Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is listed as questionable for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend after he hurt his quad during practice on Friday.
Higgins was the only player from the Bengals (3-4) who was limited in practice that day according to the injury report.
If Higgins cannot play on Sunday, Andrei Iosivas and rookie Jermaine Burton are expected to take on more responsibilities alongside star Ja’Marr Chase.
Higgins, 25, has made 29 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns in five games (three starts) this season after missing the first two games due to a hamstring injury.
Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown in the 2nd half
He has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in two of his four complete seasons with Cincinnati. This season, he is earning $21.8 million on the franchise tag after he and the Bengals couldn’t agree on a long-term deal.
In his career, Higgins has 286 receptions for 4,025 yards and 27 touchdowns in 63 games (56 starts) since being drafted by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Clemson.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels participated in practice on Friday for the first time since injuring his ribs, which forced him out of Washington’s Week 7 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Daniels missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and is now a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, who have rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California, was picked one spot ahead of Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner from LSU, in the 2024 draft.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn mentioned that the team will wait to decide on Daniels’ status until they see how he responds to Friday’s practice. If Daniels can’t play, backup Marcus Mariota will take over.
“Jayden was able to practice today,” Quinn said. “We followed the plan we set at the start of the week. … Think crawl, walk, run.
Jayden Daniels stands on the sidelines in the 2nd half
“We will assess how he responds to the work we did over the next 48 hours, but we really pushed it today. We’ll make the best decision for him and the team.”
Mariota stepped in and led the Commanders to a 40-7 victory against Carolina. Daniels left the game after the first drive and didn’t return. He was injured during a 46-yard run on Washington’s opening drive, finishing with three carries for 50 yards.
Mariota, who has played in 92 career games, also has a tendency to run with the ball like Daniels. Last week, he had 11 carries for 34 yards and completed 18 out of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
This season, Daniels has made 66 rushing attempts, gaining 372 yards and scoring four touchdowns. The Commanders are considering whether to let Daniels take more hits to his ribs by running the ball again.
Quinn stated that Daniels will play if he can handle returning to practice on Friday, but the final decision won’t be made until Sunday.
“How does your body respond from really getting pushed to go? I would say that’s what we need to see,” Quinn said. “The testing is ongoing to get to that spot, but it was a good day.”
Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook is likely to play in his first game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night in Santa Clara, California.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that the four-time Pro Bowl player is ready after joining the team’s practice squad on August 28.
“Dalvin is ready,” McCarthy said on Friday. “I really like the work that he’s putting in. I think he’s clearly crossed over the threshold of the communication and the understanding (of the offense).”
Dallas (3-3) could really use his help, as they are currently last in the NFL for rushing yards per game at 77.2.
While Cook might be on the field, the team has ruled out star edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) for the matchup against the 49ers (3-4).
Parsons has missed the last two games, and Bland has not played at all this season.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons looks into the stands before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens
Cook, 29, has gained 6,207 rushing yards and scored 47 touchdowns in 88 NFL games (73 starts) over seven seasons after being selected in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2017. He also has 236 catches for 1,872 yards and five touchdowns.
Cook had four straight seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards while playing for the Vikings from 2019 to 2022, but a shoulder surgery interrupted his success. In 2020, he set career highs with 1,557 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in just 14 games (all starts).
The Vikings released him in June 2023, and Cook had a tough time during his 15 games with the New York Jets last season, rushing for only 214 yards before he was let go in early January.
The Baltimore Ravens picked him up, and he rushed for 23 yards on eight carries in a playoff win against the Houston Texans. However, he did not play in the next week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler will miss Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals due to an unusual eye injury he sustained during practice on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Sieler, 29, suffered a fractured orbital after getting poked in the eye, which is a break in one or more of the bones around the eye socket.
The Dolphins are still figuring out the best treatment for Sieler, which might involve surgery, depending on how serious the fracture is.
Sieler was drafted in the seventh round by the Ravens in 2018 and played six games with them before joining the Dolphins off waivers in 2019.
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane and running back Raheem Mostert watch from the sideline during the second half of a preseason
He has become a key part of Miami’s defensive line and signed a three-year, $30.8 million contract extension in 2023.
