NFL Player News

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Higgins (ankle) is day-to-day, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Higgins aggravated an existing ankle sprain during Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Ravens, in which he played just 10 snaps. It's encouraging that the standout receiver was able to avoid a severe injury, but it remains to be seen whether Higgins will be able to suit up versus the Saints in Week 6. His status on Wednesday's first official practice report of the week will be illuminating.

Parker, who was on the field for 31 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 29-0 win over the Lions, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, did not record a catch in the contest.

According to Nick O'Malley of masslive.com, both times Parker was the intended target Sunday, Detroit was flagged for pass interference. Five games into the current campaign, Parker has been targeted more than twice just one time, back in Week 3, when he recorded a 5-156-0 line on 10 targets. Until the 29-year-old begins to log steady volume, he'll continue to be a hit-or-miss fantasy option regardless of whether Week 5 starter Bailey Zappe or Mac Jones (ankle) is under center for the Patriots.

Higgins, who was on the field for 10 snaps on offense in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Ravens, aggravated the ankle injury that had limited him in practice leading up to the contest when he was rolled up on during the first half, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Per Morrison, the wideout wasn't able to return to the game after coming off the field during the Bengals' fourth offensive series. Afterward, Higgins downplayed the issue, suggesting that he erred on the side of caution Sunday in order to avoid any further setbacks. With that in mind, Higgins sounds like he hopes to play Week 6 against the Saints, but he'll likely have his practice reps limited in the coming days.

Samuel caught six of eight targets for 62 yards in a 21-17 loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Samuel led the team in targets for a fifth straight game, but he's mostly seeing short passes (4.5 aDOT) and now has gone back-to-back games without a carry after taking eight over the first three weeks. He did get one deep look against the Titans and caught it for a 32-yard gain, helping bump his average up to 8.8 yards per catch for the season (sixth lowest among qualified WRs). Next up for Samuel is a Week 6 road game against the Bears, followed by a home matchup with the Packers in Week 7.

Boykin secured his lone target for 11 yards during the Steelers' 38-3 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Although the Steelers attempted plenty of passes during Sunday's blowout loss, Boykin's playing time remained limited. He played mainly on special teams and was on the field for just five of the team's offensive snaps. As long as the Steelers' other receivers remain healthy, Boykin is unlikely to have a fantasy-relevant role in the team's offense.

Smith-Schuster (hamstring/quadriceps) is expected to suit up for Monday Night Football versus the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Smith-Schuster's hamstring tightened up during Saturday's practice, and he's officially listed as questionable, but it looks like he should be available Monday. The 25-year-old is second on the Chiefs offense in terms of both catches and receiving yards behind Travis Kelce, though he hasn't scored through four contests. A final word on Smith-Schuster's availability will come roughly 90 minutes prior to Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Wilson secured two of four targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 40-17 loss to the Jets.

Wilson's production was middling, as has been the norm this season, though it's worth noting that the entire Dolphins' passing game was limited with No. 3 quarterback Skylar Thompson under center for almost all of Sunday's loss. It remains to be seen whether either Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) or Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) will be available to retake the field Week 6, or if Thompson will draw his first career start.

McCloud logged 26 snaps (18 on offense) and was not targeted in Sunday's 37-15 win over Carolina.

McCloud was in line to see a slightly expanded role offensively if Jauan Jennings (ankle) was forced to miss the contest. The latter played, leaving McCloud in his usual No. 4 wideout/returner role. The 25-year-old will fill a similar role in Week 6 against the Falcons.

Gray (hip) failed to haul in either of his targets in Sunday's 37-15 win over Carolina.

Gray returned from a hip injury and logged seven offensive snaps while operating as the 49ers' fifth wideout. The deep threat has failed to catch any of his four targets in the three games he has been active for this season.

There's a possibility that Shaheed could receive a promotion to the Saints' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bengals, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Returner Deonte Harty suffered a turf toe injury during Sunday's 39-32 win over the Seahawks, leaving Shaheed in consideration for the vacated special-teams role. In addition, Michael Thomas (foot) has missed each of the last two contests, rookie Chris Olave suffered a concussion Sunday versus Seattle, Jarvis Landry (ankle) didn't suit up in Week 5 and Kawaan Baker has one more game remaining regarding his six-game suspension. With all the questions looming around the team's WR corps, Shaheed could see his first NFL action Sunday against Cincinnati.