NFL Player News

Watson (right shoulder) was listed as limited at practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Watson, who is dealing with a right rotator cuff strain, didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to the field Thursday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- suggests the QB has a chance to return from a two-game absence Sunday against the Colts. How Watson's shoulder responds to the work he saw Thursday will go a long way in determining which way he's trending ahead of Week 7 action, and if he ends up sidelined again this weekend, PJ Walker would be in line for another start in his place.

Allen (right shoulder) practiced fully Thursday.

Allen was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-through practice, and his return to a full session Thursday paves the way for this week's start against New England. With TE Dawson Knox (wrist) practicing fully and TE Dalton Kincaid clearing concussion protocol, Allen should have all his key pass catchers available against the 1-5 Patriots, who listed 20 players on their Wednesday injury report.

Bagent is expected to start Sunday's game against Las Vegas, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This essentially has been the expectation since Monday when coach Matt Eberflus referred to Justin Fields (thumb) as being doubtful. Fields then missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, moving Bagent one step closer to his first NFL start, though Eberflus hasn't confirmed it would be the rookie filling in for Fields rather than journeyman Nathan Peterman. The Bears opened the season with Peterman as their backup QB before switching to Bagent at the beginning of October. The undrafted rookie then committed two turnovers filling in for Fields during Sunday's 19-13 loss to Minnesota, though he also had a rushing TD and completed 10 of his 14 passes (for 83 yards).

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.