NFL Player News

Evans (hamstring) may have avoided a serious injury after being forced out of Sunday's 9-0 loss to the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Evans escaping without a severe injury is particularly good news for the Buccaneers considering that Chris Godwin is reportedly in danger of missing the rest of the regular season due to an MCL sprain. That said, soft tissue injuries can be difficult to deal with, so Evans' status at practice will need to be monitored closely before any assumptions about his Week 16 availability can be made.

Godwin (knee) could miss the rest of the regular season due to an MCL sprain suffered during Sunday's shutout loss to the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Godwin is a likely candidate for IR, according to Rapoport, though Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Buccaneers haven't yet made any decision about shutting him down for the final three games of the regular season. It appears that there's optimism about Godwin's chances of returning for the playoffs, but at the very least he seems likely to miss Week 16 at Carolina. The status of Mike Evans (hamstring), who was also forced off the field Sunday night, becomes increasingly key for that contest. Tampa Bay is expected to get Antonio Brown back from his three-game suspension, but the status of his ankle sprain also remains a question mark. Behind that trio, the team has Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller and Breshad Perriman (COVID-19) in the wideout mix.

Lazard caught two passes for 23 yards and had one carry for five yards in Sunday's 31-30 victory over the Ravens.

Lazard had a couple chances to find paydirt in Sunday's contest, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers misfired in both instances and Lazard wound up doing little for fantasy players. Lazard is locked into a key role, so he will have a chance to bounce back in the Packers' Christmas Day matchup with the Browns. However, he will have his work cut out for him against a Cleveland defense that has fared well against wide receivers in recent weeks.

Moore was active but did not play on offense during Houston's 30-16 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

Moore, who was a healthy inactive the previous week, returned to the lineup but played 21 snaps on special teams only. He took a back seat to Jordan Veasy, a practice squad receiver who played 15 snaps with the offense in his first game action of 2021.

Conley caught two of four targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 30-16 win over Jacksonville.

Conley tied rookie Nico Collins for second-most targets behind Brandin Cooks, who remains the clear top option among Houston wide receivers. An interesting wrinkle has developed, however, with Phillip Dorsett now in the mix. Dorsett has been targeted six times in two games since joining Houston's active roster, and the newcomer finished second on the team with 43 yards Sunday.

Johnson had four receptions (seven targets) for 41 yards in Sunday's 9-0 loss to New Orleans.

The Buccaneers lost wideouts Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (knee) early in this contest, opening the door for Johnson to see an expanded role in the passing game. The 2020 fifth-round draft pick had seen 60 percent or more of the offensive snaps in six of the Bucs' last seven contests, but he averaged just 2.3 receptions and 19.6 yards per game over that stretch of games. Johnson and fellow wideout Scotty Miller (2-18-0) may see increased usage against the Panthers next Sunday if Evans and/or Godwin are unable to suit up.

Callaway caught six of nine targets for 112 receiving yards in Sunday's 9-0 win over the Buccaneers.

Callaway was the lone skill position player for either team to eclipse the century mark in what turned out to be a defensive showdown. The 23-year-old finally broke free for a big 40-yard leaping reception in the second half after the Saints offense dinked and dunked for the majority of the contest. This was Callaway's first 100-plus yard receiving game this season, and he totaled just 47 yards in his previous two games with Taysom Hill under center, so fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to this strong performance heading into a Week 16 matchup against the Dolphins.

Washington recorded three receptions on five targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 19-13 win over Tennessee.

Washington tied with Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson for the team lead in targets Sunday, though the entire Pittsburgh offense posted uninspiring numbers. Most notable was that Washington outplayed Chase Claypool -- who recorded zero receptions on only two targets -- in what could be a sign that Washington is rising up the depth chart. Washington has recorded a combined seven receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown across his last two games. The Steelers' Week 16 matchup against Kansas City could provide for better offensive numbers, though Washington's role remains uncertain.

Collins secured two of four targets for 14 yards in the Texans' 30-16 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

Just a week after logging a career-high 10 targets against the Seahawks, Collins saw a significant downturn in involvement Sunday. The rookie's yardage tally was his third lowest of the season as far as games in which he'd recorded at least one catch. Despite the disappointing performance, Collins' talent and speed could well allow him to quickly recapture his rhythm with fellow first-year battery mate Davis Mills during a Week 16 home matchup against the Chargers.

Higgins recorded two receptions on three targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 15-10 win over Denver.

Higgins entered Sunday's game having earned at least seven targets in each of his last three games. However, offensive volume was virtually nonexistent for all Cincinnati skill-position players against Denver, as Joe Burrow took to the air only 22 times. Despite limited opportunities, Higgins still managed to display some big-play ability by ripping off a 17-yard gain early in the first quarter. He should also be in position for a bounce-back effort heading into a Week 16 matchup against a depleted Baltimore secondary.