NFL Player News

Winston will not see any restraints placed on him by the Bucs' coaching staff, despite some early turnover troubles this season, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. "We put a lot on a young player - as coaches, as fans, the organization - because we need him to be great now," said offensive coordinator Todd Monken. "We certainly do. And he is capable of that. We've seen that. Him playing at his best, he is a tremendous football player, as in Week 1 and at times last year."

The second-year signal-caller followed up a stellar 281-yard, four-touchdown showing in the season opener with a 4:7 TD:INT over the subsequent three games, with the interceptions of particular concern. However, the Bucs' coaches do not see the rise in turnovers as cause for reeling in Winston's improvisational and occasional risk-taking style of play, as they feel that the key to getting him (and by extension, their offense) back on the right track is for everyone around him to up the quality of their individual performances. As an example, three of Winston's eight total interceptions have come as a result of a bad route, an on-target throw that bounced off the intended target's hands, and an end-of-game Hail Mary, respectively. Although Winston has clearly made his share of mistakes, the team knows that many of his best moments in the past have come off broken plays, so they certainly want to keep his competitive dimension a vital part of their offensive attack. "What do we need to do? We need to play better around him," said Monken. "We need to be able to run the ball better. We need to be able to run routes with better precision. We need to protect him better. We need to be up in the game. He's a very competitive young man. He's going to always try to make plays that help you win. With that being said, I think that's a great trait."

Siemian (left shoulder) was able to throw at practice Thursday, ABC's Troy Renck reports.

Renck adds that "all things considered (Siemian looked) good on handoffs and in light throwing" Thursday, developments that boost the QB's chances of starting Sunday's 4:05 ET contest against the Falcons. That said, coach Gary Kubiak has previously stated his willingness to take the Broncos' Week 5 QB decision "all the way up to game day." If Siemian is unable to start this weekend, Paxton Lynch would be in line for the assignment.

Brissett (right thumb) was limited at practice Wednesday.

As was Jimmy Garoppolo, but with top QB Tom Brady back in action now, Brissett's Week 5 availability only affects the Patriots' backup situation Sunday against the Browns.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

As was fellow QB Jacoby Brissett, though with Tom Brady back in action, both Garoppolo and Brissett are now relegated to backup duty.

Jones (shoulder) was not listed on Wednesday's practice participation/injury report.

Jones has yet to suit up for a game this year, but it looks like that might change this weekend when the Bills take on the Rams. It is possible that Jones could be a healthy scratch though, given that the Bills seem comfortable with EJ Manuel as their backup quarterback behind starter Tyrod Taylor.

Siemian, who sprained his left (non-throwing) shoulder this past Sunday, did not throw during the warm-up and individual portions of Wednesday's practice.

Siemian, who was listed as a non-participant at practice Wednesday, per Mike Klis of 9News, thus remains day-to-day as the Broncos' preparations for this Sunday's game against the Falcons continue. At this stage, ABC's Troy Renck suggests that Siemian could emerge as a game-time decision for Sunday's 4:05 ET kickoff. Next in line for the Broncos' Week 5 QB snaps is rookie Paxton Lynch, who took over for Siemian after he was injured in Week 4.

Siemian (shoulder) said Tuesday he is already starting to feel better, the Broncos' official website reports.

Siemian hinted he'll likely miss practice time during the week, but given that he's merely dealing with an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder, it won't come as any shock if he's able to start against the Falcons on Sunday. A decision won't come until later in the week, and head coach Gary Kubiak already said Siemian will get the nod over Paxton Lynch if the 24-year-old quarterback is indeed healthy enough to play. Lynch's success in Tampa Bay on Sunday briefly stirred up a minor controversy, but it now seems Siemian isn't in real danger of losing his job because of an injury.

Bradford completed 26 of 36 passes for 262 yards and one touchdown in Monday night's win over the Giants.

Bradford once again looked good running the Vikings' offense, completing passes to a whopping nine different receivers and going a third straight game without committing a turnover. Thanks to a seven-yard pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph in the second quarter, the new Minnesota signal-caller has also thrown at least one touchdown in each of his games with the Vikings. On the back of that impressive start to the season, Bradford will look to keep his momentum going Sunday against the Texans.

Hoyer could keep the Bears' starting quarterback job even when Jay Cutler (thumb) is healthy enough to return, NFL.com reports.

Hoyer has started Chicago's past two games while Cutler has been sidelined, and although Cutler is considered day-to-day entering this week, Hoyer's Week 4 performance may allow him to keep the Bears' first-string job. In earning his team's first victory of the season, Hoyer completed 28 of 36 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns Sunday versus the Lions. That came with top wideout Alshon Jeffery (knee/hamstring) banged up and a rookie fifth-rounder starting at running back. Although Hoyer and Cutler have both proven to be mistake-prone quarterbacks during their respective careers, it appears Hoyer's strong showing Sunday could help him keep Chicago's starting gig for the time being.

Siemian (shoulder) may not partake in much of practice, but a decision on whether he's healthy enough to start Sunday against the Falcons will come at the end of the week, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Siemian missed the second half of Sunday's win over the Buccaneers due to a shoulder injury, and although his absence allowed rookie Paxton Lynch to come in and impress, Siemian will start Sunday against the Falcons, if healthy. That determination is expected to come later in the week, even though Siemian may not practice much. Coach Gary Kubiak feels confident in Siemian's ability to play with limited on-field preparation, so the state of his injured, non-throwing shoulder should ultimately determine whether he maintains Denver's starting job or offers Lynch a first career start in his absence.