NFL Player News

Rypien (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

With Drew Lock back off the reserve/COVID-19 list, Rypien slides back down the depth chart. He has not appeared in a game this season.

Stafford wasn't on the Rams' injury report this week and remains on track to start Sunday against the Packers, but he'll do so while battling a sore ankle, chronic back pain and recurring pain in the elbow on his throwing arm, Dianna Russini of ESPN reports.

Stafford is notorious for playing through injuries throughout his career and doesn't appear at any immediate danger of missing time, but it's somewhat troubling that he's still feeling banged up coming out of the Rams' Week 11 bye. In Los Angeles' final two games before the open date in their schedule, Stafford took a big step back statistically from what was shaping up as a potential MVP-worthy campaign through the first eight weeks. In losses to the Titans and 49ers, Stafford completed 64 percent of his 89 throws for a weak 6.0 yards per attempt and a 2:4 TD:INT. A matchup against a Packers pass defense that yielded 341 yards and three touchdowns through the air in a Week 11 loss to the Vikings seemingly represents a solid get-right spot for Stafford on paper, but the fact that he'll have to nurse multiple injuries while playing in cold weather in Green Bay could make the veteran signal-caller a weaker fantasy option this week than expected.

Johnson was elevated from the practice squad Saturday and will serve as the backup quarterback Sunday against the Texans, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

The Jets elevated Johnson with both Joe Flacco and Mike White still on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He has seen game action on two occasions this season and has completed 29 of his 45 passes and averaged 7.4 yards per attempt.

Smith (back) practiced in full Saturday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Smith picked up the injury Friday, though he made a quick recovery. He should be prepared to serve as the Seahawks' backup quarterback in Week 12 against Washington.

Smith missed Friday's practice with a back injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Smith practiced in full Thursday, which is apparently when he suffered the injury. Saturday's practice report will be telling for his Week 12 availability, but if he can't go, the Seahawks will turn to Jacob Eason as their backup quarterback.

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

While Watson remains on the Texans' roster, he's on track to be on the team's inactive list for the rest of the season. Tyrod Taylor is in line to handle Houston's starting quarterback duties this weekend, with Davis Mills slated to serve as his backup.

Walker is not scheduled to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

There had been talk that Walker would still see some snaps in Week 11's loss to Washington, but the Panthers ended up using only Cam Newton under center. Coach Matt Rhule clarified that in Week 12, the 26-year-old would only be used on an "as needed" basis.

Mayfield (shoulder/foot/groin) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Mayfield's banged up in multiple places, but his availability for this critical matchup isn't in any doubt after he managed to practice fully both Thursday and Friday. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Mayfield is feeling ready to go, both mentally and physically, heading into a crucial stretch consisting of two games against the Ravens sandwiched around a bye.

Rodgers (toe) won't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Rams, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Rodgers didn't practice at all this week, instead relaying the calls to backup QB Jordan Love during Friday's session, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Shortly thereafter, coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Rodgers again will play through a broken toe, while teammates Aaron Jones (knee) and Allen Lazard (shoulder) are listed as questionable after missing Week 11.

Fields (ribs) hasn't thrown since sustaining cracked ribs during this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens, Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Fields initially was believed to be dealing with bruised ribs, but a recent MRI revealed multiple small fractures. Andy Dalton started at quarterback during Thursday's win over the Lions, while Fields' status remains up in the air heading into Week 13. The rookie first-round pick's participation at practice next week should provide an idea of his availability heading into the matchup with the Cardinals on Sunday, Dec. 5. Bears coach Matt Nagy reiterated Friday that Fields will be the team's starting QB again once he's healthy, per Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.