NFL Player News

Jones (ankle), who didn't practice Wednesday, believes that he has a chance to play Sunday against the Packers, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

It remains to be seen if Jones will be able to practice in any capacity Thursday, but Giardi indicates that the QB is participating in game planning ahead of Sunday's contest. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Jones suffered a high ankle sprain versus the Ravens in Week 3, while coach Bill Belichick has made a point of saying that the Patriots are taking it "day-by-day" with their Week 4 signal-caller plans.

Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael confirmed that Winston (back/ankle/hip) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, but he's hopeful the quarterback will be on the field Friday, Erin Summers of the Saints' official site reports.

After Winston was withheld from the Saints' first practice Wednesday in London, head coach Dennis Allen expressed optimism that the quarterback would take some reps Thursday, but that ultimately didn't come to fruition. Carmichael noted that the Saints' plans for Winston changed later Wednesday, and the back-to-back absences of practice to begin the week suddenly puts the 28-year-old's status for Sunday's game against the Vikings more in question than originally believed. Andy Dalton once again took first-team reps Thursday and would be in line to start Sunday if Winston is unable to play through his injuries. In addition to dealing with four fractures in his back, Winston is still battling an ankle issue that cropped up following Week 2 action along with a hip flexor injury.

Winston (back/ankle/hip) is not present at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Stacey Dales of NFL Network reports.

Winston appears to be missing a second straight practice session, and he told reporters Thursday that he's nursing a hip flexor injury in addition to his previously disclosed back and ankle issues, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports. Coach Dennis Allen and Winston have both expressed that they expect the No. 1 quarterback to be available Sunday vs. Minnesota, but it remains to be seen whether his absence Thursday represents a setback. Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that it was expected Winston would practice in some capacity Thursday.

Tagovailoa (back/ankle) is expected to suit up for Thursday's game in Cincinnati, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Tagovailoa is officially listed as questionable on Miami's injury report, but he's said he plans to play and things still appear to be trending in that direction. Having the third-year quarterback under center will be good news for the fantasy prospects of top wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (groin), though the latter is also listed as questionable. The Dolphins would turn to Teddy Bridgewater were Tagovailoa to suffer any setbacks, but it's expected that Miami's No. 1 QB will avoid the official inactives list, which will be released ahead of Thursday's 8:15 ET kickoff.

Herbert (ribs) was a limited participant during practice Wednesday.

According to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com, head coach Brandon Staley said that Herbert didn't suffer any setbacks in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Jaguars, but given that the quarterback played through fractured rib cartilage, it's not a surprise to see his practice reps limited to begin Week 4. Assuming he experiences no new issues with his ribs in the next couple of days, Herbert should start this weekend's game against the Texans, though it's plausible he'll approach the contest with a questionable designation.

Tagovailoa (back) said he plans to play in Thursday's game against Cincinnati, though he's officially listed as questionable on the Dolphins' final injury report, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Tagovailoa likely would have been listed as "probable" if the designation still existed. Still, fantasy managers should make sure he's active when the Dolphins release their inactive list 90 minutes before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Thursday. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (groin) also is listed as questionable, and like Tagovailoa, seems to be on track to play.

Wilson (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday and said he's "100 percent ready" to play this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh already confirmed earlier in the day that Wilson will reclaim his role as the starting quarterback this weekend while Joe Flacco shifts back to the bench after a three-week stint marked by tons of volume (a league-high 155 pass attempts) and replacement-level efficiency (5.8 YPA, 58.7 completion percentage). The Jets obviously hope to run more, and they'll presumably do that with a more mobile quarterback in Wilson under center if they can break the trend of falling behind by multiple scores in the first half each week. Wilson has all his key pass catchers healthy for his first start of the season, but the Jets' top three offensive tackles are on injured reserve.

Winston (back/ankle) said he's preparing to play Sunday against the Vikings, despite missing practice Wednesday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Winston suffered four small fractures in his back Week 1 and added an ankle injury Week 2, but he's so far been able to play through both injuries, albeit at something less than his best. Both Winston and head coach Dennis Allen said they expect the quarterback to start this Sunday in London, with Winston reportedly expected back on the practice field Thursday. Andy Dalton took first-team reps Wednesday.

Jones (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday and will go down as a non-participant on the Patriots' official report, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

With Jones reportedly dealing with a high-ankle sprain, his absence from practice is no surprise. In his absence, Brian Hoyer and Bailey Zappe will take reps under center. Though the team may not confirm Jones' Week 4 status until the release of Friday's injury report, the second-year quarterback doesn't appear likely to suit up this weekend against the Packers. If Jones is in fact ruled out, head coach Bill Belichick already confirmed that Hoyer will draw the start Sunday.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Jones "probably won't practice" Wednesday, but added that the quarterback has "made a lot of progress" since reportedly suffering a left high-ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

At this point, Jones looks unlikely to play this weekend against the Packers, but the Patriots have thus far been unwilling to rule out such a possibility. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Belichick confirmed Wednesday that if Jones is unavailable versus Green Bay, Brian Hoyer would start at quarterback.