NFL Player News

Saints quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) expressed confidence Thursday he'll be able to take the field Sunday against the Cowboys, ESPN.com reports.

"I'm very confident I will be able to...we'll see how it progresses," Brees said. "But there's not anything that's gonna keep me off the field on Sunday."

The quarterback has turned in limited practice showings both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates progress from the bruised rotator cuff that sidelined him in Week 3. His listing on Friday's injury report will be particularly telling in his quest to return.

Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (foot) practiced in full Wednesday, The Washington Post reports.

After watching Monday's practice from the sideline due to a cut on his left foot, McCoy was able to handle the entire slate of drills Wednesday. However, the foot was encased in a heavy bandage, which places some question over his ability to suit up Sunday against the Eagles. An absence would put Robert Griffin in the backup quarterback role.

Saintsquarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) took most of the reps in Wednesday's practice, Larry Holder of the The Times-Picayune reports.

"I'll see how the shoulder responds tomorrow and the rest of the day, but each day I'm able to do more," Brees said after practice.

On Friday, Brees was unable to throw with his usual effectiveness, resulting in inactive status Sunday at Carolina. However, Tuesday's throwing session went well, which he followed up with a significant practice showing Wednesday.

Since he appears to be improving by the day, Brees could miss just one game as a result of a bruised rotator cuff. Luke McCown started in Brees' absence Week 3.

Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a minor ankle injury in last week's victory over the Dolphins.

Taylor was able to finish last week's game despite suffering the injury, and coach Rex Ryan did not seem concerned about Taylor's status moving forward. However, the setback could have played a role in him rushing for only 12 yards in Week 3. It could be a factor again in Week 4, if he is still not 100 percent.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of 35 passes for 333 yards and five touchdowns in Monday's win over the Chiefs.

Rodgers put together an outstanding performance Monday night, routinely marching the Packers downfield and punctuating drives with touchdowns tosses.

The reigning MVP has now thrown for 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions through Green Bay's first three games and his 333 yards Monday set an early season high.

In Week 4, Rodgers will travel to play a 49ers defense that currently ranks 28th in the NFL against the pass.

Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy missed Monday's practice due to a cut on his foot, the Washington Post reports.

McCoy watched the proceedings from the sideline Monday, during which Robert Griffin directed the second team offense. Washington doesn't have to release the nature of McCoy's injury until Wednesday's injury report, but head coach Jay Gruden should have more information when it's released.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) is optimistic but uncertain about his availability for Week 4 against the Cowboys, ESPN.com reports.

Brees, who missed New Orleans' Week 3 loss to Carolina, says his shoulder injury is day to day, but admittedly impacts his "functionality", suggesting some structural impediments exist.

While Brees will surely do everything he can to prepare to play in Week 4, it's too early to tell right now what his status will ultimately be. In Brees' absence, Luke McCown did a commendable job quarterbacking the Saints' offense Sunday, and may be asked to do the same if Brees' shoulder troubles him any longer.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (ribs) completed 31 of 45 passes for 282 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 24-12 loss to the Broncos. 

Stafford also lost a fumble and took four sacks, with the excellent Denver defense unsurprisingly getting the best of Detroit's flailing offense. Stafford hasn't been the only problem, but his poor play is one of the larger reasons that the Lions have been one of the league's worst offensive teams through three weeks.

Heading to Seattle for Monday Night Football in Week 4, Stafford and the Detroit offense are likely in for another long night.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson completed 20 of 30 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-0 win over the Bears. He added 28 yards rushing on six carries. 

Wilson threw a nice touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham late in the third quarter, but otherwise struggled on the Bears' side of the field (Steven Hauschka kicked four field goals).

He's on pace to shatter his career high in passing attempts for a season (452), but he still hasn't had a signature performance in 2015. The smooth QB has been great as a runner, however, with 137 rushing yards through three games. He'll face a slightly tougher test Week 4, facing the Lions at home on Monday Night Football.

Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (chest) completed 21 of 29 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday's 41-14 win at Miami. He also carried the ball three times for 12' yards.

Taylor played a stellar game, and looked really comfortable in the pocket, while not taking a sack nor turning the ball over. He showed a good rapport with Charles Clay and Percy Harvin, who combined to catch 12 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. The only negative thing was that Sammy Watkins left the game Sunday with a calf injury, and did not return.

The first-year starting QB is off to a nice start this year, and will look to keep it going at home against the Giants in Week 4.