He has started all six games this season and recorded 18 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
Last season, he had a career-high 70 tackles and a personal best of 10 sacks. In his 82 career games (56 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens and Dolphins, he has 273 tackles, 22 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
To fill the gap left by Sieler, the Dolphins signed veteran defensive lineman Matt Dickerson to their practice squad on Friday.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is considered doubtful to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 strain of the medial collateral ligament in his knee during last Sunday’s 34-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Friday that there is a possibility Metcalf could play against Buffalo, even though he did not practice all week.
“It’s doubtful right now for the game,” Macdonald said. “It’s not out of the question, 100 percent yet, so we will take it to Sunday, and we’ll go from there.”
At 26 years old, Metcalf leads the Seahawks in receiving yards (568) and receiving touchdowns (three), with 35 catches in seven games this season. If Metcalf is unable to play, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has a team-high 37 receptions, and Tyler Lockett will be expected to step up for Seattle (4-3).
DK Metcalf makes a catch in the 1s half
Running back Kenneth Walker III does not have an injury designation after returning to full practice on Friday. He had been dealing with an illness.
Nose tackle Cameron Young (knee) is doubtful to play against Buffalo (5-2), while cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle), as well as defensive end Mike Morris (ankle), are listed as questionable.
“Tre practiced today and is trending positively for the game,” Macdonald said. “Anything can happen between now and then, but (we’re) optimistic with Tre.”
Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to play against the Houston Texans on Sunday after missing three games due to an ankle injury.
Taylor participated fully in practice on Friday and was not listed with any injury.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) did not practice on Friday and is considered questionable. He has been out for the last five games.
Colts coach Shane Steichen is hopeful that both players will be ready to play against the Texans.
“Getting those two guys back, if they’re ready to roll, it’ll be huge,” Steichen said. “They’re two really talented players that help us tremendously on both sides of the football. So, it’ll be good to see where that goes.”
Even though Taylor hasn’t played this month, he still leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349), and rushing touchdowns (four). He had two games with over 100 rushing yards in four games before his injury.
Jonathan Taylor (NFL)
Taylor, 25, has rushed for 4,931 yards and scored 44 touchdowns in 57 games (52 starts) over five seasons in the NFL. He led the league with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl selection and being named a first-team All-Pro.
Buckner, 30, had only missed two games in nine NFL seasons before his current stretch of five games out.
Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl player and was a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first year with the Colts. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2019 during his last season with the San Francisco 49ers.
In his career, Buckner has recorded 62.5 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, and 551 tackles in 131 games (126 starts). This season, he has 1.5 sacks in two games, with one start.
Defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder) have been ruled out for the Colts.
Wyatt Teller gestures to the umpires reaction (NBA)
The Cleveland Browns activated three-time Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller from injured reserve on Saturday.
Teller was put on injured reserve on September 25, just three days after he injured his knee in the third quarter of Cleveland’s 21-15 loss to the New York Giants.
At 29 years old, Teller has started three games this season and has played in 86 games total, starting 78 for the Browns and Buffalo Bills (2018). He was selected for the Pro Bowl three years in a row from 2021 to 2023.
To make space for Teller on the roster, the Browns waived cornerback Kahlef Hailassie. They also promoted wide receiver/punt returner Jaelon Darden from the practice squad.
Cleveland Browns players celebrate after his touchdown in the 1st half
Hailassie, 23, made eight tackles in 10 career games, with one start, for the Browns.
Darden, 25, has one catch for six yards in three games this season, including one start. He has returned 68 punts for 667 yards (9.8 average) and 27 kickoffs for 565 yards (20.9 average) in 27 career games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021-22) and the Browns.
The Indianapolis Colts activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve on Saturday.
Buckner had been out due to an ankle injury he suffered during the Colts’ 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on September 15.
At 30 years old, Buckner had missed only two games in his nine NFL seasons before this current stretch of five games. The team opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday.
Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl player and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first year with the Colts. He was also a second-team All-Pro in 2019 during his last season with the San Francisco 49ers.
In his career, Buckner has recorded 62.5 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, and 551 tackles in 131 games (126 starts). This season, he has 1.5 sacks in two games, including one start.
