NFL Player News

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Bridgewater will get most of the starting reps at practice in preparation for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, but that Baker Mayfield (AC joint) has not yet been ruled out, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Bridgewater replaced Mayfield at halftime during Tampa Bay's 34-7 loss to the Rams in Week 12, at which point the game was already well out of contention. As a result Bridgewater completed just eight of 15 passes for 62 yards versus a dominant Los Angeles defense, but the veteran signal-caller will carry more preparation into Sunday's home game against Arizona if he's called upon to start. Mayfield is dealing with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated closer to the end of the practice week, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Lawrence (elbow) will not practice Wednesday, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Leonard, Lawrence is managing an injury to the same elbow he hurt last year, which limited him throughout the past offseason. The 28-year-old likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at suiting up for Monday's matchup against the Patriots. If he's unable to play, expect D.J. Davidson to have an expanded role on the Giants' defensive line.

Giants interim coach Mike Kafka said Dart will practice in full Wednesday but is still officially in the NFL's concussion protocol, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Dart has missed two consecutive games while progressing through the concussion protocol, and though beginning his preparation for Week 13 as a full participant is a good sign that he'll gain clearance in time to play Monday versus the Patriots, Kafka declined Wednesday to commit to the rookie signal-caller's availability, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Top backup Jameis Winston and Dart will split first-team reps at practice Wednesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports. Dart will need to gain full clearance from the concussion protocol, including from an independent neurologist, in order to be eligible to play Monday.

Wisdom (quadriceps) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Wisdom appeared in just two games prior to being placed on IR with a quadriceps issue, recording three total tackles across 25 special-teams snaps. The Buccaneers now have 21 days to add him to the active roster before reverting to IR. Once fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of Tampa Bay's top special-teamers.

The Panthers signed Rochell off the Cowboys' practice squad Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Rochell joined the Cowboys in mid-June and primarily spent time on the team's practice squad, but he's since found a new home with the Panthers. The 27-year-old corner appeared in two games for the Cowboys this season, recording one total tackle across 16 special-teams snaps. Now in Carolina, he's expected to help fill the void of Corey Thornton (lower leg, IR) while also contributing on special teams.

Hairston (concussion) will be a limited practice participant Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The 2025 first-round pick from Kentucky sustained a concussion in the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so it's no surprise that he's limited at Wednesday's practice. Hairston must clear the NFL's five-step protocol in order to play in Sunday's matchup against the Steelers. If he's unable to do so, expect Ja'Marcus Ingram to have an expanded role as Buffalo's top reserve outside corner.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that Penix (knee) underwent full reconstructive surgery to address the partially torn ACL in his left knee on Tuesday and experienced no complications with the procedure, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Penix faces a nine-month recovery timetable as a result of the procedure. The 25-year-old quarterback has now undergone ACL reconstructive surgeries three times in his career, as he previously had procedures on his right knee in 2018 and 2020 while in college. He also suffered season-ending injuries to each shoulder in 2019 and 2021. Morris has said that the severe nature of Penix's injury will "100 percent" influence Atlanta to "make some different plans" at quarterback this offseason, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, though that could just as easily refer to the team prioritizing a reliable backup rather than bringing in actual competition for the starting role. Kirk Cousins will start the remainder of the season under center for the Falcons, but this offseason the team can exercise a potential 'out' for the final two season of his four-year, $180 million contract at the cost of a $35 million dead-cap hit. Atlanta doesn't currently hold any first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will limit the team's ability to maneuver in pursuit of a high-upside alternative at quarterback.

Bernard (elbow) will not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that Bernard was a candidate to be placed on injured reserve after sustaining an elbow injury in the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so Wednesday's DNP comes as no surprise. It's likely a longshot for Bernard to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, suggesting Shaq Thompson could have an expanded role in the team's linebacker corps.

Samuel (elbow/neck) will not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The 29-year-old missed the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans due to elbow and neck injuries, and following Wednesday's DNP, it appears he's still dealing with the issues. Samuel likely needs to practice in at least a limited capacity either Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at returning for Sunday's matchup against the Steelers.

Kincaid (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

While coach Sean McDermott noted this past Friday that Kincaid was improving, the tight end hasn't been able to practice since hurting his hamstring in Week 10. When asked Wednesday if Kincaid could return to action Sunday against the Steelers, McDermott replied, "We'll see, there's a chance." If Kincaid is unable to return this weekend, however, Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes would continue to handle Buffalo's tight end duties in Week 13.