NFL Player News

Garoppolo (back) is not slated to play Sunday against the Bears, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With Garoppolo, who didn't practice Wednesday, trending toward being ruled out by the Raiders ahead of Sunday's game, either Brian Hoyer or Aidan O'Connell will get the Week 7 start at QB. Assuming Garoppolo ends up missing this weekend's contest, he'll target a potential return to action Week 8 against the Lions (Mon, Oct. 30).

Fields (thumb) didn't practice Thursday.

Coach Matt Eberflus said Monday that he considers Fields doubtful for Sunday's game against the Raiders. The Bears haven't announced whether Tyson Bagent or Nathan Peterman will start if Fields is out this week, though Bagent is the favorite after leapfrogging Peterman on the depth chart at the beginning of the month. Bagent struggled in Sunday's 19-13 loss to Minnesota, however, throwing an interception and having a fumble returned for a touchdown by the defense.

Jones (neck) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic reports.

Jones was limited for a second straight day, with his workload including throws during the media-access portion of practice. The question seems to be whether he'll be cleared for contact in time for Sunday's game against Washington. If not, Tyrod Taylor will make another start.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed that Watson (shoulder) is slated to participate in practice in some capacity Thursday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Van Pelt noted that Watson, who is dealing with a right rotator cuff strain, is "scheduled to get out there and make some throws" Thursday. The Browns' upcoming injury report will clarify the QB's official participation level, but if Thursday's session goes well, Watson could potentially be in a position to return to action Sunday against the Colts.

Coach Doug Pederson expects Lawrence (knee) to start Thursday night's game against the Saints, pending the QB's pregame workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, Lawrence -- who officially is listed as questionable for the contest -- has noted improvement in what the report describes as a mild left knee sprain and thus is trending toward being available to start Thursday, barring any setbacks. Either way, official confirmation of Lawrence's Week 7 status will arrive once the Jaguars' inactives are released ahead of the team's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Amari Cooper believes that Watson (shoulder) is in line to practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Though Cooper's comments Thursday offer some encouragement regarding the chances of Watson suiting up for Sunday's game against the Colts, it remains to be seen how the Browns will officially list the QB's participation level on the team's next injury report. It Watson indeed is able to get some work in Thursday, how his shoulder responds in the process would be important in determining which direction he's headed in advance of Week 7 action. If Watson is unavailable versus Indianapolis, PJ Walker would be in line for another start in his place.

The Jaguars will decide whether Lawrence (knee), who is officially listed as questionable, is able to suit up Thursday versus the Saints after he goes through a pre-game workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Lawrence was listed as a limited participant on the Jaguars' practice reports Tuesday and Wednesday due to a sprained left knee, and it sounds like word on his status may not come until Jacksonville's inactive list is posted 90 minutes prior to Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports that the team has expressed optimism about Lawrence's chances of suiting up, but fantasy managers will need to monitor the situation closely considering the short week. C.J. Beathard would be in line to start if Lawrence isn't able to go.

Walker will be in line to start Sunday against the Colts if quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) isn't ready to play, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

Watson was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, but Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't yet willing to rule Watson out from plyaing this week. Walker filled in for Watson in last week's upset win over the 49ers, though the Cleveland defense and kicker Dustin Hopkins did a lot of the heavy lifting for the Browns. Walker completed 18 of 34 pass attempts for 192 yards with two interceptions.

Murray (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

In his first on-field work since tearing the ACL in his right knee Dec. 12 of last season, Murray unsurprisingly had a cap on his reps after the Cardinals designated him for return from injured reserve. The team will have a 21-day window in which to evaluate the quarterback and determine when he's healthy enough for game action. He's technically an option to come off the PUP list as soon as Sunday's contest at Seattle, but Arizona intends to ramp up his activity level slowly considering the severity of last year's injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. As long as Murray remains unavailable to play, the Cardinals will entrust the offense in signal-caller Joshua Dobbs.

Mayfield (hand) wasn't listed on the Buccaneers' first Week 7 injury report Wednesday.

Mayfield's left hand was bloodied this past Sunday when it became pinned between his chest and the helmet of a Lions defender. On Monday, head coach Todd Bowles told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Mayfield was diagnosed with a contusion. When asked how his hand felt Wednesday, Mayfield himself told Brianna Dix of the team's official site that he's "golden." With no practice limitations placed on him to kick off Week 7 prep, Mayfield indeed is good to go ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons.