NFL Player News

Mayfield (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, though head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Friday that the quarterback will be available to start in Week 18, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mayfield dealt with some rib soreness in the aftermath of this past Sunday's loss to the Saints, but the signal-caller seemed to make gradual progress as the week went along. After sitting out the Buccaneers' first Week 18 practice Wednesday, he returned to the field as a limited participant Thursday, then took every rep Friday. Barring any unexpected setbacks leading up to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Mayfield should be cleared to make his 17th start of the season as the Buccaneers look to clinch the NFC South title with a win over the Panthers.

The Falcons list Heinicke (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Heinicke has been a limited participant in practices this week after he was forced out of this past Sunday's loss to Chicago after aggravating a left ankle injury. The 30-year-old could be shaping up as a true game-day decision for Week 18, as head coach Arthur Smith said the quarterback would go through a workout Sunday before a determination on his status is made ahead of the game's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If Heinicke can't play in New Orleans, Desmond Ridder would presumably step in as the Falcons' starting signal-caller.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Friday that Mayfield (ribs) is a "full go" for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Buccaneers never seemed too worried about Mayfield's availability for the crucial game, and he'll now likely avoid a designation on the final injury report after being listed as a non-participant Wednesday and limited participant Thursday. The supporting cast around him should be healthy, with Bowles noting Friday that the team's other banged-up starters also will play. The Buccaneers will win the NFC South title with a victory over Carolina on Sunday, while a loss would make the winner of Saints-Falcons the division champ.

Head coach Doug Pederson said Friday that a decision on the status of Lawrence (right shoulder/left finger) for Sunday's game against the Titans could come down to a game-time decision, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Lawrence was officially listed as a limited practice participant both Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to be deemed questionable ahead of Sunday's game. Per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, Pederson noted that Friday will be an important day for the quarterback, who is in line to increase his throwing velocity during the Jaguars' final practice of the week.

Levis (foot) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After missing Tennessee's Week 16 loss to Seattle with a left ankle sprain, Levis returned to the lineup for the Titans' 26-3 loss to the Texans this past Sunday, only to exit early due to a right foot injury. The foot injury seems to be less of a concern than the previous ankle issue, but Levis may still need to show improvement in Friday's practice before the Titans feel confident in having him start Sunday's season finale versus the Jaguars. If the rookie is unable to play Sunday or is available only in a backup capacity, veteran Ryan Tannehill would draw the start in his place.

Lawrence (right shoulder/left finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After missing the first game of his career in last week's 26-0 win over the Panthers, Lawrence has taken a step in the right direction by practicing in a limited fashion in the Jaguars' first two Week 18 sessions. Though head coach Doug Pederson described Lawrence as day-to-day Wednesday, the signal-caller reportedly looked good while throwing the ball Thursday and is seemingly tracking toward a return to the lineup for Sunday's all-important game with the Titans, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. The Jaguars' final injury report of the week will be issued Friday and will reveal whether Lawrence is formally cleared to play Sunday or if he'll take a questionable tag into the matchup with Tennessee.

Heinicke (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

Heinicke exited late during this past Sunday's loss at Chicago, and the reason for the decision was revealed to be an ankle injury by coach Arthur Smith on Monday, per Tori McElhaney of the team's official site. Atlanta is hoping to know by Friday whether or not Heinicke will be able to play Sunday in New Orleans, but consecutive capped sessions to kick off the week has yet to shed any light on the situation. In the meantime, the team is preparing Desmond Ridder to start if needed this weekend, and Friday's injury report will reveal if Heinicke enters it with a designation or cleared to suit up.

Allen (neck/right finger) practiced fully Thursday.

Allen was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, and the QB's ability to maintain that level during Thursday's session paves the way for him start start Sunday night's game against the Dolphins. With a win in the NFL's last regular-season game of the season, the Bills can secure the AFC East crown.

Taylor (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Taylor's practice reps were managed for the second day in a row, and even though he's already been named the Giants' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Eagles, he may need to put in a full practice Friday to approach the season finale without a designation. The Giants re-signed Jacob Eason to their practice squad Thursday to provide depth at quarterback in case Taylor can't play this weekend, though Tommy DeVito would be the next man up to start.

Brissett (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday.

With a full practice under his belt, Brissett looks to be in the clear to play in the season finale versus the Cowboys this weekend after a hamstring injury prevented him from making what would have been his first start of the season Week 17 versus the 49ers. After Brissett was made inactive for that contest, Sam Howell stepped in to make his 16th start of the season and will continue to direct the offense in Sunday's finale, even though the former is seemingly healthy enough to play. Though he'll close out the 2023 campaign without having made a start, Brissett could still draw consideration for a starting job as he heads to the open market this offseason. After an impressive showing as a fill-in starter in Cleveland in 2022 before Deshaun Watson returned from suspension, Brissett continued to excel over his three relief appearances behind Howell in 2023, completing 18 of 23 pass attempts for 224 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 19 yards on three carries.