NFL Player News

Stafford (back/hip) didn't practice Wednesday.

Stafford hasn't practiced in any capacity over the last four weeks while contending with fractured bones in his back and is being labeled as week-to-week. The veteran signal-caller is keeping the door open on a potential late-season return, but his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Vikings are looking slim at best. With Jeff Driskel (hamstring) now on injured reserve, the Lions will roll with David Blough under center as long as Stafford is unable to go. Kyle Sloter will serve as the team's backup.

Mayfield (hand/ribs) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

In addition to his previously reported hand injury -- which is being described as a contusion -- Mayfield also is listed as having a rib issue. Mayfield has yet to resume throwing since Sunday's loss to the Steelers, but he expects to receive clearance to play Week 14 against the Bengals. The quarterback acknowledged Wednesday that his availability for the weekend is largely a pain-tolerance matter.

Mayfield (hand) didn't throw passes during the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The lack of throwing activity contradicts a statement earlier Wednesday from coach Freddie Kitchens, who said Mayfield wouldn't have any limitations at practice this week. The quarterback had his right hand and thumb heavily wrapped at the beginning of Wednesday's session while Garrett Gilbert and practice squad quarterback Eric Dungey threw passes to tight ends and running backs. It remains to be seen how the Browns list Mayfield on their Wednesday injury report.

Jones isn't expected to play in Monday's game against the Eagles, as he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain of moderate severity, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports.

Jones continued playing after he suffered the injury during the second quarter of Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Packers, finishing with 240 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He's wearing a protective boot over the injured foot Wednesday, suggesting he's in line to miss at least one game. Eli Manning is on tap to receive his first start since Week 2 on Monday.

Mayfield (hand) won't have any limitations at practice this week, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.

Mayfield was removed from Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Steelers after his throwing hand struck an opponent's helmet, but X-rays came back negative and he rejoined the contest in short order. It sounds like he'll be fine for Week 14 against the Bengals, with his injury believed to be nothing more than a bruise.

Fitzgerald (hamstring) worked out for the Broncos on Tuesday, freelance NFL writer Howard Balzer reports.

Fitzgerald had been dealing with the hamstring issue as far back as training camp, forcing him to land on the Active/non-football injury list with the Saints. As evidenced by this news, he appears to be recovered from the injury and looking to latch on to a roster after he went undrafted out of Mississippi State in April.

Cousins completed 22 of 38 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Vikings' 37-30 loss to the Seahawks on Monday.

Cousins had to make do without the services of Adam Thielen (hamstring) once again, which diluted his options in what turned out to be a high-scoring affair. The veteran quarterback battled through, however, hitting Laquon Treadwell and Kyle Rudolph for touchdown passes of 58 and three yards, respectively, in the fourth quarter to almost spearhead a comeback from a 34-17 deficit. However, Cousins' one error was a costly one, as his interception on the first play of the final period gave the Seahawks the ball at the Vikings' 25-yard line, field position they'd turn into a Rashaad Penny touchdown catch. The pick was only Cousins' fourth of the season, and he did mange to extend his multi-touchdown streak to four games. He'll look to help Minnesota bounce back in a Week 14 divisional battle versus the Lions.

Wilson completed 21 of 31 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Monday's 37-30 win over the Vikings.

If the Seahawks hadn't pulled off the comeback, Wilson may have been haunted by a bizarre pick-six in the second quarter -- his initial pass was swatted back towards him at the line of scrimmage, but his attempt to knock the ball to the ground for an incompletion instead went straight to Vikings linebacker Erik Harris, who took it to the house. However, Wilson bounced back in MVP fashion, leading five straight scoring drives and totaling 27 points in the second half. The Seahawks have won five consecutive games to get to 10-2 and take the NFC West lead, with a Week 14 matchup against the Rams looming.

Rypien is signing with the Broncos' practice squad, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

The 23-year-old was waived by the team over the weekend with Drew Lock (thumb) returning from injured reserve, but he'll remain with Denver on the practice squad after clearing waivers. Rypien didn't see the field during his month-long stint on the 53-man roster.

Stafford (back/hip) is still considered "week-to-week," Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Stafford has missed four consecutive contests due to fractures in his back and has four more chances to return to the field before season's end. As coach Matt Patricia told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are "going to keep that door open" for Stafford to be active again "out of respect for Matthew and his competitiveness." While they likely won't risk the health of their franchise quarterback, the Lions have already used two different QBs during Stafford's absence. With Jeff Driskel (hamstring) moving to IR this past weekend, David Blough is expected to start his second game in a row Sunday against the Vikings, while Kyle Sloter was plucked from the Cardinals' practice squad to serve as the backup.