NFL Player News

Samuel is expected to have a heavier role in the Panthers' game plan Sunday against the Buccaneers than he did in Carolina's previous matchup with Tampa Bay in Week 2, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel played 70 percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps Sept. 20 in the 31-17 loss to Tampa Bay, carrying four times for 26 yards and hauling in two targets for 13 yards. While he likely won't see a major bump in his snap count this weekend, Samuel should be in store for a more pronounced role coming off his best outing of the season Week 9 against the Chiefs (nine receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown, three carries for 13 yards). With star tailback Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) inactive for the contest, Samuel may essentially function as the Panthers' secondary option on the ground behind Mike Davis, which should translate to a handful of carries. When he's not involved as a runner, Samuel should also be able to make an impact as a receiver while primarily drawing the coverage of slot corner Sean Murphy-Bunting, who has been the weak link of a secondary that includes standout performers Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean.

Sims will serve as one of Washington's starting receivers Sunday in Detroit with Dontrelle Inman (hamstring) inactive for the game, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Though Washington returned Steven Sims from injured reserve ahead of last week's loss to the Giants, Cam still retained a starting role while Inman was sidelined. With Steven on a limited snap count in Week 9, Cam essentially served as Washington's No. 2 wideout behind Terry McLaurin, finishing with three receptions for 110 yards on four targets. That sort of yards-per-target production likely won't be sustainable, however, especially if new starting quarterback Alex Smith opts to make the short- or intermediate-range passing game more of a priority as he steps in for the injured Kyle Allen (ankle).

St. Brown (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

The 24-year-old was considered questionable as he continues to nurse the knee issue, but he's been cleared for Sunday's contest. St. Brown has caught only one of five targets for 12 yards while playing limited offensive snaps in four games since coming off injured reserve, and he's unlikely to have much fantasy relevance again this week.

Agnew (ribs) won't suit up in Sunday's game against Washington.

Agnew is set to miss his second straight game with the rib issue that he suffered in Week 8. With the return man and depth wideout out, Marvin Hall could stand to see a slight uptick in receiving snaps, with Danny Amendola suiting up as the team's top return man for both punts and kick offs.

Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Giants.

Watkins hasn't played since Week 6 when he didn't receive a target over 15 snaps on offense, and he'll watch in street clothes again Sunday. The rookie sixth-rounder was pushed out of the lineup with Jalen Reagor and Alshon Jeffery returning from injuries.

Arcega-Whiteside (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Giants.

Arcega-Whiteside's rookie season troubles carried over to 2020. He had a headstart with Alshon Jeffery, first-round pick Jalen Reagor and DeSean Jackson all missing time with injuries this season, but Arcega-Whiteside failed to deliver with just two receptions for 45 yards over seven games. He'll watch from the sidelines Sunday, and he'll have an uphill battle to get back into the lineup.

Shepherd (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Shepherd came into the contest drawing a questionable tag after logging DNP/DNP/LP through three practice sessions this week. The North Dakota State product has played at least 25 percent of offensive snaps in five of his six games this season, so his absence will hurt the team's receiving depth. With Shepherd out, Equanimeous St. Brown and Malik Taylor stand to receive a slight uptick in snaps in Week 10.

Pettis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Eagles, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Pettis has been with the team for nearly two weeks, but his Giants debut will be put on hold once again. According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger, the 2018 second-round pick is expected to suit up for the Giants following the Week 11 bye. Austin Mack and C.J. Board should get more work as depth wideouts for the time being.

Mickens said Sunday that he has not tested positive for COVID-19, per Greg Auman of The Athletic.

Mickens was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, presumably because he came into close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. The Washington product won't play Sunday, but his absence won't affect much from a fantasy perspective.

Jeudy (shoulder), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jeudy didn't practice Wednesday due to the shoulder issue before logging limited sessions both Thursday and Friday. Afterward, coach Vic Fangio noted that he was "pretty confident" that Jeudy would be able to play Sunday. Confirmation of the wideout's Week 10 status will arrive when the Broncos' inactives are released approximately 90 minutes in advance of the game's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.