NFL Player News

Flacco will return to a backup role Sunday against the Dolphins, as Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Anthony Richardson (oblique) will start, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Richardson's ready to return from a two-game absence, so Flacco will move back to the bench. Flacco filled in admirably with a 7:1 TD:INT over the past three games (two starts). There is a strong argument to be made that the 39-year-old Flacco gives the Colts a better chance to win now, but the team is understandably handing the reins back over to the 22-year-old Richardson, who has higher long-term upside.

Coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Richardson (oblique) will start Sunday's game against the Dolphins, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Richardson put forth a full week of practice, paving the way for his return after Joe Flacco filled in admirably during the second-year quarterback's two-week absence. The Dolphins have allowed only three passing touchdowns in five games, so Richardson could find it tough to improve on his 3:6 TD:INT, but his elite rushing ability gives Richardson significant fantasy upside.

Rattler exited Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Broncos late in the fourth quarter due to a hip pointer, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

New Orleans' was missing several skill-position players and offensive linemen, but Rattler still turned in a very poor performance by averaging 4.9 yards per attempt while turning the ball over twice. He exited late in the blowout loss, though that decision seemed to come primarily out of precaution. Nevertheless, his practice status leading up to a Week 8 matchup against the Chargers will be worth monitoring, as Derek Carr (oblique) continues to nurse an injury of his own.

Nix completed 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed 10 times for 75 yards in the Broncos' 33-10 win over the Saints on Thursday night.

Nix faced a Saints team that was significantly short-handed on offense, so he had the luxury of being able to run a fairly conservative game plan that limited his exposure as a passer. The rookie managed to remain free of turnovers for the fourth time in the last five games, and he connected with six different targets overall. Nix's rush attempts and rushing yards were both new career highs as well, and he appears to be making solid week-to-week progress heading into a favorable Week 8 home matchup against the vulnerable Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Wilson (coach's decision) will serve as Denver's emergency third quarterback for Thursday's game against New Orleans, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Wilson will once again serve as the emergency quarterback for the Broncos for Thursday's contest. He will only see the field if both starter Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham are removed from the game due to injury.

Carr (oblique) is listed as inactive Thursday against the Broncos.

The Saints left the door open for Carr to be available Week 7, perhaps as the team's emergency third quarterback, when they listed him as doubtful for Thursday's game. Instead, he'll miss a second consecutive contest due to the strained left oblique that he suffered Week 5 at Kansas City. Rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler will start in place of Carr, while Jake Haener backs him up. Carr's next chance for game action is Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Chargers.

Wilson said Thursday that he's preparing to play Sunday night against the Jets, ESPN.com's Brooke Pryor reports.

Coach Mike Tomlin hasn't named a starter, but there have been multiple hints about Wilson taking over this week, including his reps with the first-team offense during Wednesday's practice. Tomlin acknowledged Tuesday that Wilson was under consideration to start this week, even though Justin Fields has gone 4-2 as the starter while accounting for 11 total TDs (six passing, five rushing).

Maye (knee) practiced fully again Thursday, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Per the report, Maye -- who also worked fully Wednesday -- didn't display any visible limitations during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice and didn't appear to be wearing a brace. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site prior to the session that he's "not concerned" about the QB's knee issue ahead of Week 7 action, with the 2024 first-rounder thus on track to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.

Rodgers (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Rodgers has been banged up in recent weeks, but he's yet to miss a game and will make another start Sunday night in Pittsburgh. New Jets wideout and old friend Davante Adams (hamstring) was also a full practice participant Thursday and should be ready by Sunday night.

Levis (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Levis injured his right shoulder right before a Week 5 bye and was back under center for a 20-17 loss to the Colts last week. He'll start again this Sunday at Buffalo, but it's hard to ignore that Tennessee's only win of the year came Week 4 when Mason Rudolph replaced an injured Levis early in the game. Another bad week or two from Levis could put Rudolph in the starting role.