NFL Player News

Watson (hamstring) is listed as inactive Sunday in Carolina, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Watson hasn't practiced since straining his right hamstring in the last few minutes of a Week 13 win against the Chiefs. He showed some progress in his recovery by donning a helmet and cleats while taking part in Friday's team stretch. In the end, though, Watson's doubtful listing on the Packers' final Week 16 injury report forecast the likelihood of a third consecutive absence Sunday. He'll now turn his focus to next Sunday night's road matchup with the Vikings.

Boykin secured his lone target for six yards during the Steelers' 34-11 win over the Bengals on Saturday.

Boykin wasn't targeted in any of the last six matchups, but he logged a reception as part of the Steelers' strong offensive showing Saturday. He's secured three of four targets for 17 yards over 15 appearances this season and shouldn't be a fantasy-relevant player over the final two weeks of the year.

Austin failed to secure either of his targets while rushing once for seven yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 34-11 win over the Bengals.

Austin hasn't been a major part of the Steelers offense for most of the 2023 campaign, but he reached the end zone during Saturday's blowout win on an end-around run in the first half for his first career rushing touchdown. Over 10 appearances since Pittsburgh's Week 6 bye, Austin has secured five of eight targets for 37 yards while rushing eight times for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Robinson secured all four of his targets for 36 yards during Saturday's 34-11 win over Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh's offense was clicking with Mason Rudolph under center Saturday, and Robinson had his highest reception total since Week 5 and his highest yardage total since the regular-season opener. He's tallied double-digit yards in six consecutive games, securing 15 of 18 targets for 126 yards during that time. Despite Saturday's encouraging performance, it seems unlikely that Robinson will be a significant fantasy asset over the final two weeks of the season.

Pierce could serve as the Colts' No. 1 receiver Sunday against the Falcons with Michael Pittman (concussion/shoulder) set to miss his first game of the season, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Though Boyd specifically names Pierce as the top candidate to step in as the Colts' top wideout Sunday, rookie Josh Downs has also been a regular alongside Pierce and Pittman in three-receiver sets this season and should see an expanded profile in the passing game as well. Pierce and Downs may not face much competition for looks from quarterback Gardner Minshew, as none of the team's other receivers, tight ends or running backs have proven to be high-volume targets this season. Since Week 7, only one Colts pass catcher other than Pittman, Pierce or Downs has drawn six or more targets in a game (running back Zack Moss, eight targets in Week 14).

Collins (calf), who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to suit up Sunday versus Cleveland, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Collins looks poised to return from a one-game absence due to a strained calf, but he'll have to work with Case Keenum as his quarterback, with C.J. Stroud (concussion) out at least one more week. Official word on Collins' status will arrive when Houston posts its inactive list 90 minutes ahead of the 1 p.m. ET Christmas Eve kickoff. Fantasy managers may be tempted to tread cautiously considering Collins' circumstances, but it's worth noting that Noah Brown turned in a massive 8-82-1 receiving line on 11 targets with Keenum as his quarterback last week, albeit in an easier matchup against Tennessee's defense.

Jones (hamstring/knee) isn't expected to play Sunday versus the Buccaneers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones is officially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but head coach Doug Pederson stated Friday that the slot man wasn't on track to be available at Tampa Bay. Pederson labeled Jones "week-to-week" when he spoke about the receiver's injury Wednesday, so the bigger question may be whether Jones will be ready to return to action Week 17 against Carolina. If Jones is indeed included among Jacksonville's inactive players Sunday, additional snaps at receiver will be available for Parker Washington, Jamal Agnew and Tim Jones behind top wideout Calvin Ridley.

Wicks (ankle), who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against Carolina, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Wicks' availability is more crucial than usual for Green Bay, with Christian Watson (hamstring) listed as doubtful and rookie slot man Jayden Reed (toe) questionable after missing practice Friday. Himself a rookie fifth-round pick, Wicks stepped up to secure six of nine targets for 97 yards versus the Buccaneers in Week 15 with Watson sidelined. An ankle injury limited Wicks' participation in Week 16 practices, but he appears to be trending positively for Sunday's game. Official word on his status will come when Green Bay posts its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff time.

Johnston had two receptions (five targets) for 29 yards and gained one yard on his only rushing attempt in Saturday's 24-22 loss to Buffalo.

Johnston remained a starter under interim head coach Giff Smith after Keenan Allen (heel) missed his second game in a row Saturday. The first-round rookie's five targets were his most since Week 11, but a poor conversion rate resulted in mediocre fantasy numbers. Fellow starter Joshua Palmer and tight end Gerald Everett tied for the team lead in targets with eight Saturday, leaving Johnston's role unchanged following the Chargers' recent staffing shuffle. Given that fact, Johnston makes for a risky play against Denver in Week 17.

Palmer had five receptions on eight targets for 47 yards in Saturday's 24-22 loss to the Bills.

Palmer continued to serve as the Chargers' No. 1 wideout after Keenan Allen (heel) was forced to miss his second week of action in a row. The former finished as his team's leading receiver, but he failed to recreate last week's long touchdown grab. Palmer's eight targets tied tight end Gerald Everett (7-42-0) for the team lead in that category as well. The end result was a solid receiving line from Palmer, who has a chance to close out the year as the Chargers' top outside option if Allen is unable to return against either the Broncos next Sunday or the Chiefs in Week 18.