourth quarter with a second interception on a pass intended for Jeremy Kerley. The 26-year-old also took seven sacks despite his mobility, and has now failed to throw for at least 200 yards in four of his first five games. With the fans chanting for Colin Kaepernick after both of Gabbert's interceptions, and the latter struggling overall to maximize the full potential of head coach Chip Kelly's offense, a switch behind center is could come to fruition in the near future.

Winston will not see any restraints placed on him by the Bucs' coaching staff, despite some early turnover troubles this season, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. "We put a lot on a young player - as coaches, as fans, the organization - because we need him to be great now," said offensive coordinator Todd Monken. "We certainly do. And he is capable of that. We've seen that. Him playing at his best, he is a tremendous football player, as in Week 1 and at times last year."

The second-year signal-caller followed up a stellar 281-yard, four-touchdown showing in the season opener with a 4:7 TD:INT over the subsequent three games, with the interceptions of particular concern. However, the Bucs' coaches do not see the rise in turnovers as cause for reeling in Winston's improvisational and occasional risk-taking style of play, as they feel that the key to getting him (and by extension, their offense) back on the right track is for everyone around him to up the quality of their individual performances. As an example, three of Winston's eight total interceptions have come as a result of a bad route, an on-target throw that bounced off the intended target's hands, and an end-of-game Hail Mary, respectively. Although Winston has clearly made his share of mistakes, the team knows that many of his best moments in the past have come off broken plays, so they certainly want to keep his competitive dimension a vital part of their offensive attack. "What do we need to do? We need to play better around him," said Monken. "We need to be able to run the ball better. We need to be able to run routes with better precision. We need to protect him better. We need to be up in the game. He's a very competitive young man. He's going to always try to make plays that help you win. With that being said, I think that's a great trait."

Siemian (left shoulder) was able to throw at practice Thursday, ABC's Troy Renck reports.

Renck adds that "all things considered (Siemian looked) good on handoffs and in light throwing" Thursday, developments that boost the QB's chances of starting Sunday's 4:05 ET contest against the Falcons. That said, coach Gary Kubiak has previously stated his willingness to take the Broncos' Week 5 QB decision "all the way up to game day." If Siemian is unable to start this weekend, Paxton Lynch would be in line for the assignment.

Brissett (right thumb) was limited at practice Wednesday.

As was Jimmy Garoppolo, but with top QB Tom Brady back in action now, Brissett's Week 5 availability only affects the Patriots' backup situation Sunday against the Browns.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

As was fellow QB Jacoby Brissett, though with Tom Brady back in action, both Garoppolo and Brissett are now relegated to backup duty.

Jones (shoulder) was not listed on Wednesday's practice participation/injury report.

Jones has yet to suit up for a game this year, but it looks like that might change this weekend when the Bills take on the Rams. It is possible that Jones could be a healthy scratch though, given that the Bills seem comfortable with EJ Manuel as their backup quarterback behind starter Tyrod Taylor.

Siemian, who sprained his left (non-throwing) shoulder this past Sunday, did not throw during the warm-up and individual portions of Wednesday's practice.

Siemian, who was listed as a non-participant at practice Wednesday, per Mike Klis of 9News, thus remains day-to-day as the Broncos' preparations for this Sunday's game against the Falcons continue. At this stage, ABC's Troy Renck suggests that Siemian could emerge as a game-time decision for Sunday's 4:05 ET kickoff. Next in line for the Broncos' Week 5 QB snaps is rookie Paxton Lynch, who took over for Siemian after he was injured in Week 4.