NFL Player News

Smith (ankle) could be ready to return for the NFC divisional round, per teammate Deonte Harris, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Smith has been on IR since Week 15. The receiver will need to be removed from IR in order to suit up, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Smith rejoin his teammates in practice this week in light of Harris' comments after the team's win over the Bears in the wild-card round. More light on Smith's status should be shed once the Saints begin their upcoming week of practice.

Thomas secured five of seven targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 21-9 win over the Bears on Sunday.

Back in action after three games on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain, Thomas stepped up for a big game in the postseason victory. He secured an 11-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter when he caught a short pass over the middle and pushed through defenders into the end zone. The ankle injury seems to be behind him, and he'll look to build on this strong showing in the NFC divisional round when the Saints host the Buccaneers.

Harris caught all seven of his targets for 83 yards in the Saints' 21-9 win over the Bears on Sunday.

After being activated from injured reserve Saturday, Harris wasted no time getting back into action for the Saints, as he paced the team in receptions and receiving yards while tying for team lead in targets. His regular-season highs in receptions and receiving yards came in Week 7 with a 4-46-1 performance, so this was easily his best showing of the campaign. Harris will look to keep the momentum rolling in the NFC divisional round when the Saints host the Buccaneers.

Robinson caught six passes for 55 yards in Chicago's 21-9 loss to the Saints in the wild-card round.

Robinson had a pair of catches on a drive early in the third quarter along with three receptions on the last drive with time running out, but otherwise, he had very little opportunity for targets in a game the Saints dominated in time of possession. On the season, he caught 102 passes for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns, which was the third straight season he's posted at least 1,147 yards and six scores. He'll be headed to unrestricted free agency this offseason, and regardless of his landing spot, Robinson should remain a solid fantasy option at wide receiver.

Peoples-Jones (concussion) is listed as active for Sunday night's playoff opener against the Steelers.

This is good news for the Browns, with KhaDarel Hodge on the reserve/COVID-19 list. In that context, Peoples-Jones, who suffered a concussion during Week 17 action, will give it a go Sunday and will be in the mix for wide receiver snaps and targets behind top options Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins.

Davis did not record a catch on two targets in the Titans' wild-card loss to the Ravens.

Davis had a resurgent season but will end the campaign on a disappointing note. John Glennon of BroadwaySportsMedia.com reported that Davis was unavailable towards the end of the contest after he was seen on the sideline without his helmet. No further details have been released in the immediate aftermath of the game. Once the offseason formally begins, Davis will become a free agent for the first time, coming off the best statistical campaign of his career.

Brown recorded six receptions on 10 targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in the Titans' wild-card loss to the Ravens.

Brown was one of the few bright spots for the Titans' offense, as he converted their only touchdown of the contest on a 10-yard reception. He also chipped in explosive plays that came from both deep passes and yards after the catch, recording gains of 29, 18 and 14 yards. Brown solidified himself as one of the better young receivers in the league in 2020 and should be prepared to take another step forward during the 2021 campaign, particularly if fellow wideout Corey Davis signs elsewhere.

Brown caught seven of nine targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 20-13 wild-card win over the Titans. He also rushed twice for 19 yards.

Per Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun, Brown had to leave Sunday's game briefly due to cramps, but the wideout still led the Ravens in all major receiving categories, bringing his usual element of speed to the team's passing game. In fact, his yardage total marked his highest of the campaign, as did his nine total touches. After finishing the regular season with six touchdowns in his last six games, Brown kept his momentum going without scoring Sunday. He figures to remain one of Baltimore's most important playmakers as the team now turns its focus to the AFC divisional round.

Montgomery (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's wild-card game against the Bears.

Montgomery was outstanding in relief last week, posting 105 yards on 18 carries and adding a two-yard reception. However, Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington have all been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, so Montgomery will watch from the sidelines to begin the playoffs.

Jones caught one of two targets for 37 yards during the Raiders' Week 17 finale, finishing up his 2020 campaign with 14 catches (on 19 targets) for 154 yards and one touchdown in 16 games.

Jones never got too involved in the Raiders' aerial attack during his second season with the team, despite fellow receiver Tyrell Williams (shoulder) spending the year on injured reserve while rookie Henry Ruggs (concussion) also missed multiple contests. Jones is now slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021, though the Raiders will be more focused on re-signing Nelson Agholor.