NFL Player News

Jones (ankle) remains listed as questionable but is expected to start Monday's game against the Bears, barring a setback while warming up, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Jones has missed the Patriots' last three games due to a high-ankle sprain, but he looks like he's on track to put an end to the streak of absences. Official confirmation on his status won't arrive until the Patriots' inactive list is posted 90 minutes prior to Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Ideally, those considering Jones in Week 7 fantasy lineups would have Bailey Zappe or Chicago's Justin Fields available as potential replacements.

Mayfield (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

As expected, Mayfield will miss a second straight contest due to a high left-ankle sprain. While PJ Walker will serve as Carolina's starting quarterback with Jacob Eason handling backup duties, Mayfield will turn his focus to a potential return to action next Sunday in Atlanta.

Both Mike Reiss of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicate that the signs point toward Jones (ankle/questionable) returning to action Monday night against the Bears.

Per Rapoport, Jones took the bulk of first-team QB reps in Saturday's practice, which indicates that the 2021 first-rounder is trending toward rejoining the lineup following a three-game absence due to a high-ankle sprain. Given the Patriots' 8:15 ET kickoff Monday, there's an element of risk in relying on Jones in Week 7 fantasy lineups, a context that leaves just backup Bailey Zappe and Chicago's Justin Fields as potential replacements.

Tests on Wilson's hamstring revealed a Grade 2 strain, which clouds the quarterback's status beyond the Broncos' Week 7 game against the Jets, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report.

The report suggests that Wilson's partial hamstring tear can be a multiple-week injury, given the risk of additional damage. That said, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com relays that Wilson will be re-evaluated in the coming days to determine whether he has a chance to play in the Broncos' subsequent game Oct. 30 versus the Jaguars. After that, the Broncos are on bye Week 9. In his absence for at least this Sunday, Brett Rypien will draw the start against the Jets, with Josh Johnson backing him up.

Jones (ankle), who is listed a questionable for Monday night's game against the Bears, took the bulk of the first-team reps in Saturday's practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones has missed the Patriots' last three games with a high left ankle sprain. This report would seem to indicate he will start Monday's game, but his status is still uncertain. New England's starting quarterback may not be known until kickoff, with Bailey Zappe set to start if Jones is out again.

Johnson was elevated from the practice squad Saturday and will serve as the Broncos' backup quarterback in Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Russell Wilson (hamstring) has been ruled out from the game, which has shaken up Denver's quarterback room. Brett Rypien will get the chance to start his second career game, while Johnson will be active for his first game of the campaign.

Jones (ankle) is listed a questionable for Monday night's game against the Bears after practicing in a limited fashion this week.

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Jones -- who has missed the Patriots' last three games with a high left ankle sprain -- has been progressing toward a possible return to action Monday night, with previous reports having suggested that Jones expects to be available. Ideally, further context with regard to his Week 7 status will surface ahead of the first wave of games Sunday, considering New England's 8:15 ET kickoff Monday. If Jones ends up not being cleared to play, Bailey Zappe would be in line to face Chicago.

Rypien is set to start the Broncos' Week 7 matchup against the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With Russell Wilson (hamstring) sidelined, Rypien will get the starting nod for Denver. He last saw action in Week 16 of the 2021 season for the Broncos, but this will mark his first meaningful time on the field.

Wilson (hamstring) will not play in the Broncos' Week 7 matchup with the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Denver will opt to err on the side of caution with Wilson and allow him time to heal and prevent a lingering injury. As a result, Brett Rypien will ge the start against the Jets. Wilson's next chance to suit up will come in Week 8 versus the Jaguars.

Jones (ankle) remained limited at practice Friday.

Following back-to-back limited practices, Jones appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Monday night's game against the Bears, though it seems likely the QB will approach the contest with an official questionable designation. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, when asked if he'd be back this week after missing three games, Jones replied, "I think I'm doing well. Just trying to get better and get my treatment. Day by day." In the event that Jones doesn't return Monday, fellow signal-caller Bailey Zappe would be in line to face Chicago.