NFL Player News

Stafford completed 16 of 27 passes for 160 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed four times for 18 yards in the Rams' 12-6 win over the 49ers on Thursday night.

Stafford didn't look anywhere near as sharp as he had just four days earlier in a track meet against Josh Allen and the Bills, but wet conditions throughout the night certainly played a role. However, the veteran persevered through less-than-ideal circumstances and continued to display a prolific connection with Puka Nacua, with whom he connected on seven occasions for 97 yards. The biggest offensive play of the night also transpired between the two, as Stafford hit the standout receiver for a 51-yard completion to open a late fourth-quarter drive that culminated in a field goal. The veteran signal-caller did see a four-game streak of multiple touchdown passes come to an end, but he has the Rams in solid shape at 8-6 heading into a Week 16 road battle against the Jets on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Rattler appears to be set to operate as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jake Haener on Sunday versus the Commanders, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Rattler will handle backup duties as Haener will draw his first start of the year, stepping in for injured starter Derek Carr (head/hand) in Week 15. Rattler has completed 59 of 99 passes this season for 571 yards and a touchdown while throwing an interception over three games, and he'll be the next man up Sunday against Washington if Haener suffers an injury during the contest.

Interim coach Darren Rizzi reportedly named Haener the Saints' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Commanders, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

With Derek Carr destined for at least one absence due to a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand and also a concussion, Haener and Spencer Rattler are the candidates to fill in for the veteran signal-caller. A 2023 fourth-round pick, Haener is in line to get the nod over Rattler this weekend for what will be his first career start. In seven overall appearances as a pro, Haener has completed 14 of 29 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and notched 10 carries for 15 yards.

Dobbs (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Dobbs is serving as the emergency third quarterback behind starter Brock Purdy and backup Brandon Allen, meaning he can't enter the game unless Purdy and Allen exit the game due to either injury or disqualification. The former Viking has yet to appear in a game this season, and he has been playing the emergency role for much of the campaign.

Herbert (ankle/thigh) was limited at practice Thursday.

After being deemed a non-participant Wednesday, the QB's return to a capped session one day later has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether Herbert is given a Week 15 designation, but at this stage it would be surprising if he's not available this weekend.

O'Connell (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

Per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, O'Connell suffered a bone bruise to his left knee late in the third quarter of the Raiders' loss to the Buccaneers this past Sunday. O'Connell now has two more opportunities to practice ahead of Monday night's game against the Falcons. If O'Connell is unavailable for the contest, Desmond Ridder would be in line to draw the Week 15 start at QB for Las Vegas.

Burrow (right wrist/knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Burrow also was limited Wednesday as he tends to a right wrist issue as well as some knee soreness, per Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer. At this stage, Burrow's status for Sunday's game against the Titans doesn't appear to be in any danger, though the QB probably will have to log a full practice listing Friday in order to head into the weekend without an injury designation.

Herbert (ankle/thigh) returned to practice Thursday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Herbert -- who is dealing with a left ankle injury as well as a thigh contusion, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com -- missed practice Wednesday, but the QB's presence at Thursday's session is a good sign with regard to his status for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. The Chargers' upcoming injury report will clarify Herbert's official participation level, in any case.

Carr (hand/concussion) was a non-participant at practice Thursday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Carr emerged from Week 14 action with a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand and a concussion, which so far have kept him out of drills this week. The Saints haven't officially ruled out Carr for Sunday's game versus the Commanders, but interim coach Darren Rizzi revealed Wednesday that Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler are the candidates to get the start, and a decision will be made by Friday, per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. As for Carr himself, the Saints may make a ruling on his status as soon as they post their final injury report of the week.

Head coach Brian Daboll said that Lock (heel/left elbow) won't participate in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Lock remains confined to a walking boot and has yet to log any practice reps so far this week, making it unlikely that he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Daboll has already said that Tommy DeVito is on track to serve as the Giants' starting quarterback in Week 15, but the team could wait and see how Lock recovers from his heel injury over the next few days before determining if he's capable of handling backup duties. If the Giants end up ruling Lock out for Sunday's game, however, Tim Boyle would likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as DeVito's backup.