NFL Player News

Higgins (concussion) was a full participant in practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Higgins upgraded to full participation after a pair of limited practices, which marks another step forward as he works his way through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, but he still needs to earn clearance from an independent neurologist before he can play again. If Higgins is cleared, the star wide receiver would likely return Sunday after missing his team's Week 15 loss to the Ravens. Either way, since the Bengals kick off Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET, those considering Higgins in Week 16 fantasy lineups will have his playing status confirmed before the first wave of games that day.

Schwesinger (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The 22-year-old upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full session Friday, suggesting he's moved past his ankle issue in time to play Sunday. Schwesinger has had an incredible rookie campaign thus far, recording 133 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and three passes defensed, with two interceptions, over 14 contests. He's expected to serve as the Browns' top middle linebacker in Week 16.

Jenkins (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve list Friday.

The second-year pro from Michigan sustained an ankle injury in the Week 15 loss to the Ravens and will now be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Through 14 appearances this year, Jenkins recorded 36 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and one pass defensed. Expect McKinnley Jackson to have a larger role on the Bengals' defensive line with Jenkins out for the year.

Fant (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Fant will sit out due to the ankle injury he sustained in this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens. Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson or Cam Grandy could play additional snaps alongside Mike Gesicki due to Fant's absence. Fant's next chance to play will be Week 17 against the Cardinals.

Stewart (knee) was activated from the injured reserve list Friday and has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

Stewart had missed the Bengals' last five games due to a knee injury suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Bears, but following a week of full practice sessions, he's ready to suit up Sunday. The 2025 first-round pick from Texas A&M has tallied just six total tackles in five appearances this season. Now fully healthy, he's expected to start opposite Myles Murphy in Week 16.

Phillips (heel) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Despite practicing in a limited fashion throughout the week, Phillips has moved past his heel injury in time to suit up for Sunday's matchup. The second-year pro from Kentucky has appeared in all 14 of the Giants' games this season, recording 54 total tackles and 12 passes defensed, including two interceptions. He's expected to serve as the team's top slot corner in Week 16.

Jefferson (back) practiced fully Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Jefferson trended in the right direction throughout the week, going from a non-participant Wednesday to limited Thursday before Friday's full session. The veteran wide receiver's status likely won't be confirmed until 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Jefferson has 24 catches for 280 yards and a touchdown in 14 appearances this season, averaging exactly 20 receiving yards per game.

Olszewski (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The 29-year-old practiced in full throughout the week and has now cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, allowing him to return for Sunday's matchup. Now fully healthy, Olszewski is expected to operate as the Giants' top kick and punt returner in Week 16.

Harrison (heel) said he's "good enough to go" for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Harrison may still have an injury designation but apparently expects to play. He was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday, after missing the past two games with a heel injury.

Helm (toe) logged a full practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Helm's full participation Friday is an encouraging sign, but it didn't allow him to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against a depleted Chiefs team. Nonetheless, the rookie fourth-round pick appears more likely than not to suit up, which would give Helm an opportunity to keep building momentum after catching at least four passes in four of the past five games.