NFL Player News

Pittsburgh signed McSorley to its practice squad Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The move comes in the wake of reports Kenny Pickett underwent surgery to address his high ankle sprain Monday. Mitch Trubisky projects to start Thursday versus the Patriots, and Mason Rudolph is also on standby, but McSorley could suit up as an emergency option as soon as this week.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Carr's right shoulder "seems like it came out fine" after he was forced out of Sunday's 33-28 loss to the Lions, but the quarterback remains in the concussion protocol and still is being evaluated for a rib injury, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Though Carr is still far from optimal health, the fact that he's not dealing with any new injury to his shoulder is at least a bit of good news, considering that he had previously suffered an AC joint sprain to the shoulder back in late September. Carr didn't end up missing any game action due to that concern, but he may face an uphill battle not only to clear the five-step protocol but also to fully move past the rib issue ahead of the Saints' Week 14 matchup with the Panthers this coming Sunday. He's in the concussion protocol for the second time this season, after previously suffering a head injury in a Nov. 12 loss to the Vikings in Week 10 before clearing the protocol after the Saints' Week 11 bye. Jameis Winston finished the loss to the Lions as the primary option at quarterback and would likely start Week 14 if Carr isn't able to go, while jack-of-all-trades Taysom Hill presumably would be in store for at least a handful of snaps under center, too.

Jones was active but didn't see any snaps in Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Chargers.

Heading into Week 13 action, Jones had started all 11 of the Patriots' games, but on Sunday it was Bailey Zappe who got the nod at QB. Given the results of the contest, it remains to be seen which signal-caller will handle the first snap Thursday night against the Steelers, but it would surprise if coach Bill Belichick offered much clarity on the situation in the coming days.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Thompson-Robinson remains in the concussion protocol, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Thompson-Robinson missed Week 13 while in the concussion protocol, and he will need to gain full clearance before returning to the lineup. As such, his status is still in question for Cleveland's matchup against Jacksonville in Week 14. If Thompson-Robinson can't return to full health before the Browns take on the Jaguars, Joe Flacco will likely draw another start, with PJ Walker also being an option.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Pickett won't be available for Thursday's game against the Patriots after undergoing successful tightrope surgery to address a right high-ankle sprain, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Pickett is expected to avoid a stint on injured reserve, which would keep him sidelined through Week 17. Nonetheless, the second-year quarterback will have to miss at least one game due to the injury that knocked him out of this past Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Cardinals. The Steelers are hopeful that Pickett's decision to get surgery will accelerate his recovery, but he still will have a tough time gaining clearance for the Steelers' Week 15 game in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 16. Mitch Trubisky will step in as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback Week 14, after he came on in relief of Pickett against Arizona and completed 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

The Giants announced Monday that Taylor (ribs) has been designated to return from IR.

Taylor enters the mix to potentially start versus the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. Undrafted rookie Tommy Devito is riding a two-game winning streak however, so a quarterback change may be unlikely for New York. Taylor did perform adequately when healthy earlier this season, so it wouldn't be out of the question for him to get another crack at the starting job this season. The veteran QB hasn't played since Week 8 due to an injury to his rib cage.

The Giants are expected to designate Taylor (ribs) for a return from IR and open his practice window this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Taylor's 21-day practice window will open as soon as he's officially designated to return from IR, meaning he could be an option to start versus the Dolphins on Monday Night Football in Week 14. Undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito has led New York to a two-game win streak, however, so Taylor could end up working in a backup capacity once back in the lineup.

Pickett (ankle) will undergo ankle surgery Monday but is not expected to be placed on IR, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.

Pickett is expected to miss extended time due to the right ankle injury he suffered during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Cardinals, but by not placing him on IR the Steelers are leaving a window open for him to return earlier than Week 18. While Pittsburgh hasn't yet officially ruled Pickett out for Thursday's matchup against the Patriots, that announcement currently seems all but inevitable. Mitch Trubisky will start under center for the Steelers until Pickett is deemed healthy.

The Saints have placed Carr in the concussion protocol following Sunday's 33-28 loss to the Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Carr was carted off the field during Sunday's loss, and in addition to sustaining a concussion he was evaluated for back and shoulder injuries. This is his second time in the concussion protocol in a three-game span, a fact that casts significant doubt on his chances of returning to the lineup in time to take on the Panthers in Week 14. Jameis Winston would be in line to start for New Orleans if Carr misses time.

Mills completed his lone pass attempt for 18 yards in Sunday's 22-17 win over Denver in Week 13.

Starting quarterback C.J. Stroud was ordered to the sidelines for evaluation following a quarterback sneak during the fourth quarter. Mills was needed for two plays before Stroud reentered the contest. Mills handed off to Dameon Pierce then fired an 18-yard strike to Nico Collins. He's played just three snaps all season.