The Bengals aren’t big on being labeled as playing the role of spoiler for the rest of the season.

Worley Can Go Home Again With Roster Shot

Linebacker Chris Worley was promoted from the practice squad this week after linebacker Malik Jefferson went on injured reserve and he isn’t just thankful for the opportunity. He’s prepared to be the next in a long line of Bengals who went from an undrafted free agent to a regular contributor on the 53-man roster.

Notebook: Spoiler Role Spoils; Dre's Defense of Marv

Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is playing the role of spoiler when it comes to the role of spoiler with the 6-8 eliminated Bengals staring at the 6-7-1 Browns hanging in the AFC playoff chase by a decimal point when they meet Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 12) in Cleveland.

Jeff Driskel, Marvin Lewis News Conference Transcripts - 12/19

“We ran the ball really well, and that was evident. Joe (HB Joe Mixon) played well, and the offensive line played well in the run game. We made enough plays to win the game, but we still left a lot out there. There were some more big plays to be made. I personally have to give our receivers a chance to make those plays. I didn’t play my best game, or anywhere near that. But I made enough plays to win the game, and that’s what it’s all about. Any time you can get a win in the NFL, it’s good. They’re hard to come by.”

Quick Hits: Mixon Notices Alternate Fact; Dunlap Helps Geno Into Hall Jacket; Tez Returns Limited

Joe Mixon is leading the AFC in rushing with two games left after missing two games and yet he not only ended up as an alternate Pro Bowler but a third alternate. As they prepped for Sunday’s game in Cleveland (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 12) he admitted he thought he had a better chance than that.

Baker Mayfield hints he had contact with Hue Jackson after calling him ‘fake,’ expects the remark to fire up the Bengals

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Baker Mayfield indicated Wednesday he’s had contact with Hue Jackson since calling him ‘fake’ a day after the Browns beat the Bengals 35-20 in Cincinnati on Nov. 25.

Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Mixon emerges as leading rusher in AFC

CINCINNATI -- Joe Mixon leads the AFC in rushing and is fourth overall in the NFL, despite missing two games early in the season after a knee scope. The last Cincinnati Bengals running back to lead the AFC in rushing was Rudi Johnson, who had 1,458 yards in 2005.

NFL Week 16 odds: Bengals massive underdogs in rematch with Browns

Those Bengals hosted the Browns in Week 12 and got whipped 35-20. Since, the Bengals have lost two out of three and suffered further injury setbacks while the Browns have gone on to win two out of three and stay in the playoff race.

Bengals' Joe Mixon: Limited by wrist issue

Mixon logged 52 of the Bengals' 80 offensive snaps in the Week 15 win over the Raiders, carrying 27 times for 129 yards and two TDs and nabbing two receptions for one yard. Given that hefty workload, it's likely that Mixon's limitations Wednesday were maintenance-related. He should be good to go for Sunday's game in Cleveland.

Bengals News

49ers Solomon Thomas forges special bond rooted in grief

“Mr. Thomas,” wrote the grieving 9-year-old boy in Missouri to the grieving NFL player in California, “I know how you feel when your sister died. My dad died one month ago … I want you to know that you are not alone. So I will be there for you any time that you are sad.”

Report: Nathan Peterman, Raiders Agree to Contract 5 Weeks After Bills Release

Rapoport was referring to Jon Gruden's comments about Peterman before he was the head coach in Oakland. In his ESPN days, Gruden wrote the following before the 2017 NFL draft:

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Signs Endorsement Contract with Hunt's Ketchup

Per Makenzie Koch of Fox 4 Kansas City, a spokesman for Hunt's confirmed Wednesday that the company signed the newly minted Pro Bowler to an endorsement deal.

Cam Newton Reportedly Expected to Be Shut Down by Panthers with Shoulder Injury

The Carolina Panthers are starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke in place of Cam Newton for Sunday's Week 16 clash with the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium because of a shoulder injury, according to Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official website.

2019 NFL Pro Bowl snubs: Leighton Vander Esch tops the list

The 2019 Pro Bowl rosters were revealed Tuesday night on NFL Network. Congratulations to the players who received the honor! As for those who didn't? Well, certain omissions appear particularly unfortunate. Nick Shook identifies 13 Pro Bowl snubs: