NFL Player News

The Falcons intend to stick with Mariota as their starting quarterback for as long as the team remains in playoff contention, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Atlanta is coming off two straight losses with Mariota under center, but the team remains just one game out of contention for first place in the NFC South heading into Sunday's matchup against the Bears. Head coach Arthur Smith reportedly isn't considering any changes to the quarterback position, even with rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder awaiting a chance to be evaluated. It's possible, however, that if the Falcons were to fall out of playoff contention, the situation could be revisited. Mariota has surpassed 200 passing yards in only three of 10 appearances this season, though his 347 rushing yards and three scores on the ground have added a dynamic aspect to Atlanta's offense.

The Commanders are expected to proceed with Heinicke as the starting quarterback to finish the 2022 season, unless his performance necessitates a change, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Heinicke has won three of his four starts this season, with six touchdowns (one rushing) and four interceptions in that span, and his command of the offense has evidently convinced Washington's coaching staff that the starting job should be his to keep. Even with Carson Wentz (finger) eligible to come off IR and rookie fifth-round pick Sam Howell waiting in the wings, it appears that Heinicke will be able to avoid any sort of quarterback controversy as long as he's able to look the part. Sunday's matchup against the Texans offers the 29-year-old an ideal opportunity to take advantage of a less-than-stellar defense, especially if he can keep up his rapport with top target Terry McLaurin, who has two 100-yard games in Heinicke's four starts.

Murray (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the 49ers, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury hinted Murray would be a game-time decision earlier this week and the team's final injury report seems to follow that cadence. Backup quarterback Colt McCoy does not carry an injury designation into the pivotal divisional matchup, so it'll be interesting to see how the Cardinals choose to operate. It's unclear if the Mexico City location for Monday's prime-time game plays a part in the equation, but either way expect more information prior to the 8:15 p.m. ET start time.

McCoy (knee) practiced in full Friday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

McCoy appears to be a step ahead of No. 1 quarterback Kyler Murray (hamstring) with their respective levels of health. While McCoy followed Thursday's limited session with all activity one day later, Murray has logged back-to-back capped practices to begin Week 11 prep. How both fare Saturday likely will be the deciding factor for coach Kliff Kingsbury ahead of Monday's game versus the 49ers, but McCoy seems to have a chance to earn a second straight start in place of Murray.

Wolford (neck) is questionable for Sunday's road matchup with the Saints, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Wolford didn't practice Wednesday due to a neck injury, returned as a limited participant Thursday and logged a full session Friday, but he's ultimately been deemed questionable. Matthew Stafford (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation after missing Week 10, so if Wolford is sidelined, Bryce Perkins likely would operate as the primary backup behind Stafford during Week 11.

Stafford (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in New Orleans, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Stafford returns after missing a game, but his offensive line still is banged up, and now he won't have star wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle, IR). The New Orleans defense isn't in much better shape with four starters ruled out on the final injury report, including top cornerback Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) and DEs Cameron Jordan (eye) and Marcus Davenport (calf).

Jackson (illness), who missed Friday's practice, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Panthers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Earlier Friday, coach John Harbaugh announced Jackson's absence was related to an illness, but he also expects the quarterback to be well enough to start for the Ravens in Week 11, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Still, with a designation attached to Jackson heading into the weekend, his status won't be officially confirmed until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Allen (right elbow) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Browns in Detroit.

Unlike last week, there's no uncertainty surrounding the status of Allen's right elbow ahead of kickoff. However, due to a Lake Effect Snow Warning in the Buffalo area, the NFL moved the Bills' Week 11 home matchup to a neutral site, with the same start time of 1:00 p.m. ET. Allen thus will be taking on a Cleveland defense that has given up the seventh-most yards per attempt (7.6) to opposing quarterbacks this season in the cozy confines of Ford Field.

Coach Sean McVay said Friday he expects Stafford (concussion) to play Sunday in New Orleans, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official website reports.

Stafford was a full practice participant Wednesday and Thursday and apparently is on track to clear concussion protocol before Sunday. If so, he'll have a tough task ahead of him, playing behind an injury-riddled, struggling offensive line, with star receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) out for at least four games and possibly the rest of the season. New Orleans also has been hit hard by injuries this year, including four defensive starters missing practice both Wednesday and Thursday.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Friday that he expects Murray (hamstring) to be a game-time decision Monday against the 49ers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Murray was considered a game-time decision last week after a pair of limited practices and didn't end up playing in a win over the Rams. He'll presumably have a better chance this time around, though he remains limited in practice and was seen Friday working with the training staff to test the injured hamstring. The Cardinals will release their final Week 11 injury report Saturday.