NFL Player News

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport indicated Sunday he has been told Saints quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) is "viewed as a long shot" for next Sunday's contest against the Cowboys.

Rapoport adds Brees' shoulder injury, which has been described as a bruise, is actually a rotator cuff sprain. It is an issue that infers the veteran QB may be dealing with some degree of structural damage. In any case, we'll track Brees' status, but it looks like backup Luke McCown's starting stint may last longer that one game.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) was listed as being limited in practice Friday, reports Dolphins web site.

There has been no report of a setback in regards to Tannehill's ankle so the Dolphins could've just been taking it easy with their franchise QB. The bad news is that Tannehill will probably be without left tackle Brendan Albert and if he is at all immobile in the pocket Sunday, an angry Buffalo defense could make life quite miserable for him and the Dolphins offense.

A back ailment will not keep Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford sidelined Sunday against Denver. He has been deemed probable.

Stafford logged full practices throughout the week, leaving little question as to his availability, though it's still quite possible he'll have to deal with significant pain. He'll also have to deal with a fine Denver defense that has held opposing quarterbacks to a 45.1 passer rating through two weeks.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) will not play Sunday at Carolina, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

According to Mike Triplett of ESPN, Sean Payton still expects Brees to return "sooner rather than later." That suggests he could be available for Week 4 against the Cowboys.

Luke McCown will start against the tough Panthers defense as New Orleans tries to avoid posting an 0-3 record.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 30 of 49 passes for 316 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions, in Thursday's 32-21 loss to the Giants.

Cousins settled down following an ugly first quarter, though his stat line was still largely produced in garbage time. He was able to move the ball with an onslaught of short passes, but only after his early struggles allowed the Giants to take a healthy lead. According to Brian McNally of 106.7 The Fan, Redskins coach Jay Gruden said after the game that the team doesn't have a quarterback controversy, which strongly suggests Cousins will start against the Eagles in Week 4.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder) was limited in Thursday's practice, Larry Holder of New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Although he participated in some drills Thursday, it's unclear if Brees has actually commenced throwing, which is the all-important step in his quest to play Sunday at Carolina. If his bruised rotator cuff doesn't yield, though, Luke McCown is preparing to direct the Saints' offense in Week 3.

Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is not on the Week 3 injury report, which indicates despite the fact he tweaked his ankle in Week 2 that he will be fine for the Sunday game against Indianapolis.

Mariota will try to bounce back from a subpar performance in Cleveland after an historically strong effort in his NFL debut.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (ribs) appears to be headed toward playing in Detroit's Week 3 game against Denver, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Nothing has been committed to, but Stafford told reporters Wednesday that he wants to play whenever possible and offensive lineman Manny Ramirez said that he has "no doubts" that his quarterback will play.

Playing and playing effectively are two separate things, however, and Stafford has struggled in the Lions' one-dimensional offense that has yet to find a running game. He will be tested by a Denver defense that has surrendered a combined 308 passing yards and zero passing touchdowns, while nabbing four interceptions in two games.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith (jaw) has been medically cleared, the Daily News reports.

Coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that the quarterback -- who practiced fully Wednesday -- "could be" active against the Eagles on Sunday, but in such a scenario, Smith would re-enter the mix in a backup capacity, with Bowles confirming Tuesday that Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain the 2-0 Jets' starting QB.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced fully Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Lions have broadcast the belief that Stafford will suit up Sunday versus the Broncos, according to MLive.com, and a full practice Wednesday supports that thought process. Even so, his rib injury will be something to keep in mind this week due to the potential for a setback, especially against a fearsome front seven.