NFL Player News

Higgins (ankle/knee) is expected to be available for Saturday's game at Pittsburgh, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

For a second week in a row, Higgins is listed as questionable after being listed as limited on all three of the Bengals' practice reports due to ankle and knee injuries. The health concerns didn't stop him from running roughshod over the Broncos this past Saturday to the tune of 11 catches (on 12 targets) for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Assuming he gets the all-clear to play this Saturday when the Bengals post their list of inactives about 90 minutes before an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, he'll again join forces with QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja'Marr Chase to form what has been one of the most productive passing attacks down the stretch this season.

Palmer (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's regular season finale against the Raiders.

Palmer didn't practice this week and will target a potential return to action in next weekend's playoff opener against an opponent to be determined. In his absence Sunday, DJ Chark and Derius Davis are candidates to log added snaps behind top wideout options Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

McConkey (toe) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.

McConkey opened Week 18 prep Wednesday with a DNP due to a toe injury, but he followed it up with a limited session Thursday and full practice Friday, thereby clearing him to suit up this weekend. He'll be taking on a Raiders defense that he took for 5-39-1 on seven targets in his pro debut all the way back in Week 1, but it should be noted that he's recorded at least six catches and 80 yards in five of his last six contests.

Eskridge (finger) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jets, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The 2021 second-round pick from Western Michigan was a late addition to the Dolphins' injury report, popping up as a limited participant in Friday's practice due to a finger issue. He's now in jeopardy of missing Miami's regular-season finale, and Raheem Mostert will likely serve as the Dolphins' top kick returner if Eskridge is sidelined in Week 18.

Wilson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after being added to the injury report Friday with a hamstring injury, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

An end-of-week addition to the report isn't promising, and even more so because he's a wide receiver with a hamstring injury in Week 18 for a non-playoff team. It's possible the injury is minor enough that Wilson will play anyway, but the Cardinals may want to hold him back if it's a close call ahead of the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. A Week 18 absence for Wilson would leave more perimeter WR reps for Zay Jones, Zach Pascal and/or Xavier Weaver.

Whittington (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Whittington was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday but logged a full session Friday and is good to go for Sunday's regular-season finale. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp unlikely to play and resting up for the playoffs next weekend, Whittington should see an elevated offensive role alongside fellow WRs Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson. They will be catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo.

Pearsall (illness/chest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Coming off a Week 17 breakout performance, Pearsall should have a featured role in the San Francisco offense Sunday with fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs/wrist) ruled out. QB Brock Purdy (elbow) also is out, however, leaving Pearsall and Jauan Jennings to catch passes from backup Joshua Dobbs.

Samuel (ribs/wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel might've tried to play through his rib and wrist injuries if the 49ers were in playoff contention. As is, he didn't practice this week and won't play in Sunday's game, which could free up more playing time for Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley behind de facto No. 1 receiver Jauan Jennings. There's no doubt Samuel will be mentioned in trade rumors yet again this offseason, as he has just one year remaining on his contract and is coming off a disappointing campaign for a team that also has Pearsall, Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) at wide receiver. There's been no indication that the rib or wrist injuries will impact Samuel's preparation for 2025.

Hardman (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.

Hardman was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and logged a week of limited practice sessions, but it appears he's not ready to return to game action just yet. The Georgia product's absence in Week 18 could also be precautionary, as Kansas City is resting most of its starters after securing the AFC's No. 1 seed. Hardman's next opportunity to take the field will come in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Waddle (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports, but coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism to Furones on Friday regarding Waddle's availability.

McDaniel's optimism is supported by Waddle practicing without limitations Friday. Waddle's looking to return from a two-game absence for a Dolphins team that can sneak into the playoffs with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs. If Waddle suits up, he'll likely be catching passes from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, as Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is considered doubtful.