NFL Player News

Perine is tentatively on track to serve as Cincinnati's lead back for Sunday's game against the Chiefs with Joe Mixon listed as questionable but not expected to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in advance of the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Mixon still has a few more hours to potentially gain clearance from an independent neurologist, but after he was able to practice only on a limited basis this week, the Bengals may not be keen on handing him his typical workload even if he defies the odds and plays Sunday. With that in mind, Perine looks in store for a three-down role for the second game in a row, after he played 80 percent of the snaps on offense in last week's 20-16 win over the Titans. Perine carried a season-high 17 times for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win and hauled in four of his seven targets for 35 yards.

Mixon, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs while he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, is viewed as a "long shot" to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

With Sunday's game not kicking off until 4:25 p.m. ET, Mixon still has a few hours to theoretically clear the five-step protocol, but the Bengals don't seem to be proceeding with the belief that he'll be available. Mixon was able to practice only in a limited fashion this week, so even if he clears the protocol and isn't included on the Bengals' inactive list -- which will be released 90 minutes before kickoff -- he may not fill his usual high-volume role out of the backfield. If that's the case, Samaje Perine will be set up for another turn as a three-down back for Cincinnati after playing 80 percent of the snaps on offense and turning his 21 touches into 93 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Titans.

Jacobs (calf), who is listed as questionable, will be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jacobs is still nursing a left calf strain that he aggravated in the fourth quarter of last week's 40-34 overtime victory. over the Seahawks. He was able to return to the contest while finishing with 303 scrimmage yards and two scores, including a game-winning 86-yard touchdown run. Jacobs' status for Sunday looks as though it'll come down to his pregame workout, a less-than-ideal situation for fantasy managers considering that the Week 13 contest will kick off at 4:25 p.m ET. Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah would stand to handle increased work if Jacobs ends up sidelined or limited. More clarity on Jacobs' status should come when Las Vegas releases its inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff.

Gibson (foot), who is officially listed as questionable, is likely to play Sunday against the Giants, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Gibson seemingly suffered the injury during Washington's Week 12 win over Atlanta, as he lost a significant amount of work to Brian Robinson in the contest. However, after turning in two limited practices this week, Gibson isn't expected to miss any further action. Even if Gibson is active, Robinson could once again take on a heavier workload, given that Gibson may be operating at less than 100 percent.

Etienne (foot), who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Etienne was forced to exit Jacksonville's Week 12 win over Baltimore in the first quarter due to a mild left foot sprain. Given that he missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury to the same foot, the nature of Etienne's exit was particularly concerning. However, both he and the team have since downplayed the foot injury, and Etienne practiced in limited fashion throughout the week. It's unclear whether he will handle a full workload in the event that he is active.

Mixon (concussion) did not clear concussion protocol Saturday and remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mixon has remained in concussion protocol for the entire week leading up to the matchup against the Chiefs and has only limited time prior to kickoff to be cleared. He remains questionable, however, and his status will become official shortly before 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. If Mixon is out, Samaje Perine will serve as the Bengals' lead back for the second consecutive game.

Chestnut was elevated to the Titans' active roster Saturday, John Glennon of SI.com reports.

Chestnut has bounced between the Titans' active roster and practice squad for much of the season, and he'll get another opportunity to register playing time with Hassan Haskins (hip) sidelined.

Haskins (hip) has been downgraded to out and will not play against the Eagles on Sunday, John Glennon of SI.com reports.

The rookie seemed to downgrade throughout the week from a practice perspective, hinting that this designation could be on the horizon. The Michigan product has played a combined 20 offensive snaps since Week 9 and has just one carry since Week 2 of the season.

Homer (illness/knee) has been downgraded to out and will not play in Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Homer played just 13 offensive snaps last week in Sunday's loss to the Raiders, but he totaled four touches (two carries, two receptions) during his time on the field, so this could be relevant for Seattle's backfield. Expect DeeJay Dallas and Tony Jones to operate in a backup tandem behind Kenneth Walker.

Mitchell (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

It's important to note that Mitchell could, and likely will, return during the 49ers' postseason run if the team gets to the playoffs, but this designation confirms the second-year back is out through at least Week 16. Based on the initial timetable placed by coach Kyle Shanahan earlier in the week, the postseason appears a more likely target for Mitchell's return to action. The 49ers did not choose to call up Tevin Coleman from the practice squad, meaning Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price will be left to back up star running back Christian McCaffrey on Sunday against the Dolphins.