NFL Player News

Dalton is expected to start Sunday's game against the Vikings after being activated from the reserve/COVID-19 earlier this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy never officially named a Week 11 starter, but Dalton should take back the reins of the Dallas offense from Garrett Gilbert now that he's made a full recovery from the coronavirus in addition to clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. The veteran signal-caller was a full participant in practice throughout the week, clearing up any concern about his readiness for game action. While Dalton will have his full complement of skill-position players available Sunday, he'll have to continue making do with a patchwork offensive line that has three starters on injured reserve (left tackles Tyron Smith, right tackle La'el Collins and center Tyler Biadasz).

Bridgewater (knee), who is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions, is expected to have his availability for the contest determined by a pregame workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 28-year-old took snaps during Saturday's walkthrough session and wants to play, but he'll still need to test out his right knee ahead of Sunday's contest. P.J. Walker or Will Grier would start at quarterback for the Panthers if Bridgewater can't suit up versus the Lions.

Stafford (thumb), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, is expected to start at quarterback, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said Friday the 32-year-old should be able to play with no limitations, and it appears he's avoided any setbacks halfway through the weekend. Stafford appears intent on playing through the ligament injury to his right thumb, but he'll also have to contend with the absences of the offense's top running back D'Andre Swift (concussion) and wideouts Kenny Golladay (hip) and Danny Amendola (hip) in Carolina.

White was signed to the Jets' active roster from the practice squad Saturday.

The 25-year-old served in a backup role earlier this season when Sam Darnold (shoulder) was sidelined, and he's now back on the active roster. Darnold is doubtful to play Sunday, so White is back from the practice squad to provide depth behind Joe Flacco and James Morgan.

Bridgewater (knee) went through some practice work Saturday, and there's some optimism about his availability for Sunday's game against the Lions, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The 28-year-old was a limited participant at practice all week, but he apparently showed some progress during Saturday's session to improve his outlook. Bridgewater should still be considered a game-time decision, and how his knee responds Sunday morning is set to be the determining factor in his status. Will Grier or P.J. Walker are both in the mix to start should Bridgewater be unavailable.

Lock (ribs) is expected to start at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Lock suffered a "pretty severe strain and bruising" to his ribs in last week's loss to the Raiders, but he battled through it in practice this week and will give it a go Sunday. While he's still officially questionable, Lock is expected to be officially cleared when the Broncos reveal their inactive list 90 minutes before the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff. Brett Rypien will be Lock's primary backup in case he aggravates the injury.

The Saints signed Siemian to the active roster Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Siemian hasn't played since suffering a severe ankle injury in Week 2 of the 2019 season, but he's back to full health. With Drew Brees (ribs) on injured reserve, Siemian will join the Saints to serve as the No. 3 quarterback behind Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston once he clears the protocols for joining a new team.

The Ravens placed McSorley on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

McSorley has either tested positive for the virus or come into close contact with an infected person, and he'll need to clear the league's COVID-19 protocols before returning to team activities. He'll be unavailable for Sunday's game against the Titans, but McSorley typically serves as a healthy scratch anyway, with Robert Griffin acting as Lamar Jackson's backup.

Minshew (thumb), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, isn't expected to be available to play, John Oesher of the Jaguars' official site reports.

After sitting out Jacksonville's last two games with multiple fractures and a sprained ligament to his right thumb, Minshew was cleared to practice on a limited basis this week. While coach Doug Marrone indicated that while Minshew was gradually able to throw a little more each day this week, the quarterback still isn't 100 percent. Marrone has already named Jake Luton the team's Week 11 starter, so if Minshew ends up being active Sunday, he would merely be serving as an emergency backup. The Jaguars are expected to reassess their options at quarterback ahead of their Week 12 game against Cleveland.

Darnold (shoulder) is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Darnold hasn't practiced all week, so while he's not officially ruled out, he doesn't seem to have much hope of suiting up, even as an emergency backup. With Darnold on the mend from the shoulder injury, Joe Flacco -- who threw for season highs in yards (262) and touchdowns (three) in a Week 9 loss to the Patriots -- is in line to start against the struggling Los Angeles defense.