NFL Player News

Carter (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Carter, who is dealing with a reported low-ankle sprain, didn't practice this past week before being deemed doubtful for the contest. In Carter's absence, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network relays via coach Robert Saleh that the Jets plan to utilize a backfield-by-committee in Week 13 that will include rookie Zonovan Knight, Ty Johnson and James Robinson. Of the three, Knight, who carried 14 times for 69 yards and caught all three of his targets for 34 yards in relief of Carter last weekend versus Chicago, looks like the upside play, though Johnson (five carries for 62 yards and TD, plus one catch for 16 yards against the Bears) should also factor in, while Robinson (a healthy scratch last week) will look to reclaim a role in New York's backfield in his return to the mix. Carter's next chance to return to the lineup will arrive in Week 14 when the Jets face the Bills on the road.

Gibson (foot) is listed as active Sunday at the Giants.

Gibson sandwiched limited practices around an absence from Thursday's practice during Week 13 prep, the result of a foot issue. The injury may have been the impetus for Gibson getting out-touched, 20-12, by rookie Brian Robinson last Sunday against the Falcons. Because Gibson seemingly is operating at less than 100 percent, such a breakdown may be the reality for the Commanders backfield this time around, too. Having said that, Gibson nonetheless has put together a six-game streak with double-digit touches in which he's averaged 69.3 yards from scrimmage per game and scored three total touchdowns.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Robinson is expected to be part of a three-man backfield committee Sunday against the Vikings that also includes Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Jets made Robinson a surprise healthy inactive ahead of last week's game against the Bears, with Michael Carter, Knight and Johnson serving as the team's backfield options in the 31-10 win. Carter suffered a low-ankle sprain in the second half of that contest and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game, and with the Jets already proceeding as though Carter will be out, Robinson will re-enter the mix as at least a No. 3 option. Because Knight (17 touches for 103 yards) and Johnson (six for 78) were efficient with their opportunities last week, it's reasonable to expect both to be ahead of Robinson in the pecking order for snaps in Week 13, even though Robinson has more experience as a lead back in the NFL.

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.