NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports the Bengals are “not expecting” Giovani Bernard (hip) to play Week 11 against the Saints. Bernard injured his hip against the Ravens Week 8 and has not practiced since. He was dealing with a variety of injuries before that.
Jeremy Hill has played well with Bernard sidelined, even managing 4.58 yards per carry against the Browns Week 10 on a night almost nothing went right for the Bengals. Unless the Bengals get down big early, Hill should have a nice game Sunday against what has been a suspect Saints’ rush defense. He is an RB2 with upside.
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In Other News…
Arian Foster (groin) did not practice on Wednesday. The Texans have listed Foster as day to day, but it is not a promising sign that he was not able to practice. Foster plans to play Week 11, but his owners need to grab Alfred Blue as insurance.
The Newark Star-Ledger’s Jordan Raanan would be “stunned” if Rashad Jennings (knee) does not start and “carry a significant load” against the 49ers Week 11. Jennings was solid before spraining his MCL, averaging over 100 total yards through the first five weeks. He took longer than expected to come back from the injury, however, and struggled after returning from the same injury with Jacksonville in 2012. Workload alone should make him a solid RB2, but Jennings may not be as effective as he was earlier in the year.
The Union-Tribune San Diego’s Michael Gehlken expects Ryan Mathews (knee) to start and see around 15 touches against the Raiders Week 11. Mathews has missed seven games with a sprained MCL but should slot right back in as the lead back in San Diego. Branden Oliver will be a change-of-pace option for the Chargers.
The Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman expects rookie Charles Sims’ role to “gradually increase.” An all-around back capable of playing three downs, Sims was expected to serve in a third-down role his rookie year. With the season already down the tubes and the running game in shambles, it makes sense for the Bucs to give Sims an expanded role. Bobby Rainey will still be involved, but Sims could start to eat into his workload as early as this week.
Kyle Rudolph (groin) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. Out since Week 3, the practice puts Rudolph on pace to play against the Bears Week 11. Rudolph’s fill-in Chase Ford has 127 yards and a touchdown over the Vikings’ last two games.
Jordan Cameron (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday after coach Mike Pettine expressed optimism he would be able to get in a limited session. Cameron has not practiced since suffering a concussion Week 8 against the Raiders. He is unlikely to play Week 11.
The Rams announced Shaun Hill will start at quarterback against the Broncos Week 11. In nine games Austin Davis threw for 2001 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions while losing three fumbles. With Brian Quick (shoulder) done for the season, the St. Louis passing game is a fantasy wasteland.
The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero reports there is no doubt Ryan Tannehill (shoulder, ankle) starts on Thursday night. Lamar Miller (shoulder) is listed as probable but will likely be limited again. Cortland Finnegan has been ruled out.
Fred Jackson (groin) is listed as questionable for Thursday night. He should play but will share time with Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown. Sammy Watkins (groin) is listed as probable.
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News and Notes
Brandon Marshall (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Marshall expects to play Week 11, though we would feel more comfortable if he practiced Thursday or Friday. … Montee Ball (groin) was a full participant in practice Wednesday. The Broncos plan to use a “hot hand” approach between Ball and C.J. Anderson. … Reggie Bush (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday. He aggravated his ankle injury against the Dolphins. … Marqise Lee will see an expanded offensive role with Allen Robinson (foot) sidelined for the rest of the season. Lee averaged just 15.8 snaps a game over the last five games and has five targets total over that span. … Seahawks placed TE Zach Miller on injured reserve with an ankle injury. … Lions RG Larry Warford (knee) is expected to miss a “few weeks.” … Giants placed RB Michael Cox on injured reserve with a broken leg. RB Orleans Darkwa was signed in a corresponding move. … Saints signed RB Brian Leonard and placed S Vinnie Sunseri on injured reserve with an arm injury.
Injury Quick Slants
Calvin Johnson (ankle, rest), Marshawn Lynch (calf), Doug Martin (ankle), Martellus Bennett (ribs), Khiry Robinson (arm), Pierre Thomas (shoulder, ribs), Delanie Walker (concussion), DeAngelo Williams (foot), Anthony Fasano (knee), Jermaine Gresham (knee), Harry Douglas (foot), Devin Hester (ankle), Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring), Dexter McCluster (knee), Brandon Bostick (hip), Tashaun Gipson (concussion) and Peyton Hillis (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.
Mark Ingram (shoulder), Andre Ellington (foot, hip), Frank Gore (hip), Jonathan Stewart (ankle), Andrew Hawkins (thigh, knee), Stepfan Taylor (calf) and Donnie Avery (groin) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
Jimmy Graham (shoulder), Eric Ebron (hamstring), Joseph Fauria (ankle), Brent Celek (ankle) and Melvin Ingram (hip) were full participants in practice on Wednesday.
