NFL Player News

Winston (back/ankle) was limited at Thursday's practice.

For a second consecutive day, Winston had a cap on his reps, but it's far more activity than he logged before he didn't play Weeks 4 and 5. Still, he seems to be inhibited by four small fractures in his back and an ankle issue. Ultimately, Winston's listing on Friday's practice report will be telling in terms of his ability to return Sunday against the Bengals.

Taylor was a full participant in Thursday's practice after head coach Brian Daboll said the quarterback cleared the concussion protocol, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

After suffering the concussion while coming on in relief of a banged-up Daniel Jones in the Giants' Week 4 win over the Bears, Taylor wasn't able to clear the protocol in time to play in last week's victory over the Packers in London. Davis Webb was summoned from the practice squad last week to handle backup duties behind Jones, but Taylor looks like he'll be dressing as the understudy this Sunday against Baltimore.

Prescott (right thumb) was limited at Thursday's practice, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Prior to the session, Prescott took part in the Cowboys' quarterback school, and there was an expectation that he'd throw to the team's pass catchers afterward for a second day in a row, according to Gehlken. Instead, Prescott was able to mix into drills for the first time since undergoing surgery on the broken right thumb that he suffered in the season opener. It's been reported that Dallas plans to have Cooper Rush earn another spot start Sunday at Philadelphia, but Prescott now could be putting himself on a path to return Week 7 against the Lions.

Prescott (thumb) took part in what head coach Mike McCarthy termed as "quarterback school drills" Thursday and threw to receivers following the Cowboys' practice session, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Dallas listed Prescott as a non-participant for its first Week 6 practice Wednesday, and he'll likely receive the same label Thursday after essentially repeating his activity from a day earlier. Even if Prescott doesn't take a tangible step forward in terms of practice activity this week, his ability to throw and grip the football without discomfort in his surgically repaired thumb over the next few days will be a positive sign with regard to his chances of returning to action Week 7 against the Lions. The Cowboys haven't formally ruled out Prescott from playing in Sunday's game in Philadelphia, but McCarthy already said Wednesday that Cooper Rush is headed for a fifth consecutive start this weekend.

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.