NFL Player News

Coming off an historic NFL debut, Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota apparently isn't wasting time marveling at his four-touchdown feat in Week 1.

“We had to lift weights first thing, and Marcus was in there back squatting, doing the trap bar deadlift, doing the things that quarterbacks don’t normally do,’’ receiver Harry Douglas said, per the team's official website. “The guy’s a worker. I mean, that is one way I knew he was different from the beginning. When we came the first day we had lifting in the offseason, he was doing heavy weights. I said, ‘See, he’s a different guy.’ But you love that about him, man. If you are in the weight room and your quarterback is doing stuff like that, it makes you want to go 100 percent even more for him."

Mariota is the first player since 1933 with a perfect passer rating in his first game and second player in NFL history to throw for four touchdowns in his first NFL start (Fran Tarkenton, 1961).

Coach Ken Whisenhunt liked what he saw from Mariota in Sunday's win against the Bucs, but he is also looking forward to what the rookie does in the future.

“I don’t think we are really focused on statistics right now,’’ Whisenhunt said. “That’s great. I know obviously from seeing it, there’s a couple of things that haven’t been done before. That’s great, and it’s great for him and his legacy, and he is certainly deserving of that, but I haven’t really thought about it.” 

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was unable to lead the Vikings on any touchdown drives during Monday's 20-3 loss to the 49ers.

Bridgewater attempted 32 passes and completed 23 for 231 yards. He also threw an interception and rushed for 16 yards on three carries. His longest completion for 27 yards.

Monday's loss was the first time Bridgewater failed to record a touchdown since his third game last season in October.

Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford received an X-ray on his ankle, which came back negative, reports FOX 29. Bradford needed the exam after Monday's loss to the Falcons. 

"Don't worry about it," he said. "I'm all good. They said everything is all good."

Bradford completed 36-of-52 pass attempts for 336 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss. His lone touchdown pass came in the third quarter when he connected with DeMarco Murray for an 8-yard score.

Two interceptions ruined the season opener for Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford during Monday's 26-24 loss to the Falcons.

Bradford attempted 52 passes and completed 36 for 336 yards, but he threw two costly interceptions. The final one came with under two minutes left in the game when Ricardo Allen intercepted him on third down.

His lone touchdown pass came in the third quarter when he connected with DeMarco Murray for an 8-yard score.

The Raiders received good news Monday after an MRI revealed quarterback Derek Carr only suffered a bruised hand in the Week 1 loss, reports the Associated Press.

Carr had to be removed from Sunday's game after sustaining a hand injury and was replaced by Matt McGloin. Coach Jack Del Rio said Carr has begun to squeeze a ball with the hand and he has not been ruled out of Week 2.

Despite having a big wrap on his right elbow Monday, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford indicated the issue will not be a problem going into Week 2 at Minnesota, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Stafford needed to wear a sleeve on his right arm after suffering an injury to his elbow/triceps during the third quarter Sunday. He did not say if he was able to practice Monday, but said he's not worried about the issue.

"I'll be good to go [Sunday]," he said.

The Raiders were encouraged by the results of starting quarterback Derek Carr's MRI and have informed quarterback Christian Ponder he will not be signed at this time unless Carr has a setback, according to ESPN.

An earlier report from ESPN stated Carr was unlikely to play Week 2 against the Ravens. NFL Network is reporting Carr has a bruised thumb.

Carr sustained the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's season-opening loss to the Bengals. He was replaced by Matt McGloin, who would likely start in Carr's absence.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien intends to keep the public in suspense about who will be the team's starting quarterback Week 2 at Carolina. 

"I'm not going to make a big quarterback announcement today," O'Brien said at his Monday press conference. "You'll have to wait until the first play of the Carolina game."

Starter Brian Hoyer struggled in Sunday's season-opening loss to the Chiefs and was eventually replaced in the fourth quarter by backup Ryan Mallett, who he beat out during a training camp battle for the starting job.

Mallett played quite well in relief, completing 8 of 13 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown.

"Whatever decision that is made, whoever starts the game against Carolina, it'll be in the best interest of the team," O'Brien said.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will undergo an MRI on his injured hand Monday, but the team isn't expecting the second-year quarterback to play Week 2 against the Ravens, sources told ESPN.

Carr suffered a bruised thumb, according to NFL Network. X-rays were negative, but the team is waiting on MRI results. His status will depend on if the swelling reduces.

Carr sustained the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's season-opening loss to the Bengals. He was replaced by Matt McGloin, who would likely start in Carr's absence.

However, the Raiders have reached out to Christian Ponder, who is interested in returning to Oakland, per ESPN. Ponder was released when Oakland reduced its roster to 53 at the end of the preseason.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell offered no updates Monday on the statuses of quarterback Matthew Stafford, tight end Brandon Pettigrew and cornerback Darius Slay, who all sustained injuries during Sunday's season opener at San Diego.

"You'll see on the injury report on Wednesday," Caldwell told reporters, per The Detroit News.

Stafford got dinged up on a blind-side blitz midway through the third quarter Sunday, per MLive.com. He finished the game with a sleeve on his right (throwing) arm and showed up for his postgame press conference with scraping on his left arm. The Lions backup quarterback is Dan Orlovsky.

"You saw him get hit, obviously," Caldwell said after Sunday's game. "Once he got hit, it was just a way of keeping him going."

Pettigrew (undisclosed) was injured on the extra-point try on Detroit's final touchdown, while Slay did not finish the game due to an ankle injury suffered in the fourth quarter. Both players will undergo further medical testing.