NFL Player News

Stidham entered Thursday night's 24-3 loss to the Rams with 10:12 remaining and completed five of seven passes for 27 yards while adding one rush for three yards.

The second-year signal-caller saw fourth-quarter action for the second time in four days, but the context was significantly different Thursday. In Sunday's 45-0 win over the Chargers, Stidham came in for mop-up duty for a resting Cam Newton, while Thursday, it could easily be inferred the substitution took place as a result of Newton's ineffectiveness as much as anything else. With Newton also dealing with what appears to be a nagging abdomen injury that may not necessarily completely heal despite the extended time between Thursday and a Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins on Dec. 20, Stidham could have a chance of taking the reins of the offense for that contest. However, given the Patriots' typically secretive nature about personnel, there may not be any insight until New England officially begins preparations for that contest sometime next week.

Stafford (thumb) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Stafford hasn't been a stranger to limited practice reps since he first injured his right thumb nearly a month ago, but the issue isn't something that's shed any serious doubt on his availability as of late. While there's not yet any real reason to worry about Stafford gaining clearance for Sunday's game against the Packers, it's worth noting that top wideout Kenny Golladay (hip) was once again absent from practice Thursday.

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

Jones was also listed as limited at Wednesday's walk-through session, so Thursday's practice doesn't represent a substantial change one way or the other. Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that the Giants intend to make a final decision about the second-year quarterback's Week 14 availability Friday, so it looks like Jones' chances of facing the Cardinals will come down to how well he does during the final practice of the week.

Tagovailoa (thumb) was limited in Thursday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Tagovailoa has regularly had his practice reps capped since injuring his throwing thumb, but there's currently no reason to fear that the rookie's Week 14 availability is in any danger. With a home matchup against the high-flying Chiefs offense on deck, it makes sense for the Dolphins to ensure that Tagovailoa is ready to for the possibility of handling large passing volume.

Coach Joe Judge noted Thursday that the Giants are hoping to make a final decision on Jones' (hamstring) Week 14 status on Friday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Judge added that how the QB does at practice Thursday should be telling with regard to his chances of starting Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Per the report, Jones has been throwing the ball well, but the coaching staff wants to see how he moves around in the pocket before determining how to proceed with the second-year signal-caller in advance of Week 14 action.

The Seahawks re-signed McGough to the practice squad Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

McGough was a seventh-round draft pick of the Seahawks back in 2018, so the team is already familiar with his skillset. He has yet to appear in NFL action since joining the league.

Allen (chest) practiced fully Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Allen was forced out of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, but the his full practice participation Wednesday puts him on track to remain in the starting lineup this weekend against the 3-9 Cowboys, who've dropped six of their last seven games. Though the matchup is a decent one for Allen, he's only a lineup option in deeper fantasy formats at this stage after averaging only 144.5 passing yards through his first two starts while throwing for two touchdowns against two interceptions.

Tagovailoa (thumb) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The Dolphins continue to manage Tagovailoa's reps due to an injury to his throwing thumb, but considering that the rookie quarterback started and played every snap in last weekend's win over the Bengals, there's not reason to worry about his Week 14 availability. He didn't look particularly hampered by the injury in the victory, as he managed a career-best 296 passing yards. Tagovailoa could have to air it out even more Sunday to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes and the 11-1 Chiefs.

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

The Lions have regularly managed Stafford's practice reps since he first injured his right thumb Nov. 15, but he's played through the issue in four straight contests. The veteran quarterback has even attempted 42 passes in consecutive games, and he put up a season-best 402 yards against Chicago's secondary last weekend. Stafford will look to keep the momentum going Sunday against Green Bay's 15th-ranked pass defense.

Jones (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's walk-through session, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Coach Joe Judge opened Week 14 prep Monday by stating Jones will have "every opportunity" to return Sunday against the Cardinals, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Judge also told Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record that he wants to see Jones "sidestep" and "step up" when pressured in the pocket, while avoiding "getting hurt worse." During the part of Wednesday's session open to the media, Jones was spotted stretching with the team, and his limited tag indicates he was able to fit in some on-field reps. He'll have two more chances to prove his health before week's end.