NFL Player News

Bell caught his lone target for seven yards in Sunday's 35-16 win over the Cardinals.

The 49ers were without one of their top three receivers for the second consecutive week, which afforded Bell nine snaps on offense (16 percent) Sunday. The rookie was unable to repeat last week's trip to the end zone, resulting in a quiet receiving day from the Michigan product. Jauan Jennings' shin injury doesn't appear to be serious, so Bell's playing time may vanish as soon as Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Dotson was estimated as a limited participant for Monday's walkthrough due to an ankle injury.

Dotson may have sustained the injury at some point during Washington's 34-31 overtime loss to the Eagles on Sunday, when he played 53 snaps on offense and logged a 4-27-1 receiving line on nine targets. With the Commanders facing a quick turnaround Week 5 with a Thursday night matchup with the Bears, Dotson's activity level will be worth tracking Tuesday and Wednesday.

McKenzie had one reception for six yards on three targets in Sunday's overtime loss to the Rams. He also returned one punt for 13 yards.

McKenzie played on seven of the offense's 64 snaps as he continues to have a limited role as the fourth receiver. He could have a larger role on special teams with Dallis Flowers' season-ending Achilles injury, as McKenzie may take over Flower's role as the primary kickoff returner as well.

Samuel was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report with a quadriceps injury.

Samuel might have picked up the injury in the Commanders' 34-31 overtime loss to the Eagles on Sunday, when he played 52 snaps on offense and finished with seven catches for 51 yards and a one-yard touchdown run. The Commanders held a walkthrough Monday, so Samuel's activity level Tuesday and Wednesday will be more telling with regard to his status for Thursday's game against the Bears.

Osborn had just one reception on two targets in Sunday's win at Carolina.

Neither Osborn nor Jordan Addison (no receptions) had much of a role in the passing game as Justin Jefferson was the only Viking with more than two receptions. Osborn played on 40 of the offense's 48 snaps compared to Addison's 28 snaps. Addison struggled in run blocking, which may be a reason Osborn continues to play more snaps on offense than the former despite inferior receiving stats.

Jefferson hauled in two of three targets for 29 yards during Sunday's 29-23 overtime win against the Colts.

Despite being on the field for over 85 percent of snaps on offense in every game this season, a pedestrian 8-108-0 receiving line through that period shows just how far Jefferson's stock has fallen, a somewhat shocking development given he opened the year on top of the Rams' depth chart at wide receiver. Cooper Kupp (hamstring) is returning to practice this week, which likely will push Jefferson down to a No. 4 role behind Kupp, rookie phenom Puka Nacua and speedster Tutu Atwell.

Higgins said Monday that he doesn't envision his fractured rib keeping him out for an extended period and didn't rule out the possibility of playing this Sunday in Arizona if he can tolerate the pain and soreness, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Per Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer, Higgins was careful to note that he fractured just one rib rather than multiple ones when he "landed wrong" during a play in this past Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Titans. According to Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer, Higgins initially thought his injury was back tightness and continued to play through the issue, but he ended up sitting out the final two quarters after a halftime X-ray revealed a fractured rib. Though he's optimistic about his long-term health outlook, Higgins seems likely to be withheld or limited during practices this week, clouding his status for Sunday's contest.

Robinson secured one of two targets for eight yards during the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Texans on Sunday.

Although Diontae Johnson (hamstring) remained sidelined Sunday, Robinson had season-low marks in targets and receptions during the blowout loss as the Steelers offense once again sputtered. The 30-year-old's snap count has remained consistent over the first four weeks of the season, but he hasn't had enough targets to carve out a fantasy-relevant role early in 2023.

Austin secured three of five targets for 24 yards while rushing once for five yards during the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Texans on Sunday.

Austin racked up 72 yards last week, fueled by a long touchdown reception, but he was unable to generate as much production in Week 4 as the Steelers' offense sputtered once again early in the year. While Diontae Johnson (hamstring) remains on injured reserve, Austin's outlook over the next few weeks could be impacted since Mitch Trubisky will likely be taking snaps under center with Kenny Pickett (knee) expected to miss time. Austin has seen at least four targets in every game so far this year, but his overall production has been inconsistent.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Evans tweaked his hamstring during Sunday's game but didn't provide any further updates, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Evans caught all three of his targets for 40 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter. It looked like he was going to try and return for the second half, but he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the contest. While Bowles' comments weren't extensive, they do offer fantasy managers a bit of optimism, as it appears Evans' injury isn't a long-term issue. With Tampa Bay on bye Week 5, Evans should have ample time to rest and recover before the team needs to post another update.