Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard is a longshot to play in Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns. In fact, it "won't happen," according to Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Bernard is dealing with a hip injury that forced him out of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He sustained the hip injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, and missed his first action of the season. Fortunately, Jeremy Hill was more than capable in relief of Bernard against Jacksonville. He carried the ball 24 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns. On the season, Bernard has 104 carries for 446 yards and five touchdowns, while Hill has 74 carries for 349 yards and five touchdowns.
Fantasy Impact: There needs to be more concrete reports, and we'll need to see how practice shapes up, but Bernard being inactive for Thursday's game against Cleveland does make sense. It's a short week and he's dealing with that injury, so resting him and giving Hill more opportunities -- since he's running well -- is a no-brainer. Fantasy owners should expect Hill to start at this point.