NFL Player News

Woodside (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Lions, but he'll dress and serve as the Falcons' emergency quarterback, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

For a sixth straight week, Woodside will serve as the No. 3 quarterback. He won't count against the 53-man roster but will be available if Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke are forced out of the game.

Jones will remain the Patriots' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Raiders in Las Vegas, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the third-year signal-caller will be "on a short leash," and a poor opening few series could result in him getting benched.

Though Jones was pulled early in blowout losses to the Cowboys and Saints in the past two weeks, head coach Bill Belichick reaffirmed his commitment to Jones after both contests. Even so, with Jones heading into Sunday with a 5:6 TD:INT, 6.0 yards per attempt and 62.5 percent completion rate through five games -- all of which represent steps back from his first two seasons in the league -- it's clear that the 25-year-old has lost some job security. In light of his struggles thus far, Jones warrants lineup consideration only in leagues that start two quarterbacks or have a QB flex spot, but he may be a dicey proposition even in those formats in Week 6 due to the risk of a mid-game benching. Though Bailey Zappe has replaced Jones in both of the past two games, Rapoport relays that Zappe and Will Grier have taken reps with the first-team offense along with Jones this week. The Patriots also signed versatile Malik Cunningham off the practice squad Saturday, though he may be a candidate for more immediate work at receiver rather than at quarterback.

The Colts are "strongly" considering the possibility of Richardson (shoulder) undergoing season-ending surgery to address his Grade 3 right AC joint sprain, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Indianapolis is reportedly trying to decide whether season-ending surgery is the best option for ensuring that Richardson is able to recover fully without setbacks, though such a procedure would end his rookie campaign prematurely after just four appearances. Richardson has already sought opinions from at least four specialists, though an MRI revealed the labrum in his right shoulder isn't torn. The Colts could feel confident turning to Gardner Minshew to direct the offense for the rest of the season, if necessary. Even so, if Richardson finishes his rookie season with just four appearances, it would give the Colts an incomplete evaluation in determining whether he's the franchise's long-term answer under center.

The Browns officially elevated Walker from their practice squad Saturday, setting the stage for him to start in place of quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) on Sunday against the 49ers.

After Watson was a game-day scratch Week 4 due to a bruised rotator cuff in his right throwing shoulder, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson got the nod as the only other QB on the active roster. The Browns had a Week 5 bye, but the extra rest wasn't enough for Watson to be able to play this Sunday. Consequently, Walker took on all the first-team reps during Week 6 prep and now is in line for his eighth career start. In the previous seven, he completed 104 of 163 passes (63.8 percent) for 1,096 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions, recorded 14 carries for 43 yards and had three fumbles (one lost), all with the Panthers.

Watson (shoulder), who has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, could be ready to return to action as soon as Week 7 against the Colts on Oct. 22, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter provided further details on Watson's injury, noting that the quarterback is dealing with a deep rotator cuff contusion that prevents him from driving the ball on throws. Though Watson sat out Cleveland's Week 4 loss to Baltimore with the injury and isn't ready to play coming out of a Week 5 bye, the Browns still appear to have some optimism that the quarterback's absence will be contained to two games. Reports earlier in the week suggested that Watson's absence could be extended, so the situation remains ambiguous overall.

Cousins is expected to remain with the Vikings for the rest of the 2023 season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cousins is not expected to waive his full no-trade clause, so even if the Vikings wanted to move him it may not be possible. Speculation has been abound about his future with the team, as he is in the final year of his current contract and Minnesota is 1-4 entering Week 6 -- three games out of first place. Adding in the absence of Justin Jefferson (hamstring), it's starting to look like a longshot for the team to make a run at the postseason. Nevertheless, Cousins appears set to play out his contract in Minnesota.

The Giants elevated DeVito from the practice squad Saturday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

The move comes with Daniel Jones (neck) ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Bills while Tyrod Taylor gets the start against his old team. DeVito signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent April 30 after throwing for 2,650 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 69.6 percent completion rate in his final season at Illinois. He joined the team's practice squad Aug. 30 after being let go ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.

Cunningham was signed to the Patriots' active roster Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic suggested the Patriots could end up moving Cunningham to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game in an effort to provide a bit of a versalite spark to an offense that has been desperately in need of playmaking to start the season. While Cunningham's positional designation is quarterback, it's possible the rookie could see snaps at wide receiver and on special teams as New England tries to correct a litany of offensive issues.

Peterman was added to the Bears' 53-man roster Friday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Peterman was re-signed to the Bears' practice squad earlier in the week. Chicago will opt to go with three quarterbacks on its active roster for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings. Thus, Peterman is set to back up Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent under center.

Lock (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 6 game against the Bengals, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Lock was a mid-week addition to the injury report, failing to practice Thursday. If Lock is unable to suit up as Geno Smith's backup Sunday, Holton Ahlers will likely be elevated from the practice squad.