NFL Player News

Head coach Mike Zimmer said Monday that Thielen is feeling sore following his early departure in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Rams, but the wideout is hopeful to be back on the field for the Vikings' Week 17 game in Green Bay, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Minnesota was without two of its top playmakers for most of the Week 16 loss, as running back Dalvin Cook (reserve/COVID-19 list) missed the game entirely, while Thielen played only 23 snaps before leaving after aggravating the left high-ankle sprain that kept him out the previous two contests. Cook will be eligible to rejoin the Vikings on Saturday and is expected to be ready to play in Green Bay the next day, while Thielen's status is murkier, given the recurring nature of his injury. If Thielen is sidelined for the third time in four games, K.J. Osborn and Dede Westbrook would be in store for more reps alongside No. 1 wideout Justin Jefferson.

Marshall caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers.

Marshall made his first reception since Week 6 as teammate Brandon Zylstra (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's kickoff. While finally breaking his catch slump is a welcome development for Marshall, he still was only targeted once on 41 offensive snaps. Such underwhelming involvement further emphasizes his restricted upside, and while giving the rookie second-rounder more chances to close the season could be a priority of the Panthers, Zylstra's potential return Week 17 versus the Saints could impact Marshall's usage.

Smith caught three of four targets for 86 yards in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers.

Smith, a rookie sixth-rounder, led the Panthers in receiving yards in only his fifth appearance this season, which came after teammate Brandon Zylstra (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's contest. Smith's performance was highlighted by his 63-yard connection with quarterback Sam Darnold in the second quarter, helping set up a Carolina field goal. Even though Zylstra's potential return Week 17 versus the Saints could affect Smith's involvement, his impact on just 15 offensive snaps Sunday also could result in the team handing Smith more opportunities.

Wilkerson reverted to New England's practice squad Monday.

Wilkerson was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's loss to the Bills and didn't record any stats while playing three snaps on offense and six snaps on special teams.

The Ravens restored Moore (undisclosed) to the practice squad from the practice squad COVID-19 list, Ryan Mink of the team's official website reports.

Moore entered COVID-19 protocols on Dec. 17. He will now be allowed to return to practice and will continue to look to make an impression.

Smith (shoulder) is listed as active Monday against the Dolphins.

After a week in which his practice reps were limited by a shoulder injury, Smith has been deemed able to play through the issue. With Deonte Harris (COVID-19) serving the last of this three-game suspension Monday, Smith, Marquez Callaway, Ty Montgomery, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Kenny Stills, Easop Winston and Kawaan Baker will be the wide receivers available to rookie quarterback Ian Book, who is filling in for Taysom Hill (COVID-19) and Trevor Siemian (COVID-19).

Baker was elevated from the Saints' practice squad ahead of Monday's game against the Dolphins, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Baker will join the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement for Week 16. The 2021 seventh-rounder hasn't yet made his regular-season debut in the NFL, and he's unlikely to have a significant fantasy role Monday.

Winston was elevated from the Saints' practice squad ahead of Monday's game against the Dolphins, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Winston will join the active roster for a third straight week since Deonte Harris (undisclosed) is on the reserve/COVID-19 list. However, Winston is unlikely to have a significant fantasy impact since he's been targeted just once across the last two games.

Chicago activated Robinson (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Larry Meyer of the Bears' official site reports.

After testing positive for the virus Dec. 16, Robinson missed two consecutive games before he was cleared to rejoin the facility Monday following an 11-day quarantine. Because Robinson will be on track for a full slate of practices this week, he should be able to handle a normal snap count Sunday against the Giants, assuming he feels fine from a conditioning standpoint. A hamstring injury and the stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list has resulted in Robinson making just one appearance since the Bears' Week 10 bye.

Green Bay placed Rodgers on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday after he tested positive for the virus, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Rodgers returned two kickoffs for 44 yards and one punt for nine yards while not playing an offensive snap during Saturday's win over the Browns. He's now in the health and safety protocols, and his availability for Week 17 is in question.