NFL Player News

Stidham completed four of 11 passes for 44 yards in Monday night's 38-9 loss to the Bills, after entering the game on the Patriots' second drive of the third quarter in place of teammate Cam Newton.

Stidham was called into the game after Newton struggled once again, completing five of 10 passes for just 34 yards. Although Newton did score another rushing touchdown, New England's inability to build drives, along with the state of Monday's blowout defeat, presented an opportunity to get Stidham some game reps. With little to play for in Week 17 versus the Jets, the Pats could well decide to evaluate Stidham in the starting role to close out the campaign.

Allen completed 27 of 36 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in Monday night's 38-9 win over the Patriots. He also rushed four times for 35 yards.

Allen turned in another dazzling display while only playing a few downs into the fourth quarter. The star signal-caller connected with top target Stefon Diggs on three of his touchdowns, including a 50-yarder that broke the game open prior to halftime. With four scores total, Allen set a new Bills franchise record with 34 passing touchdowns on the season, and he topped 300 yards through the air for the eighth time this term as well. Overall, it was an additional outstanding showing for Allen in his tremendous third season, which he'll now aim to close out strong in Week 17 versus the Dolphins.

Goff (thumb) has officially been ruled out of the Rams' regular-season finale against the Cardinals, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

As expected, the Rams have ruled Goff out ahead of Sunday's game following surgery on his injured thumb. The team is hopeful he'll be available for the playoffs should it ultimately secure a spot. John Wolford will make his NFL debut under center in Goff's place.

Wolford has officially been named the starter for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cardinals.

Starting quarterback Jared Goff (thumb) has been ruled out after undergoing surgery on his injured hand, which means Wolford will make his NFL debut in a game with playoff implications. Wolford hasn't seen any competitive action since the 2019 preseason. Bryce Perkins is expected to be brought up from the practice squad to back him up, and the team will also try to bring Blake Bortles on board for depth.

Huntley reverted to the Ravens' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Huntley was active for the Ravens' Week 16 win over the Giants, though he ultimately never saw the field. He completed two of four passes for seven yards while rushing for 18 yards on four carries last Sunday in mop-up duty against the Jaguars. Other than that, Huntley remains without an appearance this season.

Goff (thumb) is expected to sit out Sunday against the Cardinals after undergoing surgery, but he's hopeful to be available for the playoffs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Goff dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in Sunday's 20-9 loss to the Seahawks. The Rams can secure a playoff spot with a win, but that will now presumably be in the hands of backup John Wolford.

Coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Hurts will start in the Week 17 game against Washington, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

The Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's 37-17 loss to the Cowboys. Hurts will close out the season under center for the Eagles, aiming to play spoiler for Washington. Through three games as a starter, Hurts has completed 62 of 113 passes (54.9 percent) for 847 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions, and he's added 238 yards and a score on the ground. His accuracy could improve, but Hurts has still recorded a respectable 7.7 yards per attempt this season, on par with Drew Brees and Russell Wilson.

Garoppolo (ankle) isn't expected to be activated from IR in advance of Sunday's season finale against the Seahawks, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Assuming Garoppolo remains sidelined this week, he'll turn his focus to recovering from the significant high right ankle sprain that derailed his 2020 season. When asked Monday whether Garoppolo will be the 49ers' QB in 2021, coach Kyle Shanahan said, "I do believe Jimmy's going to be our quarterback next year." As for Week 17, C.J. Beathard is expected to draw the start against Seattle.

Stafford (ankle) hopes to suit up against the Vikings in Week 17, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Stafford was forced out of Saturday's loss to the Buccaneers after suffering an ankle sprain on the first drive, and he toughed out a rib-cartilage injury and a slight ligament tear in his right thumb during the Lions' previous two games. He doesn't anticipate undergoing offseason surgery to address the injury in his thumb, per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. Stafford is set to undergo a medical evaluation Wednesday before the Lions make a call on his status for Week 17, but given Detroit is eliminated from playoff contention, it could make sense to simply sit the veteran signal-caller and preserve his health for 2021.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday that he's "hopeful" Murray (lower leg) will "be in position to play" against the Rams in Week 17, Kevin Zimmerman of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Kingsbury didn't provide more specifics of Murray's injury, per Zimmerman, other than calling it a lower leg issue. The second-year pro suffered the injury on the final drive of Saturday's 20-12 loss to the 49ers, and while it initially appeared worrisome, it now looks like he's avoided a severe issue. Arizona requires a win over the Rams on Sunday for any chance of getting into the playoffs, so Murray will no doubt do his best to suit up. Of course, if he's not at full health it could impede his vaunted scrambling abilities.