NFL Player News

Lock (ribs) is active for Sunday's Week 11 tilt against the Dolphins.

As expected, the second-year signal-caller will suit up after suffering some bruising and a strain in his rib area during a Week 10 loss to the Raiders. Therefore, Broncos skill-position players should be deployed as usual, but they'll face a surging Dolphins defense that's allowed just 194.5 passing yards per road contest -- the second-lowest figure in the AFC -- thus far.

Grier is slated to serve as the backup quarterback Sunday against the Lions, with P.J. Walker receiving the start in place of the inactive Teddy Bridgewater (knee), David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

While Walker could have a short leash if he struggles early on in the contest, his appointment to the starting role implies that he's leapfrogged Grier on the depth chart after head coach Matt Rhule implied earlier this week that both signal-callers would be competing for the No. 2 job. Both Walker and Grier ended up seeing some reps with the first-team offense while Bridgewater was limited by an MCL sprain, but the Panthers are seemingly confident that Bridgewater will be ready to return to the lineup for a Week 13 game in Minnesota. If that's the case, Grier may find himself inactive as the No. 3 quarterback next week, assuming Walker acquits himself well in the start.

Bridgewater (knee) is inactive Sunday against the Lions, leaving P.J. Walker as the Panthers' starting quarterback, Bill Voth of the team's official site reports.

Bridgewater initially was reported to be active, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, but the Panthers quickly changed course and included him on their inactive list. With Bridgewater on the sideline due to a sprained MCL in his right knee, the team will go with Walker under center and Will Grier as his backup.

Walker will receive the start at quarterback Sunday against Detroit, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Walker came on in relief in last week's loss to the Buccaneers after Teddy Bridgewater exited with an MCL sprain in his right knee. Though the Panthers were hopeful Bridgewater would be ready to go for the Week 11 matchup, Carolina ultimately made their top signal-caller inactive for the first time this season. Coach Matt Rhule will award Walker the start over Will Grier after both players saw action with the first-team offense in practice this week, so Walker may have a short leash if he struggles to find a rhythm early on in Sunday's contest. Over his limited action behind Bridgewater this season, the former XFL standout has completed three of eight attempts for 15 yards.

Minshew (thumb) is inactive Week 11 against Pittsburgh.

Despite working up to a questionable tag following a week of limited practices, Minshew was never expected to suit up for this contest. The Jaguars will proceed with Jake Luton as the starting quarterback, with Mike Glennon on hand in a backup capacity.

Stafford (thumb) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Stafford was never cleared for full participation in practice at any point this week after he sustained a torn ligament to his right thumb in the Week 10 win over Washington. That said, the Lions became increasingly optimistic about Stafford's health as the week rolled along, with multiple reports coming through indicating he was able to throw the football without any major discomfort during practices Thursday and Friday. According to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, Stafford was still donning a protective wrap on his thumb while he worked out early Sunday, but he once again appeared to be throwing without any issues. Rather than the thumb injury, the greater concern for Stafford this week is probably his dearth of weapons in the passing game; starting wideouts Kenny Golladay (hip) and Danny Amendola (hip) and top running back D'Andre Swift (concussion) are all inactive for the contest.

Bridgewater (knee) is listed as active Sunday against the Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Bridgewater's availability was in limbo due to a MCL sprain in his right knee, which he sustained last Sunday versus the Buccaneers. He was limited in practice all week as a result, but after a pair of pregame warmups he cleared the final hurdle to play. Assuming he also gets the starting nod, Bridgewater will look to exploit a Detroit defense that ranks 24th against the pass (258.4 yards per game).

Dalton is expected to start Sunday's game against the Vikings after being activated from the reserve/COVID-19 earlier this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy never officially named a Week 11 starter, but Dalton should take back the reins of the Dallas offense from Garrett Gilbert now that he's made a full recovery from the coronavirus in addition to clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. The veteran signal-caller was a full participant in practice throughout the week, clearing up any concern about his readiness for game action. While Dalton will have his full complement of skill-position players available Sunday, he'll have to continue making do with a patchwork offensive line that has three starters on injured reserve (left tackles Tyron Smith, right tackle La'el Collins and center Tyler Biadasz).

Bridgewater (knee), who is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions, is expected to have his availability for the contest determined by a pregame workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 28-year-old took snaps during Saturday's walkthrough session and wants to play, but he'll still need to test out his right knee ahead of Sunday's contest. P.J. Walker or Will Grier would start at quarterback for the Panthers if Bridgewater can't suit up versus the Lions.

Stafford (thumb), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, is expected to start at quarterback, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said Friday the 32-year-old should be able to play with no limitations, and it appears he's avoided any setbacks halfway through the weekend. Stafford appears intent on playing through the ligament injury to his right thumb, but he'll also have to contend with the absences of the offense's top running back D'Andre Swift (concussion) and wideouts Kenny Golladay (hip) and Danny Amendola (hip) in Carolina.