Hours away from Sunday's wild-card showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers, both squads have received encouraging news on the injury front.
For the Bolts, wide receiver Eddie Royal is expected to play despite missing practice all week long and being listed as questionable with the toe injury he's battled since October, a team source told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Royal, the team's fourth-leading receiver, is a big part of this Philip Rivers-led passing game, having dialed up a career-best eight touchdowns and served as a dangerous red-zone presence all season.
Rapoport also reported that a pair of Bengals tight ends, Tyler Eifert (neck) and Jermaine Gresham (hamstring), are expected to suit up after practicing on Friday. Both were listed as questionable, but with Cincy's season on the line, quarterback Andy Dalton will have the duo at his disposal against San Diego's up-and-down pass defense.
Bengals cornerback Terence Newman, listed as doubtful, isn't expected to play through the pain of a knee injury, but Rapoport was told he could be back next week if the Bengals prevail. The "Around The League Podcast" is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
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