NFL Player News

Taylor completed 17 of 27 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown, with 12 yards on six carries in Thursday's 22-17 win over the Jets.

Taylor played one of his lesser games in an otherwise impressive season, but he at least avoided any critical mistakes, which allowed the Buffalo running game, special teams and defense to lead the way to a victory. A lack of volume has arguably been the biggest issue for Taylor's owners, and while the Bills aren't going to deviate from their run-first mentality, a Week 11 road game in Foxboro will likely require more passing. Taylor had 242 passing yards, 43 rushing yards and four total touchdowns in a 40-32 Week 2 loss to the Patriots.

With EJ Manuel inactive for Thursday's game at the Jets, Johnson will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Tyrod Taylor.

We're not sure if the Bills are just about done with Manuel and his inconsistent play or if Johnson - signed as a free agent a month ago - has started showing enough in practices that the Bills decided to make a change in the pecking order. For now, if your league goes deep enough to where backup quarterbacks matter, Johnson looks like the direct insurance behind the surprisingly capable Taylor.

The Colts have claimed Whitehurst off waivers from the Titans.

With Andrew Luck sidelined, Whitehurst is in line to serve in a backup capacity for the Colts behind Matt Hasselbeck, who is slated to fill in for Luck.

Bridgewater (concussion) was a full practice participant Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The Vikings, and head coach Mike Zimmer in particular, have been positive throughout Bridgewater's brief recovery from the concussion suffered in Week 9. Bridgewater backed it up by clearing enough hurdles to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday, and just one day later, he was unleashed in all portions, implying that he's already emerged from the protocol for head injuries. While the team will surely announce as much by week's end, it's no longer a stretch to assume that Bridgewater will be under center Sunday at Oakland.

Bridgewater passed enough of the tests in the concussion protocol to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Earlier Wednesday, head coach Mike Zimmer relayed that Bridgewater was "progressing nicely" through his head injury, and that was seemingly confirmed during the practice session to follow. Still, the vaunted examination with an independent neurologist lays in Bridgewater's path, which must be cleared before he can return to the field. An absence Sunday in Oakland would place the Shaun Hill under center.

Head coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday that Bridgewater is "progressing nicely" through the concussion suffered Sunday against the Rams, but the quarterback remains in the protocol for head injuries, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reports.

Zimmer's optimism in the aftermath of Bridgewater's concussion wasn't unexpected, but these injuries should be taken on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, a neurologist outside of the Vikings' sphere will have to clear Bridgewater before he can return, meaning his availability for Sunday's game at Oakland will be up in the air all week. If he's unable to go, Zimmer will entrust the offense in journeyman Shaun Hill.

The Titans have waived Whitehurst.

The move frees up a roster spot for the activation of running back David Cobb, while Marcus Mariota (who has recovered from a knee issue) and Zach Mettenberger remain on hand to handle the Titans' QB duties.

McCown won't play again this season following Tuesday's back surgery, Christopher Dabe of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

McCown was present on the injury report last week due to a lower back injury, but the severity wasn't clear until he was ruled out for an appearance in Week 9 on Friday. After an evaluation with a specialist Monday, surgery was announced for Tuesday, which will subsequently end his season. In his stead, the Saints will bring Matt Flynn into the fold to serve as Drew Brees' backup.

McCown will undergo back surgery Tuesday, Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

While it's unknown if McCown's season is over, his availability in the short term is almost certainly in jeopardy, meaning the Saints could soon turn to Garrett Grayson as Drew Brees' primary backup. Once the procedure is complete, the team will likely release a timetable, if any, for his return.

Carr completed 24 of 44 passes for 301 yards, including four touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

The second-year quarterback had another spectacular performance on Sunday as he led the Raiders' up and down the field from start to finish. In his last three games Carr has thrown 11 touchdown passes to just one interception which has catapulted him into the high-end QB1 category. With 19 touchdowns and just four interceptions on the year, Carr is having one of most successful breakout seasons of anyone in the league. The Raiders head home to play the Vikings in Week 10, and Carr should be in your starting lineup.