NFL Player News

Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Wilson (shoulder) will be a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Wilson was limited in each of the Broncos' practices during Week 5, but he ultimately suited up in Denver's 12-9 overtime loss to Indianapolis on Thursday, completing just 21 of 39 attempts for two interceptions while carrying four times for 22 yards. Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported over the weekend that Wilson flew to Los Angeles last Friday to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection to address a right shoulder injury, which Adam Schefter of ESPN more specifically labeled as a partially torn lat. The injury has apparently hampered Wilson in both of the past two contests, but the 33-year-old isn't expected to miss the Broncos' upcoming game Monday in Los Angeles versus the Chargers. Wilson reiterated as much Thursday, telling George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette that his shoulder is getting "better and better" every day since he had the PRP injection.

Rodgers (thumb) took part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out Wednesday due to a right thumb injury, he was spotted throwing with a contraption or tape job around the base of the thumb one day later. It remains to be seen if Rodgers will take part in team drills, but the media won't be present for that part of the session. In any case, Rodgers' activity level will become known upon the release of Thursday's practice report.

Mayfield (ankle) isn't participating in practice Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Though the Panthers haven't officially ruled Mayfield out for Sunday's game against the Rams, he's dealing with a left high-ankle sprain, an injury that typically necessitates a multi-week recovery period. With that in mind, Mayfield doesn't appear to be trending toward starting Sunday, especially after missing practices Wednesday and Thursday. P.J. Walker looks to have the inside track on the Week 6 starting nod, while Jacob Eason will likely be elevated from the practice squad if Mayfield isn't fit to handle backup duties.

Bridgewater (concussion) will be on the field for limited, non-contact participation at Thursday's practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Bridgewater was present for Wednesday's practice, but he didn't take part in any on-field work and was instead limited to light aerobic activities off to the side. His ability to mix into non-contact drills suggests he's advanced to either the third or fourth phase of the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. Head coach Mike McDaniel has already ruled out the possibility of Bridgewater starting a second consecutive game this weekend against the Vikings even though top quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) won't play, but if he's able to put in a full practice Friday, Bridgewater could be cleared to serve as rookie Skylar Thompson's backup Sunday.

Winston (back/ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.

Winston is listed with the same injuries as last week, but he's clearly making progress in his recovery from four small fractures in his back and an ankle issue. He has a pair of opportunities to get back to full activity in practice this week before the Saints potentially give him a designation for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Friday's practice report will be telling for Winston's availability.

Jones (ankle) remained a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Jones, who continues to work his way back from a high-ankle sprain that has caused him to miss the Patriots' last two games, has now logged four straight limited practices, but the quarterback's status for this Sunday's game against the Browns has yet to be clarified, according to Cox. Per Michael Giardi of NFL Network, the swelling in Jones' left ankle has decreased, but if the second-year quarterback does give it a go this weekend, he could be dealing some instability in his ankle. If New England elects to play it safe with Jones, however, Bailey Zappe would be in line for another start after helming team's 29-0 win over the Lions in Week 5.

Winston (back/ankle) returned to practice Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Winston sat out the Saints' last two games as he tended to a number of injuries, including four small fractures in his back and an ankle concern. While he may be limited in his first practice since Week 3, his presence on the field Wednesday is a step in the right direction as the Saints prepare for Sunday's matchup with the Bengals. As for the receiving corps, Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) weren't spotted on the field Wednesday, so Winston may not have some of his top targets this weekend, assuming he makes it all the way back.

Darnold (ankle) won't be available for Sunday's game at the Rams but could be activated from injured reserve ahead of the Panthers' Week 7 game against the Buccaneers, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Darnold's status has become a matter of interest with starting quarterback Baker Mayfield struggling from a performance standpoint through the Panthers' first five games and now nursing a high-ankle sprain. The Panthers haven't ruled Mayfield out from playing Week 6, but in the likely scenario that Mayfield sits, P.J. Walker will get the start. Darnold is finishing up his rehab from a high-ankle sprain that was more severe than Mayfield's and has yet to resume practicing.

Mayfield (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday.

Mayfield suffered a high-ankle sprain just three days prior, though reports suggest it isn't an especially severe injury. Even so, Mayfield isn't a lock to be ready for Sunday's game against the Rams, potentially setting up P.J. Walker for the start. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold is still on injured reserve due to his own ankle injury and isn't a candidate to draw the Week 6 start.

Rodgers will miss Wednesday's practice with a thumb injury, but head coach Matt LaFleur isn't worried about the quarterback's availability for Sunday's game against the Jets, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Rodgers hurt his thumb of his throwing hand while attempting a Hail Mary on the final snap of last Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Giants. He'll face the other New York team this weekend, and it'll be a true home game after the Week 5 excursion to London.