NFL Player News

Rodgers (Achilles) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

One day after he was designated for return from injured reserve and took part in practice as a limited participant, Rodgers was a spectator for the Jets' second session of the week. As Cimini notes, Rodgers' absence from practice wasn't the result of any setback in his recovery from Achilles surgery, as the quarterback's rehab plan simply calls for him to mix in lighter days of activity as he works his way back closer to full strength. Rodgers continues to target the team's Week 16 matchup with the Commanders for his potential return to game action, though he's stated that any comeback attempt this season will hinge on the 4-7 Jets remaining in playoff contention by late December.

Thompson-Robinson (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Earlier Thursday, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer that Thompson-Robinson underwent additional concussion testing. The rookie quarterback ultimately wasn't able to advance to limited practice participation, which would have represented a sign of progress as he navigates the five-step protocol. Thompson-Robinson could still have a chance at playing Sunday against the Rams if he's able to get back on the practice field in some capacity Friday, but at this stage, veteran Joe Flacco looks to be trending toward the Week 13 start. Flacco remains on the practice squad for now, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Flacco is now viewed as the top understudy to Thompson-Robinson, with PJ Walker dropping to third on the depth chart.

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

The ankle injury resulted in Levis' practice reps being capped Wednesday, but his return to full practice participation clears the way for him to make his sixth start of the season Sunday versus the Colts. Through his first five NFL appearances, Levis has completed 91 of 152 pass attempts (59.9 percent) for 1,042 yards (6.9 YPA) and a 6:2 TD:INT.

Hooker (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

For the first time in his young NFL career, Hooker finally appears to be near full strength ahead of Week 13. Jared Goff seems to have the starting role under firm control despite cooling off after last season, and Teddy Bridgewater profiles as a capable backup, so it would still be surprising to see Hooker check in at any point this year except possibly to put a bow on a blowout.

Luton was cut from the Panthers' practice squad Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Luton has bounced back and forth between Carolina and New Orleans' practice squads this season and rejoined the Panthers on Oct. 25. His exit comes as the team added Deonte Brown back to its practice squad to beef up the offensive line depth.

The Patriots are preparing for Zappe to start Sunday against the Chargers, sources tell Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

Though head coach Bill Belichick has been unwilling to confirm a starting quarterback for the second week in a row, signs are pointing to Zappe getting his first nod of the season. Zappe took the bulk of the first-team reps at practice Wednesday, three days after he replaced Mac Jones for the second half of a 10-7 loss to the Giants. The second-year signal-caller out of Western Kentucky didn't provide much of a spark to the New England offense in Week 12 and now owns an ugly 48.7 percent completion rate for 4.1 yards per attempt on 39 passes this season, but the Patriots nonetheless appear set to give Zappe a chance to lead the offense with Jones having failed to finish four of his 11 starts while throwing 12 interceptions and averaging a career-low 6.1 yards per attempt. Assuming he does in fact end up starting the Week 13 game, Zappe wouldn't represent anything more than a low-end lineup option in leagues that start two quarterbacks or have a QB flex spot.

Keenum (calf) did not appear on Houston's injury report Wednesday.

Keenum was unavailable for the Texans' 24-21 loss to the Jaguars in Week 12 due to a calf injury, but he now appears to be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with the Broncos. The quarterback will likely step back into his role as the team's third option behind starter C.J. Stroud and primary backup Davis Mills.

Levis was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Per John Glennon of NashvillePost.com, Levis appeared to be hampered to some degree by his ankle during Wednesday's session, but given that the quarterback was able to work through the issue -- albeit in a limited fashion -- he'll most likely be available Sunday against the Colts. That said, Levis will need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Trask played two of the Buccaneers' 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Buccaneers, throwing an incompletion on his lone pass attempt.

Trask has been active for every game this season as the Buccaneers' No. 2 quarterback, but Sunday marked just the second time he's seen the field. He was pressed into action in a key spot in the first quarter, when starter Baker Mayfield injured his ankle on a goal-line carry. Trask stepped in on second-and-goal, but after a false-start penalty and then a three-yard Rachaad White run, Trask was unable to connect with Chris Godwin on a potential touchdown on third down. The Buccaneers proceeded to kick a field goal, and Trask remained on the sideline the rest of the game after Mayfield was cleared to return for the team's next possession. Mayfield was a full practice participant Wednesday and is on track to start Sunday against the Panthers, so Trask will be sticking in a backup role once again this weekend.

Pickett (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Mark Kaboly of The Athletic on Tuesday that Pickett's practice participation might be limited this week as Pittsburgh prepares for a home game against the Cardinals this weekend. Pickett ended up being a full participant for the Steelers' first Week 13 session, and while it's possible his mobility is affected by the ankle issue, there's no concern about the signal-caller missing an upcoming matchup with one of the worst defenses in the NFL.