NFL Player News

The Browns waived Walker on Saturday, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

Walker was behind both Joe Flacco and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Cleveland's depth chart, and he hadn't started a game in almost six weeks. The 28-year-old quarterback appeared in six games for the Browns this season, throwing for 674 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions.

The Jaguars signed Rourke to the active roster Saturday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The move comes with Trevor Lawrence (ankle) being a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Browns. If Lawrence is unable to suit up, Rourke will serve as the backup QB behind C.J. Beathard.

Flacco was elevated to the Browns' active roster Saturday, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

Presumably, the Browns wouldn't elevate Flacco to the active roster unless they plan to start the veteran, but the team hasn't officially made that confirmation. Flacco's 2023 season debut was a resounding success by Cleveland's passing standards, as the 38-year-old threw for the second most (254) passing yards by a Browns quarterback this season, and the most since Week 3. A costly interception late in last week's contest ruined a possible comeback attempt against the Rams, but Sunday's matchup against Jacksonville looks far more promising after the struggling defensive unit allowed Cincinnati's Jake Browning to throw for 354 yards in his first career start. Look for added context with regard to the Browns' Week 14 starting quarterback situation to arrive as Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff approaches.

Carr (ribs/right shoulder) remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, but he's on track to start after he cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, a source tells Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

Head coach Dennis Allen said Carr was still in the protocol when he met with the media Friday, but after he was a full participant in the Saints' practice later in the day, the quarterback apparently gained clearance when he met with an independent neurologist following practice. The Saints are unlikely to officially confirm Carr's availability for the Week 14 matchup until the team releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but the 32-year-old is poised to direct the New Orleans as he usually does, provided he doesn't re-enter the protocol or experience a setback in his recovery from the other two injuries. Carr has yet to miss a game this season but has been included in the concussion protocol on two occasions and also exited early in a Week 3 loss in Green Bay due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

Cunningham reverted back to the Patriots' practice squad Friday.

Cunningham was elevated to the team's active roster ahead of Thursday's 21-18 win over the Steelers but didn't see any action in the contest. The versatile quarterback/receiver remains a candidate for promotion in the coming weeks, but New England's quarterback situation may have stabilized, at least temporarily, after Bailey Zappe completed 19 of 28 pass attempts for 240 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the win over Pittsburgh.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll suggested after Friday's practice that Lock could start Sunday's game against the 49ers with Geno Smith (groin) listed as questionable and being labeled as a game-time decision, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. "He's been waiting for this opportunity. If this comes to pass he is as ready as he's going to get," Carroll said of Lock.

Smith's groin injury cropped up during Thursday's practice, when the quarterback "stumbled over somebody," Carroll relayed to Bell. Carroll went on to note that Smith was rested at Friday's practice, but the Seahawks are seemingly still hopeful that their usual starting signal-caller will be able to play Sunday. If Smith is unable to show enough improvement ahead of Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, however, Lock has kept himself prepared to make what would be his first start for Seattle since he was acquired from Denver as part of the March 2022 deal that sent Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Lock has thus far been limited to just two relief appearances through his one-plus seasons in Seattle, completing four of 12 pass attempts for 66 yards and an interception.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Friday that he considers Smith (groin) a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup with the 49ers, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Smith was added to the injury report Thursday as a limited participant and then held out of practice Friday. He's officially listed as questionable, with Carroll's comments suggesting the team will treat Smith as such entering the weekend, though long-time Seahawks beat reporter Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune said that he'll be surprised if the quarterback doesn't play. Drew Lock will start at quarterback if Smith is listed among Seattle's list of inactives, which will be released 90 minutes before the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

Hooker (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears.

Hooker is still on Detroit's reserve/non-football injury list, and he'll remain out through Week 14. Once the 2023 third-round pick returns to the field, he could challenge Teddy Bridgewater for the Lions' backup quarterback role.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Friday that he's managed the quarterback snaps between both Winston and Derek Carr (concussion/rib/shoulder) during practice this week in the event Carr isn't available for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Carr has started all 12 of the Saints' games to date, but his status heading into the weekend may be murkier than ever before after he entered the concussion protocol for the second time this season following his removal from last Sunday's 33-28 loss to the Lions. Carr is also nursing a pair of injuries in addition to the concussion, but he was able to stay involved in practice throughout the week, logging limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday before advancing to full activity Friday. If Carr can gain clearance from an independent neurologist Saturday, he could be removed from the protocol and handle his usual starting duties Sunday, but if not, Winston looks like he'll be prepared to direct the offense. While coming on in relief of Carr on five occasions this season, Winston has completed 25 of 47 pass attempts for 264 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Smith was added to the injury report Thursday, and the signing of quarterback Sean Mannion to Seattle's practice squad Friday might be taken as a sign that the Seahawks are at least slightly concerned about Smith missing Sunday's game. Head coach Pete Carroll could provide some added context regarding Smith's health when he talks to the media following Friday's practice.