NFL Player News

Aiyuk secured three of six targets for 32 yards in the 49ers' 24-21 divisional-round win over the Packers on Saturday night.

Aiyuk had an underwhelming night by any measure, but especially within the context of Deebo Samuel exiting the game for good in the first half due to a shoulder injury. Aiyuk recorded a career-best 1,342 yards on the strength of a career-high 28 receptions of 20+ yards across 16 regular-season games; therefore, despite Saturday's downturn, Aiyuk, who tallied three 100-yard efforts in his last four full games of the regular-season campaign, should have a strong chance to bounce back against the vulnerable secondary of either the Buccaneers or Lions in an NFC Championship Game matchup on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Reed recorded four receptions on four targets for 35 yards in Saturday's 24-21 loss to the 49ers. He added one rush for nine yards.

The Packers had all of their top pass-catching options available, so targets were spread widely. That limited Reed's volume, and he was also primarily limited to opportunity in the short areas of the field, with the exception being a 29-yard catch deep down the right sideline early in the second quarter. After ending the regular season as the team's most productive pass catcher, Reed was overshadowed by Romeo Doubs in the postseason and was shut out from the stat sheet in the wild-card round. Nevertheless, it was a promising rookie season for Reed overall -- he found the end zone 10 times in 16 regular-season games -- but target volume will remain an issue in 2024 due to the number of young receivers on the roster.

Doubs recorded four receptions on six targets for 83 yards in Saturday's 24-21 loss to the 49ers.

As has been the case all season, targets were spread evenly between multiple Packers pass catchers. Doubs finished tied for the team lead with six opportunities, and he was by far the most efficient with his chances thanks to long gains of 38, 22 and 15 yards. After it previously appeared that he slipped behind Jayden Reed as the top pass catcher on the team, Doubs combined to record 234 yards across two playoff contests. His ability to consistently command targets will remain an issue in 2024, as Christian Watson, Reed and Dontayvion Wicks will all almost certainly remain on the roster.

Bateman recorded three receptions on three targets for 39 yards in Saturday's 34-10 win over the Texans.

Baltimore dominated the Texans on the ground, limiting its need to take to the air. That led to diminished volume for all of the team's pass catchers, while Bateman to finish tied for third on the team in targets. His first catch was his most impactful, as it pushed the Ravens into field-goal range on their first offensive possession. Bateman also tacked on a 21-yard gain in the third quarter, the team's second-longest gain from scrimmage. He's had a disappointing season overall, though Bateman now has multiple catches in four of his last six contests.

Samuel (shoulder) has been ruled out from returning to Saturday's divisional-round game against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel was originally diagnosed with a head injury after exiting the game in the first quarter, and he was briefly able to return to the contest. However, he left the field soon thereafter and headed to San Francisco's locker room, where he was diagnosed with a left shoulder injury. Samuel had imaging on the shoulder and wasn't in uniform upon the start of the second half, and he's since been ruled out for the remainder of the game. Brandon Aiyuk is likely to take on an even more prominent role in the passing game due to Samuel being out of the matchup, while Jauan Jennings is likely to slide in as the 49ers' No. 2 wideout. Ray-Ray McCloud and Chris Conley could also see more work.

Flowers recorded four catches on five targets for 41 yards in Saturday's 34-10 win over the Texans.

The Ravens ran the ball 42 times in the win, which in turn limited volume for all of their pass catchers. Flowers led the team in targets but still had a modest stat line as a result, with his longest gain of the day going for 17 yards on a catch early in the second quarter. Presumably, the Ravens will be in a tighter matchup in the AFC Championship Game against either the Bills or Chiefs, which should give Flowers the chance at a more robust stat line.

Samuel is dealing with a shoulder injury and is questionable to return to Saturday's divisional-round contest against Green Bay, Bridget Condon of NFL Network reports.

Samuel exited after a catch in the first quarter and went to the medical tent. He was initially deemed questionable to return with a head injury and was subsequently cleared to re-enter the game. However, after re-entering the game, Samuel then ran to the locker room during the 49ers' next offensive drive and is now being called questionable to return again, this time with a shoulder issue. Jauan Jennings would likely be in line for more work in the passing game if Samuel is unable to re-enter the contest.

Samuel (head) has been cleared to return to Saturday's playoff game against the Packers, Bridget Condon of NFL Network reports.

Samuel headed to the medical tent after taking a hit in the first quarter, and he was initially deemed questionable to return. However, he's since been given the go-ahead to re-enter the contest. In addition to starting at wide receiver, Samuel also took the 49ers' first kick return in the divisional-round matchup.

Samuel suffered a head injury during Saturday's divisional-round matchup against Green Bay and is questionable to return, Bridget Condon of NFL Network reports.

Samuel suffered the injury after making a catch in the first quarter and took some time to leave the field. He subsequently headed to the medical tent and has been deemed questionable to return. If Samuel is unable to get back into the contest, Jauan Jennings will likely see more snaps on offense for the 49ers.

Collins recorded five receptions on 10 targets for 68 yards in Saturday's 34-10 loss to the Ravens.

Collins was a significant part of the Texans' passing attack as expected, but the team had a tough time moving the ball consistently. That limited Collins' output, though he still managed a 29-yard catch that was the highlight of his day and helped set up a field-goal attempt just before halftime. Though it wasn't the way he would have wanted to end his season, Collins turned in an impressive breakout campaign in which he set career highs in receptions (80), yards (1,297) and touchdowns (eight) across 15 regular-season games.