NFL Player News

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer completed 23 of 49 for 273 yards and three touchdowns while throwing one interception in Sunday's 44-26 loss to the Dolphins.

Hoyer was brutal in the first half, completing 6 of 23 for 65 yards with a pick-six while directing six three-and-out drives in Houston's first seven possessions. A performance like that should necessitate a quarterback change, but backup Ryan Mallett missed the team's charter flight Saturday and had to fly commercially to Miami. That bit of news isn't sitting well with head coach Bill O'Brien.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins was excellent against the Buccaneers on Sunday, completing 33 of 40 tosses for 317 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran three times for 15 yards and a touchdown in Washington's dramatic come from behind victory.

Down 24-0 before the half, the fourth-year signal caller plunged into the end zone to get the comeback started and proceeded to lead the 'Skins to four second half scores, including the go-ahead touchdown with 24 seconds remaining. It was easily Cousins' best all-around game of the season, and he likely solidified his hold on the starting job for the time being, as he entered the game with a 6:8 TD:INT ratio. Washington will face the Patriots on the road after their bye in Week 8.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 18 for 26 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. He injured his non-throwing hand in the contest, but stayed in the game and says he should be OK, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Throughout the Lions' poor season, onlookers have often asked how much of Detroit's struggles can be attributed to Stafford. On Sunday, Stafford couldn't have been asked to do much more, not turning the ball over and posting his highest completion percentage and quarterback rating of the season. Unfortunately for Stafford, however, his offensive line and running game failed him again, surrendering seven sacks and failing to crack 100 yards on the ground for the sixth time in seven games. It will be difficult for Stafford to play well consistently with this kind of supporting cast.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 18 of 19 passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's blowout win over the Texans. He ran the ball just once for a three-yard gain.

The Dolphins got off to an explosive start in this one, with four touchdowns of over 50 yards in the first half, and were able to coast the rest of the way. Tannehill was nearly flawless in this one and has now thrown for 548 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in two weeks since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. This revitalized Miami team will face a tough test in Week 8, when they visit the Patriots on Thursday night.

Carr completed 24-of-31 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Carr was absolutely shredding the Chargers' defense during the first half as the Raiders built a 30-6 lead entering halftime. He didn't get to throw much late in the game, as they just tried to run the ball and chew some clock. The second-year quarterback has thrown seven touchdowns in the last three games to just two interceptions, and he seems to get more comfortable every week. The Raiders get a tough matchup at home against the Jets next week, who enter with the leagues best scoring defense. Carr will be a lower-end QB1 in that matchup, but should continue to put up solid numbers moving forward with a plethora of weapons around him.

Stafford had X-rays on his left hand after Sunday's loss to the Vikings, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Stafford was able to finish the game and said afterward that his non-throwing hand should be okay. He got off to a fast start against the Vikings, but he was sacked seven times by the end of the day, ultimately finishing with 256 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Lions have a Week 8 matchup with the Chiefs in London.

Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston completed 21 of 29 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against Washington.

His breakthrough performance ultimately went for naught, but the rookie nevertheless took another strong step forward in his development. The 2015 first overall pick set career bests in passing yards, completion percentage, and passer rating, all while enduring the loss of both Vincent Jackson and Louis Murphy within the game. He also stayed interception free for the third time in his six games and made a number of impressive touch throws.

Winston will attempt to further the positive momentum in Week 8 against Atlanta.

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 25 of 35 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 7 defeat of Detroit. He fumbled the ball twice, however, losing it once.

Coupled with the emergence of rookie receiver Stefon Diggs as a legitimate deep threat, it appears as though Bridgewater is finally picking up where he left off last year.

Mariota (knee) will not play Sunday against the Falcons, but he is expected back in Week 8 against the Texans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Mariota suffered the injury in Week 6 against the Dolphins and was unable to practice this week, clearing the way for Zach Mettenberger to start in his place against the Falcons.

Coach Rex Ryan said Friday that he expects Taylor - who's about to miss his second game with a sprained MCL - back in the lineup in Week 9 after the bye, BuffaloBills.com reports.

Taylor practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, so he seems close. With two more weeks to rest, we're almost certain he'll be back out there when the Bills take on the Dolphins in Week 9.