NFL Player News

White likely will remain the Jets' backup quarterback following Monday's trade for Joe Flacco from the Eagles, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

A 2018 fifth-round pick, White stepped in in place of an injured Zach Wilson (knee) on Sunday at New England, earning his first NFL action in the process. Overall, White fared modestly, completing 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was slated to remain the No. 1 quarterback following news that Wilson is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks due to a sprained PCL, but the deal for a known entity in Flacco makes sense for the Jets. White thus is poised to be Flacco's backup while latter directs the offense in Wilson's absence.

Johnson will likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the primary backup to Mike White during Sunday's contest against the Bengals, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Zach Wilson is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks after suffering a sprained PCL in his right knee during the Jets' Week 7 loss to the Patriots. Mike White, who made his NFL debut Sunday, is expected to draw the start in Wilson's absence, but Johnson will likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup Sunday.

White is expected to start the Jets' Week 8 game against the Bengals with top quarterback Zack Wilson (knee) likely to miss 2-to-4 weeks after he was diagnosed Monday with a PCL sprain, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

White, who went undrafted out of Western Kentucky in 2018, was summoned off the bench for his first NFL snaps in relief of an injured Wilson in Sunday's 54-13 loss to the Patriots. Though he quickly converted on a three-yard touchdown pass to Corey Davis after Wilson exited the game in the second quarter with the Jets facing a goal-line situation, White largely struggled to guide the offense most of the afternoon, finishing with 20 completions on 32 attempts for 202 yards and two interceptions. White could deliver an improved performance with the benefit of a full slate of first-team reps in practices Wednesday through Friday, but he likely won't warrant much consideration Week 8 outside of fantasy leagues that start two quarterbacks or have a QB flex spot.

Luton was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad Monday and will back up Geno Smith in Monday's game against the Saints, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Seattle claimed fellow quarterback Jacob Eason off waivers last week, but Eason's still familiarizing himself with the playbook, leaving Luton as Smith's backup for a second consecutive week. Luton didn't make a strong first impression after being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 draft by the Jaguars, going 0-3 with an ugly 2:6 TD:INT as a rookie for Jacksonville.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Mayfield (shoulder) didn't participate in practice, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Stefanski isn't yet sure whether Mayfield will be able to return to practice Wednesday, but he hasn't yet been ruled out for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old missed Thursday's win over the Broncos due to a complete labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder, but he's remained hopeful that he'll be able to play through the injury in 2021. Case Keenum will draw another start if Mayfield remains out Week 8.

Taylor (hamstring) will return to practice Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Taylor has been on injured reserve since he suffered a left hamstring injury Week 2, but he has a chance to return to game action Sunday against the Rams. Coach David Culley said Monday that Taylor will reclaim his job as the Texans' starting quarterback once he's cleared to play.

Mayfield (shoulder) was not present at the start of Monday's practice, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Kevin Stefanski left open the possibility of Mayfield practicing Monday, but it looks like the quarterback isn't yet ready to resume handling on-field reps. He sat out last Thursday's win over the Broncos, as the team's medical staff didn't see fit for him to play through the complete labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder, in addition to a broken humerus. Though Mayfield is set to undergo surgery at some point, he's said he hopes to play through the injuries this season. That said, if Mayfield can't get back on the practice field soon, it will look more and more likely that Case Keenum will draw a second start in Week 8 against the Steelers.

Wilson (knee) has been diagnosed with a sprained PCL and is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Jets have yet to officially confirm the severity of Wilson's injury, but it appears that the rookie signal-caller is set to miss at least two games due to a right knee injury suffered during Sunday's loss to the Patriots. That would make Nov. 14 against the Bills the earliest possible date for Wilson to retake the field, though Week 11 against the Dolphins or Week 12 versus the Texans could be more realistic targets. In the meantime, Mike White will be in line to hold down the fort under center.

Garoppolo (calf) completed 16 of 27 pass attempts for 181 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and two fumbles (one lost) in Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Colts.

Garoppolo was healthy enough following the team's bye week to start for the 49ers, while rookie Trey Lance (ankle) was ruled out earlier this week. The veteran option for San Francisco struggled mightily in tough playing conditions, turning the ball over in crucial comeback opportunities, ultimately costing the team any chance at victory. Heavy rain is no excuse for his poor play, as the quarterback starting for the opposition (Carson Wentz) was able to turn in a solid performance. We will have to see what the 49ers' banged-up unit looks like closer to game day next week, but given his poor performance, it wouldn't be surprising to see head coach Kyle Shanahan start Lance over Garoppolo if both quarterbacks are healthy for the tilt against the Bears.

Wilson has at least a Grade 2 PCL sprain in his knee, which suggests he's looking at a recovery timetable of 2-4 weeks at a minimum, David J. Chao of Pro Football Doc reports.

A Grade 2 sprain wouldn't end Wilson's season, but an IR stint of three-plus weeks will be on the table for the rookie second-overall pick, who was injured when he went down awkwardly on a sack by New England's Matthew Judon on Sunday. If Wilson has a more significant Grade 3 sprain, his absence would be even more extensive. Mike White took over for Wilson against the Patriots and will presumably continue to start for the duration of Wilson's absence. More clarity on the severity on Wilson's injury should surface once MRI results become available Monday.