NFL Player News

Coach Joe Judge said Monday that Jones will start against the Browns in Week 15 as long as he looks healthy in practice, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Judge also noted that Jones wasn't removed from Sunday's loss to Arizona because of an additional or aggravated injury, per Leonard. However, it clearly seems as though Jones still was bothered by the hamstring injury that forced him to sit out Week 13, as he failed to showcase his usual mobility and fumbled three times without logging a single carry. As long as Jones doesn't have any setbacks in practice it looks as though he'll start under center against Cleveland, but if the second-year pro is hobbled he could have a particularly tough time escaping from a defensive line led by Myles Garrett.

Stafford (ribs) hasn't been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, but his status is in doubt, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Stafford was forced out of the Lions' Week 14 loss to the Packers in the fourth quarter, and Rapoport notes that his rib injury caused him significant pain. The Lions have scheduled X-rays for Stafford, and the team no doubt will evaluate him closely throughout practice this week if those results come back negative. Chase Daniel would figure to start against the Titans if Stafford can't go.

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Allen (knee) is "day-to-day," Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Taylor said that Allen suffered a right knee injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, per Dragon. It sounds like Allen has a shot to recover in time for the Bengals' upcoming Monday night matchup against Pittsburgh, but if not Ryan Finley would stand to draw the start.

Coach Doug Marrone said Monday that Minshew will start Sunday's game in Baltimore, Mark Long of the Associated Press reports.

Minshew entered last weekend's loss to the Titans in relief of Mike Glennon early in the second half, completing 18 of 31 pass attempts for 178 yards and one touchdown. The second-year signal-caller's performance has earned him the starting nod for Week 15, but he'll draw a tough matchup on the road in Baltimore.

Coach Doug Pederson confirmed Monday that Hurts will start Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Hurts was dynamic in Sunday's 24-21 upset win over the Saints, running for 106 yards while also avoiding mistakes through the air, with 167 passing yards and a touchdown. Considering the struggles Philadelphia's offense has endured with Carson Wentz under center this season, and how effective Hurts' skill set looked in his first NFL start, it doesn't come as a surprise to see Pederson commit to the rookie for at least another week. As he's already showcased, Hurts' elite rushing ability make him an intriguing option in most fantasy formats.

Smith completed four of five passes for 33 yards in Sunday's 40-3 win over the Jets.

Smith took the field for the first time since 2018, as Russell Wilson was rested in the fourth quarter after generating a comfortable lead. He was predictably rusty, getting sacked once and botching a snap. The 30-year-old only threw short passes, too. It was nevertheless important to get Wilson's backup some work before the postseason begins.

Watson left Sunday's game for one play after taking a hit on the elbow during a 36-7 loss to the Bears, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Houston interim head coach Romeo Crennel referred to the injury as being to Watson's "funny bone" and said the quarterback worked it around to get feeling back before returning for the team's next offensive series. Following the game, Watson said he was not injured and was determined to the finish the game. He also dismissed suggestions that he should rest for the remainder of the season since Houston is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Texans' offensive line allowed seven sacks and 11 quarterback hits Sunday.

Allen completed 24 of 43 pass attempts for 238 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while adding 28 rushing yards on six carries in Sunday's 26-15 win over the Steelers.

The Steelers wanted to test Allen's gumption by blitzing the signal caller early and often Sunday. The upstart quarterback was forced into some poor throws (which have been few and far between this season), but he was able to overcome the pressure and make plays when it mattered (7-for-14 on third-down plays) and secure victory over another AFC contender. Statistically, it was one of Allen's lesser performances this year, as he was completing 70.4 percent of his passes while averaging 283.6 yards and a shade under three combined touchdowns per game prior to Sunday's slow grinding victory. Next week's opponent, the Denver Broncos, also boast a tough pass defense, but they are not as aggressive in terms of blitzing the opposing quarterback (29.0 percent) compared to the Steelers (40.2 percent).

Hurts completed 17 of 30 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown and carried the ball 18 times for 106 yards in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Saints.

The New Orleans defense hadn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 55 straight games, but both Hurts and Miles Sanders (115 yards and two TDs on 14 carries) reached that mark in the upset win. Hurts didn't exactly dazzle as a passer, but considering the quality of the opposition and the final result, it was a very successful first NFL start for the rookie. Eagles coach Doug Pederson hasn't yet committed to Hurts as his starter beyond this game, but it would be a shock if he weren't under center in a potential Week 15 track meet against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals.

Mullens completed 25 of 45 pass attempts for 260 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Sunday's 23-15 loss to Washington.

Mullens struggled against the Washington pass rush as he set season lows in completion percentage (56 percent) and yards per attempt (5.8). He threw a pick-six on the last drive of the third quarter but came right back and capped off a 75-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk. Mullen has topped 250 passing yards in four of the last five games, but he's also posted a 6:7 TD:INT during that span and will look to get back on track against a vulnerable Cowboys defense next Sunday.