NFL Player News

Higgins missed the first two games of the regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in the week leading up to the first game, but will make his season debut against the Commanders on Monday night. The 0-2 Bengals got embarrassed by the Patriots to start the season before going toe-to-toe with the Chiefs in Week 2, ultimately losing by one point on a last second field goal. They now receive a get-right spot against the floundering Commanders and are nearing full strength on offense, the perfect opportunity to grab their first win of the season. There have been no reports regarding an expected snap rate for the contract-year veteran but it is safe to assume he might be held below his normal every-down role in his first game action of the season.

The veteran offseason acquisition did not travel with the team to Minnesota for their Week 3 game and has been ruled out. After leaving with the injury in Week 2, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale splits the snaps in the backfield 13-to-20, placing concern as to how the backfield usage will shake out with a full week of practice. Based on previous usage tendencies, it appears likely that Akers will serve as the preferred early-down option while Ogunbowale serves as the preferred change of pace and third-down back. Neither is overly exciting for fantasy purposes considering a matchup with a Vikings defense allowing just 3.8 yards per carry and 11.5 points per game.

Hudson logged just nine offensive snaps as the fourth tight end for the Bengals in Week 1 before injuring his hamstring. Week 3 will be the second consecutive game he has missed with the ailment.

Not ideal for the Bengals considering B.J. Hill is listed as doubtful, creating a massive hole in the front three for Lou Anarumo’s defense. Expect Zach Carter and Jay Tufele to step into increased snaps in the vacated roles.

Hill was unable to practice in any capacity throughout the week, ultimately drawing the doubtful tag from head coach Zac Taylor. Hill played a massive 80% of the team’s defensive snaps in Week 1 before suffering the hamstring injury in Week 2, representing a massive blow to the front end of the Bengals’ defense.

Bell started the week off with a limited sessions but has not been able to practice Friday or Saturday, leading to the questionable designation. He’s a consistent contributor to the back end of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense, making an absence meaningful should he ultimately be held out.

Last week, the Packers elevated Clifford but downgraded Love in conjunction with the move. This week, however, Love appears to be much closer to a true questionable designation now 15 days removed from a sprained MCL suffered in Week 1 against the Eagles. This appears to be shaping up to be a true game-time decision for the Packers.

The team will carry three running backs and a fullback on the game-day roster for the third consecutive week, with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle likely splitting snaps relatively evenly against the Ravens. Cook was signed to the team’s practice squad two weeks prior to the start of the season and have yet to elevate him or give him a spot on the 53-man roster through three weeks of the regular season.

The journeyman edge rusher has the Commanders’ only two sacks through two games. Coach Dan Quinn does not expect it to be a long-term issue, so Ferrell should have a decent shot at returning for Week 4.

Originally listed with a knee issue, Conklin evidently injured his hamstring in practice. It places extra pressure on LT Jedrick Wills (knee) to make his 2024 debut. He is expected to do so after the Browns did not elevate a tackle from the practice squad on Saturday. Dawand Jones will man the right side in Conklin’s absence. 30-year-old Conklin is having an increasingly difficult time staying on the field.

It’s not a bad outcome after veteran Moses went down in a heap Thursday evening, though he could still end up a candidate for injured reserve. The Jets at least have a viable backup plan in rookie first-rounder Olu Fashanu, but it’s never good to have to dip into your critical depth this early in the season.