Team news: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Page 16

Sam Darnold (ankle) has been designated to return from injured reserve and will be able to practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Related players: Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker

Darnold now has 21 days to get ready. But given Mayfield's injury timetable and P.J. Walker's struggles last week, Darnold could end up starting in Week 7. It's a fluid situation at this point, but not one to get excited about in most fantasy leagues.

Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate, who left the field on a backboard yesterday, went home on the team flight, was in good spirits, and had all of his follow-up scans negative. He’ll be monitored, but as it pertains to his neck, this is good news.

Related Players: Cade Otton

After Brate's recent history with neck/head injuries, it would be safe to assume that he will not be suiting up for Week 7. This would open the door for rookie fourth-rounder Cade Otton, who has ten targets across the last two games.

Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson is questionable to return with a right thumb injury.

Teddy Bridgewater is back in at quarterback. He cleared concussion protocols Saturday and began the day as the backup to Thompson. For the record, WR Cedrick Wilson is the emergency third quarterback for the Dolphins.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel says he plans to start Skylar Thompson at QB Sunday vs. Vikings.

Related players: Teddy Bridgewater

The story said if Bridgewater is cleared from protocol this weekend, he would likely backup Thompson, per McDaniel, who noted Bridgewater will be with trainers today and potentially limited practice tomorrow.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to the field and throw on Wednesday as part of his progression through concussion protocol, per sources.

Tagovailoa remains in concussion protocol as a result of the injury he suffered Sept. 29 and could be cleared from protocol before Sunday's game against the Vikings, though he's highly unlikely to play since he is just now returning to practice and meetings.

Related players: Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson

Sources say Tua has made great strides in recent days and is headed in the right direction toward an eventual return to play. Over the weekend, he began to increase his rehab work to include cardio and strength training, the story said. Bridgewater is also in concussion protocol and is a question mark for Week 6. Thompson would get the start if Bridgewater isn't cleared.

Panthers QB Baker Mayfield not going on IR as of now, leaving open the possibility he could be back within four games.

Related players: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Mayfield received second opinions on his high ankle sprain that confirmed there’s no major damage and no surgery is needed, per sources, the tweet said. With Darnold still out, Walker is expected to get any starts Mayfield will miss. Outside of deep superflex leagues, Walker looks to be someone to stay away from right now in typical redraft leagues.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel says he’s not thinking about a timeline for Tua Tagovailoa’s return. He noted Tua is not ready to return to football activity yet, and he’s evaluated every 12-24 hours. He’s in the Dolphins team facility & doing well, but the main focus is getting him healthy.

Related Players: Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson

It doesn't sound good for Tua's return in Week 6, while Bridgewater claimed he did not have a concussion before one of the spotters apparently had him removed for Week 5. He or Skylar Thompson would be a downgrade at quarterback in their upcoming home game against the Vikings.

Not even a full day after losing Baker Mayfield for an indeterminate amount of time, Matt Rhule has been fired.

Related Players: P.J. Walker

Former XFL standout P.J. Walker is the presumed starter as of now for Week 6. Over his NFL career, he is 57-of-128 (57%) for 790 yards, two touchdowns, and eight interceptions, including a 60-0-0 line on six attempts on Sunday, while working in relief of Mayfield.

Dolphins QB Teddy Bridgewater has an elbow injury and is being evaluated for a head injury. He is questionable to return.

Bridgewater took a hit from Jets CB Sauce Gardner in the end zone that led to a Jets safety. Rookie Skylar Thompson is now in the game for Miami.