Indianapolis Colts players celebrates in the 2nd half
On Saturday, the Colts also activated Cameron McGrone from injured reserve, placed linebacker Jaylon Carlies on IR, and waived running back Evan Hull.
McGrone, 24, was put on injured reserve before the season because of an ankle injury. He has made five tackles in 13 career games with Indianapolis.
Carlies, 23, has recorded 21 tackles and one sack in seven games (three starts) this season after being picked by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie has been dealing with a leg injury.
Additionally, Indianapolis promoted cornerback Kelvin Joseph from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Roquan Smith Faces NFL Fine for Controversial Tackle Leading to Chris Godwin's Injury
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith has received a fine from the NFL following his tackle on Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin during a game on Monday night. The incident occurred with just over a minute left in regulation, resulting in Godwin suffering a dislocated left ankle. According to sources, Smith will be fined $16,833 for using a hip-drop tackle, which the NFL has deemed a prohibited technique that can lead to serious injuries. Smith has the option to appeal this ruling.
The NFL defines a hip-drop tackle as a maneuver in which a defender wraps their arms around a ball carrier while dropping their hips, causing them to land on and trap the runner’s legs. This type of tackle is categorized under a rule that mandates a 15-yard penalty for the offending player, which includes an automatic first down for the opposing team. However, no penalty was called during the Ravens’ 41-31 victory over the Buccaneers, raising questions about officiating standards.
Roquan Smith Faces NFL Fine for Controversial Tackle Leading to Chris Godwin’s Injury
Despite the tackle’s implications, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield will not face disciplinary action for using a smoke-free nicotine pouch called Zyn on the sideline during the game. Although the NFL prohibits tobacco-related products on the field, Mayfield will receive a reminder letter regarding this behavior, and future infractions could lead to fines. This decision reflects the league’s ongoing efforts to regulate player conduct and maintain a certain standard during games.
Godwin, who leads the NFL with 50 receptions in the first seven weeks of the season, underwent surgery to address his dislocated ankle and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. In his first public comments following the injury, Godwin expressed his emotional struggle and determination to overcome adversity. While he did not mention the tackle directly, his statement reflects the challenges athletes face after significant injuries, emphasizing the importance of character in dealing with setbacks.
Roquan Smith publicly expressed his respect for Godwin and offered prayers for his recovery. Smith emphasized that he never intends to injure other players during games, acknowledging the physical nature of football. He reiterated the commitment players have to each other, wishing for all to return safely to their families after games. This sentiment underscores the camaraderie and respect that often exists among players, even in the wake of potentially harmful plays.
Vikings Face Season-Altering Loss as Star Tackle Christian Darrisaw Suffers Season-Ending Injury
The Minnesota Vikings will be without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL and MCL during Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Darrisaw, considered one of the top players in his position across the NFL, suffered the injury just before halftime, and the Vikings placed him on injured reserve on Friday.
As part of their roster adjustments, they activated tight end T.J. Hockenson, who had been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed disappointment over Darrisaw’s loss, describing him as a foundational player for their offensive line.
During the game, David Quessenberry stepped in to cover for Darrisaw. However, the Vikings are exploring a range of options for the left tackle position to stabilize their offensive line going forward. O’Connell mentioned the possibility of moving left guard Blake Brandel into the tackle role or even activating guard Dalton Risner from the injured reserve.
Another option is rookie Walter Rouse, whom the Vikings drafted in the sixth round this year and may now see more time on the field. The coaching staff is actively assessing how best to utilize their available players to maintain a strong offensive line despite Darrisaw’s absence.
Vikings Face Season-Altering Loss as Star Tackle Christian Darrisaw Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Darrisaw’s absence is especially hard-hitting because he has been a major part of the Vikings’ offensive strategy since being drafted as the 23rd overall pick in 2021. Known for his performance and resilience despite multiple past injuries, Darrisaw had recently secured a four-year contract extension valued at up to $113 million. His season-ending injury is a major setback for the team, and O’Connell highlighted how much the offense has relied on Darrisaw’s skills and leadership.
