NFL Player News

Allen (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Texans, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Though coach Zac Taylor hasn't named a starting QB for the contest, Hobson indicates that "indications throughout the week have been that Allen" will get the nod after missing the team's Week 15 win over the Steelers. Also, as Hobson points out, Allen "didn't appear on Friday's game status report and remained listed as the No. 1 quarterback in front of Ryan Finley." Either way, Allen's not a high-percentage lineup option for those in the fantasy playoffs, and it doesn't help that the Bengals will be without top pass catcher Tyler Boyd (concussion) in Week 16.

Jones (ankle/hamstring) is listed as active Sunday in Baltimore, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After sitting out Weeks 13 and 15, Jones will play through a right hamstring injury and a sprained left ankle, as expected. He'll have a tall task on his hands against the Ravens' fourth-ranked scoring defense (20.5 points per game).

Mariota didn't play any snaps Saturday in the Raiders' 26-25 loss to the Dolphins.

Mariota initially seemed poised to make his first start with the Raiders when No. 1 quarterback Derek Carr suffered what was believed to be a significant groin injury in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, but the latter ended up approaching Saturday's contest minus a designation after he surprisingly practiced in full capacity all week. Carr didn't suffer any in-game setbacks with the injury and threw for 336 yards in the narrow loss, leaving no opportunity for Mariota to get on the field on the heels of his excellent showing in relief of Carr against the Chargers. The Raiders have now been eliminated from playoff contention after suffering their fifth loss in six games, but Carr is still expected to start in the season finale Jan. 3 at Denver even though he may be at less-than-optimal health.

McCoy is expected to return to a backup role Sunday against the Ravens with Daniel Jones (ankle/hamstring) on track to start under center, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Giants list Jones as questionable ahead of the Week 16 contest, but the second-year signal-caller looks poised to return from a one-game absence after he was able to practice in a limited fashion Wednesday through Friday. While Jones was sidelined in the Giants' Week 15 loss to the Browns, McCoy presided over an underwhelming offense, completing 19 of 31 attempts for 221 yards and no turnovers while leading New York to only six points on the night.

The sprained ankle Stafford suffered early in Saturday's 47-7 loss to the Buccaneers, "doesn't appear too serious," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

That said, with the Lions heading into Week 17 with a 5-10 record and eliminated from playoff contention, Rapoport suggests that sitting the veteran quarterback -- who has been playing through rib and thumb issues -- in the season finale versus the Vikings could make sense. Chase Daniel and David Blough both saw action in relief of Stafford in Saturday's loss.

Carr completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 336 yards, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions while adding a rushing score and minus-two yards on a pair of carries during Saturday's 26-25 loss to Miami.

The three-time Pro Bowler fought through a groin injury sustained during last Thursday's overtime loss to the Chargers to remain without a missed start on the season. Carr helped lead the Raiders to a would-be game-winning field goal in the final 20 seconds of regulation Saturday by way of a seven-play, 71-yard drive. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins were able to respond with a field goal-yielding possession of their own to secure the Week 16 win. Carr carries a 25:7 TD:INT into the Raiders' regular-season finale, with playoff ramifications excluded from a matchup against the Broncos given Las Vegas' latest loss.

Coach Brian Flores said after Saturday's win over the Raiders that Tagovailoa will start Week 17 against the Bills, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The rookie completed 17 of 22 pass attempts for 94 yards before being benched in the fourth quarter Saturday, but he'll remain the starter for the final game of the regular season despite Ryan Fitzpatrick delivering an incredible victory for the Dolphins. Flores didn't hesitate in naming Tagovailoa the starter for Week 17, but he could have a shorter leash for his young quarterback with Miami attempting to secure its place in the playoffs.

Tagovailoa was benched for Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's 26-25 win over the Raiders.

Accuracy wasn't Tagovailoa's problem during Saturday's narrow win, as he completed 17 of 22 pass attempts, but his shallow depth of target led to inefficient completions. Tagovailoa had just 94 passing yards and a score when Fitzpatrick relieved him midway through the fourth quarter, leaving him with a miserable 4.3 yards per attempt. The Dolphins previously pulled Tagovailoa for Fitzpatrick against the Broncos back in Week 11, but considering that the rookie had averaged 306 passing yards in his two appearances since that time, it's discouraging to see him apparently regress against the Raiders' exploitable secondary (26th in passing yards allowed per game). It remains to be seen who coach Brian Flores will field under center for Week 17's must-win road game in Buffalo.

Murray (leg), who suffered an injury on the last drive of Saturday's 20-12 loss to the 49ers and stayed down for several moments, is expected to be okay, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Murray was leg-whipped and appeared to be in some pain before being helped off the field by teammates and staff, though he stayed on the sideline rather than going to the locker room. Before the injury, he struggled while completing 31 of 50 pass attempts for 247 yards (4.9 yards per attempt) with one interception and no touchdowns. He added 75 yards on eight carries but also took three sacks in this disappointing performance. Murray will certainly undergo testing over the next couple of days to determine the severity of the issue, but as of right now he should be expected to suit up for next Sunday's regular-season finale against the Rams.

Beathard completed 13 of 22 pass attempts for 182 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a Week 16 win over the Cardinals.

Beathard was content to check down for much of the game and targeted his tight ends and backs on 17 of his attempts. Even so, he passed for three touchdowns of 21, nine and one yard -- two of which went to Kyle Juszczyk. Beathard played relatively mistake-free -- his only turnover came on a lost fumble -- and he is likely to draw another start in Week 17 against the Seahawks.