NFL Player News

Stafford is unsure how Detroit's offense will change under new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Cooter worked as an assistant under Caldwell in Indianapolis and also spent a year with Peyton Manning in Denver before joing Detroit last year as quarterbacks coach, so his background isn't tied to his predecessor's offense. Still, to Stafford's point, it is hard to envision the Lions' offense changing too radically in a few short days, but there may be more tweaks in store after the Week 9 bye. In the Lions' lone win this season, Stafford completed eight passes of 20 yards or more, over a third of his season total. If Cooter is able to return the cannon-armed Stafford into more of a vertical attack, it could spark a return to the kind of production he put up in past seasons.

Titans coaches and trainers plan to reevaluate rookie starting quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) on Tuesday.

Ken Whisenhunt indicated that he's optimistic about Mariota's chances of returning to practice this week, though he acknowledged that "it's still early, and we'll get a better feel as the week progresses."

The x-rays on the left hand of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford came back negative, per the Detroit Free Press.

Stafford took a beating behind an offensive line that allowed seven sacks Sunday. Although that damage was compounded by him injuring his non-throwing hand, the quarterback was still able to finish the game. Stafford should be relatively fine moving forward, but the hits he's taken lately have surely contributed toward his struggles this season.

Rex Ryan expects Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (sprained MCL) to return in Week 9 following a bye. "I'm confident he'll be back," said Ryan. "We'll see where he's at after we come back from the bye."

After witnessing the massive hole EJ Manuel put his team in, the coach is probably setting up a midnight vigil every night this week praying for Taylor's knee to heal. Looking at the coach's rare blank expression on the sideline after Manuel committed three of the more inept turnovers you'll ever see, one had to wonder if Ryan was pondering a "Million Pound Arm" challenge for London's finest at halftime and getting a better option than what was taking place on the field.

In fairness, Manuel somehow rallied and got his act together in the second half, but this team is clearly better with Taylor running the show compared to the former first-rounder. He can't get back soon enough if the Bills are going to save their slipping season.

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer completed 23 of 49 for 273 yards and three touchdowns while throwing one interception in Sunday's 44-26 loss to the Dolphins.

Hoyer was brutal in the first half, completing 6 of 23 for 65 yards with a pick-six while directing six three-and-out drives in Houston's first seven possessions. A performance like that should necessitate a quarterback change, but backup Ryan Mallett missed the team's charter flight Saturday and had to fly commercially to Miami. That bit of news isn't sitting well with head coach Bill O'Brien.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins was excellent against the Buccaneers on Sunday, completing 33 of 40 tosses for 317 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran three times for 15 yards and a touchdown in Washington's dramatic come from behind victory.

Down 24-0 before the half, the fourth-year signal caller plunged into the end zone to get the comeback started and proceeded to lead the 'Skins to four second half scores, including the go-ahead touchdown with 24 seconds remaining. It was easily Cousins' best all-around game of the season, and he likely solidified his hold on the starting job for the time being, as he entered the game with a 6:8 TD:INT ratio. Washington will face the Patriots on the road after their bye in Week 8.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 18 for 26 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. He injured his non-throwing hand in the contest, but stayed in the game and says he should be OK, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Throughout the Lions' poor season, onlookers have often asked how much of Detroit's struggles can be attributed to Stafford. On Sunday, Stafford couldn't have been asked to do much more, not turning the ball over and posting his highest completion percentage and quarterback rating of the season. Unfortunately for Stafford, however, his offensive line and running game failed him again, surrendering seven sacks and failing to crack 100 yards on the ground for the sixth time in seven games. It will be difficult for Stafford to play well consistently with this kind of supporting cast.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 18 of 19 passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's blowout win over the Texans. He ran the ball just once for a three-yard gain.

The Dolphins got off to an explosive start in this one, with four touchdowns of over 50 yards in the first half, and were able to coast the rest of the way. Tannehill was nearly flawless in this one and has now thrown for 548 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in two weeks since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. This revitalized Miami team will face a tough test in Week 8, when they visit the Patriots on Thursday night.

Carr completed 24-of-31 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Carr was absolutely shredding the Chargers' defense during the first half as the Raiders built a 30-6 lead entering halftime. He didn't get to throw much late in the game, as they just tried to run the ball and chew some clock. The second-year quarterback has thrown seven touchdowns in the last three games to just two interceptions, and he seems to get more comfortable every week. The Raiders get a tough matchup at home against the Jets next week, who enter with the leagues best scoring defense. Carr will be a lower-end QB1 in that matchup, but should continue to put up solid numbers moving forward with a plethora of weapons around him.

Stafford had X-rays on his left hand after Sunday's loss to the Vikings, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Stafford was able to finish the game and said afterward that his non-throwing hand should be okay. He got off to a fast start against the Vikings, but he was sacked seven times by the end of the day, ultimately finishing with 256 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Lions have a Week 8 matchup with the Chiefs in London.