NFL Player News

Hurts completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed 14 times for 62 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles' 24-20 win over the Cowboys on Thursday night.

As his final indicates, Hurts was near perfect through the air, but he averaged just 6.6 yards per attempt and saw top two wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith finish with a combined 4-24-0 line on four targets. However, Hurts was a force on the ground, logging the second-most carries for the Eagles behind Saquon Barkley and outpacing his fellow star by two yards for the team rushing lead while also scoring from four and eight yards out on the ground in the first half. Hurts also converted several key short-yardage opportunities, including a third-and-3 with 1:45 remaining via a four-yard scramble that essentially sealed the game for Philadelphia. Hurts completed passes to six different targets overall, and considering he only went without a touchdown toss in two games last season during which he played a normal allotment of snaps, the reigning Super Bowl MVP is likely due for much better passing numbers in a Week 2 rematch with the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14.

New Orleans cut Dekkers from the practice squad Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Dekkers' removal makes room on the Saints' practice squad for linebacker Garrett Nelson. Dekkers will look to catch on with another team that is in need of a scout team quarterback.

Keenum (leg) was absent from the Bears' estimated injury report Thursday.

Keenum missed the Bears' last two preseason games due to a leg injury. His absence from Thursday's injury report indicates that he is past the issue and is on track to serve as the Bears' QB3 behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent for Monday's regular-season opener against the Vikings at Soldier Field.

Taylor (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor returned to full practice participation for the first time since late July, paving the way for him to suit up Week 1 against the Steelers as Justin Fields' backup. The veteran backup has been working his way back from a knee scope.

Jones (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Jones missed the 49ers' preseason finale due to a knee sprain, but his full participation in Wednesday's practice indicates it is no longer an issue. The 2021 first-rounder is slated to begin the season as the 49ers' backup quarterback behind Brock Purdy. Jones had the same role in Jacksonville last year behind Trevor Lawrence, but the former appeared in 10 regular-season games (seven starts) and completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing for 92 yards and one score on 28 carries.

Stafford (back) isn't listed on the Rams' initial Week 1 practice report Wednesday, thus paving the way for him to start Sunday against the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

After opening training camp as a non-participant due to a disc issue in his back, Stafford resumed practicing on Aug. 18 and has ramped up his activity level in the meantime to the point that L.A. didn't include him on the injury report at all to begin Week 1 prep. With his status clear ahead of this weekend, he'll be operating with a skill-position group composed of RB Kyren Williams, WRs Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and TE Tyler Higbee.

Taylor (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor had his knee scoped early on during training camp and missed the preseason. He recently returned to practice, however, and appears on track to handle QB2 duties behind Justin Fields in Sunday's Week 1 opener versus Pittsburgh.

Pickett (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

Prior to being traded from the Browns to the Raiders on Aug. 25, Pickett had been managing a hamstring issue. The QB's full practice participation Wednesday, however, paves the way for him to serve as Geno Smith's backup in Week 1 against the Patriots. Meanwhile, fellow signal caller Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on IR and will miss at least four games out of the gate this season.

Dalton (elbow) was not listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.

Dalton was dealing with an elbow sprain late in training camp, but it looks like he'll be back to full strength for the start of the regular season. He's listed as the next man up in the event that starter Bryce Young has to come out for any reason.

McKee (thumb) did not practice Wednesday and is ruled out for Thursday's regular-season opener against the Cowboys.

McKee won't be available at home versus Dallas in Week 1, leaving Sam Howell in position to serve as the top backup to quarterback Jalen Hurts. The 2023 sixth-round pick is working his way back from a thumb fracture on his right throwing hand suffered Aug. 24. His next chance to suit up will come Week 2 on the road at Kansas City on Sunday, Sept. 14.