NFL Player News

Samuel secured nine of 11 targets for 159 yards and rushed five times for 32 yards in the 49ers' 20-17 loss to the Titans on Thursday night. He also committed two fumbles, losing one and recovering the other.

Samuel comfortably paced the 49ers' pass catchers in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night, and he also made his customary contributions in the ground attack. The third-year wideout contributed the biggest play of the night for San Francisco as well, recording a 56-yard grab with 3:42 remaining that took the ball down to the Titans' six-yard line to set up Brandon Aiyuk's game-tying touchdown grab. Samuel's yardage total was his highest since Week 8, and he extended his streak of at least five rush attempts to six games. Samuel's next opportunity to build on his spectacular numbers comes in a Week 17 home matchup versus the Texans.

Metcalf (foot) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Metcalf has opened Week 16 prep with back-to-back capped sessions. Practice limitations have become the norm for the third-year wide receiver since he sustained a foot injury sometime around Week 4. He still managed a 93 percent share of offensive snaps Tuesday against the Rams en route to 12 targets, but those numbers could take a hit with the Seahawks activating Tyler Lockett (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday. No matter, Russell Wilson seems poised to have Lockett and Metcalf at his disposal Sunday versus the Bears, assuming the latter is available to the Seahawks offense.

Thielen (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.

Thielen has put in some work at both a walkthrough Wednesday and a regular session Thursday, potentially positioning him to put an end to a two-game absence and return Sunday versus the Rams. Friday's practice report will indicate whether he has a chance to do so, but the Vikings could use his services this weekend after Dalvin Cook (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Cook won't be available, so if Thielen is cleared to play on his left ankle, Minnesota's primary options in the passing game would be Thielen, Justin Jefferson and Alexander Mattison.

Conley (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Barring a setback Friday, Conley will be on the field Sunday against the Chargers. Even with quarterback Davis Mills showing some promise under center in recent weeks, the Texans' passing game has struggled outside of No. 1 wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but both Conley and rookie Nico Collins could get more opportunities against the Chargers if Cooks doesn't return from the reserve/COVID-19 list by then.

Benson (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Benson has frequently been a healthy scratch of late, but he may not be available whatsoever come Sunday against the Falcons unless the 24-year-old wide receiver is able to promptly test out of COVID-19 protocols. He has just eight catches for 72 yards this season and is still searching for his first NFL touchdown.

Goodwin (foot) practiced fully Thursday.

After handling every practice rep for the first time since sustaining a foot injury in a Thanksgiving Day win at Detroit, Goodwin is poised to put an end to a three-game absence. The Bears' top WR Allen Robinson (undisclosed) remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so Goodwin could be in line for a bigger snap share Sunday at Seattle if the former is unable to clear league protocols. Currently, Darnell Mooney and Damiere Byrd are the only other healthy wide receivers on the active roster.

Sutton (wrist) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Sutton's reps were capped in the Broncos' first Week 16 session Wednesday, but his ability to upgrade to full activity a day later clears the way for him to play Sunday against the Raiders. With Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) ruled out for the contest, Sutton will be drawing targets this week from Drew Lock, who will be making his first start of the season after previously coming on in relief of an injured Bridgewater on three other occasions. The quarterback change can't hurt Sutton's fantasy outlook, as he's been held to two or fewer receptions in each of the Broncos' last seven games after averaging 5.4 catches through the first seven contests.

Duvernay (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN reports.

Both Duvernay and quarterback Lamar Jackson have kicked off the week with consecutive absences due to their respective injuries. The latter's status is more significant, but Duvernay's absence would be nothing to sneeze at considering he's a Pro Bowl return man on special teams and provides depth at wide receiver. James Proche would likely take Duvernay's spot on special teams if the 2020 third-round pick can't go Sunday in Cincinnati.

Taylor (shoulder) won't play Saturday against the Browns, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

With Taylor having been ruled out, punt returner Amari Rodgers is expected to return kickoffs as well. Taylor will look to heal up in time to face the Vikings in Week 17.

St. Brown has cleared the concussion protocol and will play Saturday against the Browns, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

St. Brown participated fully in practice Thursday, paving the way for him to suit up. The 6-foot-5, 214-pounder has caught just six passes all season, but St. Brown could take on a larger role Saturday if Marquez Valdes-Scantling (illness) is unable to clear COVID-19 protocols by then.