NFL Player News

Winston (thumb/knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official website reports.

Spotted with a cast over his fractured right thumb the day prior, Winston progressed to throwing tennis balls during Thursday's session. The Bucs intend for him to throw footballs Friday, at which point the team should have a better read on Winston's availability for Sunday at Detroit. Reports at the beginning of the week said he would play through the injury, but a cautious approach to practice suggests it's no sure thing. Ryan Griffin is next up at quarterback if Winston isn't cleared to make the Week 15 start.

Jones (ankle) remained limited at practice Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Per Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York, Eli Manning seems likely to draw another start at QB on Sunday against the Dolphins, but the Giants are not yet ready to dismiss the possibility that Jones could be medically cleared in advance of the contest. Look for added clarity on that front no later than Friday, when the team's final Week 15 injury report is issued.

Winston (right thumb/knee) has yet to resume throwing a football, but he was spotted doing so with a tennis ball at Thursday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

That represents an upgrade from Wednesday, when Winston was restricted to simulated throws in practice. Laine adds that come Friday, the QB should progress to working with a football, "unless (the Buccaneers) wait to do that Saturday before they head to Detroit." At this stage, Winston appears to be trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Lions approaches, with added clarity on that front hopefully on tap after Friday's practice.

Stafford (hip/back) didn't take part in Wednesday's walk-through practice.

Stafford hasn't played or practiced since he was diagnosed with multiple fractures in his back prior to a Week 10 game in Chicago. A week ago, Stafford told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that the injury is healing "as it should," and he expects to suit up when he's cleared to do so, whether it's in one of the final three games of this season or in 2020. While Stafford remains embedded in rehab, the Lions will roll with David Blough under center, with Kyle Sloter the backup quarterback due to Jeff Driskel's (hamstring) presence on injured reserve.

Mahomes (hand) practiced fully Wednesday.

With the swelling in Mahomes' right hand having settled down, the star quarterback took his normal allotment of practice reps Wednesday and is thus set to suit up Sunday against the Broncos.

Prescott (hands) practiced in full Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Prescott hasn't missed an offensive snap since Week 1 but nonetheless emerged from last Thursday's loss in Chicago with a pair of injuries in tow. Fortunately, his sprained left hand and injured right index finger didn't impact his practice reps Wednesday, though the digit in question was taped up during the session, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Prescott will seek to get the Cowboys back in the win column Sunday against a Rams defense that has given up 18 touchdowns versus nine interceptions in 13 contests this season.

Winston (thumb/knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

According to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, Winston was still wearing a cast on his throwing hand to protect the thumb he fractured in the Week 14 win over the Colts. The 25-year-old was unable to grip the football Wednesday, but coach Bruce Arians said that "the plan" is for Winston to resume throwing later this week, per Greg Auman of The Athletic. While Winston is trending in the direction of playing Sunday against the Lions, Ryan Griffin will remain on standby in the event that WInston suffers any setbacks or fails to progress as anticipated.

Jackson (quadriceps), who is listed as questionable for the Thursday's game against the Jets, indicated earlier this week that he'll be able to play, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Players' comments about their own injuries should normally be taken with a grain of salt, but in Jackson's case, his optimism seems warranted. Not only was Jackson able to turn in a full practice Wednesday, but Mike Garafolo of NFL Network suggests that the quarterback is only carrying the questionable tag into the Week 15 contest because the NFL no longer authorizes a "probable" listing. Official confirmation of Jackson's availability will arrive upon the release of the Ravens' inactives in advance of Thursday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Jackson (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Jets, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The quick turnaround for the Week 15 game hasn't given Jackson much time to move past the quad injury he picked up in Sunday's win over the Bills, but the star signal-caller appears to be trending toward playing Thursday, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. As evidence, Jackson was a full participant in the Ravens' practice Wednesday, a step forward after he began the week with back-to-back limited showings. Given the nature of the injury as well as the weakness of the opponent, the Ravens could look to scale back Jackson's involvement as a runner more than usual if he does end up getting the green light to play.

Winston (thumb) was present at practice Wednesday but wasn't seen participating in any throwing drills, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Such is the management program with the fractured right thumb Winston sustained in the Buccaneers' come-from-behind victory against the Colts over the weekend. Winston, who was spotted with a wrap on his right hand, is expected to be listed as a limited participant Wednesday on the Buccaneers' first practice report of Week 15. Ryan Griffin will likely handle all the first-team reps during the session.