The Insiders Podcast: NFLPA calls for investigation into Hurts' medical care + Titans release DL Jordan Elliot

A.J. Brown returned last week after missing time and looked a little rusty. The source notes that Drake May played most of the season without him, and as Brown works himself back into form, May should continue to ascend.

Aaron Rodgers engineered an overtime win against Tampa and is suiting up in Paris for the first time in his NFL career. The source reports he leads the league in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. The Steelers are feeling very good about their team, with owner Art Rooney saying 'pretty good' when asked about the team. Rodgers has come on very strong, especially in recent weeks, and the Steelers' offense has really started to come around with him and running back Jalen Warren.

Mayfield practiced in full capacity for the first time since dislocating his thumb in week three, wearing a glove throughout practice and reporting it felt good; he is on track for a three-week recovery timeline (missed three games) and is likely to be available to start Sunday against Carolina, though the Bucs will monitor how his thumb responds over the next two days of practice to ensure no swelling or pain issues emerge.

Bo Nix has struggled to throw down the field this year. In three of the Broncos' four wins, he has had less than 200 yards passing. The source indicates the Broncos want more from Nix and are trying different play calls and terminology to get him to let it rip from time to time, though he is playing winning football.

The source reports Williams was not listed on the injury report after returning from a hamstring injury, which is described as an encouraging sign. He missed three games, returned last week against Atlanta, threw for over 300 yards, and played very well. The Bears factored the short week against New England into their decision to bring him back, and he is expected to start and play the full game Thursday night against the Patriots.

Dak Prescott has just one passing touchdown in each of his last four games. The source notes the Cowboys' potent offense has been stifled in recent weeks, and Jerry Jones acknowledged frustration with the team's performance, saying they are better than their current record and can improve in areas that have frustrated them, especially last week.

The source notes that Deshaun Watson is playing at a level that would warrant an extension; despite the Browns' initial "big swing and a miss" characterization, Watson's current performance has made the quarterback situation complicated in a positive way, with the team hoping everything keeps moving in the right direction with Watson and the offense as they pursue a playoff berth.

The source reports May rebounded from an early-season slump where he was pressing and making poor decisions. In his first three games, the Patriots scored a high of 20 points; in the last three games, they scored 29, 45, and 26 points. The source cautions not to read too much into his completion percentage, which remains lower than last year, but notes he played most of the season without A.J. Brown, who returned last week. As Brown works back into form, the source expects May to continue ascending.

McCarthy has been named the Giants' starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, replacing Jameis Winston; he views this as an opportunity to resuscitate his career after his Minnesota stint, believing he is in better shape to succeed with the Giants due to increased experience and the team's plan to deploy an offense built around his athleticism and legs that was previously shelved for Winston, which should also benefit the struggling running backs.

Hurts will miss the remainder of the season after blood clots were discovered in his lungs; the NFLPA has called for an independent investigation into his medical care, citing concerns that the NFL allowed him to play with a superficial blood clot and that the decision was made too quickly, though the NFL maintains its chief medical officer and team doctors followed proper protocols and that the NFLPA was informed throughout the process.

Jalen Warren has been part of the Steelers' running attack that has really started to come around as an offense. The source notes the Steelers have good wide receivers, though they are banged up with only three healthy receivers on the roster, but the running game with Warren is contributing to the offense coming together nicely.

Josh Jacobs is eligible to return this week for the Packers after being taken off the commissioner's exempt list following a six-game suspension for personal conduct policy violations. The source reports he is back in the facility, back at practice, and is expected to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions. He had been staying in shape during his suspension. The league reserved the right to review any additional evidence that surfaces, but for now he is cleared to play. The Packers have the NFL's worst rush offense, averaging under 60 yards per game without him.

Kenneth Walker is returning to Seattle to face the Seahawks, the team where he made his name. The source describes him as having had a huge start to the season and being a potential MVP candidate. When asked how he feels about returning, players said he does not show any emotion about it, even though it is a huge opportunity to show what the Seahawks missed when they let him walk.

Williams leads all running backs in receptions through the first six games of the season and has proven to be a valuable pass-catcher in the Rams' offense; he grew up playing receiver and loves how his role has evolved to allow him to do both, and his confidence as a pass catcher has enabled him to develop a deeper relationship with Matthew Stafford and ask him about play-calling, positioning him as a key target to help offset the loss of Devontae Adams.

Jackson has been out since spraining his ankle in week four against the Titans and practiced in limited fashion this week with a noticeable limp; he will not return to the field until he personally signs off on being 100% healthy, and despite expectations he would play against the Bengals this week, he remains unlikely to play as he continues to rehab under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with increased intensity compared to previous years.

Mike Evans left Monday Night Football with an Achilles tendonitis issue, the same injury Christian McCaffrey battled a couple of years ago, which was week-to-week at times. Evans did not practice Wednesday. The 49ers have a bye coming up after this game, but the source indicates the team is not necessarily planning to rest him through both; instead, they are assessing whether he can play this week. The source notes Evans is tough and competitive, so if he has an opening to play, he will, but the team must see how he manages the rest of the week and if he can get game-ready for Sunday.

Rasheed Rice, wide receiver for the Chiefs, is dealing with a hamstring injury and is in a questionable place regarding his availability this week. The source reports the team is more encouraged about Rice probably being able to get there because he is making good strides, but they need to see how things go this week.

Sam LaPorte expressed frustration over his contract situation with the Lions, telling Barstool Sports that he is disappointed about not being paid fairly despite bearing the risk of injury and breaking his back for the team last year. He said he will continue to play professionally but indicated that if he does not get paid by the Lions, he will leave in free agency to get paid elsewhere. The source notes LaPorte and the Lions have broken off contract talks; he opted to bet on himself. If he continues producing and stays healthy, he could become a $20 million-a-year tight end in free agency.