NFL Player News

The Lions placed Stafford on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

The transaction indicates that Stafford has either tested positive for COVID-19 or has come into close proximity with someone who has. The veteran's absence at practice Wednesday leaves Chase Daniel and David Blough in position to split reps at quarterback during practice this week. Daniel would likely be the favorite to start Sunday in Minnesota if Stafford is forced to miss the contest.

Minshew (thumb) didn't practice Wednesday.

Minshew has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans due to multiple fractures and a sprained ligament in his right thumb, so his absence from practice doesn't come as any surprise. Rookie sixth-round pick Jake Luton appears set to start Week 9, with veteran Mike Glennon serving as his backup. The Jaguars haven't yet provided an official timetable for Minshew's return.

Trubisky suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday's loss to the Saints, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Trubisky apparently got injured on his lone snap, a three-yard carry in the first quarter. The Bears have Tyler Bray on their practice squad as a likely replacement if Trubisky isn't healthy enough to serve as the backup quarterback this Sunday in Tennessee.

Stafford isn't present for Wednesday's practice, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.

Stafford has played every offensive snap for Detroit this season, and he hasn't been listed on the injury report at any point. That could change later Wednesday when Detroit releases its first Week 9 report, though it's possible he was excused from practice for non-injury reasons. Whatever the case, Chase Daniel and David Blough are splitting quarterback reps during Wednesday's practice.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted Wednesday that Garoppolo (ankle) may not play again this season, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Garoppolo is considered out indefinitely after aggravating a high-ankle sprain in the 49ers' Week 8 loss to the Seahawks. Since he was moved to injured reserve Tuesday, Garoppolo will have to miss at least the 49ers' next three games, and he may not be fully recovered from the ankle issue by the time he's first eligible to play again Week 13 versus the Bills. Nick Mullens will get the first crack at filling in for Garoppolo behind center, with C.J. Beathard on hand should Mullens struggle. Shanahan also didn't commit to Garoppolo's status with the team beyond 2020, as the quarterback didn't exactly light it up when available this season with a 7:5 TD:INT and no 300-yard performances over his six starts.

DiNucci won't start Sunday's game against the Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Andy Dalton (concussion) tested positive for COVID-19 earlier Tuesday, paving the way for DiNucci to get another start. Instead, first practice squad member Cooper Rush and then reserve Garrett Gilbert have been tossed out as the competitors to lead the Cowboys offense this weekend. Assuming one of those two gets the nod, DiNucci's one-game sample as a starter will read 21-for-40 passing for 180 yards, two lost fumbles and five carries for 22 yards.

The 49ers will place Garoppolo (ankle) on injured reserve, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Under the rules put in place this season, Garoppolo will be sidelined at least three weeks as a result of this move. That said, coach Kyle Shanahan told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area that Garoppolo suffered an entirely new high ankle sprain from the one that sidelined him back in September, meaning he's expected to be out for 4-to-6 weeks. Because surgery is being considered, there's also potential for the quarterback to miss the rest of the campaign. As long as Garoppolo is unavailable, Nick Mullens will direct the 49ers offense, with C.J. Beathard in reserve.

The Cowboys are considering going with Rush as their starting quarterback Sunday against the Steelers after Andy Dalton (concussion) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

There was optimism Dalton would get through the concussion protocol in time for Sunday's game, only for the veteran to contract COVID-19. Ben DiNucci got the first opportunity to replace Dalton this past Sunday at Philadelphia, leading the Cowboys to a 23-9 loss while completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards, getting sacked four times, losing two fumbles and gaining 22 yards on five carries. The ugly performance seems to be swaying coach Mike McCarthy to consider other options, namely Rush, who currently is on the team's practice squad. If McCarthy really is looking at all his options, Garrett Gilbert is the other healthy QB in addition to DiNucci on the active roster.

DiNucci is expected to start Sunday's game versus the Steelers following news that Andy Dalton (concussion) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Dalton won't be able to return by Sunday, so DiNucci is in line for a second straight start. His performance against the Eagles this past Sunday was ugly, as he completed 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards (4.5 yards per attempt) and no touchdowns. He didn't throw an interception, but he was sacked four times and lost two fumbles. The rookie's matchup this week will be even tougher, as the Steelers lead the league with 30 sacks and rank second with 13 turnovers through seven games.

The Cowboys placed Dalton (concussion) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, meaning he'll miss Sunday's game versus the Steelers, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Regardless of Dalton's progress through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, he won't be able to clear the league's COVID-19 protocols by Sunday. This means Ben DiNucci will likely start a second straight game under center while Garrett Gilbert serves as the backup quarterback. The Cowboys have a Week 10 bye, so Dalton will aim to return Week 11 against the Vikings.