NFL Player News

Keenum is slated to start Sunday's game against the Browns with C.J. Stroud (concussion) ruled out for a second straight contest, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Upon the release of its final Week 15 injury report, Houston listed Stroud as doubtful ahead of the team's matchup with the Titans before he was ultimately inactive for the contest, but the rookie signal-caller will be ruled out two days in advance of this week's game after he failed to practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday. While stepping in for Stroud last week, Keenum completed 23 of 36 pass attempts for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding one yard on two carries in Houston's 19-16 overtime win over Tennessee. The 35-year-old Keenum could have difficulty replicating his modest results from last week while he faces off against the top-ranked Browns pass defense (158.9 passing yards allowed per game).

Levis (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after practicing in limited fashion Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Levis got back on the practice field Friday for the first time since spraining his ankle in last week's 19-16 overtime loss to the Texans. The rookie quarterback is progressing in his recovery, but it remains to be seen if he'll be healthy enough to play come Sunday. Coach Mike Vrabel said earlier in the week that Ryan Tannehill would start against the Seahawks should Levis sit. If Levis is able to play, it would be a boon to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has six touchdown catches in Levis' eight starts and none in six games started by Tannehill.

Stroud (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Stroud wasn't able to practice in any fashion this week, and though head coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday that the quarterback's condition was improving, the rookie will ultimately miss a second straight game. Case Keenum will make another start Sunday in place of Stroud, while Davis Mills serves as Keenum's backup. Stroud will target a return to action Week 17 against the Titans on Dec. 31, but his potential availability will be contingent on him clearing the five-step protocol for brain injuries.

Lawrence (concussion/ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

After not practicing Wednesday and Thursday, Lawrence was listed as a limited participant in Friday's session. However, the quarterback is still in the NFL's concussion protocol with the Jaguars' Week 16 game just two days a way. With that in mind, head coach Doug Pederson told Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com on Friday that if Lawrence doesn't clear the five-step protocol by the time the Jaguars leave for Tampa Bay on Saturday afternoon, he won't travel with the team. In the event that Lawrence is forced to miss the first game of his career, C.J. Beathard would be in line to start in his place versus the Buccaneers.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Levis (ankle) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Wyatt previously relayed that Levis was stretching with his teammates prior to Friday's practice, though it isn't immediately clear if he participated in the session in any capacity. However, given the team's intention to list Levis as questionable for the Week 16 contest, he'll have a chance at being cleared to play through his right high-ankle sprain Sunday. If Levis isn't available, Ryan Tannehill would be in line for his first start since Week 6.

Levis (ankle) was spotted on the field taking part in stretching prior to Friday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Levis missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but the quarterback's presence on the field Friday suggests that he could mix into drills during the Titans' final session of the week. The Titans will release their final Week 16 injury report later Friday, when it will be known whether Levis is ruled out in advance of Sunday's game against the Seahawks or carries a designation into the contest. If Levis can't play this weekend, Ryan Tannehill would be in store for his first start since Week 6.

Wilson (concussion), who has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Commanders, is unlikely to be available for the Jets' Thursday night game against the Browns in Week 17, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. "It does make it a challenge that it's a Thursday game," head coach Robert Saleh said Friday, regarding Wilson's potential Week 17 availability. "He's got to clear some hurdles over the weekend. It's going to be one of those where we'll see."

Due to the short turnaround for Week 17, Wilson will have just four additional days to clear the five-step concussion protocol after Sunday's game. Trevor Siemian will make his first start of the season Sunday against the Commanders. Siemian may be likely to start again Thursday regardless of how he fares against Washington, though Brett Rypien could also be an option after signing with the Jets earlier in December.

Stroud (concussion) wasn't spotted on the field at Friday's practice, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Stroud didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday either, so the signal-caller's continued absence Friday is a likely indication that he'll miss a second straight game Sunday against the Browns. The Texans' final Week 16 injury report will be released later Friday and will clarify whether Stroud has any chance of playing Sunday. If Stroud is once again sidelined, however, Case Keenum would be in store for another turn as Houston's starting quarterback.

Lawrence (concussion/ankle) is slated to practice Friday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

After Lawrence missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, head coach Doug Pederson said prior to Friday's session that the quarterback will be given "as much [work ] as we can." While Lawrence's looming return to practice is a big step forward, he still needs to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to have any chance at starting Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Siemian will start Sunday's game against the Commanders in place of Zach Wilson, who was ruled out Friday due to a concussion, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Siemian will face a Washington defense that's at or near the bottom of the league in numerous statistical categories, though he'll have the keys to an offense that's been equally bad or perhaps even worse, averaging 14.4 points (30th in NFL) and 255.1 yards per game (32nd). Poor quarterback play has been a large part of the Jets' offensive struggles, and it's a trend Siemian is unlikely to change given his career 58.5 completion rate and 6.6 yards per attempt. He's fared poorly in his two relief appearances this season for the Jets in Weeks 13 and 15, completing 19 of 39 passes (48.7 percent) for 176 yards (4.5 YPA), with no touchdowns, two interceptions, four fumbles (two lost) and five sacks.