NFL Player News

Mahomes completed 30 of 45 passes for 372 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in the Chiefs' 33-31 win over the Panthers on Sunday. He also rushed twice for no gain.

The Panthers, which got Christian McCaffrey (ankle) back in action Sunday, gave the Chiefs a lot more trouble than many would have anticipated, forcing coach Andy Reid to keep his foot on the gas. That paid off for Mahomes, who was able to eclipse the 300-yard mark for the fifth time this season and throw at least four scoring passes for the second time in as many weeks. Mahomes helped Kansas City overcome an early 14-3 deficit with a one-yard touchdown toss to DeMarcus Robinson, and he came alive in the second half by hitting pay dirt with Clyde Edwards-Helaire on one occasion and Tyreek Hill in two other instances to complete the comeback. Mahomes will look to put together a third straight prolific effort in an AFC West showdown against the Raiders in Week 11 following a Week 10 bye.

Allen is slated for an MRI on his dislocated left ankle, but the fracture that accompanies it is "just a small bone chip" and may not force him to undergo surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

There doesn't seem to much question that Allen will miss time, but the aforementioned testing will determine how long he'll be sidelined. In his absence, Washington likely will turn the offense over to Alex Smith, with Dwayne Haskins serving as the team's primary backup.

Stafford was evaluated in the sideline tent before going to the locker room after his head hit the leg of a Vikings defender during Sunday's game at Minnesota, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Stafford was sacked on the play, and afterward officials directed him to the sideline to undergo testing. After his departure, the Lions confirmed that he's being examined for a concussion, which would place him in the protocol for head injuries if he's diagnosed with one. If he's unable to reenter the contest, Stafford will end Week 9 having completed 23 of 32 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

DiNucci (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's game versus Pittsburgh, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The rookie seventh-round pick received the start last week but wasn't even in the conversation to start again Week 9 with Andy Dalton (concussion) testing positive for COVID-19. DiNucci completed 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards with zero touchdowns and two interception. Garrett Gilbert will start at quarterback Sunday, while Cooper Rush was elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup.

The initial diagnosis is that Allen suffered a dislocated ankle Sunday against the Giants, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Per Pelissero, the QB's injury includes a small fracture. Assuming that diagnosis is confirmed, Allen will be in line to miss time. In that case, Washington's options to replace him in the coming weeks will be Alex Smith -- who took over for Allen on Sunday -- and Dwayne Haskins.

Allen won't return to Sunday's game against the Giants due to a left ankle injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Allen was rolled up on when he was sacked by Jabrill Peppers late in the first quarter, with the latter incurring an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play. The severity of the injury isn't yet known, but Allen will finish the day 5-for-7 passing for 62 yards. Alex Smith has entered in Allen's stead and will have to finish the contest because second-year QB Dwayne Haskins was a healthy scratch.

Luton will start the first game of his NFL career Sunday against the Texans, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

The rookie sixth-round pick was a healthy scratch for the first seven games of the season while Mike Glennon served as Jacksonville's backup quarterback, but he'll receive his first NFL opportunity Sunday with starter Gardner Minshew (thumb) sidelined. Luton completed 62 percent of his passes for 2.714 yards, 28 touchdowns and three interceptions during his final collegiate season at Oregon State, but he has yet to play any professional football with no preseason games this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was reportedly mulling a quarterback change before Minshew's injury was made public, so a strong debut from Luton could secure a longer look in the starting role.

Walker (coach's decision) won't suit up in Sunday's game against the Chiefs, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Walker had handled backup duties for the past three games behind Teddy Bridgewater, even seeing action in Week 8 after Bridgewater got hurt. Part of the reason Walker was active was his flexibility to play running back and receiver while Christian McCaffrey was hurt. Now that CMC is back in the lineup, Walker will shift backup duties to Will Grier for Sunday's contest.

Grier will serve as the team's backup quarterback for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Former XFL star P.J. Walker had taken backup duties from Grier the past three games, even playing in a game against the Falcons with Teddy Bridgewater injured. Grier will likely hold onto the No. 2 role barring any injuries or setbacks, as the West Viriginia product will add insurance at quarterback in case Bridgewater goes down again.

The Browns placed Mayfield on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday after he came into close contact with a staff member that tested positive for the coronavirus.

Fortunately for Mayfield and the Browns, the quarterback is currently COVID-19 negative, and his placement on the list comes during a bye week. Mayfield will immediately self-isolate, and assuming he continues to test negative, he could be cleared to rejoin the Browns for their first Week 10 practice Wednesday, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Case Keenum is the next man up at quarterback in the event Mayfield can't gain clearance prior to the Browns' next game Nov. 15 versus the Texans.