NFL Player News

Mayfield completed 22 of 35 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in the Rams' 17-16 win over the Raiders on Thursday night. He also rushed four times for 10 yards.

Mayfield didn't start but replaced John Wolford (neck) on the game's second possession, putting together an unforgettable Rams debut that featured an especially noteworthy beginning and end. The 2018 first overall pick's first three completions went for over 20 yards to Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell, and after a choppy performance over the middle quarters, Mayfield got going when it mattered most. Backed up at his own two-yard line with 1:45 remaining, Mayfield went on to helm an eight-play, 98-yard drive that culminated in a game-tying 23-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson with 10 seconds remaining. Mayfield had an interception overturned by a defensive pass interference call early in the possession, but he came through with a critical 32-yard completion to Skowronek in addition to the scoring toss. Even though it's a one-game sample and Mayfield has certainly proven capable of providing short-term sparks before fizzling out in subsequent weeks, the rousing win gives the 4-9 Rams much-needed encouragement ahead of a Week 15 road matchup against the Packers on Monday night, Dec. 19.

Wolford started for the Rams in Thursday's game against the Raiders, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Wolford was the favorite to start, though both Baker Mayfield and Bryce Perkins are also active. It's possible that any combination of those players takes snaps in Thursday's game, but Wolford will have the first chance to lead the offense. Entering Thursday's game, he had completed 38 of his 62 passes for 390 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Mayfield worked behind John Wolford (neck) during pregame work ahead of Thursday's contest against the Raiders, so the former likely won't start over the latter at quarterback for the Rams in Week 14, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

This comes as no surprise considering Mayfield joined L.A. just two days ago via waivers, but Wolford's sore neck still gives the former a chance to see some action. Steve Wyche of NFL Network reported as much earlier Thursday, relaying that a few sources told him Mayfield likely will enter the game at some point. Still, with a full allotment of snaps unlikely, Mayfield can't be trusted to produce right away with his new team.

Wolford (neck) seems to be trending toward starting Thursday against the Raiders after working with the Rams' first-team offense during pregame, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Wolford didn't take the field during warmups, but he did emerge for pregame work, taking snaps from starting center Brian Allen. Assuming his sore neck checks out well, Wolford will be under center following Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff ahead of Baker Mayfield, whom L.A. claimed off waivers Tuesday. There's a chance Wolford cedes snaps to Mayfield at some point, and the Rams' receiving corps is depleted, so the former doesn't exactly have a great situation in which to succeed Week 14.

Smith was a limited practice participant Thursday due to a right shoulder injury, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Like wide receiver DK Metcalf (hip), Smith is showing up on the Seahawks' second injury report of Week 14 after avoiding it entirely Wednesday. It's notable that Smith is dealing with an issue to his throwing arm, but with one practice to go Friday he has a chance to put any questions about his playing status behind him ahead of Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Mayfield is active for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

As are John Wolford (neck) and Bryce Perkins. It's been a whirlwind week for Mayfield, who was waived by the Panthers on Monday and claimed by the Rams one day later. With only two days to get acclimated to a new offense, Mayfield has a chance to mix into the contest or even be L.A.'s starting quarterback for Week 14, but coach Sean McVay has yet to reveal who between Wolford and Mayfield will be under center for the initial snaps on offense.

Wolford (neck) is listed as active Thursday against the Raiders, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

As are newcomer Baker Mayfield, who was claimed off waivers by the Rams on Tuesday, and Bryce Perkins. Wolford himself had his practice reps managed this week as he continues to deal with a sore neck. Ultimately, his status for Week 14 was contingent on a pregame warmup, which checked out well enough for him to be available Thursday. But L.A. has yet to reveal who among Wolford or Mayfield will be the team's starting signal-caller, which may come down to a game-time decision.

McSorely (illness) was not listed on the Cardinals' injury report Thursday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

McSorley popped up with an illness during Arizona's final practice of Week 12 prep, leaving him inactive against the Chargers. However, he appears to have gotten over this ailment during the Cardinals' bye Week 13. As a result, McSorley should reprise his role as the team's third-string quarterback against New England on Monday Night Football.

Tannehill (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

After rolling an ankle in Sunday's loss to the Eagles, Tannehill was a limited participant in the Titans' first Week 14 practice session Wednesday. The Titans never expressed much doubt about Tannehill's status heading into this Sunday's game against the Jaguars, however, and the quarterback seemed to put to rest any concern about his health by taking every rep Thursday. While Tannehill looks like he'll be good to go this weekend, he may have to make do without top target Treylon Burks (concussion), who sat out practice for the second day in a row Thursday and looks to be trending toward sitting out Sunday.

Lawrence (toe) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Doug Pederson indicated Wednesday that he thought the quarterback may be able to practice at some point this week, with DiRocco suggesting that could occur Friday, with a shorter workout on tap for the Jaguars. Per DiRocco, Lawrence has said that he expects to play Sunday against the Titans, but it seems likely nonetheless that the signal-caller will enter the weekend with an injury designation.