NFL Player News

James caught all three of his targets for 54 yards in Monday's 20-14 loss versus the Raiders.

With Kadarius Toney (hip) sidelined in Week 16, James was able to take over a larger share of Kansas City's offense in the slot and logged a season-high 25 snaps, helping him to season-bests in receptions and receiving yards. His biggest play of the day came in the middle of the fourth quarter, when he settled into a busted coverage on the right hash and recorded a 45-yard catch and run. He's been relatively efficient with the opportunities he's gotten this year, but his overall lack of consistent involvement in the offense means he's still not bankable in most formats.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen was non-committal Tuesday about Thomas' (knee) status for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, though the expectation is that the wideout won't practice this week, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Thomas has already missed five games with a right knee injury he suffered Nov. 12 against the Vikings, but there's little indication he's close to a return. The wideout was eligible to have his 21-day evaluation window opened last week, but the Saints didn't clear him to practice at any point, and he doesn't appear set to resume on-field work this week, either. With Thomas trending toward another absence, the Saints will be left with A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood and Lynn Bowden as their depth options behind starting wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

Valdes-Scantling did not catch his only target in Monday's 20-14 loss versus the Raiders.

Despite leading Kansas City's wide receivers in snaps Monday (58), Valdes-Scantling was only able to draw one target, which he couldn't haul in. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't have much time in the pocket, so the longer routes that are Valdes-Scantling's calling card were simply not in play for much of the game. He'll look to bounce back in Week 17 versus the Bengals.

Bell caught his only target for a 12-yard touchdown in Monday's 33-19 loss to Baltimore.

Bell saw his role elevated slightly with the 49ers missing a few role players in the primetime loss to the Ravens. The 2023 seventh-round selection wound up playing seven total snaps Monday, four of which came on special teams and the last three coming on offense when the game was well out of hand. He made the most of his limited opportunities by grabbing his second touchdown of the season on a pass from Sam Darnold. Bell's first score came back in Week 3, and he has seen just four total targets in 11 active games between those trips to the end zone. Given his sporadic usage and the nature of Monday's score, Bell should not be considered as a fantasy option for Week 17 when the 49ers visit the Commanders on Dec. 31.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism Tuesday that Jones (hamstring) could play Sunday against the Panthers, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Pederson said Jones will practice Wednesday, though it's unclear to what extent the receiver will mix into drills. The veteran wideout was injured in a Week 15 loss to the Ravens and was forced to miss the Jaguars' 30-12 loss to Buccaneers this past Sunday. With Christian Kirk (groin) still on injured reserve, the flailing Jaguars badly need any help they can get for quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), whose status for Week 17 is up in the air after he suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 16. Tim Jones, Parker Washington, Elijah Cooks and Jamal Agnew soaked up the wide receiver snaps behind Calvin Ridley versus Tampa Bay.

Jackson reverted to the Vikings' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Jackson played one offensive snap and 12 snaps on special teams Week 16, in what was his NFL debut. The former XFL player will now await another chance to be elevated from the practice squad while continuing his development in Minnesota.

Fernea reverted to the Colts' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Fernea played two offensive snaps and 12 snaps on special teams during Sunday's loss at Atlanta. His chances of being elevated again Week 17 may come down to whether Michael Pittman's (shoulder) is able to retake the field. Fernea has yet to draw a target across two appearances this season.

Melton reverted to Green Bay's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Melton played 25 of 66 offensive snaps during Sunday's win over the Panthers with both Christian Watson (hamstring) and Jayden Reed (toe/chest) sidelined, securing four of six targets for 44 yards. He also rushed once for seven yards. It's quite possible Melton is elevated from the practice squad again Week 17 at Minnesota, if one or both of Watson/Reed remain sidelined.

Moore caught two of four targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 36-22 win over Houston in Week 16.

Moore was held to under 20 receiving yards for the second consecutive game and fourth time this season. Cleveland's passing game with Joe Flacco at quarterback has become all about Amari Cooper and David Njoku, although Moore has a healthy 98 targets (third on team) over 15 games.

Jones caught one of four targets for five yards in Monday's 33-25 win over the Giants.

Jones' four targets were a season high. He's yet to reach double-digit receiving yards in any of his nine games with the Eagles this season, averaging 0.8 catches for 3.0 yards per game.