NFL Player News

Heinicke worked with the first-team offense at Wednesday's practice, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

Meanwhile, No. 1 quarterback Alex Smith performed some mobility drills on the side field as he attempts to recover from a strained right calf. After Washington cut 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins on Monday, head coach Ron Rivera will have to make a decision between Smith and Heinicke for the start under center Sunday in Philadelphia, and so far Heinicke seems to have the clearest path to the job this weekend. Having said that, Rivera has expressed optimism that Smith will be available, so his activity level bears watching as the week goes on.

Murray (lower leg) is participating in the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Murray was spotted taking reps during a scrambling drill, a hint that the lower leg injury he sustained in last weekend's loss to the 49ers isn't a major concern. How well the star signal-caller holds up in practice this week will no doubt play a major role in determining his availability for Sunday's must-win road game against the Rams.

Murray (lower leg) is expected to participate in practice Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Murray suffered what appeared to be a significant lower leg injury on the final drive of last weekend's loss to the 49ers, but head coach Kliff Kingsbury has since said that he's "hopeful" the second-year signal-caller will be available Week 17. If Murray is indeed able to handle at least limited reps to begin the practice week, it will bode well for his chances of facing the Rams on Sunday.

Stafford (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Per Meinke, Stafford has said that he wants to play in the Lions' season finale Sunday against the Vikings, but with the team out of playoff contention, there's no real incentive to rush the quarterback back to action this weekend. With an absence on tap in the Lions' first Week 17 practice, Stafford now has two more chances to get back on the field before Detroit's final injury report of the the season is submitted Friday. Chase Daniel or David Blough would be the candidates to start the season finale if Stafford can't go.

The Cardinals hosted McDonald for a tryout Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This is notable because Kyler Murray's (lower leg) status is in question for Sunday's game against the Rams. McDonald -- a rookie seventh-round pick -- hasn't signed with another team after being cut by the Titans early in training camp. If McDonald signs with the Cardinals, he'll simply add depth at quarterback. The Hawaii product posted a 64 percent completion rate, 4,135 passing yards and a 33:14 TD:INT ratio in his final collegiate season.

Rudolph will receive a spot start Sunday in Cleveland, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday that Ben Roethlisberger and other veterans to be determined won't suit up in the regular-season finale to fit in some rest before the playoffs. Rudolph has only played 21 snaps on offense this year, but in 10 appearances in 2019 he completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Houston interim head coach Romeo Crennel said Watson (arm) will play Week 17 against Tennessee if he's healthy, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Watson uttered a similar sentiment immediately following last Sunday's game, after he was sacked and hit the ground in pain. Now his head coach confirms Watson will play if he has no setbacks over the week.

Stidham completed four of 11 passes for 44 yards in Monday night's 38-9 loss to the Bills, after entering the game on the Patriots' second drive of the third quarter in place of teammate Cam Newton.

Stidham was called into the game after Newton struggled once again, completing five of 10 passes for just 34 yards. Although Newton did score another rushing touchdown, New England's inability to build drives, along with the state of Monday's blowout defeat, presented an opportunity to get Stidham some game reps. With little to play for in Week 17 versus the Jets, the Pats could well decide to evaluate Stidham in the starting role to close out the campaign.

Allen completed 27 of 36 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in Monday night's 38-9 win over the Patriots. He also rushed four times for 35 yards.

Allen turned in another dazzling display while only playing a few downs into the fourth quarter. The star signal-caller connected with top target Stefon Diggs on three of his touchdowns, including a 50-yarder that broke the game open prior to halftime. With four scores total, Allen set a new Bills franchise record with 34 passing touchdowns on the season, and he topped 300 yards through the air for the eighth time this term as well. Overall, it was an additional outstanding showing for Allen in his tremendous third season, which he'll now aim to close out strong in Week 17 versus the Dolphins.

Goff (thumb) has officially been ruled out of the Rams' regular-season finale against the Cardinals, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

As expected, the Rams have ruled Goff out ahead of Sunday's game following surgery on his injured thumb. The team is hopeful he'll be available for the playoffs should it ultimately secure a spot. John Wolford will make his NFL debut under center in Goff's place.