NFL Player News

Toney caught six of nine targets for 78 yards and added a one-yard rush in Sunday's 27-21 overtime win over the Saints.

Toney took advantage of increased playing time with both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton sidelined by hamstring injuries. The rookie first-round pick led the team in targets and finally showcased his playmaking ability after totaling just 14 receiving yards through three weeks. Even if the injured receivers are able to return in Week 5 against the Cowboys, Toney should remain a prominent component of the Giants' passing game moving forward.

Lamb recorded two receptions on five targets for 13 yards in Sunday's Week 4 win over the Panthers.

Despite the down performance, Lamb managed to finish second on the team with five targets. However, Dak Prescott attempted only 22 passes, which limited the volume for all Dallas receivers. Even taking that into account, Lamb's production across the last two weeks has become concerning, as he's commanded only eight targets for five receptions and 79 yards combined. In Week 5, Lamb and the Cowboys will take on the Giants.

Smith-Schuster hauled in two of eight targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Packers.

Smith-Schuster's eight targets Sunday ranked second on the team, but he was unable to generate much production against the Packers' stingy defense. After topping 40 receiving yards in each of the first two weeks of the season, he's now totaled just 36 yards across the last two games. The 24-year-old will have more competition for targets against Denver in Week 5 if Chase Claypool (hamstring) is cleared to return.

Lockett (hip) caught four of five targets for 24 yards against San Francisco on Sunday.

Lockett toughed out the hip injury to make some catches underneath for the Seahawks, but the Seattle passing game was generally ineffective Sunday, and Lockett's modest numbers partially reflect that. Lockett gets a potentially tough short-week matchup with the Rams defense Thursday, so the going won't get any easier. The Seahawks passing game will attempt to answer the call in a crucial divisional game.

Metcalf caught four of eight targets for 65 yards and one touchdown against San Francisco on Sunday.

Metcalf wasn't especially efficient Sunday, but the Seahawks offense in general sputtered a bit against the 49ers, especially early on. It'd be nice to see more life from the Seahawks passing game, but on the other hand it's reassuring to see Metcalf produce even when the offense is not explosive. The Seahawks have a short week to prepare for the Rams on Thursday.

Washington brought in four of five targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Packers.

Washington saw increased work last week with Diontae Johnson sidelined, and he remained involved in Week 4 since Chase Claypool (hamstring) was unavailable. He saw five targets for a second consecutive game and logged a season-high 69 yards in the loss. The 2018 second-rounder now has nine receptions for 99 yards across the first four weeks of the 2021 campaign. His workload at home against the Broncos in Week 5 likely depends on whether Claypool is able to return to the field.

Johnson hauled in nine of 13 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Packers.

Johnson missed last week's game with a knee injury but logged full practices Thursday and Friday and saw plenty of work against Green Bay with Chase Claypool (hamstring) sidelined. The 2019 third-rounder led the team in targets and receiving yards and recorded the only touchdown catch of the game. Johnson has had double-digit targets in each of his first three appearances of the year and will attempt to remain involved at home against the Broncos in Week 5.

Aiyuk caught one of three targets for a 15-yard reception against Seattle on Sunday.

Aiyuk's playing time picked up in recent weeks and he showed some flickers of production heading into Sunday, making this dud box score that much more disappointing. Deebo Samuel caught eight of 12 targets in the game and even Mohamed Sanu caught four of five targets, so the circumstances don't really explain Aiyuk's disappearance despite Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) leaving the game at halftime. Perhaps the 49ers will look to use Aiyuk more in Week 5 when they go on the road to face the division rival Arizona Cardinals.

Cooper recorded three receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 4 win over the Panthers.

Cooper was absent early in the game and was seen on the sidelines working on his hamstring. He was able to return but did not appear to be playing at 100 percent. Even so, Cooper managed a few key catches, highlighted by a 35-yard touchdown early in the third quarter and gains of 14 and 20 yards, respectively. It was a return to form for Cooper, who had managed only six receptions for 50 yards combined across his last two contests.

Samuel caught eight of 12 targets for 156 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle on Sunday, adding one yard on one carry.

Samuel's red-hot start to the 2021 season picked up more steam against the Seahawks on Sunday. Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) left the game at halftime, but Samuel importantly showed the ability to post big numbers even with backup quarterback Trey Lance, who threw two second-half touchdowns to Samuel. It's not clear what Garoppolo's calf injury means, nor is it known whether Lance's play in relief might reopen a quarterback competition in San Francisco. The good news for Samuel managers is that it looks like the answer might not matter for his fantasy outlook -- through four games he's posting big numbers no matter who throws him the ball. He hits the road to face Arizona in Week 5.