It appears the Dallas Cowboys will have their star running back available in Andy Dalton's return to Paul Brown Stadium.
Ezekiel Elliott is expected to play Sunday in Cincinnati, a source tells NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Elliott suffered a calf bruise in Tuesday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Elliott has since been declared active by the team.
In 12 games this season, Elliott has rushed for 784 yards and five scores. The former Ohio State Buckeye is having a down season, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, well below his career average of 4.5.
Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) are officially inactive after being listed as questionable.
On the Bengals' side, Cincinnati is likely to have wide receiver Tee Higgins in action. Higgins injured his hamstring in last week's loss to Miami but should be good to go. The rookie has since been declared as active vs. Dallas along with CB Mackensie Alexander (knee).
Inactive for the Bengals are kicker Dustin Hopkins and safety Brandon Wilson (hamstring).
Dalton and the Cowboys (3-9) take on the Bengals (2-9-1) at 1 p.m. ET.
Other injury news we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday's Week 14 games:
- The Arizona Cardinals expect both running back Kenyan Drake (hip) and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (neck/back) to play against the Giants, according to Rapoport. Both have since been declared active along with defensive back Isaiah Simmons (neck, back) and tackle Kelvin Beachum (back).
- New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring) and linebacker Blake Martinez (back) are officially active vs. the Cardinals.
- The Chicago Bears will have linebacker Khalil Mack (shoulder) today despite being questionable, per Rapoport. Mack has since been declared active.
- Houston Texans wideout Keke Coutee (knee) should also play, per Rapoport. Fellow Texans receiver Brandin Cooks (foot/neck) is not expected to play against Chicago, Rapoport added.
- Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift, who missed last week with an illness, is expected to play against the Green Bay Packers barring a setback, a source tells Rapoport.
- Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu (hip) is expected to play against the Miami Dolphins despite being questionable, Rapoport reports. Mathieu is officially active.
- Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hip) will be inactive vs. the Chiefs, a source tells NFL Network's James Palmer. Van Noy has since been declared inactive by the team along with LB Elandon Roberts (chest).
- Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is expected back after missing last week. He's nearly at full strength. Meanwhile, safety Johnathan Abram (knee) should also be good to go, according to Rapoport.
- There is optimism that New York Jets running back Frank Gore (concussion) will play at Seattle, though it depends on him clearing a final hurdle this morning, a source tells Rapoport.
- Indianapolis Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo -- listed as questionable with a knee injury -- is expected to play today vs. the Raiders, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Castonzo missed last week's game due to the injury and his backup Le'Raven Clark was lost for the season with a knee injury in that game vs. the Texans.
- The Tennessee Titans downgraded safety Kenny Vaccaro (illness) to out against the Jaguars. Vaccaro was added to the injury report on Saturday.
- Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert (shoulder) and cornerback Sidney Jones (Achilles) are officially active vs. the Titans after being declared questionable.
- Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey -- doubtful with a quad injury -- is officially inactive vs. Denver.
- Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles (illness) will be out today vs. the Panthers, a source tells Rapoport. Bolles was added to the injury report on Sunday morning after waking up feeling sick. Bolles has since been declared inactive officially.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (illness) is officially active vs. the Vikings but running back Leonard Fournette is a healthy scratch. Cornerback Jamel Dean (groin) is also inactive after being declared doubtful.
- Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith (back) is officially active vs. the Bucs.
- Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper (neck) is not expected to play Monday night vs. the Ravens, a source tells Rapoport. Guard Wyatt Teller was activated from the reserve/COVID list on Sunday, however, which clears him to play.
- The Indianapolis Colts announced linebacker Jordan Glasgow will not play Sunday as he is being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