The injury occurred when Rams safety Jaylen McCollough fell into the side of Darrisaw’s knee, with just 35 seconds left in the first half. Medical staff immediately attended to him on the field and escorted him to the locker room. His loss will require the Vikings to adapt their offensive plans and rely more on their reserve players. The coaching staff is hopeful that the depth they developed during training camp will help fill the void left by Darrisaw.
Rather than ending the first half conservatively, the Vikings attempted to push their offense forward, starting at their own three-yard line with three timeouts left. O’Connell explained that he had identified an opportunity to gain yards against the Rams’ dime defense, which had opened up some running possibilities. Although the move was risky, the Vikings hoped to capitalize on their offensive momentum. Unfortunately, the strategy led to a critical injury, significantly impacting the Vikings’ approach for the rest of the season.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed the recent shooting incident involving wide receiver Josh Reynolds, stating that Reynolds was “pretty shaken up” following the event. Payton emphasized the seriousness of the situation, mentioning that Reynolds is fortunate to have survived.
He conveyed his support for Reynolds, indicating that the Broncos would provide ample resources, including counseling, to assist him during his recovery. This support is crucial as Reynolds navigates the aftermath of the traumatic experience while currently on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery earlier in the month.
The incident occurred last Friday, where Reynolds was one of two individuals shot in Denver. Reports from police documents reveal that multiple 911 calls alerted authorities to the shooting near South Quebec Street and East Union Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Reynolds had sustained two gunshot wounds—one in his left arm and another in the back of his head. Fortunately, both he and the other victim were treated and released from a local hospital shortly after, with injuries deemed “non-life-threatening.”
Josh Reynolds (NFL)
Although Reynolds has been unable to participate in games due to his finger injury, he has remained present for team activities at the Broncos’ complex in Denver. The team had recently played against the New Orleans Saints, and Reynolds did not travel with the squad due to his injured reserve status. Payton reassured that the Broncos organization is committed to ensuring Reynolds has access to all necessary resources as he heals, acknowledging the emotional impact the incident may have had on him.
Following the shooting, details emerged indicating that Reynolds and two friends had been at Shotgun Willie’s, a strip club in Glendale, Colorado. After leaving the club around 2:45 a.m., they reported being followed by multiple vehicles, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the shooting. When their SUV could no longer continue on Interstate 25, Reynolds and his companion exited the vehicle. The SUV was later found riddled with bullet holes, highlighting the violence of the incident.
Denver police have since arrested two suspects, Burr Charlesworth, 42, and Luis Mendoza, 35, who are being held on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Investigators believe Mendoza followed Reynolds and his friends out of the strip club, escalating the situation to a dangerous level. Reynolds, who signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Broncos in April, has recorded 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown this season before the injury that has sidelined him.
Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to return to the field this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed this development, which comes after Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion during a game against the Buffalo Bills on September 12. As a result of the injury, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the subsequent four games.
Tagovailoa’s path back to playing involved a careful adherence to NFL protocols. After being cleared to practice this week, he participated fully on Thursday, leading to his return to active status. He expressed that he had been symptom-free since September 13, acknowledging the team’s decision to protect him by placing him on injured reserve. Tagovailoa sought advice from several top medical experts, all of whom recommended that he not consider retirement.
Tua Tagovailoa (NFL)
The decision for Tagovailoa to return to action was made in consultation with his doctors and family. He emphasized his determination to continue playing, despite his concussion history. Coach McDaniel reassured fans and teammates that the medical professionals consulted showed no concerns about Tagovailoa’s safety, indicating that his return to the field is both responsible and well-supported.
The Dolphins have faced challenges in Tagovailoa’s absence, losing three out of four games and currently holding a 2-4 record, which places them second in the AFC East. Their offensive performance has notably struggled, ranking last in the league in scoring. However, optimism is high among players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who pointed out the strong connection between Tagovailoa and his teammates. Hill believes that Tagovailoa’s return will greatly enhance the team’s overall offensive dynamics.
In addition to Tagovailoa’s comeback, Coach McDaniel announced that safety Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah would return to play after missing one game due to injuries. Unfortunately, the Dolphins will have to cope without cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who are sidelined due to injuries. This leaves the team with notable gaps in their defense as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against the Cardinals.
