NFL Player News

Though the Ravens may elect to take a decision with Jackson (ankle) up to game-time, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that Tyler Huntley profiles as the likely starter for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Jackson, who last suited up in Week 14, is officially listed as questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday. Fortunately for those considering either of the Ravens' top two QBs in Week 17 fantasy lineups, the team kicks off at 1:00 ET on Sunday.

Garoppolo (thumb), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Texans, is not expected to play but the 49ers are optimistic he could return Week 18 against the Rams, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Trey Lance looks set to start Sunday against Houston as a result. Prior reports indicated that Garoppolo suffered a fracture and Grade 3 UCL tear of his right thumb in last week's loss to Tennessee, so he'll need to show progress next week in practice to return for the regular season finale.

Hoyer was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hoyer hit the list Tuesday but has cleared the necessary protocols. He'll be on the sideline for Sunday's tilt against the Jaguars.

Browning was elevated to the active roster Saturday, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

It's a little curious the Bengals will have three quarterbacks active for Sunday's tilt against the Chiefs, but with no negative news regarding the status of starter Joe Burrow, don't expect Browning or No. 2 QB Brandon Allen to see much time on the field.

Allen was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Allen needed only four days to clear the COVID-19 protocol, but the Bengals still opted to elevate Jake Browning to the active roster, which would indicate Allen still isn't quite up to speed. Neither quarterback is expected to see any time with Joe Burrow healthy and coming off a career day in the win over the Ravens last week.

Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Mayfield's performance has been hindered by a harness the quarterback has worn for his injured left shoulder, Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Van Pelt said the harness "handcuffed him a little bit," an issue that became more evident following Mayfield's four-interception game last week against Green Bay. Head coach Kevin Stefanski believes the quarterback has adjusted to the harness and refuses to see it as an excuse for Mayfield's performance. Entering Monday night's meeting in Pittsburgh, Mayfield has an 86.1 quarterback rating, the second-lowest in four seasons and off from last year's 95.9 rating, while completing 62.4 percent of his passes with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Watson (not injury-related) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

With Watson headed for the inactive list Week 17, Davis Mills is on track to handle Houston's starting quarterback duties. Tyrod Taylor will serve as Mills' backup.

Sudfeld was elevated to the 49ers' active roster from the practice squad Friday.

Sudfeld will be the No. 2 quarterback Sunday against the Texans, with Jimmy Garoppolo doubtful due to a thumb injury. Sudfeld has appeared in four NFL games in his career, all with the Eagles and spread out between 2017 and 2020. The 28-year-old has completed 25 of 37 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and an interception in his career.

With Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) ruled out, Lock is slated to start Sunday's game against the Chargers.

In that context, Lock is an option for those in two-QB formats or who are scrambling for a Week 17 signal-caller for any reason. However, with wideouts Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick on the reserve/COVID-19 list and Courtland Sutton (illness) questionable for the contest, Lock figures to be working with a depleted pass-catching corps Sunday.

Lance appears likely to receive his second career start Sunday against the Texans with top quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) listed as doubtful for the game, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Tending to a torn ligament to the thumb of his throwing hand, Garoppolo hasn't practiced or thrown this week, allowing Lance to pick up all the reps with the first-team offense. Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't closing the door on Garoppolo playing Sunday, but in order for the veteran to be available, he'll need to show that his accuracy and velocity aren't compromised when he takes part in a throwing session Saturday. Even if Garoppolo looks good in the workout, the 49ers could still be inclined to limit him to a backup role behind Lance, who hasn't attempted a pass since he started and played every snap in a 17-10 loss to Arizona in Week 5. Lance generally struggled to move the offense through the air (15-of-29 passing for 192 yards, no touchdowns and an interception), but he proved to be a useful contributor from a fantasy perspective thanks to a 16-carry, 89-yard rushing performance. Shanahan noted that Lance has made strides in practice in the weeks since his spot start, offering hope that the rookie signal-caller can show more improvement as a passer if he does in fact receive the nod again Sunday.