NFL Player News

Allen (knee/ankle) was listed as a full participant on Thursday's practice report.

The translation is the running quarterback took some hits in Saturday's win over the Broncos, but he'll be perfectly fine for Week 16 action, especially with an extra day to rest his bumps and bruises with the Bills having yet another prime time game Monday against the rival Patriots.

Stafford (rib/right thumb) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Buccaneers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

The Lions listed Stafford as limited on all three practice reports this week, which stemmed from the quarterback dealing with a rib-cartilage injury and a slight ligament tear in the thumb of his throwing hand. Despite the aforementioned 'questionable' tag, it'd be a shock if Stafford is unable to go this weekend. In his first contest playing through both health concerns, Stafford completed 22 of 32 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown this past Sunday at Tennessee.

Coach Zac Taylor indicated Thursday that Allen (knee) is on track to be available for the Bengals on Sunday against the Texans "if we need him," Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

While Taylor added that at this time he's not inclined to name a starting QB for Week 16, Baby anticipates that Allen -- who continued to practice Thursday -- will draw the assignment over Ryan Finley.

Stafford (rib/right thumb) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Stafford toughed it out Week 15, playing all but garbage time through a rib-cartilage injury and a slight ligament tear in the thumb of his throwing hand. His numbers were respectable enough (22-for-32 passing for 252 yards and one touchdown), but his practice reps will continue to be managed during the stretch run of the campaign.

Carr (groin) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Just under a week after suffering what was believed to be a significant groin injury in Las Vegas' 30-27 overtime loss to the Chargers, Carr's ability to take every rep in practice is a surprising development, but a welcome one for the playoff-hopeful Raiders. Assuming he experiences no setbacks at Thursday's workout, Carr looks like he'll be in the clear to start Saturday against the Dolphins. Marcus Mariota would be the next man up at quarterback if the Raiders have any reservations about using Carr in Week 16.

Allen (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Allen's return to limited activity is a step in the right direction, but Ben Baby of ESPN.com noted earlier Wednesday that head coach Zac Taylor said the team plans to see how the quarterback's knee responds over the next couple of days before determining if he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Texans. Even if Allen gains clearance to play, he could shift into a backup role after Ryan Finley guided the Bengals to an upset win over the Steelers on Monday while Allen was sidelined.

Jones (ankle/hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News noted that Jones looked notably improved at Wednesday's practice compared to last week, a hint that he could be trending in the right direction for Sunday's road game against the Ravens. The second-year pro has missed two of the last three games, the first due to a right hamstring strain and the second due to a left ankle injury.

Jones (hamstring/ankle) participated in Wednesday's practice, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Both Raanan and Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News relayed that Jones looked much better this week than last and appeared to be taking his typical pre-injury practice reps. Jones was also spotted sprinting during warmups. His activity level seems to indicate he's trending toward a return Sunday at Baltimore after missing two of the last three games. In the end, though, the Giants will reveal how much work he handled upon the release of Wednesday's practice report.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Allen (knee) will be evaluated over the next few days before a decision on the Bengals' Week 16 starting quarterback is made, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

While Allen was sidelined for Monday's win over the Steelers, Ryan Finley drew the start and served as a game managing, passing for only 89 yards and a touchdown in the upset victory. The outing didn't necessarily boost Finley's job security, so Allen -- if healthy -- could have a shot at reclaiming the starting role Sunday against Houston. However, Allen will almost certainly need to resume practicing in some capacity Thursday and Friday to merit consideration for the starting nod.

Giants head coach Joe Judge said he hopes to have "some kind of an answer" regarding the status of Jones (ankle) for Sunday's game against the Ravens after Friday's practice, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

The report notes that Judge has gotten "good feedback" on the quarterback from the Giants' trainers, but the coach wants to see how the quarterback looks at practice over the next three days before a decision on his status for the weekend is made. Colt McCoy served as the team's starting signal-caller in the Week 15 loss to the Browns and would be in line to direct the offense again Sunday if Jones can't go.