NFL Player News

Lawrence (shoulder) is improving and is considered day-to-day ahead of Week 18's contest against Tennessee, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Lawrence "is definitely improving" but added that the team will wait to see how the quarterback feels Wednesday to evaluate his chances further of suiting up Sunday against the Titans. Jacksonville could potentially have wideout Christian Kirk (groin) back for that contest as well, as the team is expected to open his 21-day practice window Wednesday, per Mark Long of the Associated Press. There's a lot on the line for the Jaguars on Sunday, as they can clinch the AFC South title with a victory. If Lawrence is ultimately deemed unable to suit up for the game, C.J. Beathard would remain the team's starting signal-caller for a second straight week.

Heinicke still is dealing with an ankle injury but will try to be ready to play Week 18 against New Orleans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site, Heinicke was pulled in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Chicago because he aggravated the ankle injury that limited him in practice throughout the week. Head coach Arthur Smith said the quarterback "will do everything he can to play" against the Saints this Sunday, but there appears to be some doubt about his ability to suit up for that contest, and the team is planning to prepare Desmond Ridder to play "just in case." Heinicke's level of activity during Week 18 prep should provide more insight about his chances of taking the field against New Orleans in a contest the Falcons must win to have a chance at a postseason berth.

Mayfield is feeling soreness in his ribs, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mayfield made it through Sunday's game, but he apparently exited it less than 100 percent. Head coach Todd Bowles noted that Mayfield should be fine for Tampa Bay's Week 18 matchup with Carolina, but the QB's practice participation nonetheless is worth monitoring in the coming days.

Pickett (ankle) likely will serve as the backup quarterback in Saturday's game against the Ravens, according to Chris Adamski of TribLive.com.

Pickett, who was inactive for Week 17 action, is on track to suit up Saturday for the first time since Week 13, but even if he does he won't start, as head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that Mason Rudolph will be under center for a third straight contest. Pickett's participation, or lack thereof, at practice later this week will likely determine whether or not he's made active for the Steelers' regular-season finale.

Rudolph is set to start Saturday's game against the Ravens, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Per Dale Lolley of the team's official site, coach Mike Tomlin noted that the availability of Kenny Pickett "is less in question this week," but he also revealed that Rudolph is in line to start a third consecutive game. Rudolph more than held his own over the last two weeks, and he'll face a Baltimore squad Week 18 that could elect to rest some starters after having clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Clifford completed the lone pass he threw for 37 yards in Sunday's 33-10 victory over the Vikings. He also had two carries for minus-2 yards.

Clifford entered Sunday's contest in place of Jordan Love with the Packers holding a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter, and he did make a mark in the box score with one long play and a couple kneeldowns. He remains the only quarterback on Green Bay's active roster other than Love.

Heinicke completed 10 of 29 passes for 163 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions while adding four rushes for 46 yards and a score in the Falcons' 37-17 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Heinicke's highly inefficient afternoon was punctuated by constant mistakes, although he was able to partly salvage his fantasy afternoon with his two scores. The journeyman signal-caller hit Tyler Allgeier for a 75-yard touchdown on which the running back did a great deal of the work, and he added a 24-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter. However, after his third interception led to Chicago's final touchdown, Heinicke was given an early seat in favor of Desmond Ridder. With Atlanta still mathematically alive for the postseason heading into a Week 18 road matchup against the Saints, it remains to be seen who'll be under center for the Falcons.

Tannehill completed 16 of 20 passes for 168 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Texans.

Will Levis (foot) began the game at quarterback, but he suffered an injury late in the first quarter. As a result, Tannehill entered in relief and turned in a mediocre performance in the blowout loss. Levis has now battled several lower-body injuries in the last several weeks, which could set Tannehill up for a start in a Week 18 matchup against the Jaguars.

Fields completed 20 of 32 passes for 268 yards for one touchdown and no interceptions and rushed 11 times for 45 yards and another score in the Bears' 37-17 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Fields took three sacks but otherwise enjoyed a strong day day from a fantasy standpoint. The mobile signal-caller had several productive runs, and he posted his passing yardage total since Week 5. Fields also threw a touchdown pass for the fourth consecutive contest, connecting with DJ Moore for a seven-yard score in the first quarter. There's some uncertainty surrounding Fields' future in Chicago, but he'll look to put a strong final performance together this season in the Week 18 finale against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Rudolph completed 18 of 24 passes for 274 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 30-23 win over the Seahawks.

Rudolph drew his second consecutive start for the Steelers, and he's now been victorious on both occasions. The team relied heavily on its rushing attack, but Rudolph managed to make plays when called upon, highlighted by several long completions to George Pickens as well as a 42-yard connection to Diontae Johnson that led to a go-ahead touchdown for Pittsburgh late in the third quarter. Kenny Pickett (ankle) continues to recover, though it's hard to see the team turning away from Rudolph and the success he's had across the last two weeks heading into a pivotal Week 18 matchup against Baltimore.