NFL Player News

McCoy (lower leg) won't be available to start Week 17 against the Eagles, with coach Jay Gruden instead electing to stick with Josh Johnson at quarterback, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post reports.

Gruden didn't confirm that McCoy has been ruled out for the Week 17 contest, so there's a chance the veteran signal-caller could still be available in a backup capacity. Given that McCoy has yet to practice in any fashion since fracturing his fibula in Week 13, it seems most likely that Washington sticks with Mark Sanchez as Johnson's understudy. Gruden left the door open for McCoy to start a potential wild-card game, but that too is a long shot with the 7-8 Redskins on the verge of elimination, perhaps as soon as Week 16 action concludes.

Coach Jay Gruden said Johnson would serve as the Redskins' starting quarterback Week 17 against the Eagles, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post reports.

Johnson has turned in a respectable 7.8 yards per attempt while adding 116 yards on the ground during three outings (two starts) with Washington, but ball security (three interceptions and a fumble) has been an issue. The 32-year-old tossed two of those picks in Saturday's 25-16 loss to the Titans, dropping the Redskins to 7-8 on the season. While Johnson will get a shot at redemption in the regular-season finale, Gruden noted that the injured Colt McCoy (lower leg) could receive the nod if Washington should qualify for the postseason. That seems like a pipe dream, however, and the team could be eliminated before Week 17 even kicks off depending on how Sunday's slate of games plays out.

Heinicke (elbow) returned to Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

After Heinicke's departure in the second quarter, the training staff spent a lot of time wrapping his left elbow. He proceeded to warm up and be cleared for a return. With Cam Newton (shoulder) out, Kyle Allen is the only other quarterback on the active roster.

Heinicke is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons due to a left elbow injury, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The Panthers have more or less shut down Cam Newton (right shoulder) for the season, but the potential loss of Heinicke could cause the organization to reconsider its stance with the long-time signal-caller. If Heinicke is unable to return, Kyle Allen will direct the offense for the rest of the afternoon.

Stafford (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Stafford has contended with a back injury in advance of each of the Lions' past three contests, but again it won't stop him from being available, marking his 127th consecutive start. In the previous two outings, he combined for only 309 yards and one touchdown at a clip of 5.9 yards per attempt, numbers that he may replicate versus a Minnesota pass defense that has allowed just 170.8 yards per game, three touchdowns and 6.3 YPA to quarterbacks over the last five games.

Stafford (back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is expected to play, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Given Stafford's history of playing at less-than-optimal health, there never seemed to be much concern that he wouldn't be available in Week 16, especially after he was at least able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday through Friday. Though he'll likely be good to go, Stafford's weekly fantasy utility has taken a significant hit in the second half with a number of injuries befalling the Lions' skill-position players. Stafford should at least be buoyed by top wideout Kenny Golladay (chest) likely being available, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, but that probably won't be enough to make the signal-caller a comfortable fantasy option against a tough Minnesota defense.

Jackson completed 12 of 22 pass attempts for 204 yards and a touchdown, adding 39 rushing yards on 13 carries in Saturday's 22-10 win over the Chargers.

Jackson eclipsed the 200-yard mark for the first time this year on the back of a beautiful 68-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. The athletic quarterback's completion percentage still hovered around 50 percent (58 percent on the year), and he missed a few routine pass attempts. It has become apparent that the rookie has an erratic arm, but anything he can do in the air complements what he can gain on the ground. That said, Jackson's best passing performance to date was accompanied by his lowest rushing output since becoming the starter. Still, the overall result has to be considered a net win for fantasy owners. Barring an undisclosed injury, Jackson will lead the Ravens' offense in a crucial Week 17 matchup with the Browns.

Johnson completed 13 of 23 pass attempts for 153 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in Saturday's 25-16 loss to the Titans. He added 22 rushing yards on four carries.

Johnson struggled against the Titans' pass defense, posting his worst passing and rushing performance since taking over starting duties Week 14. The 32-year-old has never been known for his arm, so his value really bottoms out when he is unable to generate big numbers on the ground, as was the case Saturday. While the Redskins are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, Johnson could still earn another start against the Eagles in Week 17 with the team having no younger prospects to trot out under center.

Gabbert completed seven of 11 pass attempts for 101 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 25-16 win over Washington.

Marcus Mariota (elbow) left the contest near the end of the first half, so Gabbert was asked to lead the Titans to an important comeback victory. The veteran arm has been solid when asked to fill in this season, completing 60 percent of his passes (43 of 72) for 360 yards and three touchdowns. Gabbert is a solid real-life backup, but he won't provide the upside Mariota possesses from a fantasy perspective. The latter's status is still unclear for Week 17's matchup with the Colts, but Gabbert will get the nod if Mariota can't go.

Mariota (elbow) left Saturday's contest against the Redskins late in the second quarter with a stinger in his throwing elbow. He finished 10-of-13 on pass attempts for 110 yards and no touchdowns in the 25-16 victory.

Mariota was labeled as questionable to return at halftime, but he never came back from the locker room. Head coach Mike Vrabel said that the team is still awaiting the results of tests done by the medical staff, according to Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site. Blaine Gabbert (101 yards and a touchdown) finished off Saturday's win, and would be in line to start the final game of the regular season against the Colts if Mariota's injury forces him out of action.