NFL Player News

Washington waived Brown on Monday, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

The Football Team opted to sign Jeff Badet to the active roster, and Brown was let go to clear up a roster spot. An undrafted rookie out of Colorado, Brown played just four offensive snaps in the only game he suited up this year. If Brown clears waivers, he'll likely land on the team's practice squad.

McCloud brought in both of his targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Cowboys.

McCloud was on the field for a season-high 28 offensive snaps against Dallas, and he racked up 16 receiving yards, his highest total of the season. Most of McCloud's usage has come on special teams this season as he maintains an insignificant spot within Pittsburgh's receiving corps.

Washington brought in one of his two targets for 17 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Cowboys.

Washington failed to log a reception in either of the past two games, but he made the most of his two targets as he reached the end zone for the third time this year. The 24-year-old was on the field for just 19 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday, and his role has decreased recently despite his touchdown in Dallas.

The 49ers placed Bourne on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bourne was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last Wednesday after testing positive for the virus, but subsequent negative tests allowed him to be activated Friday. Now, however, it appears that new developments will require the 25-year-old wideout to return to the reserve list. With Deebo Samuel (hamstring) still banged up, Brandon Aiyuk, Richie James and Trent Taylor are currently the only fully available wideouts on San Francisco's roster.

The Patriots elevated Wilkerson to the active roster for Monday's game versus the Jets, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Wilkerson will make his NFL debut Monday night. The undrafted rookie out of Southeast Missouri State was extremely productive in his senior season, racking up 71 receptions for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's one of five healthy wide receivers suiting up for the Patriots in primetime.

Johnson hauled in six of his 10 targets for 77 yards while also recording one carry for four yards in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Cowboys.

Johnson wasn't very involved in the Steelers' Week 8 matchup against Baltimore, but he was on the field for 81 percent of the offensive snaps against the Cowboys. His performance was highlighted by a 42-yard reception that led to the go-ahead touchdown as Pittsburgh remained undefeated. The 2019 third-rounder will face a slightly tougher test against the Bengals in Week 10, but he's proven to be a significant producer in the Steelers offense when he's fully healthy.

Smith brought in one of two targets for a 14-yard touchdown in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

As expected, Smith saw his target share dwindle with Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders back in the lineup. Though he salvaged his day with a touchdown, the single target was far from encouraging. Smith will be a boom-or-bust option with New Orleans' receiving corps nearing full strength.

Harris caught his lone target for 40 yards in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Harris saw just one look in this one, but he made the most of it with a highlight catch-and-run. He caught a short pass, lowered his shoulder, shook off two defenders and streaked down the sideline to pick up a huge chunk gain. With Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders back in the fold, Harris is unlikely to see more than a couple targets on a weekly basis, limiting his upside.

Johnson caught one of two targets for nine yards during Sunday's 27-25 loss to Houston.

The rookie fifth-round pick played only nine offensive snaps during the contest, which is his lowest snap total since Week 2. Laviska Shenault (hamstring) left with an injury during the first quarter, but he still ended up seeing more snaps than Johnson. Even if Shenault is forced to miss some time, it's unlikely Johnson sees his role change significantly while DJ Chark, Keelan Cole and Chris Conley remain in good health.

Shenault (hamstring) received good news from his MRI on Monday and has a chance to suit up in Green Bay on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Shenault was ruled out during Sunday's loss to the Texans, but it looks as though the Jaguars have reason to believe he could return after just a one-game absence. Wednesday's first official injury report of the week will provide a more tangible update on the rookie second-round pick's health. If Shenault does manage to return Week 10, it looks like he'll operate with Jake Luton under center rather than Gardner Minshew (thumb).