Two star running backs will miss their Week 12 tussles.
Both Arian Foster and Reggie Bush will miss their respective games, according to the teams.
Foster didn't practice Thursday or Friday while still nursing the groin injury he suffered in Week 9 that forced him to miss last Sunday's contest. When healthy this season, Foster has looked explosive and has displayed his easy running style. He currently sits at third in the NFL in rushing with 822 yards.
However, Sunday will mark the third full game Foster has missed this season. In his stead, expect Alfred Blue to get the bulk of the carries against the Cincinnati Bengals and their 28th-ranked run defense.
Bush will miss his second straight game and fourth of the season as he deals with a nagging ankle injury. It's been a disappointing season for the back, who has struggled to stay healthy, lacked explosion when on the field -- his longest run has been a 26-yarder -- and has topped 50 yards in a game just once.
Joique Bell will carry the load again for the Detroit Lions against the New England Patriots, with Theo Riddick being deployed as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Here's the rest of Sunday's injury news:
- Julius Thomas (ankle) is a game-time decision for the Broncos and he doesn't even know if he'll be good to go today, according to Rapoport.
- The Cardinals will face the Seahawks without their star veteran wide receiver. Larry Fitzgerald is out due to a MCL sprain, Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the injury.
- Ben Tate is active for the Vikings less than a week after being picked up from the waiver wire following his release from the Browns. Matt Asiata (concussion) is inactive for Minnesota and Tate is expected to have a role. Wideout Greg Jennings (ribs) and left tackle Matt Kalil (knee) will both play for the Vikings against the Packers. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) is inactive.
- The Bucs will be at full strength at the running back position for the first time all season. Both Doug Martin (ankle) and Charles Sims (ankle) will both be active together for the first time all season. Martin hasn't played in three games and will be good to go. Linebacker Lavonte David (hamstring) will miss a game for the first time in his career.
- Life won't be easy for RGIII today as left tackle Trent Williams (knee, ankle) is unlikely to play against the 49ers this afternoon, according to Rapoport.
- Defensive tackle Nick Fairley (knee) is among those inactive for the Lions.
- Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby (knee) and tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion) won't play against the Falcons. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard (foot) is active for the team.
- As expected, Falcons wideout Julio Jones (ankle) is active and will play against the Browns.
- Titans tight end Delanie Walker is active against the Eagles after missing last week due to a concussion.
- The Bengals will have running back Giovani Bernard (hip) against the Texans, though Jeremy Hill is still expected to get a good amount of touches.
- The Jaguars will have the services of tight end Marcedes Lewis for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in Week 2.
