NFL Player News

Rex Ryan has confirmed what has been suspected - that Geno Smith will remain the starting quarterback for the Jets the rest of the season.

"I would anticipate that," Ryan told ESPN.

Smith is back on the job after Michael Vick took it over for a stint. The Jets are hoping the former can show an ability that would allow him to establish himself as the team's franchise quarterback.

Bill O'Brien is "leaning towards" choosing Texans rookie Tom Savage over newly acquired veteran Thad Lewis as the backup quarterback to Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Sunday game against Tennessee, the Houston Chronicle has reported.

"It's very difficult to ask Thaddeus to come in here and pick up on this offense in three days and be the No. 2 guy Sunday," O'Brien said. "Tom has improved a lot. I think this week has been his best week of throwing the ball. He definitely has a grasp of our offense."

The promotion has Savage smiling, but he's not getting complacent.

"Whether your're two or three, you're always preparing to be the guy at some point," he said. "Nothing really changes for me, just keep working and getting better."

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson completed 15 of his 22 pass attempts for 236 yards with one touchdowns and no interceptions Thursday, adding 35 rushing yards on seven carries in his team's 19-3 win over the 49ers in Week 13.

Wilson was able to hit running back Robert Turbin for a 13-yard touchdown late in the first quarter and spent much of the rest of the day serving as a caretaker for the offense with the running game working and the defense putting together a dominant performance. Even so, Wilson was able to put up his highest passing yardage in his last six games. The Seahawks have a trip to Philadelphia on tap in Week 14.

The 49ers have listed the following players as inactive for Thursday night's battle with the Seahawks: defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (forearm), tight end Vance McDonald (back), cornerback Tramaine Brock (hamstring), wide receivers Bruce Ellington (ankle) and Quinton Patton, quarterback Josh Johnson and tackle Anthony Davis.

Dorsey had previously been ruled out for the game, while McDonald, Brock and Ellington were all listed as questionable on the team's final injury report.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for a season-high 390 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions' 34-17 win vs. Chicago on Thanksgiving. While Stafford -- who completed 34 of 45 passes -- didn't throw an interception, he did lose a fumble in the first half, which led to a touchdown for Chicago.

It comes as no surprise Stafford's favorite target Thursday was star receiver Calvin Johnson, who totaled 11 catches for 146 yards. Johnson also caught both of Stafford's touchdowns. He had a 25-yard touchdown catch early in the second quarter and a 6-yard touchdown catch right before halftime.

Stafford has thrown for two touchdowns in four of his last six games. The Lions are back in action Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay.

The Cowboys declared quarterback Dustin Vaughan, offensive tackles Tony Hills and Donald Hawkins, linebacker Dekoda Watson (hamstring) defensive tackle Josh Brent (groin), cornerback Tyler Patmon (knee, ankle) and safety Jeff Heath (thumb) inactive for Thursday's game against the Eagles.

Although Jets coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that "everybody's on board" with the decision to replace Michael Vick with Geno Smith at quarterback, it appears that might not be totally true, according to the New York Daily News.

Sources told the Daily News offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was among the majority of people in the organization, including players, who wanted Vick to remain the starting quarterback. Ryan also preferred to continue to start Vick, who was benched during a 38-3 loss Monday against the Bills.

However, Ryan made the decision to change starting quarterbacks because he wants to avoid conflict with his bosses -- owner Woody Johnson and general manager John Idzik. Ryan wants to take the high road before looking for his next job, sources told the Daily News.

"I think the best thing for this team right now is to play Geno Smith," Ryan said Wednesday. "Does he give you a good chance to win? Or a chance to win? I believe he does give us a chance to win."

Bill O'Brien has announced that the Texans will have a competition between just-signed veteran Thad Lewis and rookie Tom Savage for the backup quarterback role behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The winner will be determined in practice this week.

As expected, the Texans have signed Thad Lewis to take the roster spot vacated when fellow quarterback Ryan Mallett was placed on IR.

The team has also added safety Terrance Parks to the practice squad.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden confirmed in a conference call with Colts reporters Wednesday quarterback Robert Griffin III has been benched in favor of Colt McCoy for Sunday's game at Indianapolis. Gruden added Griffin will be the backup quarterback Week 13. 

"Colt (McCoy) is going to start this week at quarterback. I felt like he deserved a bit of a promotion," Gruden said.

McCoy will be facing a Colts defense yielding 249.4 passing yards per game. Indianapolis has also allowed 18 passing touchdowns, while recording nine interceptions and 28 sacks in 11 games.