Hamstring sidelines Steelers safety Fitzpatrick
Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hamstring injury will keep him out for a second straight game. The Steelers officially ruled the perennial Pro Bowler out for Sunday's visit from Green Bay after he sat out practice for a third straight day Friday.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week he was hopeful Fitzpatrick would be available to return but predicated that hope on Fitzpatrick being available to practice. Damontae Kazee will make a second consecutive start in place of Fitzpatrick.
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who returned from a groin injury last week, will play despite being limited in practice. For the Packers, cornerback Jaire Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker are doubtful.
Bengals WRs banged up
Bengals receiver Tee Higgins is out for Sunday's game against the Texans in Cincinnati and receiver Ja'Marr Chase is questionable due to injuries. Defensive end Sam Hubbard (ankle) was also listed out for the game on Friday's injury report.
Higgins, who had eight catches for a season-high 110 yards in last Sunday's win over Buffalo, has a hamstring injury, and Chase is having back issues. Chase leads all Cincinnati receivers with 697 yards and four touchdowns, as the Bengals have won four straight.
Trouble in trenches
Browns’ starting rookie right tackle Dawand Jones will miss Sunday’s game at Baltimore with shoulder and knee injuries, further depleting Cleveland's offensive line as it gets ready to face one of the NFL's top defenses.
The loss of Jones comes after the Browns placed starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. on injured reserve this week after he hurt his knee last Sunday against Arizona. It's hardly an ideal situation as the Browns prepare for the AFC North-leading Ravens (7-2), who lead the league with 35 sacks and have allowed just 13.8 points per game, also a league-best number.
Jefferson in doubt
The Minnesota Vikings listed wide receiver Justin Jefferson as questionable to play Sunday against New Orleans after a productive first week back at practice following the hamstring strain that has kept him out of the last four games . . . As Tommy DeVito is set to be the first rookie free agent quarterback to start for the Giants in the common draft era (not counting the 1987 strike-replacement games), New York is set to use a ninth starting combination on the offensive line in 10 games. Right tackle Evan Neal has been ruled out vs. Dallas with another ankle injury. He returned last week after missing the previous two games with an injury to his other ankle.