NFL Player News

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.

Mariota is questionable to return to Saturday's contest with a stinger, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

There was some chatter that Mariota might be able to return following an injury late in the second quarter, but the quarterback has missed the first two possessions of the second half and is currently still undergoing tests in the locker room. Mariota previously missed time in Week 11 with a stinger and was unable to return to the game. Blaine Gabbert has been fielding snaps under center in his stead.

Mariota left Saturday's game late in the second quarter and was taken to the locker room with an unidentified injury, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Late in the second quarter, Mariota was sacked by the Redskins' Jonathan Allen and appeared to come up groggy. While it's unclear exactly what Mariota might have hurt, he did land on his elbow and immediately walked off to the locker room. More information regarding the injury and the quarterback's status for the rest of the contest should be available prior to the start of the second half.

Tannehill (shoulder/ankle) doesn't have a designation on the Dolphins' final injury report for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Limited at practice throughout the week, Tannehill may not be at his best in terms of arm strength and mobility, but there's no question he'll get the start in a must-win game for Miami. The Week 16 matchup favors a run-heavy approach, as the Jaguars rank fourth in yards allowed per pass attempt (6.7) and 14th in yards allowed per carry (4.4). The Dolphins offense can probably afford to play it safe with Cody Kessler taking snaps on the other side.