NFL Player News

Howell is slated to dress as the Commanders' backup quarterback behind Taylor Heinicke in Sunday's game against the Cowboys and is expected to get the chance to play his first NFL snaps, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

While Carson Wentz was on injured reserve from Weeks 7 through 12, Howell had served as the top backup, but he didn't see any game action behind Heinicke. However, with the 7-8-1 Commanders having now been eliminated from the playoffs after suffering a 24-10 loss to the Browns this past Sunday in Wentz's return to the starting lineup, head coach Ron Rivera appears prepared to drop Wentz to third on the depth chart in order to get an evaluation on Howell in the No. 2 role. It's unclear when the Commanders plan on having Howell enter the game in relief of Heinicke or if the two quarterbacks will alternate series, but the rookie fifth-round pick out of North Carolina looks like he'll finally get the opportunity to showcase his skills to some extent.

Heinicke is expected to be named the Commanders' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

With Carson Wentz flopping in his return to the starting role in last week's 24-10 loss to the Browns, head coach Ron Rivera looks set to turn the offense back over to Heinicke with little on the line in the season finale for the 7-8-1 Commanders, who have been eliminated from playoff contention. Over his nine starts this season prior to being benched Week 17, Heinicke guided Washington to a 5-3-1 record while completing 62.2 percent of his passes for 1,859 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions to go with 96 yards and another score on the ground. According to Fowler, Washington plans to get a look at rookie fifth-round pick Sam Howell at some point during Sunday's game, so Heinicke doesn't look as though he'll be in line to play the full 60 minutes. Meanwhile, Wentz appears likely to be inactive for the contest as Washington's No. 3 quarterback.

Lawrence (toe) didn't participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice.

Lawrence continues to deal with the residual effects of the sprained toe that he sustained during a Week 13 road loss to the Lions. He's also coming off one of his least fantasy-relevant performances of the season, which comes as no surprise after he was pulled early in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-3 win at Houston. Overall, the second-year quarterback completed 17 of 21 passes for 152 yards and an interception in that contest. Lawrence will have two more chances to mix into drills this week as the Jaguars prepare for Saturday's scheduled 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff against the Titans.

Stidham was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report due to a right elbow issue, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Leading a spirited effort this past Sunday versus the 49ers' top-ranked defense in place of Derek Carr, Stidham completed 23 of 34 passes for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also turning seven carries into 34 yards. Stidham has an elbow injury in the wake of the 37-34 overtime loss, but he at least will be afforded two more chances to advance to full activity this week before the Raiders potentially hand him a designation ahead of Saturday's scheduled 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Willis will operate as the backup quarterback behind Joshua Dobbs for Saturday's regular-season finale against Jacksonville, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) on injured reserve, Willis drew the start Week 16, but he threw two interceptions and was benched for Week 17. While the Titans lost to Dallas last Thursday, Vrabel said he was encouraged by the way Dobbs played and is confident in the veteran's ability. Willis is a rookie third-round pick and figures to have a future in Tennessee, but barring an injury, it appears like he'll be relegated to bench duties for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Bridgewater has a dislocated pinkie finger on his right hand, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

McDaniel added that there should be more clarity on the quarterback's status Wednesday, but the coach did say he was preparing as if Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson would be his top options heading into the regular-season finale against the Jets, suggesting Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) will be sidelined for a second straight game. Fantasy mangers will have to monitor Bridgewater's status closely during Week 18 prep, but a decision on who'll start against the Jets may not come until Sunday.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that he's not even thinking about Tagovailoa (concussion) starting Week 18, suggesting the quarterback is unlikely to suit up Sunday against the Jets, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

McDaniel added that he's preparing as if Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater (finger) will be his top options for the regular-season finale, and that he hasn't even talked with Tagovailoa about when the quarterback will be able to play again, per Adam H. Beasley of ProFootballNetwork.com. The coach's comments contradict a report Sunday from Fox's Jay Glazer, who said Tagovailoa plans to play again this season if the Dolphins make the playoffs. Either way, it appears Miami will be without its starting quarterback due to a concussion for yet another contest this year.

Browning was elevated from the practice squad to active roster Monday.

Browning could suit up for Monday's game against the Bills, although he'll likely operate the team's No. 3 quarterback behind starter Joe Burrow and Brandon Allen. Browning was active for multiple games last season, but the Washington product has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap.

Mullens completed all four pass attempts for 57 yards and touchdown without an interception in Sunday's defeat at Green Bay. He took over in the fourth quarter amid a blowout loss.

Mullens was playing in garbage time but still looked sharp with the backup offense. He could get significant time or even start Week 18 against the Bears if the Vikings decide to rest starters head of the playoffs.

Hurts (shoulder) is expected to play Sunday against the Giants, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per Rapoport, Hurts would've played Week 17 if it had been a playoff game, but the Eagles opted to exercise the utmost caution to avoid a potential setback with the star quarterback's injured shoulder. Philadelphia has lost back-to-back games without Hurts and will look to get back on track against the Giants before postseason play begins. Despite Rapoport's encouraging update, fantasy managers still should monitor Hurts' participation at practice during Week 18 prep before locking him into lineups.