NFL Player News

Adams recorded nine receptions on 10 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' divisional-round win over the Rams.

Adams delivered in a much anticipated matchup with cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Despite the tough draw, Adams was targeted 10 times, and he's now commanded double-digit targets in five of his last six contests. He beat Ramsey early in the second quarter for a one-yard reception to notch the Packers' first touchdown of the game. Adams also chipped in bigger gains, the' longest of which went for 21-yards and helped set up a field goal just before halftime. While the matchup may not gain as much hype, Adams will draw another tough defense as the Packers will take on either the Saints or Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.

The Saints activated Smith (ankle) from injured reserve Saturday.

Smith's return to the 53-man roster clears the way for him to play in Sunday's divisional-round contest against the Buccaneers. In his first game action since Week 15, look for Smith to work alongside Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in three-receiver sets. Over 14 regular-season outings, Smith caught 34 of his 50 targets for 448 yards and four touchdowns.

With Cooper Kupp (knee) inactive, Jefferson is a candidate for added opportunities in Saturday's playoff game against the Packers, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

DaSilva also suggests that the Rams could utilize two tight ends more often Saturday, but with Kupp out of the wide receiver mix, Jefferson figures to see added snaps/targets in the team's offense alongside Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds.

Kupp (knee) is inactive for Saturday's divisional-round playoff game versus the Packers, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

With Kupp (who led the Rams with 92 catches for 974 yards in 15 games this past season) unavailable against Green Bay, look for Josh Reynolds and Van Jefferson to see added opportunities in the team's passing attack Saturday alongside Robert Woods.

Kupp (knee) is considered a "true game-time decision" for Saturday's divisional-round playoff game in Green Bay, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter notes that Kupp, who didn't practice this past week, is dealing with bursitis in his knee and a call on the receiver's status for the contest isn't expected to be made until pre-game warmups in advance of Saturday's 4:35 ET kickoff. Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site previously reported that coach Sean McVay indicated Wednesday that Kupp could still suit up against Green Bay without practicing.

Evans (knee) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's NFC divisional-round matchup against the Saints, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Evans managed a trio of limited practice sessions this week while continuing to recover from a hyperextended left knee sustained Week 17, and Jenna Laine of ESPN reports that he hope to be "closer to 100 percent" in New Orleans. The star wideout was only able to log one limited practice prior to the wild-card win over Washington, in which he gutted out his injury while catching six passes for 119 yards. His increased practice activity this week would seem to reinforce the notion that Evans will be at or near top form versus the Saints.

Godwin (hip/quadriceps) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's NFC divisional-round matchup against the Saints, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Godwin had his practice reps managed due to a pair of injuries this week, beginning with two limited sessions and then sitting out entirely Friday, but there's no reason to believe he'll deal with any significant limitations Sunday. With Mike Evans (knee) also having been cleared to suit up in New Orleans, the Buccaneers' receiving corps will be at full strength.

Lazard (core/wrist) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's NFC divisional-round game against the Rams.

Lazard continues to have his practice reps capped since undergoing core-muscle surgery Week 11, but his status for Saturday's game never appeared to be in true jeopardy. The Packers have eased him back into action since, but Lazard could be required to play a key offensive role Saturday given that Jalen Ramsey will likely shadow Davante Adams.

Peoples-Jones will compete with KhaDarel Hodge for snaps in this weekend's divisional-round playoff game against Kansas City on Sunday.

The Browns activated Hodge from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, after the receiver had missed last week's playoff-opening win over Pittsburgh. The last time both players were completely healthy and available for a full game was Week 12 against Jacksonville, when Peoples-Jones had a 16-percent share of the snaps while Hodge played 43 percent of the snaps. Since then, either player has been inactive due to injury/illness or injured during a game, so it's uncertain how the two will divvy up the load Sunday against Kansas City. Ultimately, it may not matter. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski may want to keep Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes off the field, and that can be best achieved by leaning on running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

Ward finished the 2020 season with 53 catches on 79 targets for 419 yards and six touchdowns.

At the beginning of the year, Ward seemed buried on the depth chart and headed for limited playing time, but by the end of it, he would be the only pass catcher on the team who played in all 16 games. If the Houston product didn't find the end zone, he didn't do much else, however, as he topped 45 yards receiving just twice all season. The 25-year-old is now an exclusive rights free agent, meaning the Eagles will keep him in 2021 as long as they offer him a contract.