Week 12 Essential NFL Practice News & Notes for Thursday

Nov 20, 2014

Jaguars QB Blake Bortles (left wrist) took full practice reps again Thursday. Bortles is expected to face the Colts, and could see a lot of garbage time if Jacksonville falls behind early.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. Brady will be fine to face the Lions.

Eagles QB Nick Foles (collarbone) was ruled out for Week 12. Mark Sanchez will continue to guide the Eagles’ offense with Foles sidelined. Sanchez has the second highest YPA (8.54) of all quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts. Aaron Rodgers leads the way with 8.78 YPA.

Texans QB Ryan Mallett (chest) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Bills QB Kyle Orton (toe) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Orton looked dreadful against the Dolphins last Thursday night, but has a much better matchup against the Jets. The Bills haven’t actually practiced this week, but Orton is expected to play.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers (chest) practiced fully Wednesday. Antonio Gates made some headlines when he said that Rivers is playing through a “very severe rib injury.” Rivers should be fine for a pretty good matchup with the Rams, though Peyton Manning had trouble against St. Louis last week, and Rivers only has one touchdown pass (versus three interceptions) in his last two games.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. This is typical for Romo this season.

Jets QB Geno Smith (right shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (left shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Tannehill should be fine to face the Broncos. It’s not a great matchup, but Tannehill may be forced to throw more than the Dolphins would like.