NFL Player News

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Stafford won't play Sunday at Kansas City due to a strained neck, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

McVay added that Stafford also is in the concussion protocol for the second time in three weeks, but that doesn't necessarily mean the quarterback has a concussion. According to Barshop, Stafford's early departure this past Sunday in New Orleans stemmed from him feeling numbness in his legs following a hit. Considering the NFL expanded the symptoms required for entry into the concussion protocol earlier this season, it likely explains Stafford's current situation. In any case, with John Wolford dealing with a neck injury of his own, No. 3 quarterback Bryce Perkins is expected to take most of the first-team reps during Week 12 prep and potentially step in as the Rams' starting quarterback Sunday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Murray (hamstring) was listed as a full participant at Wednesday's walk-through practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

All signs are pointing toward Murray putting an end to a two-game absence Sunday against the Chargers. First, head coach Kliff Kingsbury met with the media Wednesday, telling Urban that Murray is "definitely trending in the right direction." Murray was asked about his availability for Week 12 a short time later, relaying to Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com that he believes he'll play this weekend. With the release of Arizona's first injury report of the week and his subsequent listing as a full participant, Murray seem poised to be back under center for the Cardinals, replacing Colt McCoy.

Walker (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Walker sat out the Panthers' Week 11 loss to the Ravens due to a high-ankle sprain, after he had logged snaps at quarterback in each of the previous six games. Baker Mayfield replaced Walker as the starter in Week 11, but the Panthers won't turn to either player for the starting nod this weekend against Denver, as Sam Darnold is set to direct the offense. If available, Walker could supplant Mayfield as Darnold's backup, but the Panthers will wait and see how Walker responds to practice activity this week before deciding on his status.

Fields said Wednesday that the injury to his non-throwing arm is a separated shoulder with partially torn ligaments, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Bears aren't conducting a full practice to kick off Week 12 prep, but Fields will be listed as a limited participant on the team's estimated practice report, head coach Matt Eberflus told Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site earlier Wednesday. Per Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune, Fields himself added that he'll plan to play Sunday at the Jets if he believes he can play through the injury while protecting his shoulder. Before a decision on his status is made, Fields seems poised to test out his injured shoulder Wednesday through Friday in order for he and the Bears to come to a consensus. If he's unable to play, Fields will yield the start under center to backup Trevor Siemian.

Jackson wasn't spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach John Harbaugh is expected to provide an explanation for Jackson's absence after practice concludes. Hensley notes that the quarterback appear to receive treatment from a trainer while on the bench during this past Sunday's win over the Panthers, though he didn't miss any snaps in the contest.

Mills appears set to move into a backup role for Sunday's game in Miami, as Kyle Allen is set to take first-team quarterback reps at the Texans' first Week 12 practice Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, head coach Lovie Smith declined to name a starting quarterback during his Wednesday news conference, but all signs point to Allen is drawing the assignment Sunday against the Dolphins. The 1-8-1 Texans have lost five games in a row with Mills at the helm, and the second-year signal-caller has recorded 2,144 passing yards and an 11:11 TD:INT in 10 outings this season.

Allen will take all the first-team quarterback reps Wednesday and appears on track to start Sunday's game in Miami, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, head coach Lovie Smith declined to name a Week 12 starter during his press conference Wednesday, but Allen looks poised to unseat the struggling Davis Mills, who has guided the Texans to a 1-8-1 record through 10 games. Assuming Allen is confirmed as the Texans' new starter by week's end, he could be worthy of consideration as a low-end option in leagues that start two quarterbacks or have a superflex spot. In 21 career games with Washington and Carolina, Allen has completed 63.1 percent of his throws for 6.9 yards per attempt and a 24:17 TD:INT.

The Rams signed Cookus to their practice squad Wednesday.

Matthew Stafford (head) and John Wolford (neck) are both dealing with injuries, leaving Bryce Perkins as a candidate for the starting quarterback gig in Week 12. Given the uncertainty of Stafford and Wolford's statuses, Cookus will likely operate as an emergency backup option on the practice squad.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday that Fields (shoulder) will be listed on Wednesday's estimated practice report as a limited participant, Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports reports.

Chicago will host a walk-through practice Wednesday, but Fields has been cleared to take on-field reps and isn't considered a candidate for injured reserve, per Eberflus. Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports that the Bears still consider Fields day-to-day, so the quarterback's health will need to be monitored closely, as it appears his status for Week 12 won't be solidified until Chicago's coaching staff has had every opportunity to evaluate him in practice. Trevor Siemian would start Sunday versus the Jets if Fields isn't deemed ready to play.

Allen (elbow) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Lions, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Allen was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's walk-through while the quarterback continues to manage a right elbow injury that has yet to cost him any game action. In Week 12, he'll be facing a Detroit defense that's allowing an average of 262.2 passing yards per game to date. As long as he's able to play, Allen remains a high-level fantasy lineup option on a weekly basis.