NFL Player News

Demercado should have a role off the bench behind starter Michael Carter in Sunday's game against Atlanta, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Demercado seemed to be ahead of Carter on the depth chart for most of the season, but Carter has arguably fared better when tasked with a lead role, while Demercado's success as a bench player hasn't typically translated across larger workloads. Demercado's recent return from a high-ankle sprain may also be a factor, with this being his second game back from a three-game absence. He took just three touches for one yard in last week's 40-20 loss to the Texans, so it didn't come as any surprise Friday when Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon named Carter as the Week 16 starter.

Higgins (concussion) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Per Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer, coach Zac Taylor noted Friday that Higgins -- who was limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday -- still has one more hurdle to clear in the NFL's concussion protocol. Fortunately for those considering the wideout in Week 16 fantasy lineups, the Bengals' kickoff Sunday is at 1:00 p.m. ET. If Higgins isn't cleared to face Miami, Mitchell Tinsley would be in line to see added WR snaps alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Friday that Jenkins (ankle) will be placed on injured reserve, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Once Jenkins is officially placed on injured reserve, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. He sprained his ankle in Cincinnati's Week 15 loss to the Ravens. Jenkins finishes his second NFL campaign with 1.5 sacks among his 36 tackles (18 solo).

Ossai (ankle) won't play Sunday against the Dolphins, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Ossai will endure his first absence of the season, potentially opening the door for Cedric Johnson to take on a bigger role. Ossai's next chance to play will be Week 17 against the Cardinals.

Njoku (knee) wasn't spotted at practice Friday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

With Njoku poised to log three consecutive 'DNPs' this week, the tight end appears to be trending toward being sidelined Sunday against the Bills. Njoku's absence in the Browns' 31-3 loss to the Bears in Week 15 helped pave the way for fellow TE Harold Fannin to record seven catches on a team-high 14 targets for 48 yards.

Sampson (hand/calf) isn't practicing Friday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Sampson hasn't practiced all week, so he's likely to be ruled out for a second consecutive game when the Browns release their injury report later Friday. Trayveon Williams and Raheim Sanders will likely work as the depth options behind Quinshon Judkins against the Bills on Sunday.

Hall (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Arizona's beleaguered secondary will be without Hall, Max Melton (heel) and Jalen Thompson (hamstring) against the Falcons. Hall will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to have a chance to return in Week 17 against the Bengals.

Brown (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Brown will miss a third consecutive game due to a personal matter. Jon Gaines is set to continue filling in at left guard against the Falcons.

Melton (heel) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Melton will miss a fourth consecutive game due to his heel injury. Denzel Burke is likely to draw his seventh start of the season in Melton's absence.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Friday that Carter will start Sunday's game against the Falcons, Theo Mackie of AZCentral reports.

Carter handled 18 touches and churned out a season-high 94 scrimmage yards after Bam Knight injured his ankle in the Week 15 loss to Houston. Knight was subsequently placed on IR, clearing the path for Carter to take on the starting role Sunday and likely for the remainder of the season, with Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner on hand for depth.