NFL Player News

Bridgewater has been ruled out of Sunday's game versus the Rams with a concussion.

After an unnecessary hit from cornerback LaMarcus Joyner on a slide in the second half, Bridgewater remained on the turf for some time before walking slowly to the sideline. Now that Bridgewater is in the concussion protocol, his eventual return will be contingent upon receiving clearance from an independent neurologist, thereby clouding his availability for Sunday's contest at Oakland. In the meantime, he'll yield quarterback to journeyman Shaun Hill.

The Vikings are evaluating Bridgewater for a potential concussion suffered in the second half of Sunday's game against the Rams, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

At the conclusion of a scramble for a first down, Bridgewater went into the sliding motion allowed of quarterbacks, thereby giving himself up. In the process, Rams defensive back LaMarcus Joyner launched into Bridgewater's head, leaving the second-year quarterback down on the turf. Bridgewater was able to walk slowly off the field, but the possibility of his entrance into the concussion protocol would place QB duties in the hands of Shaun Hill.

Taylor (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

The return to action of Taylor provides the 3-4 Bills with a clear upgrade at QB and given that a half dozen NFL teams are on bye this week, he's an option for those looking for a fantasy signal-caller with some upside this week. It remains to be seen however, how much, if at all, Taylor's recent knee injury affects his mobility on Sunday.

Smith (shoulder) is active Sunday against the Jaguars.

Smith came into last Sunday's game against the Raiders after Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a left thumb injury, but Smith was later knocked out himself with the shoulder issue. With Fitzpatrick starting against the Jags, Smith will be holding the clipboard as long as the latter stays healthy.

McCown will visit with a specialist on Monday to examine his injured back, and the injury could hold him out for the rest of the season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

McCown has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, though with Drew Brees healthy, he wasn't likely to get much playing time anyway. Rookie Garrett Grayson is expected to be the backup Sunday, and likely the rest of the season if McCown is ruled out.

McCown (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, NOLA.com reports.

There hasn't been any indication that McCown's injury is overly serious, but Garrett Grayson will serve as the backup quarterback for at least one game. McCown filled in competently for Drew Brees back in Week 3, nearly leading the Saints to a win over the Panthers.

Smith (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb) also earned a probable designation on the team's final injury report, so Smith will likely slot in as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart. The 25-year-old was excellent in relief of the aforementioned Fitzpatrick, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns in Week 8's contest against the Raiders, but he should continue to take a reserve role with the team as long as Fitzpatrick is healthy.

Mariota (knee) will start Sunday's game against the Saints.

While wideout Kendall Wright has been ruled out for the contest, Mariota -- who is slated to sport a brace on his left knee Sunday, should benefit from facing a New Orleans defense that is allowing an average of 282.4 passing yards per game to date and surrendered six TD passes to Giants' QB Eli Manning in Week 8.

Dalton completed 21 of 27 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns, adding six carries for five yards, in Thursday's 31-10 win over the Browns.

All three touchdowns went to Tyler Eifert, who was part of a three-way time for the team lead with six targets. Dalton bounced back nicely from his first down game of the season, leading his team to 31 points on eight competitive drives. He predictably didn't get his usual volume, as the Bengals were ahead by multiple scores for most of the second half. Dalton has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks this season, and he get an excellent Week 10 matchup with the Texans on Monday Night Football.

Interim coach Mike Mularkey relayed Thursday that he's "pleased with Mariota's (knee) progress," adding that the QB is "moving well in the pocket" at practice.

Mariota's Week 9 status should be thus cemented Friday, and with the rookie signal-caller practicing fully, it looks like he should be a go Sunday against the Saints, barring a setback.