OAK: WR Higgins could return this week

Mike Evans has now opened the week with back-to-back limited tags on the team's injury report, and he'll look to be a full participant at Wednesday's final session before Week 15.

Evans is looking to return from a broken collarbone and put the Bucs at full strength on offense for the first time since Week 4. We'll update his status from Wednesday's injury report ahead of Thursday's game.

The Cleveland Browns have placed C Ethan Pocic (Achilles) and RB Jerome Ford (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Related players: Dylan Sampson, Quinshon Judkins

While Ford wasn't all that involved in the offense, he did have five receptions over the past two weeks on six targets. That work could end up going to Sampson, which is worth noting as we head to the fantasy playoffs. Sampson is now the clear RB2 behind Judkins and has had 7-4-9 touches over the past three weeks, including 5 catches for 64 yards last week. He's definitely worth picking up as a handcuff if you're a Judkins owner, but even in deeper leagues he may have some stand-alone value.

The 49ers released kicker Matt Gay and quarterback Adrian Martinez from the practice squad on Tuesday, the team announced.

Related players: Eddy Pineiro

Pineiro is ready to return from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. He has not played since a Nov. 16 game against the Cardinals, the story said. Gay made all four field goal attempts and all four PATs during his time with the Niners.