NFL Player News

  • Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Targeted five times Sunday

    Smith-Njigba (wrist) finished with three catches (five targets) for 13 yards in Sunday's blowout loss to the Rams.

    Smith-Njigba was bottled up like rest of the Seahawks' receiving corps minus DK Metcalf, who scored the team's lone touchdown Sunday. The positive takeaway for the rookie was his presence in the lineup and his usage (five targets tied for team lead) following wrist surgery just over three weeks prior to kickoff. Smith-Njigba appears to have a lock on the slot position in Seattle, and he could see extra targets against the Lions next week if Tyler Lockett (head) has lingering effects after missing part of Sunday's loss.

  • Trey Palmer WR | NO

    Buccaneers' Trey Palmer: Finds end zone in Week 1 win

    Palmer brought in two of three targets for eight yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 20-17 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

    Palmer checked in far behind position mates Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in overall production, but he joined Evans in crossing the goal line on the afternoon. The speedy rookie utilized his wheels on the crossing route that resulted in his third-quarter seven-yard scoring grab, one that capped an impressive 16-play 75-yard march and snapped a 10-10 tie. Palmer appears to have a solid hold on the No. 3 receiver role for the time being despite fellow speedster Deven Thompkins also putting some good play on film Sunday, and he could have some opportunities for downfield success against a vulnerable Bears secondary during a Week 2 home matchup.

  • Patriots' JuJu Smith-Schuster: Mediocre Patriots debut

    Smith-Schuster recorded four catches on seven targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Eagles.

    Smith-Schuster's seven targets appear to be a solid mark. However, Mac Jones took to the air 54 times and DeVante Parker (knee) was also sidelined. Aside from volume, Smith-Schuster's performance was uninspiring, as only one of his four catches went for more than 10 yards. Assuming New England isn't playing from behind on a weekly basis, he'll have a harder time carving out a significant workload, especially considering the emergence of Demario Douglas.

  • Seahawks' Tyler Lockett: Leaves game briefly

    Lockett (head) finished with two catches (four targets) for 10 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Rams.

    Lockett was forced out of the contest for concussion evaluation before being cleared to return and finish out the game. It was a disappointing showing from Seattle's entire passing offense, and the veteran wideout had the added concern regarding his health. The fact that Lockett finished the game without issue bodes well for his prospects heading into next week's tilt against Detroit, but he will likely have to clear the league's protocol before receiving clearance.

  • Rashid Shaheed WR | SEA

    Saints' Rashid Shaheed: Finds end zone Week 1

    Shaheed gathered in five of six targets for 89 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 16-15 win against Tennessee. He also rushed twice for 11 yards.

    Shaheed found a role as one of the Saints' most dynamic all-around offensive players last season, and he continued to fill this role Sunday. The 6-foot speedster accounted for two of New Orleans' three longest plays from scrimmage as well as its lone touchdown, hauling in a 19-yard pass from quarterback Derek Carr during the third quarter. Shaheed logged the Saints' third-most targets behind fellow wideouts Chris Olave (10) and Michael Thomas (eight); however, the team seems intent on getting Shaheed the ball in any way possible, as he also finished with the team's second-most rushing yards behind No. 1 back Jamaal Williams (45). Shaheed's ability to make big plays in space should continue to net him a healthy workload this season.

  • DeVonta Smith WR | PHI

    Eagles' DeVonta Smith: Tallies touchdown in opener

    Smith recorded seven receptions on 10 targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 25-20 win over the Patriots.

    Smith matched A.J. Brown in targets and receptions, though he wound up with 32 fewer yards. He made up for that gap in production with a five-yard touchdown reception late in the first quarter, though ultimately the entire Philadelphia offense was held back by rainy conditions in Foxboro. The Eagles should find more offensive success in a Week 2 matchup against the Vikings, benefitting Smith and the rest of the skill-position players.

  • Mike Williams WR | LAC

    Chargers' Mike Williams: Not significant factor

    Williams gathered in four of his five targets for 45 yards during Sunday's 36-34 loss to the Dolphins.

    Williams briefly left the game in the second quarter after taking a strong shot to the head, but the big-bodied target returned shortly thereafter and wound up making a big catch in the fourth quarter to extend a critical scoring drive. Even prior to the injury, Williams wasn't a massive offensive focus as the Chargers tallied nearly 240 yards on the ground. At least rookie first-round pick Quentin Johnston didn't end up threatening Williams' workload, as the 22-year-old had just two catches for nine yards.

  • Chase Claypool WR | BUF

    Bears' Chase Claypool: Shut out in opener

    Claypool was targeted twice but failed to record a reception in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Packers.

    Claypool was a non-factor in a game during which seven different Chicago players caught a pass. The veteran has reached 30 yards once over his last eight games with the Bears, making him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.

  • Tyler Scott WR | LAR

    Bears' Tyler Scott: Pair of grabs in debut

    Scott caught two passes for 14 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Packers.

    Scott caught both of his targets, though neither gained more than nine yards. Although he tied DJ Moore and Chase Claypool for second among Chicago wide receivers in targets, there were five teammates who saw more passes than the rookie. Look for Scott to battle with Claypool for snaps in three-receiver sets going forward.

  • Keenan Allen WR | LAC

    Chargers' Keenan Allen: Capable target again

    Allen gathered in six of nine targets for 76 yards during Sunday's 36-34 loss against Miami.

    Allen's 36-yard catch on the team's opening possession set the tone for what quickly became an offensive explosion, but unfortunately for the pass catchers, the Chargers' rushing attack was dynamic throughout and limited the amount of times quarterback Justin Herbert took to the air. Allen easily finished with the team lead in targets (nine) and didn't seem to have his role threatened at all by first-round pick Quentin Johnston. So long as Allen stays healthy, the veteran is poised to be the top receiving threat in an offensive that appears to be one of the better ones in the league.

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