NFL Player News

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that he anticipates Burrow (toe) will play Thursday night against the Ravens, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Taylor admitted the Bengals will work through the week, and he's not willing to declare anything concrete as of Monday, but it does sound like Burrow has a legitimate chance to be under center versus Baltimore on Thanksgiving. Burrow's 21-day window for activation from injured reserve was opened 14 days ago. If he does play Thursday night, it will be Burrow's first action since he was injured 21 snaps into Week 2 against Jacksonville. His return would obviously provide a big boost to the Cincinnati offense as a whole for the final six weeks of the season.

Smith recorded 11 total tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 23-10 win over the Jets.

Smith led Baltimore's defense in total tackles and has now logged double-digit stops in three of the team's last five contests. The Georgia product has appeared in nine games this season, recording 79 total tackles and three passes defensed. He's expected to remain a viable IDP option in the Week 13 matchup against the Bengals on Thursday.

Downs had two receptions for 10 yards on six targets in Sunday's loss at Kansas City.

Downs again took a back seat to Michael Pittman and Tyler Warren (five receptions each) in the intermediate passing game. After recording touchdowns in three consecutive games, Downs has just three receptions for 13 yards his last two games. He'll face a tough matchup against a stout defense next week against Houston.

Johnson didn't take the field during Sunday's 31-28 loss to Chicago.

Johnson had been limited to single-digit offensive snaps in each of Pittsburgh's last three games, but he didn't log a play Week 12. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell continue to serve as the Steelers' top two running backs, and Johnson has been unable to carve out a fantasy-relevant role to begin his rookie year.

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Higgins (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Ravens, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Higgins sustained a concussion late in Sunday's loss to the Patriots after smacking the back of his head on the turf while attempting to make a leaping catch. With Higgins out and Ja'Marr Chase set to return from his one-game suspension, the Bengals likely will trot out a wideout group of Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley and Charlie Jones versus Baltimore. Higgins then will have 10 more days to heal up ahead of a Week 14 date with the Bills on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Bowman sustained a torn Achilles in practice and will miss the remainder of the season, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie from Oklahoma was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday, and it has since been clarified that he won't return this season. Bowman had a productive first year while on the field, appearing in just six games but recording 26 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, with one interception, and one forced fumble. Expect Dee Alford to operate as Atlanta's top slot defender while Bowman is sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Dulin had one reception for 48 yards on his only target in Sunday's loss at Kansas City.

Dulin played nine snaps on offense. He's taken over as the clear fourth receiver after the trade of Adonai Mitchell, but has just two targets over his last four games. He's still a star on special teams, the unit where he gets the most usage.

Gould had three punt returns for a 16.3-yard average and one kickoff return for 26 yards in Sunday's loss at Kansas City.

Gould hadn't played since Week 8 due to a knee injury. He made an impact in the return game, setting up the Colts with good field position on several returns, including a 26-yard punt return. He didn't play any snaps on offense, as he's rarely used a receiver.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Irving (shoulder/foot) will practice all week and be cleared to suit up Sunday versus the Cardinals if he avoids any setbacks, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Irving has been listed as a limited participant in five consecutive practices, and it sounds like even if he isn't able to upgrade to full this week, he'll be poised to return to action as long as he holds up well. The health of quarterback Baker Mayfield (left shoulder), who is feared to have suffered an AC joint sprain during Tampa Bay's loss to the Rams in Week 12, is another significant variable looming over the Buccaneers offense. While clarity on Irving's status may not arrive until Friday, Mayfield is undergoing an MRI on Monday, the results of which should be disclosed before long.

Smith is dealing with both high- and low-ankle sprains and is expected to miss some time, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

It's unclear exactly how long Smith will be sidelined for, but he's expected to miss the Week 13 matchup against the Cowboys. If he's out as expected, Jaylon Moore is likely the next man up at right guard.