NFL Player News

Shakir caught both of his targets for 23 yards in Sunday's win over the Ravens.

While the production wasn't huge, the rookie's catches were timely, and the 17-point comeback may not have been possible without Shakir's contributions. The fifth-round rookie from Boise State had an excellent camp, but he's been inactive for two games to date while the Super Bowl-contending Bills have gone with more established players to keep their high-powered offense chugging. Those plans could be changing, however, with Jamison Crowder suffering a broken ankle, Isaiah McKenzie in the concussion protocol and Jake Kumerow missing Sunday's win with an ankle injury.

Carter caught two of his three targets for 16 yards in the 34-24 win Sunday over the Texans. He also lost a fumble.

The days of Carter being a fringe fantasy play could be over as Keenan Allen, who missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, is listed as day-to-day heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Browns. During Allen's three-game absence, Carter has not seen more than four targets in a contest. After two straight weeks to open the season with receptions of 20-plus yards, the speedy receiver largely has been used as a gimmick option since then.

Palmer caught his lone reception for 25 yards in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Texans.

Keenan Allen (hamstring) missed his third straight game, but with the Chargers ahead for most of the game Palmer ultimately took a back seat, playing just 57 percent of the offensive snaps compared to 90-plus in the past two contests. Allen is listed as day-to-day entering Week 5 and likely would bump Palmer completely out of the slot, where he's been thriving in past weeks. Expect more inconsistent performances to follow despite being well-situated in an explosive offense.

Smith recorded one reception on two targets for 18 yards during Sunday's 28-25 loss to Minnesota.

Smith played just 14 of the Saints' 60 offensive snaps after sustaining a concussion last week and clearing protocols Friday. As a result, the 6-foot-2 speedster was unable to capitalize on his opportunity for a bigger role with No. 1 wideout Michael Thomas (foot) sidelined Sunday. Smith suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the preseason that sidelined him for New Orleans' first two games, though he caught four of his five targets for 105 yards before exiting in Week 3. The fifth-year pass catcher will have a full week to rest and recover before Sunday's game against Seattle.

Callaway caught three of his six targets for 53 yards during Sunday's 28-25 loss to the Vikings.

After failing to haul in his lone target during the first half, Callaway caught all three of his passes on the Saints' opening drive of the third quarter. The third-year pass catcher also recorded his team's longest play from scrimmage with a 33-yard reception down to Minnesota's eight-yard line. Callaway played the most offensive snaps (58 of 60) of any Saints wide receiver with Michael Thomas (foot) ruled out Week 4, as fellow starters Chris Olave (41) and Jarvis Landry (38) were both limited to under 68 percent of the team's snaps on offense due to a bone bruise and ankle issue, respectively. Callaway finished behind Olave for the second-most targets from backup quarterback Andy Dalton, and he may retain a starting role so long as Thomas remains sidelined.

Goodwin wasn't targeted in Sunday's 48-45 win over the Lions.

Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 320 yards, but he didn't look Goodwin's way in the shootout win. Still, it's good news that Goodwin is running as the No. 3 receiver ahead of Dee Eskridge, who logged 17 offensive snaps while Goodwin played 27 snaps.

Pascal finished with zero catches on one target Sunday against Jacksonville.

Pascal caught at least one pass in each of the first three games of the season, but he didn't play a major role in any of those contests, topping out at just three receptions. He was blanked Week 4, with no wideout other than A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith hauling in a pass.

Watkins failed to pull in his lone target Sunday against the Jaguars.

Watkins played a season-high 46 offensive snaps, but he again didn't play much of a role in the game plan. He's now gone without a catch in three out of four games this season. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith continue to hog nearly all of the wideout targets, and it likely will take an injury to at least one of them for Watkins to have meaningful fantasy appeal.

Alexander reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Alexander served as Detroit's primary returner after being activated for Week 4, recording 62 yards on three kick returns over nine special-teams snaps. The 25-year-old wideout was not targeted over two offensive snaps played with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and DJ Chark (ankle) both sidelined. Alexander will be available for two more gameday elevations from the Lions' practice squad this season.

Hinton reverted to the Broncos' practice squad Monday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Hinton caught two of three targets for 39 yards in Sunday's loss to the Raiders. He also saw the third-most snaps of any Broncos receiver with 30, trailing only Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. This was the third straight week that Hinton was elevated from the practice squad, so he'll need to be signed to the active roster if he's going to appear for Denver again this season.