NFL Player News

Mariota was forced out of Sunday's game against the Patriots in the second quarter due to a knee issue.

Zach Mettenberger took over at QB for the Titans, as a result, with Mariota's return to the contest considered questionable.

Keenum completed 14 of 17 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday's 31-23 win over the Buccaneers.

Both touchdowns came in the opening quarter, with Keenum first hitting Tavon Austin on a 17-yard screen pass, and then connecting with a wide-open Kenny Britt for a 60-yard score. Keenum also engineered touchdown drives in the second and third quarters, but he didn't have a single pass attempt in the final 18 minutes of the game. Although he'll likely have to throw far more often next week in Seattle, the inevitable nosedive in inefficiency will make it tough for Keenum to produce similar numbers. He does get a favorable matchup in Week 17 in San Francisco.

Winston completed 29 of 50 passes for 363 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams. He also gained five yards on two rushes and lost a fumble.

Winston uncorked a career-high 50 passes, which netted a high-water figure of 363 yards. The atypical level of throwing was necessitated by Tampa once again trailing by at least two touchdowns in the second half for the second consecutive week.The 2015 first overall pick was under consistent pressure from the aggressive Rams front, although he did not suffer any sacks on the evening. However, the tenous pocket he often found himself in appeared to cause several misfires by Winston in the first half, which prevented Tampa from building any appreciable offensive momentum while the game was still close. Winston and the Bucs face the Bears at home in Week 16, but it remains to be seen if they'll still be clinging to any playoff hopes by that point.

Hoyer won't play Sunday against the Colts. "Still in the (concussion) protocol," coach Bill O'Brien relayed of Hoyer on Wednesday. "Not to speak for him but I think he is feeling better. He's not going to play on Sunday."

As a result, T.J. Yates, who relieved Hoyer in Week 14's loss to the Patriots, will draw the start at QB on Sunday against the Colts, with Hoyer thus targeting a potential return to action in Week 16 against the Titans.

Renner was released by the Ravens on Tuesday.

Renner was just promoted from the practice squad to the active roster last weekend, but the Ravens decided to let him go to open up a spot for fellow quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Tannehill completed 25-of-41 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, and also rushed four times for 24 yards in Monday night's loss to the Giants.

Tannehill completed passes to seven different receivers, but nearly half of his production came through wideout Jarvis Landry, who caught 11 of 18 targets for 99 yards. After his dismal 86 yards in Week 13, Tannehill bounced back decently Monday, even though his 5.76 yards per attempt is rather unimpressive. That being said, Tannehill didn't turn the ball over, and showed good touch on a 47-yard, third-down touchdown pass to Kenny Stills. Looking ahead, Tannehill and the Dolphins travel to San Diego to face the Chargers this Sunday.

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (concussion/neck/wrist) appears doubtful for this coming Sunday's contest against the Colts.

In addition to being in the NFL's concussion protocol, Hoyer is also dealing with a neck strain and wrist issue that combine to cloud his Week 15 status. If Hoyer is unable to go this weekend, and that's where this situation seems to be trending, T.J. Yates would be in line to start at QB for the Texans.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton does not need surgery on his fractured thumb, but his return relies on how quickly the ailment heals, ESPN's Adam Scheffer reports.

Dalton met with a hand specialist Monday after fracturing his right thumb Sunday against the Steelers. In deciding that Dalton does not need surgery, there remains hope that Dalton can return for the playoffs, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports. That suggests Dalton's thumb may not be healed enough for him to play again in the regular season, leaving A.J. McCarron as the Bengals' starting quarterback until further notice.

Hoyer suffered a concussion Sunday night against the Patriots, NFL.com reports.

Hoyer was forced out of Sunday's game during the fourth quarter, which resulted in backup T.J. Yates finishing the game at quarterback for the Texans. Since it's now Hoyer's second concussion in the past month, the veteran's status for Week 15 against the Colts is highly questionable. As a result, Yates is expected to be prepared to start Sunday's divisional clash.

Hoyer left Sunday's game against the Patriots in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.

Hoyer was sacked five times and took a couple of huge hits, one of which he was slow to get up from. He was removed in favor of T.J. Yates for the final drive, with Houston trailing 27-6 and having picked up just seven first downs all night. Hoyer only completed 11 of 22 pass attempts for 155 yards, with two fumbles (one lost) and no touchdowns or interceptions. He previously missed a game in Week 11 due to a concussion, making him highly questionable to be ready for Week 15 against the Colts. Yates filled in capably a few weeks back, completing 16 of 34 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-17 win over the Jets.